A/N:
Hi everyone! More fun and romantic and slightly dramatic times for lots of couples as the radio show ends but the night goes on. Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoy!
Partners
Chapter 107:
La Vie en Radio Part 3: Love Connections
Angel was still in the sound booth in Alastor's radio studio, still turned away from the carnage as the show went on, still breathing deeply to avoid becoming too squeamish. The bull was mostly silent at this point, so that helped. The worst of things actually seemed to be over now, which should have meant Angel could ride out the whole rest of the show — let Alastor finish off his prey and deliver his final speeches and know that his co-host beau had been with him through everything. In fact, even if being part of one of Alastor's cannibal shows definitely wasn't an activity Angel could stomach regularly, tonight should have proved that he could manage to show up for one every once in a while to support his beau.
Yet…there was an unexpected problem compelling him to leave early tonight and to seriously think things through before accepting another cannibal cohost invitation again, and it had nothing to do with carnage or disgust. Specifically the problem was between his legs and growing more surreally out of control by the minute.
Because Alastor doing his show was…very sexy.
Alastor's voice sounded on the air again. "Not much fight left in you, my felonious fellow, hmmm? Of course, there's not much left of you PERIOD, ha!" The sound of gnashing teeth came next, and then a sickly squelch. "You're just a sad mass of sinew and muscle and tender heated flesh…"
At those words, Angel trembled deeply and burned with blushing and swallowed back a moan in his throat. "Fuck…" he whispered to himself, gripping his hands against the console and frowning. He was aroused, and the reaction was throwing him for serious a loop. At first, he had wondered if he he was experiencing a serious escalation in his capacity for a pain kink. He had learned to find something sexy about rough play from his time in sex work, after all. However, this show wasn't just 'rough', it was sheer gruesome violence. No, the pain here wasn't getting him off in any way. Then he had wondered if his arousal was just an inevitable byproduct of being near Alastor while the deer was being passionate about his work. That notion didn't quite track either though since Angel had co-hosted a full show with Alastor earlier, watching the deer be elated by the whole thing, and though the spider had felt a little flustered at the time it was nothing compared to his experience now.
Angel had finally realized what was really going on when at one point Alastor had made a loud swallow and talked in a shivery voice about the ecstasy of peeling meat from the bone by hand. At those words, the truth fell in place for Angel like a puzzle put right.
The spider erotically craved (in a sort of twisted way) to take the role of Alastor's hunted prey. The bull was being touched, tasted, explored, and all Angel could think about was Alastor doing an intimate version of those same attentions to himself. He was hot for this show because he wanted Alastor's attention and passion and touch, and his body couldn't help aching for it.
From that point onward, every smack of lips and slap of flesh and comment on taste that Alastor directed at the bull set off Angel's libido more and more. He was jealous and needy and overwhelmed and so untouched, and meanwhile a short distance away Alastor was touching someone else! The irony of it all was unbearable.
Suddenly Alastor spoke again, and Angel was dragged helplessly from his thoughts. "I'm dragging my claws through parts of you that should never see the light of day," Alastor purred to his victim, with a low chuckle and a hungry growl at the back of his throat. "MINE…"
That did it.
Angel's eyes rolled back in his head and he lost any battle he'd been having to keep his arousal at bay. It built in a sudden wave that left him shaking and aching and overheating. "A-Alastor…" Angel managed in a whisper, to be sure no microphones would pick him up, "I need to go now."
In an instant Angel felt Alastor's magic surround him, ready to teleport him away. Good, just in time. Al would send him to his room back at the hotel and then Angel could see to his needs, take a quick cold shower, and figure out how to even begin to express to his beau how being his 'co-host' for this particular show had engaged his body the same way the show for the hotel earlier had engaged his heart.
There was darkness and then the magic dissipated, leaving Angel in a new space. He was ready to tear off his clothes and ravish himself, but suddenly the spider paused as he took in his new location, eyes wide.
Alastor hadn't sent him back to his room at the hotel. Alastor had sent him to the overlord's own apartment upstairs in the tower. Angel now found himself in that cozy living room full of classy old-fashioned furniture and antler decorations and lovely old radios and a quaint phonograph and that sofa where Alastor had spent the night on top of him after Angel had confessed to loving him on their first date…and after he and Alastor had spent hours tenderly necking.
"Oh…fuck." Angel squeezed his legs together and crossed his arms over his chest and felt his face flush more. "I can't walk home like this — I can barely walk AT ALL. I can't tell Smiles to send me back to the hotel without admitting everything right now and embarrassing the hell out of us. I can't calm the fuck down though. And I can't just…" He glanced around the room again — so very Alastor, it looked like him and smelled like him and felt like him. Angel bit his lip at a fantasy of utterly going to town on himself here, wrapped up in the essence of Alastor, eventually collapsing vulnerably in the deer's bed and waiting for his return, ready to…
Angel shook his head and frowned. Yeah, the whole concept was hot as hell to himself, but Alastor… Alastor was averse to a lot of sex stuff as part of his way of being Ace. Every time the deer had found enjoyment in physical activities together, he had needed time and space and the chance to discover his own way of doing things with a lot of mutual communication. Angel would never do something as upsetting as bring sex into Alastor's personal space here without permission. And he definitely would never touch whatever bed Alastor had nestled in this place even though the idea of being in there with him felt so exciting and wondrous. Angel's eyes drifted to the bedroom door, imagining Alastor inviting him inside one day, to this space that was new and entirely the deer's own and maybe not seen by anyone else before until Angel… Much like Alastor's own untouched body, Angel suspected…
"Mmmm…" Angel grunted, frowning and holding himself more tightly. "Yeah, okay, I'm great at fantasizing, but now ain't the time. I just need to sit still and calm myself down. Al will be done with the show soon, then we can go back to the hotel, and I can have some alone time and then in the morning we'll talk and I'll try to explain to him what tonight is doing to me so that we can figure out if it's still a good idea for me to be a co-host for THESE kinds of shows…" He laughed and put his head in his hands. "Getting turned on cuz I wanna be touched like he's touching his meals… Okay, new kink unlocked, I guess. This guy's gonna be the end of me in the best possible way." With a swallow, Angel glanced around. He noticed a small icebox in one corner of the living room. He went over and was grateful to find a few bottles of chilled sarsaparilla. Good, a cold non-boozy drink would help. He opened the bottle, sat in an arm chair (he could NOT sit on that sofa where Alastor had once traced a heart on his chest and kissed the center) and drank deeply. He body wasn't relaxing exactly but at least the arousal wasn't building anymore. He could manage for now. He just had to sit in this space that was purely Alastor and patiently wait for the genuine article to return.
Despite all the static swirling around his head and his own heavy breathing echoing in his ears and the the distinct sound of his own claws and teeth rending flesh filling the room, Alastor of course heard Angel say it was time for him to go. He immediately sent his beloved away to the safest place he could think of — his own quarters here at the tower.
Yes, the hotel would have been safe too and arguably made more sense since the others would probably worry until he and Angel returned home.
But here was closer to Alastor, and right now…a certain passionate urge in Alastor couldn't bear to be too far away from his Angel.
Though Angel hadn't watched the show play out, just knowing he was in the room listening had affected Alastor most deeply. A live audience. Oh the thrill… But a live audience of the one man in the universe who made his heart beat violently with affection? It was…for lack of a better word, arousing. He hadn't realized the effect it would have on him, honestly. And since a good clean kill on one of his shows was already an arousing experience, the consumption of his prey tonight combined with Angel's presence had quickly left his body hungry for sensations beyond tearing flesh and swallowing it whole. Thankfully by the time his anatomy started reacting, the bull's eyes were gone. Alastor would not be seen in this state by such a low life soul. And as for Angel seeing him, he had…mixed feelings. Perhaps fantasies, arguably. He pictured himself turning around, drenched in sweat and blood and static, to find the spider looking at him in awe…the spider noticing that Alastor's libido was piqued…the spider beckoning him back to the sound booth to help Alastor's needs with as much grace and skill as usual…the spider perhaps sitting right on the soundboard in there and letting Alastor ravish him chastely in this sacred space… Oh, the sounds they would make off the air.
"Ha!" Alastor managed a laugh and tried to focus again, dismissing these sudden reckless thoughts. The weakened but still barely-conscious bull had reached out to grab him with his remaining arm. Alastor severed the arm from its host. "A final desperate plea for attention? Oh come now, have I really not given you enough yet? Ah, well, I suppose I should finish 'having' my guest." His smile flashed wickedly. "Do you know what delicacy I haven't had in far too long? Cervelle de veau avec les oeufs brouilles. Do you know what that translates to?" He whispered, eyes radio dials. "Cow brains and eggs!" He laughed and unhinged his jaw to place the bull's head between his fangs and bite down viciously. He was grateful that Angel was one for this unpalatable endgame before the grand finale of eating the bull's heart. No need to overexpose his darling to carnage, after all. Yet, oh he did miss his love's presence. He wanted to join him upstairs when this was all over. But how to explain about his…predicament? That he liked Angel listening to him commit murder (and eat the remains). That he craved Angel witnessing such a display of his power. That he yearned to finish his kill then grab the spider and his microphone and tell the whole world that Anthony was had his heart and anyone who tried to keep them apart would get what they had just heard on the radio and then some.
Alastor tried to ignore the heat the stiffness between his legs as he ate, but all of the blood and meat and consumption only increased the severity of both situations. People didn't arouse him, but this action did. And showing off for Angel did. And swift, violent justice did. And now he had all three and he wanted to wrap up this show because he needed to relieve all of his mounting desires. And perhaps he needed Angel's help to do so…
Alastor swallowed the last of the skull and grimaced. He just hoped the spider hadn't been too put out by the nature of his show. If Angel wasn't in the mood, Alastor would just find a way to quickly take care of this whole matter himself of course so he could return to normal and comfort his beau. His co-host. One day soon, he sincerely hoped, his fiancé.
Speaking of, Alastor made a mental note to talk to Charlie as soon as possible. First, of course, to apologize again for doing one of his cannibal shows on the same day as her hotel show. And second to ask for her help planning an event at the hotel. Almost like the open house but very special and very specific and the perfect time to look his Anthony in the eye and hold all six of his beautiful hands and ask for each one of them in matrimony.
"Hmmm…" Alastor groaned a little, both from the sweet joy of finally biting into the bull's heart and from the fact that imagining being engaged to Angel seemed to be a turn on as well. The two of them, spiritually and socially bonded til death do they part…which would be never since they were already dead. Entwining their lives together felt like the greatest display of emotion and power he could ever show. And as he swallowed down the last bit of the heart, warm blood flowing over his body, he found himself in an absolute peak state of desire he had rarely if ever embraced.
He couldn't let Angel see him like this, but he HAD to see Angel. He had to know his precious beau was nearby and well and feeling safe after Alastor's epic display of fierce power. And so, buttoning up his coat firmly around himself to cover up most of the blood stains (and to cover up his waist and lower), Alastor wiped his mouth and hands of viscera on a hanky and teleported away upstairs, to just outside the door to his apartment. His body and mind and heart all brimmed with barely restrained eagerness for his beloved…coupled with a sense of embarrassment that he wished would let him be.
As Alastor's radio show wrapped up, a certain little one-eyed demon lady still at the hotel watched her radio with a beaming smile, listening as the final cries and swallows and laughter sounded on the air before Alastor wished all a good night and let some old-fashioned jazz fade out his show. She clapped and kicked her legs excitedly in her seat before turning off the radio and letting out a content sigh.
After tending to Abel and then Louise earlier, Niffty had been on duty to supervise listening to Alastor's show to make sure everything went well. She had performed this task in her little room downstairs using a lovely cherrywood radio Alastor had gifted her some time ago.
And she wasn't alone.
Baxter had spent quite a bit of the show in here with her — not listening with her enthusiasm but not shying away or acting like she was a little…odd for enjoying hearing such carnage. Indeed, just now he had stepped out to get them some coffee (Niffty was determined to stay awake until Alastor came home and Baxter was determined to stay up with her).
A gentle knock came at her door. "Niffty! I have the coffee. May I come back in?"
Niffty smiled. He was such a sweetheart. She pranced over to the door. "Baxter, silly, you can always come in. Especially when I'm here and expecting you." She opened the door to find her fish fella standing there holding two full coffee mugs.
He smiled and shrugged as he shuffled inside. "I just…want to respect your space. But I'm happy you want me to be part of it."
Niffty took the mugs and set them down on an end table. "Of course I want you to be part of it. I like being part of things with you." Her eye hazed a little.
Baxter blushed and his lantern glowed a little. "I…well…I feel the same way about you."
Niffty stood up on her tiptoes a bit, leaning in closer.
Baxter couldn't help smiling. "Niffty!" His voice cracked and he cleared his throat. He spoke in a shy whisper. "We're in your room. We shouldn't kiss in your room…should we?" He furrowed his brow like this was a scientific problem he was suddenly trying to suss out.
Niffty giggled. "We can if we want to. I feel comfortable. Do you feel comfortable, Baxter?" She let her fingers rest gently on the lapel of his lab coat, and the tips of her hair brushed lightly against his lantern.
The pensive look left his face, and his features softened. "I do. I like you so much…Maggie."
She beamed at him saying her real name. Then she set her lips to his as Baxter held her shoulders to balance and kissed her back in return.
They separated after a moment, blushing and happy. Niffty rested her head on Baxter's chest and gave him a little hug. Then she made the hug tighter.
Baxter raised an eyebrow, smiling. "Niffty?"
She sighed. "Thank you for listening to Alastor's show with me and not thinking I'm strange for liking it." She pulled back to look up at him.
Baxter blinked then nodded. "Of course you're not strange. Different people like different things. And I don't mind listening. Anatomy isn't my main area of interest but I've studied it before, so bodies and death don't really bother me much. And I studied Alastor's shows briefly before coming here to get a better sense of his habits and powers. I'm just sorry I couldn't stay for the end." He swallowed sheepishly. "I wanted to get us coffee but also…something about that part where he eats the heart is harder for me to stomach. I'm not sure why. I suppose because it feels so final."
Niffty nodded and lead him to a chair. "It's okay, Baxter, that makes sense. I'm glad you let yourself take a break from the show's ending."
She watched him yawn before he spoke again. "Thanks, Niffty." He went to reach for his coffee but ended up doing a big stretch up instead.
She smiled a little. "You're tired."
"Oh…a bit." Baxter yawned again. "But I still want to stay up while you wait for Alastor."
"And I appreciate that." She shrugged. "But, you know, I was thinking, and, well…it's different now that Alastor is out there with Angel. I used to wait up for him so he wouldn't be lonely and so I could make sure he was all right. But he's got Angel now to keep him from being lonely and to make sure he's okay. They might not even come back tonight at all. And I'm tired too…"
Baxter nodded and started to stand. "I'll go see if I can find some bedding for one of the empty rooms. I don't think Abel and Louise are going to be leaving my lab any time soon."
"Baxter…just stay here tonight," Niffty said simply, trying not to chuckle.
Baxter's eyes widened and he sloshed coffee onto the floor before holding on to his mug tightly. "Niffty, I…I can't yet! With you! I…" His eyes went to her bed then quickly looked away. "I…never even tired to do THAT…after I transitioned in life. And I'm not sure if I'm ready for us to do that together anyway… I mean….I…" His breaths were getting fast and shallow.
Niffty had already wiped up the split coffee, and now she stood before him, holding his hand, speaking calmly as she looked into his eyes. "Baxter, it's okay — I didn't mean you should stay here so we could sleep together. Or even so we could share the bed. I'm not ready either. Nothing has to happen. It just seems a shame to have you stay all alone in a drafty, dusty room when we could just stay here near each other." She smiled a little more. "I have a cot — in case Alastor or Husk ever want to sleepover. Sometimes, in the past before we came here, they would do that when they were lonely but didn't want to admit it. But now Husk has Molly and Alastor has Angel, and Husk and Alastor made up and are really good friends again. But I get a little lonely sometimes in my own way." She shrugged. "If you slept over I think it would be fun."
Though he was still blushing a lot, Baxter smiled a little and managed a nod. "In that case, I'd…like to have a sleepover with you, here, tonight. Very much."
Niffty beamed. "Perfect!" She dashed all around the room, and in an instant she had a lovely cot pulled out alongside her bed, perfectly made up with pillows and blankets. "Just let me put out a snack for Alastor in his office in case he does come back tonight — midnight snacks from me make him happy."
"Oh, wonderful idea! I'll head out with you. I want to grab some nightwear from my lab," Baxter replied as he got up and followed her out the door.
They almost slammed into Husk and Molly who were flushed and panting and very clearly headed for Husk's room.
The couple paused immediately, and Husk put a few extra inches between himself and Molly. "Niffty!" His voice nearly cracked, and he immediately flinched. "Hey! Uh… Alastor's show done?"
Niffty nodded, holding back a giggle. "Just finished. Sounds like everything went great. I'm gonna put out a snack for him then head to bed. Baxter's going to bed too. I told him he could stay in your cot in my room since Abel and Louise are in his lab." She took Baxter's hand and squeezed it, and Baxter just smiled modestly and gave a shy shrug and nod.
Husk only sighed. "Yeah, uh, okay. Uh…Molly and I were just—"
"Headin' ta bed too," Molly finished with a wink. "You both have a good night. We'll probably sleep in late. See ya!"
Niffty giggled and waved. "Have fun!" Then she gave Baxter a cheeky smile before prancing off to the kitchen. Baxter just blushed and sighed and headed for the stairs, a little extra pep in his step.
Husk shut the door behind himself and Molly then leaned against it with a deep sigh.
Molly just watched him and giggled. "Husky, what gives? You're acting as skittish as ya did when I first showed up at this place and you were all worried about bein' seen hangin' out with a lady."
Husk blushed, wings a little puffed up. "It's nothing. I just… I mean, you and I were coming in here to…you know. And now Niffty's gonna be with Baxter right next door maybe doing 'whatever'. It feels weird." He shrugged. "Niffty and I are like best friends…or I guess sometimes I think of her kind of like a little sister. And I know we're all adults and the rooms are soundproof, but I don't know if I can, uh…perform with her so close. Maybe we should go back up to your room…?"
Molly smiled softly. "Husky, we came down here because people are gonna be traipsing up and down those halls all night, coming home late or looking in on Abel and Louise. All of that would be a lot more distractin' and strange than just one person bein' next door." She took his hand and squeezed it reassuringly. "But if ya really aren't comfortable, I'm okay with waitin' til tomorrow when things are quieter around here."
Husk blinked a few times and looked into her eyes. "I…I don't wanna wait. I feel like I've been waiting two whole lifetimes. I just wanna be with you." He swallowed. "Maybe we can start slow so I can ease in to being comfortable here…"
"I like easin' in. Foreplay is always fun." Her eyes hazed. Then she leaned in and kissed his mouth.
Husk caught her in his arms as her chest pressed to his. His wings curved forward a little like they were going to surround them both. He kissed her lips with fervor.
Molly pulled back after a moment, all flushed and panting. "So, how ya feelin' now?"
Husks' chest rose and fell with heavy breaths. "Like whatever's happening outside this room, even next door, doesn't matter. Like I've been meant to be with you since before hell. Like I want to take you to bed now."
Molly nodded so eagerly, and then in a rush of bouncing blond hair and fluttering feathers they were on the bed, kissing and touching and easing against each other. Husk kissed down Molly's neck and then across her chest over her dress, heading lower.
"Husk…" Molly moaned, "Wait, help me get out of…I had a chance to change into somethin' I bought for ya…" She guided his hands to her shoulders and helped him ease down the top of her dress all the way. She wearing a lovely lace bra of black and pink.
Husk felt all of his blood rush south as his heart raced. "You're so damn beautiful, Molly."
"And you're so damn stunnin', Husky." She eyed him, her gaze flashing red with a strong emotion Husk quickly realized was a mixture of love and lust. "Let's be beautiful and stunnin' together, hmm?"
"Always… Now, where were we before, hmm?" With a grin, he kissed the top of her chest and then resumed his journey down her body. He got on his knees while she leaned back on the bed and started to hike up her own skirt, revealing delicately rounded knees and thick firm thighs and hips covered in even more sheer pink and black lace that he cold hold onto for days.
"Ow!" Molly shifted onto one hip.
Husk immediately lifted his head from the heavenly place he had nearly reached. "Molly? You okay?"
Molly pouted. "It feels like there's a lump under the mattress. Sorry, one second. I want this to be so perfect." Those final few words left her in such a needy tone that he immediately became distracted with desire again…until the sight of her sitting up and slipping a hand under the mattress caused a connection in his brain to kick in.
Eyes wide, Husk reached out, but he was too late to intervene.
Molly's hand found something under the mattress, and she slowly pulled it out to reveal…a ring box.
She went very still, eyes wide. Husk just watched her, so unsure. Finally she swallowed and spoke, her voice quiet and frail. "Husky…do ya have a ring box under your mattress?"
Husk could only nod.
She let out a breath and popped it open. It was empty still, of course.
She blinked and looked to him. "Husky, do ya have an EMPTY ring box under your mattress?"
Husk sighed. "It…yeah, it's complicated. I thought…I mean, I've been thinking…I mean, I was just trying to prepare in case we ever…But I'm not even sure if… And I know you're not sure if…"
"Yeah, Pops kinda tried to use the idea of marryin' me off to control me in life so…the concept's a bit suffocatin' to me. And I know we talked about a future together, but not about gettin' married bein' part of that future. And I think ya gotta know by now that I don't like certain kinds of surprises." She blushed and swallowed and crossed her arms protectively.
"I do!" He quickly reassured. "I just…I just wanted to play around with the idea for me, that's all. I'd never spring anything on you. I'm not even sure if I want to… That's why the box is empty. I don't know…I don't know."
They sat in silence for a moment. Molly's brow was furrowed in thought. And though her chest was still on full display Husk was a lot more focused on those big blue eyes that seemed so confused. Finally she bit her lip. "Husk… I think… I don't know either. But I know why I don't know. Is there a reason why you don't know?"
"Yes! I mean, I do know why I don't know! Kind of…" The words left him before he could stop himself. He quickly pulled in his wings. Her eyes went to him, wide and searching, waiting for more. Husk shook his head. "I can't tell you. I don't think it's fair to tell you. I… It's complicated."
She frowned. But then she she reached out and rested her hand on his shoulder. "Husk, tellin' each other everythin' has gotta be fair. We can't be the best partners for each other otherwise." She tried to smile.
Husk felt a lump in his throat, and he knew she was right but he also knew that expressing all of his feelings about marriage and her and the factor of how their matrimony would break Alastor's contract over him entirely was just too much to get into right now. "I don't know how to say it yet. I just know that I love you. And I want to be with you."
There was a long moment of particularly awkward silence between them, made even more strained by the fact that Molly was still half undressed and Husk was almost half-way aroused beneath his suspenders. But neither of them was making a move to get closer to each other.
Husk rubbed his brow and sighed. "But if, um…if we're this stuck on something this important right now, then maybe…"
"Maybe it's not the right night to be together in the 'biblical sense'…" Molly offered with a little sheepish shrug.
Husk gave a small nod. "I down't want to rush it or ruin it. I want us to be happy while we're sharing it. I want it to be so perfect."
"Oh Husky, it'll be perfect because it'll be us together," Molly assured. "But, yeah, we might feel better about it after we talk about some other things first." She bit her lip, like she was offering a final chance tonight for him to explain things.
Husk felt the words trying to come but he just couldn't sort out what was right to say and what was wrong to say and what was the right way to say what needed saying. He just nodded and cringed a little. "I…I know. And I want to but I just can't right now. But believe me, Molls, I'd never surprise you or hurt you or not listen to you about marriage stuff, I swear! I just—"
"I know, I know! And it's okay, take your time…" Molly assured, trying to smile, some tears in her eyes as she pulled her dress back up over herself. "I just need a minute to myself. I don't like not bein' told things. People were always tryin' ta protect me in my life. It's sweet but frustratin' as hell, heh. Besides, I…wanna think abut the idea too. I should, I guess." She furrowed her brow, wiping away a tear. "Goodnight, Husky. I love ya so much." She kissed his cheek, stood up, and gracefully exited the room with her head down in thought.
"I love you too," Husk managed to reply before she closed the door. Then, in the quiet, he laid down on his bed and sighed. "Stupid contract…stupid ring box…stupid me." He looked at the box in question. "She's right though. I think we know each other so well already, but there's so much we haven't even gotten to yet. And she deserves someone who knows her all the way, and who'll tell her the truth about everything, no secrets… even if the secret about Alastor's contract might really complicate everything." He pulled in his knees, tail curled around his legs and wings draped over his body. "I'm not gonna half ass this. I've gotta tell her everything. I just need to figure out my own shit first." Months ago he would have 'resolved' a problem like this by drinking himself to sleep and pretending it didn't exist in the first place. Instead, tonight, he grabbed a pitcher of water by his bed, filled a glass, dropped in a couple seltzer tablets for his constitution, and got to work sorting out his feelings and his words. Molly deserved a clear head and a clear heart. Molly deserved the world.
"Archie? You who, Archie?"
Niss was staring intently at his phone as he leaned against a railing on the airship, brow furrowed. But finally, as Pen slithered closer and his shadow blocked some of the ship lights around him, Niss blinked and turned to his fella. "Oh, Pen. Sorry, I… Is everything okay?"
Pen nodded. "Yes, dear, I just wanted to see if you'd like cookies and milk for our late night snack. We has a long day of helping with the radio show and a long evening of patrolling the streets for Alastor and Angel and Louise's kidnapper. Have to keep up our strength!" He frowned and tilted his head. "Is everything okay with you?"
"Yeah." Niss bit his lip. "But something's up with Molly. I just messaged her to check in on stuff at the hotel and all she wrote back was 'Everything fine. Have to go. Love you.' That's not her style at all. Usually she's got full sentences and lots of hearts and smiles, and some teasing too."
"Do you think she's safe?" asked Sir Pentious in worry.
Niss nodded. "Yeah. I messaged Cherri too, just to ask if she'd noticed anything off about Molly. But that's a whole other interesting development. The reply I got back from her was: 'Not at the hotel — it's complicated. Everyone's safe. Your brother is still off on his murder date with Radio Head.'" Niss shook his head. "I think emotions are just running high down there. I'll let Molly rest then talk to her tomorrow. She usually needs time to open up when she's sad…thought she was always better at opening up with Tony anyway. Twins, ya know?" He shrugged, trying not to look a little pained at the thought.
Sir Pentious noticed his uncertainty though. The snake gently curled the end of his tail around him. "Of course twins have a special bond. But you're still their big brother, and a lovely person to open up to if I do say so myself." He grinned.
Niss smiled up at him. "I feel that way when I'm with you. Ya know so much about me now, and ya keep letting me learn new things about you, and then we make new memories together. Ya trust me and it feels good. I hope you'll keep sharing things with me, about this life and…even the one you had before hell." He chuckled. "I mean, you've gotten the full experience of my screwy family. I'd love to know something about yours too."
Sir Pentious's eyes went very wide.
"Pen?"
The snake swallowed. "I…er…Why don't we stick with this life for now, hmm? Much more pleasant and fun and relevant! Oh dear, I'll get those cookies ready for us!"
"Pen? Sorry, I didn't mean to—"
"It's fine!" The snake froze, his voice strangely pitched and a touch harsh. He let out a breath and his voice quieted again as his hood flaps went down. "I'm sorry, It's all fine… I'm just…sort of an orphan really, heh. Parents passed when I was a lad, mostly raised by tutors, and after I grew up, I…" He wrapped his arms around himself for a heavy moment. His voice was low as he added, "Anyway, it's just an emotional day for everyone, as you said." Suddenly he perked up once more (or at least tried to). "Where was I? Cookies! Ah yes! Be back in a trice, darling!" Then he was gone, brow furrowed in deep thought despite his attempt at a smile.
Niss caught the pensive expression as he watched Pen go. And he felt an odd mix of curiosity and concern and also…rejection. Their old lives — it was a sensitive topic for any demon. If Pen didn't want to share, that was fine. But something here felt off. If the snake had just said he wasn't comfortable, Niss would have accepted his boundary right away. But getting anxious and frowning in pain and running off felt like trauma, felt like putting up a wall. And it reminded Niss of too many other walls for a moment, especially about family.
He was tired and today had been a lot. He would have cookies and milk with Pen because he knew it would make the snake happy, and it would probably make himself feel a little better as well. But then he would let Pen turn in for bed on his own, and Niss would spend the night in the guest room here. He wanted to give Pen some space, and maybe Niss also wanted a moment alone to think about how he should approach Pen about this subject going forward. He just wanted to let his fella know in the kindest and most caring way possible that he was here if Pen needed him, for whatever he might want to share.
Niss sighed and rested against the railing overlooking the Pentagram. He just hoped that, whatever the deal was with Pen's family, at least one person among them had appreciated and loved that man the way he deserved to be appreciated and loved. The idea of his sweet fella being neglected all through his life on earth was too sad to consider.
Either way, Niss had every intention of loving that man enough for two lifetimes and then some.
Soon Niss could smell cookies, and he knew Pen was coming. He did his best to smile and hoped things would be okay again between them soon.
In the radio tower penthouse, two very distressed parties were about to meet and make a new memory together this evening.
Angel was drinking his third ice cold sarsaparilla tonight and still sitting with his legs crossed in the armchair, just breathing and keeping steady.
He froze when the door to Alastor's suite opened slightly but no Alastor entered. Instead, through the crack in the door, the spider could just make out the shadowy silhouette of his beau, complete with red radio dial eyes and bright smiling fangs and low breaths agains the humming sound of a radio.
The sight of his powerful and magical beau looming so secretly like this was enough to start sending Angel's libido to the edge again. Alastor was so beautiful in all the forms he took.
Angel swallowed and tried to keep himself calm. "Smiles? That you? Show's over, I guess, heh?"
The figure nodded. Then it let out a static-laden sigh. "And you are well, Anthony?" His voice had a full grainy radio effect to it.
Angel knew what that effect meant. Alastor was strained and struggling. He frowned. He knew shows like this one added to Alastor's powers but maybe they also tired him out a lot at first too? He probably needed to rest. Angel felt silly for a moment about getting so focused on the possibility of some big passionate scene between them here. "Yeah, I'm okay. It really wasn't that rough for me, Al. It helped that we talked first and I knew what to expect, and it helped that I knew I could walk away any time I wanted. It's kinda like what we've been doing about our, uh…intimate stuff actually. Respecting boundaries, like you said." He blushed and felt sweat on his brow, but then Alastor let out a low hiss of static and Angel frowned more and approached the door. Maybe this was more than just being tired. "Are you okay, Alastor? Did that guy hurt you before you killed him?" Angel felt his body markings flash pink with anger. "If he did and there's anything left of him, let me at it."
Alastor's red eyes glowed so brightly and the radio dials spun around and around. "No, need, darling. There's nothing left of him…and I'm not 'hurt'." His eyes stopped spinning. "I merely…get in a bit of a heightened state after a particularly good show. And…I didn't realize just how good your presence could make a show, ha. Better than any other one I've ever done as a matter of fact." He let out another static-laced sigh."I had to rush to your side the moment it was done to show my appreciation. I could barely help myself, ha.." His claws reached back and latched against the wood of the door.
Angel's heart pounded and his eyes went wide. He was starting to piece something together. He recalled his earlier conclusion — radio shows turn Alastor on. "Al…are you, uh…frisky again? Like after the hotel radio show? Like…during our hunt?" He swallowed. "Or like…more maybe?"
"Maybe…" Alastor's silhouette seemed to curl in on itself. "I didn't realize how it would all affect me, especially tonight's show. But perhaps I should have guessed. After all…you bring a heightened sensation to everything." His smile grew, looking strained. "But I exposed you to ruthless violence and murder tonight, to hunting a man for sport, to eating living demon flesh… You are overwhelmed and deserve a rest and a chance to process. And I…should tend to my own overwhelming feelings in private. I do not expect indulgence for my…cannibalistic kink, as it were, ha…" His ears went down. "I have more than enough power to send you home now. Wait for me, darling, and I'll return to you in the morning, sheepish and shy but myself once more."
Angel blinked a couple of times then found words just before Alastor could take his silence as a request to snap him away. "Goddamnit Alastor, stop feeling guilty for getting aroused! I'm turned on too!"
There was a record scratch sound and then perfect silence. Alastor's eyes slowly faded to a glowing gold of their usual form, unblinking and not looking at Angel. "P-Pardon?" stumbled out of him.
He was so damn sexy when he was shy. Angel was nearly ready to give up subduing the heated situation between his legs. "Yeah, the serial killer slaughter ain't easy to stomach. But you making me your co-host and having me hunt by your side and then coming back here acting all passionate and powerful and putting on a show just for me while you talk about flesh and heat and hunger… Fuck, Al, I didn't ask to leave because I couldn't handle the end of the show, I asked to leave because I was so damn horny I was afraid I'd moan on the air." His heart raced. "And if doing your thing tonight and having me around made you feel the same, in your Asexual way, it's okay. It's so damn okay…"
Alastor took a very deep breath in and out, and his voice sounded more normal as he repeated, "It's okay…"
Angel leaned close to the edge of the door. "It is. And…if you wanna go our separate ways now to deal with these feelings, that's okay too. But if you wanna help each other, that's also okay. We're in love. There's nothing wrong with mixing some libido into the situation, heh…"
Alastor's claws relaxed and he leaned against the door. "Anthony…" he said softly, "I want…I don't know what I want… Expressing it verbally — physically — is complicated. I don't want to disappoint you if it's not enough."
"Everything about you is enough," Angel cooed. "Come in here, let me show ya…"
A faint little panicked moan left Alastor.
Angel spoke soothingly. "We ain't gonna go all the way. We'll only do what we're both okay with doing. We can even dim the lights if you're shy. You can explore what makes you happy, Alastor, what makes your body feel better when it's all worked up. There's no wrong answers. There's just us. And there's no one in the world I want like how I want you…Radio Demon."
Something about his title leaving Angel's lips clearly set Alastor's libido going in unforeseen ways. The deer's eyes flashed quickly back to radio dials and shadows sprang up around him before dying out and spirals of green magic curled overhead.
And then there were snapping fingers. The lights in the room dimmed, a fire sprung to glowing life in the hearth, and the door shut abruptly. Alastor appeared behind Angel, facing him, eyes aglow and jacket gone and chest puffed out in pride and need.
Angel jumped and turned around, his back against the door, his own chest heaving, his knees feeling weak.
Alastor grinned, and it was so cunning yet genuine. "You realize now just how much radio shows entice me?"
Angel nodded.
Alastor chuckled. "There's something else that… entices me too, you know."
"What's that?" Angel asked, nearly breathless, starting to smile so much.
"You not fearing me, even after everything tonight. You've never been afraid of me. And it's intoxicating, mon ange…" Alastor beamed.
"Oh, the more spooky ya get, the more sexy ya get to me, cutie," Angel assured with a wink.
Sparks flew off of Alastor's head and his cheeks glowed rosy and eyes darted around shyly.
Angel chuckled. "Ya know, you kinda do the same thing for me, in your own way. You're the one guy who never treats me like an object. I'm a person to you all the time. Ya love me and want me to be your equal. And that 'entices' me in spades." His eyes hazed. "You're always looking at my eyes first instead of my other parts, and it's damn amazing…"
Alastor's shyness gave way to some pride. He swallowed. "Speaking of 'other parts', would not looking much lower be permissible for tonight? I…the dark hides things but I…" He glanced briefly down at his waist then looked away.
"Shh…" Angel soothed, placing a hand on his cheek, eyes never straying from his, "what's going on down there can be its own thing. Let's focus on what's going on up here." He swallowed. "Fuck, your hair is still all tousled, and ya got sweat on your forehead, and blood on your shirt, Al. It's all so damn hot." He bit his lip. "When I overheard the show, all I could think eventually was…Al's mouth is on that bull when it should be on me…" He squirmed seductively. "I'm your co-host, Radio Demon. Treat me like one."
Alastor immediately surged forward in a burst of desire, mouth hotly against Angel's and his tongue darting expertly between the spider's lips. Angel groaned and sank back against the door. Even Alastor frenching him back in the hotel radio tower hadn't been this intense. The deer seemed famished and aching and full of hot-blooded life. He wasn't just trying to taste Angel, he was trying to consume him.
Alastor pulled back after a moment, holding Angel close and kissing the spider's cheeks and neck and shoulders and chest heatedly. "Anthony…I want…such wildly ridiculous things… To taste your unbroken flesh… To inhale the scent of your body… To bury myself between your ribs so I can worship your still beating heart." His firm, gloved hands held the sides of Angel's chest and brushed along the ample fluff there, so gentle yet eager.
Angel smiled, losing himself to that touch. "Oh that's all so YOU and all so beautiful, Smiles… I like your tongue in my mouth… I liked telling someone about us tonight… I like your hands helping ya feel your way through everything you want with me…" Angel made a second set of arms appear to brace himself against the door, and then he moved in to wildly kiss Alastor back in the dimness and heat and quiet. He could barely keep his hands steady on Alastor's shoulders instead of roving over the deer's body in return. But Alastor needed slowness and consent and care, and Angel would never deny him.
Alastor must have sensed his desire for more touch though. And apparently Alastor had a desire for it as well tonight. "You can touch me," the deer admitted feverishly, barley separating their mouths, "in every place right now — but one." He swallowed shyly. "I need it tonight… And I need it to be you…" The deer took one of Angel's hands from his shoulder and guided it around his waist.
Angel shivered. He held the deer's waist with care. And for a moment, he was reminded of another moment of heated closeness between them — in the back room of Alastor's office, on a cot after they had spoken following their pole dancing date. Alastor had been inclined for more touching than usual between them, and Angel had obliged by gently guiding one hand down the side of the deer's figure. Alastor had eventually ceased the activity after Angel's fingers had accidentally grazed some exposed flesh near his hip due to a small piece of untucked shirt. But this time the deer was fully covered and twice as eager… So maybe now…
With his other hand, Angel squeezed Alastor's shoulder. The deer huffed through his nose in delight. Angel's hand moved to the side of Alastor's body and glided down. The deer's back arched pleasantly, and he melted into the touch. Angel's hand cautiously met Alastor's hip and gave a squeeze (mindful that the shirt was still tucked in). Alastor keened pleasantly at the back of his throat. And then Alastor shifted Angel's hand just a little lower, letting the spider hold half against his hip and half against his rear. Angel's heart raced — he gave a gentle caress here that made his fingertips brush Alastor's tail, and the deer's hips swiveled in a happy way, like his whole body wanted to wag.
Sweet lord, he was copping a feel and Alastor liked it. Angel squealed now too and separated their mouths again for a moment, panting eagerly and smiling. "You can touch me too — every place, unless there's 'one' you want to avoid still, heh… Touch me with your hands…your lips… your tentacles…"
No sooner was the request out then Alastor snapped his fingers and a tentacle appeared. The writhing appendage gathered Angel's upper set them over his head and playfully pinned them to the door, letting the spider's chest jut forward. His eyes widened in surprise. "Smiles?!" He giggled in confusion and delight.
Alastor just smiled mischievously. "You said you were jealous of my attentions to my guest tonight. I'm happy to shower a more playful version of such attentions upon you now, darling…"
Angel melted and tried not to think of his beau tying him up in bed some day. "Alastor!" And then his mouth was caught in fiery kisses again as the deer demon took this chance to explore his interests and satisfy their impulses in his own cautious and yet passionate way. "Mmm…Radio Demon… Sultry cervino mio…" Angel managed between kisses.
"Ma raison d'être, ha…" came Alastor's deep voice in reply before gently gnawing Angel's lip and diving back into his warm mouth again.
"My reason for being…" Angel whispered in a daze just before Alastor's tongue took his breath away. He wasn't sure where this escalating make out session would lead, but he just let himself be lost in the moment for now while Alastor did the same, and the room filled with their sighs and groans and laughter while their unsure arousal found a way to bloom into mutual relief.
A/N:
Yay finally time for some RadioDust loving lol 3 They're gonna have a nice night together. And things will get better soon for Pen and Niss, and Molly and Husk. I've got a couple more chapters to post for this batch. I hope you like how the night ends and the morning begins. Thanks for reading!
Take care!
-Azure129