By The Light Of The Blood Moon

The Morning After

It was fully noon before Angel Dust emerged from his room. He had awoken around 10:30, but by the time that he had bathed (and dried, no small task) gotten dressed and gathered up Nuggets, who was very ready for his walk, a lot of time had passed. He had the little porker on his bright pink leash and was slowly descending the stairs while checking in on his social media accounts on his phone when he managed to pass Alastor, who was going up the stairs.

"Good afternoon, my dear" crooned Alastor cheerfully, only the tightness of his eyes betraying the incredible headache.

"Well good afternoon to you, hot stuff" Angel answered playfully. "How's the head feelin' sweetheart?" he said in an almost whisper, as he pretended to dust off the other's shoulder.

"I can honestly say it's felt better, darling." He mumbled in reply with a slight wince. "I assume that you helped me to get to my room last evening?" Alastor's bright crimson eyes were locked with Angel's as he inquired.

"Sure did, toots." Angel smiled.

"I thank you for the assistance. I apologize," he said, a slight blush creeping into his face, "it appears that I may have overestimated my limits with the bourbon." He looked back to Angel's face "I hope I wasn't too much trouble."

"Honey," laughed Angel "You were no trouble at all, ya big goof." He patted Alastor on the shoulder, noticing that he no longer seemed to recoil even slightly from Angel's touch. That certainly was progress. "Got any big lunch plans?" asked Angel, brightly.

"I was hoping to catch up with a close friend over lunch today. I haven't had much luck in getting them alone for a few minutes these last couple days." He smiled at Angel, who seemed disappointed.

"Oh." He said, the regret etched into his voice as he looked down. He was going to have to get moving soon, Fat Nuggets was getting restless and soon would be squealing instead of the quiet grunting he was doing now.

"So," asked Alastor gently, lifting Angel Dust's chin with his left hand, "Are you free for lunch today? I think we are both overdue for some time to talk things over"

Angel's face brightened up as the realization set in. "For you," he said with a grin, "anything. But I do need to walk Nuggets first."

"It's agreed then." Said Alastor, looking very satisfied. "how about if we meet downstairs in about 45 minutes? Will that be long enough, doll?" Angel just nodded, his smile had only grown larger. "I do love that smile. You should smile more often, love. It suits you." And with that, he continued his way up the staircase, as Angel made his way, bemused, to the back garden to let Nuggets have his run.

Alastor had made good use of the 45 minutes that he had before needing to meet Angel Dust downstairs. He wanted to have some time with Angel away from anyone else that might distract them, so he decided that it might be best to try doing something a little different for lunch. Instead of trying to have whet needed to be a somewhat private conversation in the midst of a crowded diner or other establishment, Alastor quickly decided that a different route would be in order. He tossed a few things into a bag and did a quick cleanup and was soon on his way to the ground level of the hotel to meet up. It was almost as if Angel was as ready to carve out some private time as Alastor was. When Alastor made his way down the stairs with the small bag tucked under his arm, Angel was already waiting for him, sitting in Alastor's favorite chair by the fireplace. If there had been anyone else sitting in his chair, he would have said something, but strangely enough, it didn't bother him that Angel was sitting in it. He supposed that might be because they were both sharing parts of their souls. He decided to not think about it too much, just accept things as they are. That would make it easiest, right?

"Are we ready to depart, then, my dear?" asked Alastor, offering his elbow for Angel's elegant hand.

"Why yes," answered Angel, smiling almost wide as his companion, "I do believe we are ready." With that he placed his left hands on the offered arm and they both strolled out the door together.

"Aaaaaaw!" said Charlie, as she had been peeking into the room and watched the whole scene unfold. "So sweet!" she exclaimed, clasping her hands in the middle of her chest.

"They need to just get a room already." Grumbled Husker, rolling his eyes and taking another gulp of his cheap booze.

"But they already have rooms?" said Nifty, as she stopped dusting for a moment and looked confusedly at Husker, who sighed and walked into the back. "Why would they need more rooms?" Nifty questioned, chasing after Husker.