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It was obvious that Angel liked Alastor, or at least liked teasing him. When around the others Angel would go out of his way to pick on the Radio Demon about anything he could dig his claws into. His tacky clothes, his creepy smile, the stupid filter and obviously fake accent. Alastor usually put up with it, much better than anyone nearby would expect given one’s reputation of being annoying and the other’s being deadly. Most chalked it up as Al just playing nice so he could keep his influence over the Hazbin Hotel as well as staying in Charlie’s good graces. What no one expected was it being because Alastor was secretly fond of the spider demon.
When alone they were completely different people. They’d spend quiet afternoons together in the library, Alastor reading while Angel would lay his head in the other’s lap, dozing or talking or scrolling on his phone. The library had been Alastor’s sanctuary in the beginning of the Hotel’s career, with most people having better (or worse) things to do than wander about its towering shelves and enjoy the soft jazz Alastor kept on the radio in there 24/7. This was perfectly fine by Alastor. It became a quiet, almost secret place for him and Angel to be alone together. They would talk about anything and everything during their times alone.
Of course, being a well known flirt (and good at it if you asked him), Angel at first would continue picking at Alastor, overtly trying to get the overlord to break his feelingless mask. But when that didn’t work, he eventually just turned to the second thing he did best: complain. Angel would often vent about Valentino or bad clients or whatever was pissing him off that day, and Alastor would listen intently, dry any tears that might’ve fallen with a brush of his thumb, and do his best to coax Angel through his worst days. When it was Alastor’s turn he’d talk of the good old days, tell stories of his exploits, or discuss any news he’d heard that day. Once, even through avoidant protests, Angel had managed to pull a bit of the Radio Demon’s faraway past from him. Al had discussed anything outside of his sins in life with very, very few of his nowaday companions, but Angel had been intent on making himself one. He’d sat patiently and attentively, sometimes with horror as Alastor would describe his lacklustre childhood. Angel only offered a few soft apologies before surprising Alastor with a sudden hug about his shoulders. Even more surprising to the both of them, Alastor let him, even resting one hand on the small of his back before they both stepped away. Since then they’d been knit at the side, each other’s chosen companion when at the Hotel.
Neither would call what they were a relationship though they both offered each other comforts related to such an arrangement. They both enjoyed and indulged in the intimacy, the comfortable silence they shared. It’d taken a bit of time for Angel to properly learn Al’s boundaries, but now he felt like the chosen one anytime Alastor let him come close or invited him into the secret world waiting behind the everlasting grin on his face. Alastor found himself unsuspectingly appreciative of Angel’s boisterous energy near him. He didn't mind Angel’s head in his lap, his fingers gliding through the spider’s soft hair, or bantering with him and getting to hear his always quick witted remarks. They had chemistry and both knew it, though neither was quite sure how to act about it.
Angel was weary of scaring his newfound friend away, or worse, being on the bad side of yet another overlord. Alastor was simply a hot mess any time he attempted to even think of Angel in any way other than just an unexpectedly fond friend. He had no use for any relationship beyond business and no care for the pleasuring of a body. Still, something tugged him towards the most unsuspected person, and so he simply pushed it away. They were friends, and both were trying their damndest to resign themselves to that fact, even if it was slowly driving them towards madness.
They’d share another quiet, mostly comfortable afternoon, Alastor with his nose in a murder mystery, lazily scanning the pages and Angel with himself draped on the couch, his legs across Al’s lap, impatiently scrolling on his phone. Neither was fully focused on their designated task, though both were equally determined to keep things from being awkward. And so Angel would follow routine, complaining about his day, and Alastor patted his leg sympathetically whenever it felt necessary. Such behaviour lasted for weeks, until the whole Hotel could pick up on the ticklish energy that seemed to surround the pair of them.
“What is wrong with those two?” Vaggie would hiss in Charlie’s ear as they’d observe the Radio Demon and his companion sitting at the bar, chattering quietly over a few drinks
It’d be a lie to say even Charlie hadn’t noticed. “Well, they’re friends, maybe they’re just having a rough patch?”
“A rough patch? Angel practically slobbering over him.”
Niffty would often pop up and ramble so excitedly she was near intelligible. “No no no no no not a rough patch,” she’d say, bouncing up and down on her feet. “They like each other, can’t you see it? Like like each other.” She giggled mischievously.
Vaggie narrowed her eye. “I don’t see why.”
“Oh, this is great,” Charlie gushed, looking excitedly at the “lovebirds” at the bar. “This is great for the Hotel too, maybe they’ll both be redeemed through their love!”
Vaggie sighed endearingly, patting her girlfriend’s back. “Maybe.”
Though they all had their suspicions, no one was quite bold enough to approach either Angel or Alastor to inquire, and so they’d be left to figure themselves out.
One night Angel sat up on the phone with Cherri, tossing in his bed as he tried to pin the pieces of his feelings together. “I can’t like him, Cherri, he’s gotta just be being nice to me to get something, what if it’s just some ruse? But he doesn’t just wanna fuck me like everyone else, so what the fuck does he want?”
“Maybe he just actually likes you?”
Angel turned red at the mere suggestion. “Why would he?”
“Oh Angie, don’t worry about this kinda stuff, you already got one overlord after ya, you don’t need to get wrapped up with another.”
Angel drew circles with his finger on the bed sheet. “I guess.”
Cherri was quiet for a moment before her voice picked up again, a little more excited. “Or maybe you can use radio freak to get Valentino off your back, he’s a pretty scary fucker.”
Angel almost cringed away from his phone. “I can’t just use Al like that.”
“I dunno, Angie, if you ask me he’s just as freaky as Valentino, he just doesnt have you on a leash yet.”
“I guess.” Angel fell quiet for a moment. “I think I’m gonna go, I got some stuff tomorrow…”
He hung up and lay back in his bed. Alastor wasn’t using him. Angel was good for one thing, and that was something Alastor never even flicked one freaky deer ear at. Did he? No. Alastor was creepy but not that flavour of creep. He sat up, hugging his knees to his chest. Did he just like him…for him? Was that possible? Alastor didn’t seem to truly like anyone but himself, his power. He was nice to Charlie because she had power, and he only worked on the Hotel to keep her close for the comfort of his own formidability. The princess of Hell, now that was a useful relationship. What did Angel have? A body and all the baggage and press attached to it. He cringed into himself. No one could truly love him and his morbid celebrity.
“Angel!” A cheery voice and knock at the door stole Angel’s attention away from himself. “Are you coming to the library tonight?”
Angel wiped his eyes on his sleeve, having not even noticed them begin to leak. “Uh, sure, give me…a moment.”
“Are you alright, my dear?” The wooden door groaned softly as Alastor apparently leaned on it.
Angel felt rooted to his spot in the bed. “I’m fine,” he promised. Alastor’s radio silence on the other side of the door spoke volumes. “I swear, I’ll be down in a minute.”
“No pressure, my dear,” Alastor’s voice called back, the cheer obviously forced into his voice. Angel could hear a soft click clack of his heels (or hooves maybe?) as he wandered back downstairs.
Angel wiped his eyes again, hauling himself up. He checked himself in the mirror, flashed himself a convincing smile, before venturing to the library himself. What he found was less than expected. Alastor had not assumed his usual spot on the couch, but instead Angel found him hovering at one of the large windows streaming moonlight onto the library floor. The soft hum of music swam in the air.
“Al, what’re you doing?”
Alastor glanced over his shoulder, his sharp features illuminated in pale light. “I felt like doing something a little different,” he said simply, strutting over to the spider demon. “Would you like to dance with me, mon cher?”
Angel was slightly taken aback. He looked around the room, not even sure what he was expecting to see other than the usual walls and shelves lined with books. He looked back at Alastor, who’d extended a hand. “Well, I, uh, I wouldn’t say this is the kinda dancing I usually do, Smiles,” he chuckled nervously, holding his hands up.
Alastor’s smile tapered ever so slightly as he ever so slightly leaned forward. “What’s the harm in a little fun, mon cher ?” he asked lightly.
Angel looked between Al’s face and his hand. He sighed. Why the hell not? He took the Radio Demon’s hand, and was immediately pulled close, closer than he expected. His hands found unsteady purchase at first, but as Alastor led him into a gentle sway, he relaxed and his hold became more sure. He’d been close to Al before but not like this. Alastor hummed to the music as he led Angel through something reminiscent of a waltz, just following the soft, classical music.
“None of your usual tunes today, Al?” Angel asked with humour in his voice.
Alastor shrugged. “I felt like a little something different for the night.”
“Stepping out of your comfort zone, huh?”
“I wouldn't call this a big deal.” He looked away. Angel couldn't read him, though he could almost swear…was that a faint flutter of red on his cheek? Angel felt a small cold chill run through him, though everything was normal again before he could process it. Alastor was smiling, they were dancing to the fancy music, hands on each other in ways they hadn’t been before. Angel just tried to act natural. This was fun, why ruin it?
“So…any interesting news today?”
Alastor seemed to light up a bit. His voice was nearly of sing-song quality as he happily described his visit to a meat market across the city and him acquiring the rib of an absolute brute of a sinner harassing passing folks downtown. “Maybe they don’t taste as sweet as someone more pleasant, but I’d call it a civic duty of mine to get such wretches off the street.”
Angel chuckled softly. Alastor was fucked up, but he’d long come to accept that fact.
“What about you, mon cher ?”
Angel stiffened slightly, his grip unintentionally tensing and relaxing on Al’s suit jacket. “It’s been okay…y’know, Val and that stuff.” He sighed. Alastor seemed to pull him slightly closer, Angel’s cheek brushing his chest.
“ Cet enfoiré ,” Alastor whispered, nearly to himself. Angel didn’t know what it meant but his tone was less than happy. Al pulled back slightly, giving Angel a hard look. “I don’t see why you tolerate that, that blaireau ,” he spat the last word with venom. Angel gave him a quizzical look. “Forgive me, I just…don’t appreciate your little… problem causer .”
Angel laughed, letting one of his hands run up Alastor’s back. “You don’t have to worry about me, Al, I know how to handle Val.”
“If I could, I’d kill him,” Alastor said with a coarse voice. “If not over his treatment of you and his other… employees …at least to get under Vox’s skin.” His smirk fell to a more annoyed leer. “I’m sure he tastes foul though.”
“Let’s not talk about him right now, Smiles,” Angel sighed softly. “Let’s just enjoy the music for a moment.”
They both fell silent, the music swelling about them as they swayed in each other’s arms. Alastor hummed, and Angel could feel the tune’s reverb as he rested his head on Al’s chest. Cherri can’t be right, he thought with a sudden warmth. Val was never like this, nice, once, sure, but not like this. Never like this.
“ Mon cher ?” Alastor purred after a time, minutes or hours Angel wasn't sure. “You’re asleep on your feet.”
“No I’m not,” Angel argued, fighting back a yawn. Alastor turned him in a circle before pushing him into the plush couch. It was only when the Radio Demon himself sat down did Angel notice he too seemed tired. “What about you?” Angel asked, shuffling closer. “I’ve never seen you look so tired.”
“We all have our bad days,” Alastor huffed, resuming an erect posture. “I think I’ll read for a while, but I won’t keep you, mon ange .”
Angel perked up. “That one’s new,” he said, drumming his fingers together.
Alastor looked at him quizzically. “What is?”
“‘Mon ong’ or whatever you just said.”
“ Mon ange ?” Alastor repeated, as if unaware he’d said it at all.
“What’s it mean?”
Alastor was quiet for a moment. “All good things, I assure you.”
Angel pouted. Alastor could spout whatever French he wanted at anyone else, but Angel was curious about anything said about him. “Then just tell me.”
Al tipped his head slightly to one side. “It means ‘my angel’.”
Angel was pleasantly surprised. “Oh.”
The Radio Demon shuffled a bit before reaching for one of the books resting on the small end table beside the couch. “Well, good night, my effeminate fellow.”
“You don’t get to ‘effeminate fellow’ me after calling me your Angel,” the spider demon blurted out. He leaned closer until he was nearly nose to nose with the overlord. “Where did that come from?” he asked more softly.
Alastor craned his neck to avoid Angel’s close proximity. The pigment returned to his cheeks and this time Angel knew it was real. Angel felt an anxious excitement worming its way through his belly. No way this was real. The Radio Demon…flustered over him? This could almost be a dream. “Alastor…”
“Don’t read into it too much, I implore you…”
“Al…”
“I misspoke…” The air around him fizzled with interference.
Angel leaned closer to his face until he could feel his own breath billowing in the curve of Alastor’s neck. “Misspoke?” he said innocently. “Then what did you mean to say?”
“I, er…” Static whined about him, almost painful to hear.
“Al…?” Angel properly placed himself in the Radio Demon’s lap, holding his face in his hands to make him look him in the eyes. Never had he seen the cool, collected Alastor so frazzled. “Please just talk to me, tell me something. ”
Alastor was silent all except for the static surrounding him. Then he sighed, putting his hands on Angel’s wrist but making no attempt to move them. “You could say I’m…fond of you, mon cher ,” he rasped, as if he himself couldn’t believe it. “You have proven yourself a pleasant companion in the time we’ve spent together.” Angel brushed a thumb over his cheek. Inside he was brimming with nerves. Was that it? His eyes must’ve implored Alastor to continue, for he continued after a weary moment. “This feeling is…unfamiliar to me, so forgive my clumsy way of handling it.”
Angel shook his head slowly. “Ya dummy,” he huffed. “You big fucking dummy, just say it, say it.”
This was the most startled Angel had ever seen Alastor look. “S-Say what?”
“Anything, Al, just…” Angel’s hands slid down to his chest. “The truth, just tell me the truth, Al.”
It was Alastor’s turn to place a hand on the other’s face, but that’s all he did. He said nothing, just looked back at Angel with a look so far from his usual expression it was staggering to see. Angel was fighting back a swirl of emotions, just waiting, silently begging him to say something. “Oh mon cher, ” he breathed, fingers delicately holding Angel’s soft face. His smile returned, a soft, much more genuine continence than his usual mask. “Words can not properly express this.”
Something in Angel’s mind just clicked. He tipped his head slightly to one side and leaned in, brushing his lips brushing to Alastor’s. The overlord was rigid beneath him before slowly sinking into the touch. Angel pulled back after a heartbeat, scanning Alastor’s face for any sign of anger or discomfort or any other undesirable emotion. But all he saw was Alastor, his face flushed, eyes wide. Neither moved for what felt like forever until Alastor finally huffed.
“ Mon ange ,” he breathed, so softly Angel wasn’t sure he’d actually heard it. Angel’s heart was drumming in his chest and he was sure Al could hear it as they pressed their foreheads together. “I don’t know what to say.”
“Don’t say anything…yet…please.”
Alastor obeyed, and for a little while they sat peacefully together. Angel combed his fingers through the Radio Demon’s hair, and Alastor stroked his back. So this is peace , Angel thought with an anxious flutter in his chest. He knew Valentino would kill him if he found out, but he didn’t need to find out. No one needed to know about this. No one would know about this. He thumbed Al’s lower lip, drawing a low sound from his throat.
“Our secret..?” Angel mumbled as he nuzzled the Radio Demon’s neck.
“Deal.”