Oh he fucking knew something was up that day. Though he didn't know exactly what but Alastor was acting very suspiciously. Now he knew why. Wait. Something suddenly clicked into place in his head. Charlie. That sneaky bitch rigged Secret Santa! Though... he wasn't complaining. Well played Charlie... well played. He will think of a clever payback later.
"Of course... no thanks needed." Angel said warmly. "You know, in my line of work you learn real quick how to read people. But Smiles, you're a tough one to crack. I don't know what is left or right with you sometimes. And yeah, we're night 'n day on a lot of things but that's what I like about us. It's never borin'."
Angel kicked himself off the counter to carefully creep closer to the deer, getting on his knees to kneel before him.
"Don't beat yourself up over stupid material shit. You're such a fucking dumbass that you don't realize that you've already given me the best gift anyone ever could. Hope." Angel paused to let the weight of that sink in. "No one has ever given two shits about my situation, save for Cherri. And even if things don't pan out and I get pulled back into the flames well shit... its more than a filthy sinner like me deserves. Although...." A grin crept at the corners of his lips, leaning over until he was on all fours, his floof again dangerously close to spill over. "I'd be lyin' if I said I wasn't curious on what you got me~"
"Well, you can go find out. I just need another minute or two to pull myself back together." He adjusted his bowtie. "Honestly I should cut myself off for the rest of the evening. Too much mulled wine turns me into a complete fool, it seems."
He looked back down at the watch before clicking the cover closed. He leaned his head back against the lower cabinets, taking a moment to close his eyes and breathe. Just breathe...calm down...just breathe...
However, Angel would easily see that Alastor kept the watch cradled in his claws, not putting it away even though he'd closed it. The Radio Demon was going to be holding on to the trinket for quite some time.
"Nah, not a chance. I won't be opening any presents unless you're there." Angel moved to sit back down on his knees, shaking his head. "Yeah, you were goin' at it pretty hard earlier. Reminded me of someone drinking to forget."
Given what he knew about Alastor, that was probably not entirely untrue. The holidays must be a sore subject to the constant outcast. He didn't blame the guy for wanting to get plastered. Even Angel had plans to get trashed tonight but for a totally different set of reasons. Get wasted, fuck Husk, don't think about Al. Which, he was failing miserably to accomplish at the moment. The little box he stuffed his complicated emotions into was bursting at the seams watching Alastor clutch at his gift. He fought the urge to crawl beside him to rest his head on the deer's shoulder and wait with him. That would for sure set him back off. Fuck. Did he actually lik-?!
No no no. Were they friends? He just tolerates you. Barely. Stupid Angel, don't get your feelings twisted. He doesn't feel that way about you so let. It. Gooooo. Get back in the box and set it on fire.
Swallowing the lump that suddenly just formed in his throat, Angel rose to stand up and walked over to the sink. Taking a glass he poured a cup of water taking it back over the poor deer and placed it beside him.
"Drink this. It'll help ya sober up." Angel said turning to head back out, but paused at the doorway, looking back. "You better not think about disappearing tonight without sayin' goodbye. I'll kick your skinny little ass."
And with that, Angel rejoined the others and marched straight up to the bar with a slight distress look on his face. He wasn't drunk enough for this shit. "Oh Husky~ Can you be a doll and pour me a couple shots?"
Alastor watched Angel go, the kitchen around him turning black as the little shadow creatures swarmed him, cautiously approaching him to do what Alastor had no idea Angel had wanted to do. He chewed the inside of his cheek to try and calm himself as he clutched the pocket watch tighter.
Breathe...just breathe...
----------
Back at the bar, Husk gave a casual shrug to Angel's question. "Sure."
While Husk went to work, Charlie walked over. "Is everything okay with you two?" She chewed her lower lip, guilt all over her face. She'd thought her little manipulation of the Secret Santas would help things but it seemed like she'd just made things worse. "I could talk to him if you want." She fidgeted with her hands. "Or if you just wanna talk, that's good, too."
This is not how Angel thought this evening would go. Get drunk, have a little no string attached fun, escape his feelings. Nope. Instead he just got dick slapped in the face with a truck load of them. No matter how much he tried the cram those feelings back inside, he could no longer fight the reality that he liked Alastor. He liked Alastor. Seeing him curled up on that cold floor, he just wanted to sit next him to comfort him, to touch him. But he was afraid. As powerful as Alastor was, he was extremely fragile. Angel knew he was wanting something he couldn't have. He was going drown any thoughts of him wanting to kiss the other demon in cheap booze.
The instant a single shot hit the counter, Angel snatched it up and pounded it back. Already it was feeling good to have the pleasant burn in his gut. Okay, pull yourself together. Slapping on his usual grin he turned to face Charlie.
"We're just peachy. We talked it out a bit. He just needs a moment to himself. A lot to take in." Angel waved his hand. "Its not a party if there isn't a little family drama, am I right?"
"Yeah, but this was supposed to be drama-free," Charlie said, continuing to fidget with her hands. "I thought it'd help you two clear the air or something. I couldn't help noticing you were avoiding Al and then he started avoiding you..." She chewed her lower lip again. "I didn't think I'd make things worse."
"And you haven't, my dear!"
Charlie about jumped out of her skin as Alastor's voice called from just behind her. She gave a shriek and whirled about to nearly end up smacking herself in the face with the tray of mugs Alastor was brandishing. Fortunately, Alastor lifted it up just enough to avoid disaster. He lowered it again, offering the tray to her, Angel, and Husk.
"Hope you don't mind I took the liberty to make some hot chocolate. The real thing, not that grotesque powder," Alastor said cheerfully, no hint of his earlier melancholy registering on his face or in his mannerisms.
"Um...th-thank you, Al." Charlie took a mug and then helped herself to quite a few of the mini marshmallows in the bowl in the center of the mugs.
In combination of Charlie's scream and the sudden appearance of the demon in question, Angel nearly jumped out of his own skin. Fucking Hell! His heart has been through enough this evening as it is. Throwing back another shot in quick session, he spun on the stool to look at Alastor. Someone looked like they were back to their old self. Though remembering the puppet show Buckley put on earlier, he had a feeling it was just a cover. Never the less, Angel grinned back.
"Damn, Smiles. You had time to do all that?" Angel reached out to take a mug for himself as well. "It smells good. Thanks~"
Spinning back around to the bar, without bothering to ask he snatched up a bottle of Bailey's and poured himself a hefty amount into the hot sweet drink. Must. Drown. Out. Thoughts. Putting the bottle back in place he took a long sip. Yep, everything was fine Charlie. Just fiiiiine.
"Mmm~ that hits the spot." Angel curled his fingers tightly around the mug. "Are all the gifts passed out all ready?"
"Yup!" Niffty chirped. She beamed up from the neatly-organized piles of gifts. She darted about, placing them next to their appropriate recipients as Alastor finished passing out the hot chocolate and returned to his former seat.
Alastor predictably had the smallest stack. However, he legitimately didn't mind that. Just being here to enjoy the evening was enough. It was more than he'd had in a long, long time after all. The extra set of presents -- all wrapped in green paper with silver ribbons and name tags without senders on them -- would be discovered later after Alastor had left. He'd made sure of it with a light glamour which deepened the shadows just enough beneath the Christmas tree for someone to overlook them. When he left, the glamour would be lifted so anyone would see the gifts.
"Surprised you don't have a pile of coal," Vaggie said dryly, nodding towards Alastor's meager gift pile.
"Given how hot it is down here, coal is a bit hard to come by since it isn't needed!"
Sipping contently on his hot cocoa, Angel watched Niffty sip around to show off the stacks of gifts. His piled was of moderate size, bigger than Alastor's that's for sure, but he hasn't keeping tabs. Though it he was, he'd be winning. The alcohol felt pleasing as it settled into his system. Yes, just sink into this feeling. In turn, his dulling senses took the spider a hot second to realize a very familiar looking briefcase that was tucked along with his other gifts. When the gears finally clicked, Angel's eye shot open. No. Was it?
Getting up from the bar, he walked over to get a closer look. Even though it was polished passed the point it was barely recognizable, he knew right away it was the record player from the antique shop. Every little detail was lovely restored, better than new. No doubt, this was from Alastor. He felt ashamed of this gift? Stupid deer. The reason why he wanted this ran deeper than 'Oh Val smashed his old one'. It was tied deeply to the few fond memories he had when he was alive.
Angel bent over to pick it up, shifting it to his secondary hands before walking over to Alastor and linked his arms with his. "Excuse me as I steal Alastor a moment. I'll be back down."
And without further explanation, Angel tried to drag Alastor away from the party and up the stairs.
Alastor buzzed with alarmed static as he found himself yanked to his feet and dragged up the stairs. He could see the record player in Angel's hands.
Oh dear. Had he misinterpreted with his gift? Perhaps it brought up too many bad memories of his time with Valentino. After all, was that not the fate of the previous record player the spider had owned?
"Is something the matter?" he asked, grin a bit too wide in a sudden fit of nervousness.
Not pausing to look back at the deer, Angel pressed on for his room. "Naw, nothing is wrong, Smiles. Just if you're going to leave right after this, it would suck ass if the record player doesn't work. I want to test it out."
Reaching the door to Angel's room, the spider pulled Alastor close behind. Once the door was shut and both safely inside, Angel released the radio host to walk over to the stand by his bed placing the case on top. Then he quickly retreated to the other side of his bed, crouching down to fiddle with the hidden contents underneath. Alastor could hear the starlet muttering to himself as he searched but eventually he rose with a dusty box in his claws.
"Found it!" Angel chirped happily making his way back over to the nightstand.
Pulling out a single vinyl he set the box on the floor right next to the bed. Holding the record in his other hands, he carefully flipped the lid up of the briefcase, slipping the record into place. The moment the needle hit the grooves, there was a soft crackle as the small room was filled with music. It brought a smile to Angel's face as he stood there quietly singing to himself as a woman's voice rang over the hum of violins. It works.
With the sweet melody of the music and the warmth of the alcohol in his veins, Angel felt like he was floating. After a moment, he turned to look at Alastor reaching out a hand to him. "Dance with me, Al."
Alastor relaxed as Angel explained himself. His smile softened at the sound of the music. Ah, this was a good one.
He took Angel's hand and pulled him in close to lead the dance. Not the swaying they'd done that first dance but something more in line with the song. He was much more sure-footed, too. Oh the advantages to dancing while sober.
Meanwhile he marveled that Angel had kept the records he couldn't even listen to. Perhaps Angel had always intended to get another record player but hadn't dared risk it getting broken. In any case, a record player was easy to replace. The record itself? Not so much in this day and age.
Being just the right level of intoxicated, Angel's body moved on it's own following every little step Alastor made. Years of substance abuse made him relatively nimble while under the influence. Often his sets at the club he was royal fucked out of his mind on stage. So a little booze was child's play.
Lazily his head rolled back as he continued to hum to himself. "Man, this takes me back..." He muttered to himself than anything else. "Reminds me of my Nonna. Tough ol' broad. But you'd always find her singin' to her records in the kitchen. Taught me how to cook."
"I never met my grandmother, but every older woman I ever met tended to be either very kind or someone you wanted to avoid angering," Alastor said with a chuckle. "Your Nonna sounds like a blend of the two."
Angel's head fell back with a chuckle. "You got that right. You better ready your ass for a whoopin' if you crossed my Nonna. But she had her moments. I should cook for you some time." Lost in his memories, the smile on his face faded. "Glad she passed when I was a kid before she knew about my 'life style'."
With that the spider fell silent again, retreating back into the music. He rather not think on what could have happened when he was alive. Don't let it sour the present. Right now he was alone with Alastor enjoying their little private dance. As the song swelled into its final verse, Angel sang along again gazing directly into the deers eyes as if it was just for him.
🎶"Star Eyes - when, if ever, will your heart know That it's you for whom these eyes glow? Makes no difference where you are~ My eyes will hold your wishing star So kiss me and wish on a star..."🎶
The music stopped and so did Angel causing the pair to halt in their tracks. All those damned emotions he tried to drown out with liquor came crashing down on him. Staring down at the shorter demon through heavy half lidded eyes, Angel wrapped his arms around Alastor's neck pulling his body flushed against him. For a moment Angel said nothing, just studying the deer's face. His stupid sexy face. The voices in his head screamed louder until he could not ignore them any longer and he brought his face mere inches from Alastor's.
"I'm wearin' it, you know." Angel whispered with a smirk. And before Alastor could ask on clarification on what 'it' was, the spider's lips covered his.
Static jumped between Alastor's ears as Angel kissed him. His eyes were wide, shocked, as he froze in place.
It wasn't unpleasant, he supposed. He'd never really had much interest in kissing. Why would he, after all? It was such intimate physical contact. He could taste the liquor that Angel had been drowning himself in all night.
That brought to mind his own drunken self cuddling against Angel, wanting the spider to scratch his ears again to feel that shiver of pleasure rolling up and down his spine. And Angel's rejection of him. Looking back on that moment with sobriety, he knew why Angel had pushed him away. Even if he'd been too drunk to understand and had been hurt by the rejection.
It was time to repay the favor.
He gently reached up, cupped Angel's face in his hands, and carefully pushed him away.
"Not when you're drunk," Alastor said, his emotions confused. "That'd be taking advantage, and I don't want to do that."
But did he want to kiss Angel? Well, that was the part he wasn't sure about. It had been pleasant, yes, but kissing implied more of a connection than just casual exchange of saliva. To him, it was something fragile yet more permanent. Something he'd never participated in. Hell, he came from a broken home and had never seen an even somewhat healthy relationship outside of the public personas people put up. He didn't even know how such a relationship could work.
Angel felt the gentle hands caressing his cheeks and he is heart dropped into his gut when Alastor pushed him away. What was he expecting to happen? Fucking hell. How could he let himself get swept away in the moment? Now he's gone and screwed things up again.
His little pity party came to a screeching halt however, his booze soaked brain taking a hot second to register what Alastor said. Not like this? Didn't want to take advantage? So does that mean Alastor was also thinking the same things he was. A little spark of hope ignited in his belly, the arms around the deer's neck coiling.
I want him, I want him... Fuck I want him.
"Always the gentleman, Al. No need to treat me with kid gloves. Sober me would never have the balls to try." Angel pressed against Alastor's hands. "I know what I want."
Slipping out of Alastor's touch, Angel went in again to try to kiss him.
Alastor leaned back. Even with emotions running high, he needed to be firm. "I said 'no'."
He could easily teleport away. Angel knew that. However, he wasn't going to. Not yet. He wanted Angel to get the message that there were lines he absolutely would not cross.
If they were going to move forward with...whatever this was...he didn't want the confusion of alcohol and future regrets to come into play.
The sound of Alastor's firm rejection caused Angel to flinch, stopping dead in his tracks. The small glimmer of hope he had was snuffed out and he pulled back his head. There was no hiding the pain he felt from appearing on his face as he stared back at the other demon. Shit, he horribly misread the situation. In his current state, Angel took his hard "no" as the radio demon not to subtle clue that he never wanted to revisit this avenue. He was only being kind the first time cause he was drunk. Of course he didn't want to. Even if Alastor wasn't oppose to physical touch, there was still the fact of Angel's profession. A dirty whore.
Taking a step back, the spider released the deer without resistance. A strained smile etched across Angel's face, his voice shaky. "Heh, right... What was I thinking?" Stupid stupid Angel. He turned away from Alastor to cross the room to his nightstand where he closed the lid of the record player, the pleasant mood gone. "Sorted that out, it works... Well... I should go... settle that bar tab.."
Biting down his bitter feelings, Angel spun around for the door. If only a bit too quickly and the world around him spun causing him to stagger. To prevent himself from face planting against the hard wood, Angel reached out to brace himself against the door frame.
Just like he'd done when he'd been drunk, Angel had misinterpreted his rejection as a permanent thing. Perhaps it was for the best that Alastor was going to step away from the hotel for a while. Maybe at least one of them could achieve some clarity.
Alastor reached out and up to place his hand on Angel's shoulder.
"No, Angel. You should get some rest before you do anything else."
Unlike when their positions were reversed, Alastor had the power to enforce such a suggestion. He reached out with his magic, spelling the spider to sleep for at least six hours to get some proper sleep. He was in the perfect position to catch Angel should he simply collapse and then move him to the bed.
Alastor was mentally and emotionally exhausted from tonight. Perhaps Angel was much the same.
The room kept spinning around him as he tried to collect himself leaning on the doorway. He wanted not to be in this room anymore, he wanted to get out. Just breath, get your shit together Angel. Angel flinched at the sudden hand on his shoulder and he instantly tried to shrug it off.
"I'm fine Smiles. I don't.. need... your pi-" Angel's speech slurred being struck with the uncontrollable urge to sleep.
It was nearly impossible to keep his eyes open and he body felt like lead. For a second Angel resisted, swaying in place before his legs buckled and felt back into the waiting deer. As his body crumpled into the radio demon's arms, the porn star's dress finally lost the fight against his chest fluff. The top hem popped askew as something familiarly pink peeked out from under the tiny red dress. It was the corset Alastor had picked out from the lingerie shop. He had worn that over the strappy black bralette he said he was going to wear this evening. Well... that would explain why his tits looked extra perky tonight.
Alastor's ears shot up in surprise. He blushed and averted his eyes as best he could as he adjusted his grip to carry Angel in his arms. Honestly, compared to the dead weight of a corpse, Angel weighed nothing at all.
He glanced at the corset again and gave a sigh. "Oh, Angel. You shouldn't have taken my advice. Corsets aren't to Husker's taste."
Given how he'd come on to Alastor, it was possible Angel had wanted to spend the night with him instead of Husk, but Alastor knew that wouldn't be possible. Not even if the man had been sober. It would've been too much too soon assuming anything happened at all.
Probably nothing would've happened. Let's be realistic.
His shadow pulled back the blankets so Alastor could properly tuck in Angel. He looked down at the sleeping form and snapped his fingers, teleporting back downstairs even as he removed the corset, doused the lights, and left fresh food and water for Fat Nuggets.
----------
As Alastor appeared next to the front door, Husk raised a brow at him from his place in the doorframe leading to the lounge.
"Ah, Husker! Just so you know, Angel passed out and will have to pay his tab at a later date!"
Husk's brow only arched a little higher. "You knocked him out, didn't you?"
"Given the circumstances, I felt it was prudent, yes."
The cat waited but Alastor didn't elaborate. Instead he sighed as the Radio Demon proclaimed, "Well then, I'll be off! If I don't see any of you all before the Cleanse, I hope to see you after!"
Charlie gave an awkward smile. "Are you sure, Al? You know you can stay."
Alastor chuckled. "Thank you, my dear, but I'll be back before you start to miss me! Adieu, everyone!"
With that, the Radio Demon swept out of the front door and into the darkness.
Husk sighed and straightened up, looking to Niffty. "All right, Niffty. Let's see what he left behind this year."
Charlie blinked. "Wait, what?"
----------
Alastor teleported directly into the parlor he'd built into the radio tower on the edge of the pentagram, collapsing back into his worn, overstuffed chair. He closed his eyes for a moment as his magic ignited the fireplace he'd added to the former performers' lounge.
His shadow swept in front of him, its smile distressed as he allowed his own smiling mask to shatter. A snap of his fingers, and he was out of his typical "Radio Demon" attire, now clothed in simple pajamas, house robe, and slippers. He poured himself a generous glass of cognac from the bottle that appeared beside him.
"Make sure nobody comes," Alastor told his shadow.
The shadow nodded and disappeared, leaving Alastor to the first of many drinks to come.
Morning came far too soon for the spider's liking as his body returned back to the land of the damned. Oh Lucifer's balls, his head was throbbing. He could literally feel the beating of his heart pounding through his temples. It felt like someone was sitting on his face and not in the sexy kinky way. Okay, so those shots were a bad idea. And boozing up his hot cocoa might have been overkill. Fuck you past him.
Angel sore body stirred under the covers. Wait. The spider bolted up as post booze clarity struck him. Someone tucked him in and... as the covers fell away he found his corset was gone. Alastor...
The blurred memories of the event that transpired in his room came rushing back. What the fuck was he thinking? Clearly he wasn't. Oh fuck! Husker... Passed up an easy lay for this headache. The heart wants what the heart wants. Shut your whore mouth heart! Swearing under his breath, Angel ran his hands through his hair. The only relief he had was knowing the deer in question was long gone... could give him time to think about what to do next.
Sitting in the darkness, Angel lingered in bed until he decided he should go to the kitchen to fetch some water. His tongue felt uncomfortably dry. Giving himself a silent peep talk to motivate him out from under the covers. He threw his usual clothes so he didn't look like absolute dog shit, just regular shit. Still looked like he was doing the walk of shame out of his own room as he descended the stairs.
He flinched seeing the feline bartender done at the bar. Can't catch a break. Well, Angel tried to play it off cool. "Take it that Al is gone?"
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"Of course... no thanks needed." Angel said warmly. "You know, in my line of work you learn real quick how to read people. But Smiles, you're a tough one to crack. I don't know what is left or right with you sometimes. And yeah, we're night 'n day on a lot of things but that's what I like about us. It's never borin'."
Angel kicked himself off the counter to carefully creep closer to the deer, getting on his knees to kneel before him.
"Don't beat yourself up over stupid material shit. You're such a fucking dumbass that you don't realize that you've already given me the best gift anyone ever could. Hope." Angel paused to let the weight of that sink in. "No one has ever given two shits about my situation, save for Cherri. And even if things don't pan out and I get pulled back into the flames well shit... its more than a filthy sinner like me deserves. Although...." A grin crept at the corners of his lips, leaning over until he was on all fours, his floof again dangerously close to spill over. "I'd be lyin' if I said I wasn't curious on what you got me~"
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He looked back down at the watch before clicking the cover closed. He leaned his head back against the lower cabinets, taking a moment to close his eyes and breathe. Just breathe...calm down...just breathe...
However, Angel would easily see that Alastor kept the watch cradled in his claws, not putting it away even though he'd closed it. The Radio Demon was going to be holding on to the trinket for quite some time.
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Given what he knew about Alastor, that was probably not entirely untrue. The holidays must be a sore subject to the constant outcast. He didn't blame the guy for wanting to get plastered. Even Angel had plans to get trashed tonight but for a totally different set of reasons.
Get wasted, fuck Husk, don't think about Al.Which, he was failing miserably to accomplish at the moment. The little box he stuffed his complicated emotions into was bursting at the seams watching Alastor clutch at his gift. He fought the urge to crawl beside him to rest his head on the deer's shoulder and wait with him. That would for sure set him back off. Fuck. Did he actually lik-?!No no no. Were they friends? He just tolerates you. Barely. Stupid Angel, don't get your feelings twisted. He doesn't feel that way about you so let. It. Gooooo. Get back in the box and set it on fire.
Swallowing the lump that suddenly just formed in his throat, Angel rose to stand up and walked over to the sink. Taking a glass he poured a cup of water taking it back over the poor deer and placed it beside him.
"Drink this. It'll help ya sober up." Angel said turning to head back out, but paused at the doorway, looking back. "You better not think about disappearing tonight without sayin' goodbye. I'll kick your skinny little ass."
And with that, Angel rejoined the others and marched straight up to the bar with a slight distress look on his face. He wasn't drunk enough for this shit. "Oh Husky~ Can you be a doll and pour me a couple shots?"
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Breathe...just breathe...
----------
Back at the bar, Husk gave a casual shrug to Angel's question. "Sure."
While Husk went to work, Charlie walked over. "Is everything okay with you two?" She chewed her lower lip, guilt all over her face. She'd thought her little manipulation of the Secret Santas would help things but it seemed like she'd just made things worse. "I could talk to him if you want." She fidgeted with her hands. "Or if you just wanna talk, that's good, too."
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The instant a single shot hit the counter, Angel snatched it up and pounded it back. Already it was feeling good to have the pleasant burn in his gut. Okay, pull yourself together. Slapping on his usual grin he turned to face Charlie.
"We're just peachy. We talked it out a bit. He just needs a moment to himself. A lot to take in." Angel waved his hand. "Its not a party if there isn't a little family drama, am I right?"
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"And you haven't, my dear!"
Charlie about jumped out of her skin as Alastor's voice called from just behind her. She gave a shriek and whirled about to nearly end up smacking herself in the face with the tray of mugs Alastor was brandishing. Fortunately, Alastor lifted it up just enough to avoid disaster. He lowered it again, offering the tray to her, Angel, and Husk.
"Hope you don't mind I took the liberty to make some hot chocolate. The real thing, not that grotesque powder," Alastor said cheerfully, no hint of his earlier melancholy registering on his face or in his mannerisms.
"Um...th-thank you, Al." Charlie took a mug and then helped herself to quite a few of the mini marshmallows in the bowl in the center of the mugs.
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"Damn, Smiles. You had time to do all that?" Angel reached out to take a mug for himself as well. "It smells good. Thanks~"
Spinning back around to the bar, without bothering to ask he snatched up a bottle of Bailey's and poured himself a hefty amount into the hot sweet drink. Must. Drown. Out. Thoughts. Putting the bottle back in place he took a long sip. Yep, everything was fine Charlie. Just fiiiiine.
"Mmm~ that hits the spot." Angel curled his fingers tightly around the mug. "Are all the gifts passed out all ready?"
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Alastor predictably had the smallest stack. However, he legitimately didn't mind that. Just being here to enjoy the evening was enough. It was more than he'd had in a long, long time after all. The extra set of presents -- all wrapped in green paper with silver ribbons and name tags without senders on them -- would be discovered later after Alastor had left. He'd made sure of it with a light glamour which deepened the shadows just enough beneath the Christmas tree for someone to overlook them. When he left, the glamour would be lifted so anyone would see the gifts.
"Surprised you don't have a pile of coal," Vaggie said dryly, nodding towards Alastor's meager gift pile.
"Given how hot it is down here, coal is a bit hard to come by since it isn't needed!"
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Getting up from the bar, he walked over to get a closer look. Even though it was polished passed the point it was barely recognizable, he knew right away it was the record player from the antique shop. Every little detail was lovely restored, better than new. No doubt, this was from Alastor. He felt ashamed of this gift? Stupid deer. The reason why he wanted this ran deeper than 'Oh Val smashed his old one'. It was tied deeply to the few fond memories he had when he was alive.
Angel bent over to pick it up, shifting it to his secondary hands before walking over to Alastor and linked his arms with his. "Excuse me as I steal Alastor a moment. I'll be back down."
And without further explanation, Angel tried to drag Alastor away from the party and up the stairs.
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Oh dear. Had he misinterpreted with his gift? Perhaps it brought up too many bad memories of his time with Valentino. After all, was that not the fate of the previous record player the spider had owned?
"Is something the matter?" he asked, grin a bit too wide in a sudden fit of nervousness.
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Reaching the door to Angel's room, the spider pulled Alastor close behind. Once the door was shut and both safely inside, Angel released the radio host to walk over to the stand by his bed placing the case on top. Then he quickly retreated to the other side of his bed, crouching down to fiddle with the hidden contents underneath. Alastor could hear the starlet muttering to himself as he searched but eventually he rose with a dusty box in his claws.
"Found it!" Angel chirped happily making his way back over to the nightstand.
Pulling out a single vinyl he set the box on the floor right next to the bed. Holding the record in his other hands, he carefully flipped the lid up of the briefcase, slipping the record into place. The moment the needle hit the grooves, there was a soft crackle as the small room was filled with music. It brought a smile to Angel's face as he stood there quietly singing to himself as a woman's voice rang over the hum of violins. It works.
With the sweet melody of the music and the warmth of the alcohol in his veins, Angel felt like he was floating. After a moment, he turned to look at Alastor reaching out a hand to him. "Dance with me, Al."
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He took Angel's hand and pulled him in close to lead the dance. Not the swaying they'd done that first dance but something more in line with the song. He was much more sure-footed, too. Oh the advantages to dancing while sober.
Meanwhile he marveled that Angel had kept the records he couldn't even listen to. Perhaps Angel had always intended to get another record player but hadn't dared risk it getting broken. In any case, a record player was easy to replace. The record itself? Not so much in this day and age.
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Lazily his head rolled back as he continued to hum to himself. "Man, this takes me back..." He muttered to himself than anything else. "Reminds me of my Nonna. Tough ol' broad. But you'd always find her singin' to her records in the kitchen. Taught me how to cook."
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With that the spider fell silent again, retreating back into the music. He rather not think on what could have happened when he was alive. Don't let it sour the present. Right now he was alone with Alastor enjoying their little private dance. As the song swelled into its final verse, Angel sang along again gazing directly into the deers eyes as if it was just for him.
🎶"Star Eyes - when, if ever, will your heart know
That it's you for whom these eyes glow?
Makes no difference where you are~
My eyes will hold your wishing star
So kiss me and wish on a star..."🎶
The music stopped and so did Angel causing the pair to halt in their tracks. All those damned emotions he tried to drown out with liquor came crashing down on him. Staring down at the shorter demon through heavy half lidded eyes, Angel wrapped his arms around Alastor's neck pulling his body flushed against him. For a moment Angel said nothing, just studying the deer's face. His stupid sexy face. The voices in his head screamed louder until he could not ignore them any longer and he brought his face mere inches from Alastor's.
"I'm wearin' it, you know." Angel whispered with a smirk. And before Alastor could ask on clarification on what 'it' was, the spider's lips covered his.
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It wasn't unpleasant, he supposed. He'd never really had much interest in kissing. Why would he, after all? It was such intimate physical contact. He could taste the liquor that Angel had been drowning himself in all night.
That brought to mind his own drunken self cuddling against Angel, wanting the spider to scratch his ears again to feel that shiver of pleasure rolling up and down his spine. And Angel's rejection of him. Looking back on that moment with sobriety, he knew why Angel had pushed him away. Even if he'd been too drunk to understand and had been hurt by the rejection.
It was time to repay the favor.
He gently reached up, cupped Angel's face in his hands, and carefully pushed him away.
"Not when you're drunk," Alastor said, his emotions confused. "That'd be taking advantage, and I don't want to do that."
But did he want to kiss Angel? Well, that was the part he wasn't sure about. It had been pleasant, yes, but kissing implied more of a connection than just casual exchange of saliva. To him, it was something fragile yet more permanent. Something he'd never participated in. Hell, he came from a broken home and had never seen an even somewhat healthy relationship outside of the public personas people put up. He didn't even know how such a relationship could work.
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is heart dropped into his gut when Alastor pushed him away. What was he expecting to happen? Fucking hell. How could he let himself get swept away in the moment? Now he's gone and screwed things up again.
His little pity party came to a screeching halt however, his booze soaked brain taking a hot second to register what Alastor said. Not like this? Didn't want to take advantage? So does that mean Alastor was also thinking the same things he was. A little spark of hope ignited in his belly, the arms around the deer's neck coiling.
I want him, I want him... Fuck I want him.
"Always the gentleman, Al. No need to treat me with kid gloves. Sober me would never have the balls to try." Angel pressed against Alastor's hands. "I know what I want."
Slipping out of Alastor's touch, Angel went in again to try to kiss him.
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He could easily teleport away. Angel knew that. However, he wasn't going to. Not yet. He wanted Angel to get the message that there were lines he absolutely would not cross.
If they were going to move forward with...whatever this was...he didn't want the confusion of alcohol and future regrets to come into play.
"Now please release me."
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Taking a step back, the spider released the deer without resistance. A strained smile etched across Angel's face, his voice shaky. "Heh, right... What was I thinking?" Stupid stupid Angel. He turned away from Alastor to cross the room to his nightstand where he closed the lid of the record player, the pleasant mood gone. "Sorted that out, it works... Well... I should go... settle that bar tab.."
Biting down his bitter feelings, Angel spun around for the door. If only a bit too quickly and the world around him spun causing him to stagger. To prevent himself from face planting against the hard wood, Angel reached out to brace himself against the door frame.
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Alastor reached out and up to place his hand on Angel's shoulder.
"No, Angel. You should get some rest before you do anything else."
Unlike when their positions were reversed, Alastor had the power to enforce such a suggestion. He reached out with his magic, spelling the spider to sleep for at least six hours to get some proper sleep. He was in the perfect position to catch Angel should he simply collapse and then move him to the bed.
Alastor was mentally and emotionally exhausted from tonight. Perhaps Angel was much the same.
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"I'm fine Smiles. I don't.. need... your pi-" Angel's speech slurred being struck with the uncontrollable urge to sleep.
It was nearly impossible to keep his eyes open and he body felt like lead. For a second Angel resisted, swaying in place before his legs buckled and felt back into the waiting deer. As his body crumpled into the radio demon's arms, the porn star's dress finally lost the fight against his chest fluff. The top hem popped askew as something familiarly pink peeked out from under the tiny red dress. It was the corset Alastor had picked out from the lingerie shop. He had worn that over the strappy black bralette he said he was going to wear this evening. Well... that would explain why his tits looked extra perky tonight.
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He glanced at the corset again and gave a sigh. "Oh, Angel. You shouldn't have taken my advice. Corsets aren't to Husker's taste."
Given how he'd come on to Alastor, it was possible Angel had wanted to spend the night with him instead of Husk, but Alastor knew that wouldn't be possible. Not even if the man had been sober. It would've been too much too soon assuming anything happened at all.
Probably nothing would've happened. Let's be realistic.
His shadow pulled back the blankets so Alastor could properly tuck in Angel. He looked down at the sleeping form and snapped his fingers, teleporting back downstairs even as he removed the corset, doused the lights, and left fresh food and water for Fat Nuggets.
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As Alastor appeared next to the front door, Husk raised a brow at him from his place in the doorframe leading to the lounge.
"Ah, Husker! Just so you know, Angel passed out and will have to pay his tab at a later date!"
Husk's brow only arched a little higher. "You knocked him out, didn't you?"
"Given the circumstances, I felt it was prudent, yes."
The cat waited but Alastor didn't elaborate. Instead he sighed as the Radio Demon proclaimed, "Well then, I'll be off! If I don't see any of you all before the Cleanse, I hope to see you after!"
Charlie gave an awkward smile. "Are you sure, Al? You know you can stay."
Alastor chuckled. "Thank you, my dear, but I'll be back before you start to miss me! Adieu, everyone!"
With that, the Radio Demon swept out of the front door and into the darkness.
Husk sighed and straightened up, looking to Niffty. "All right, Niffty. Let's see what he left behind this year."
Charlie blinked. "Wait, what?"
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Alastor teleported directly into the parlor he'd built into the radio tower on the edge of the pentagram, collapsing back into his worn, overstuffed chair. He closed his eyes for a moment as his magic ignited the fireplace he'd added to the former performers' lounge.
His shadow swept in front of him, its smile distressed as he allowed his own smiling mask to shatter. A snap of his fingers, and he was out of his typical "Radio Demon" attire, now clothed in simple pajamas, house robe, and slippers. He poured himself a generous glass of cognac from the bottle that appeared beside him.
"Make sure nobody comes," Alastor told his shadow.
The shadow nodded and disappeared, leaving Alastor to the first of many drinks to come.
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Angel sore body stirred under the covers. Wait. The spider bolted up as post booze clarity struck him. Someone tucked him in and... as the covers fell away he found his corset was gone. Alastor...
The blurred memories of the event that transpired in his room came rushing back. What the fuck was he thinking? Clearly he wasn't. Oh fuck! Husker... Passed up an easy lay for this headache.
The heart wants what the heart wants. Shut your whore mouth heart!Swearing under his breath, Angel ran his hands through his hair. The only relief he had was knowing the deer in question was long gone... could give him time to think about what to do next.Sitting in the darkness, Angel lingered in bed until he decided he should go to the kitchen to fetch some water. His tongue felt uncomfortably dry. Giving himself a silent peep talk to motivate him out from under the covers. He threw his usual clothes so he didn't look like absolute dog shit, just regular shit. Still looked like he was doing the walk of shame out of his own room as he descended the stairs.
He flinched seeing the feline bartender done at the bar. Can't catch a break. Well, Angel tried to play it off cool. "Take it that Al is gone?"
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