Chapter Text
November.
Alastor hadn’t particularly minded November in life. The cooler temperatures meant he didn’t perspire as much in his preferred long sleeve shirts; the fresh harvest vegetables meant his jambalaya was exceptionally robust; and the crowds of people suddenly distracted with holiday plans meant he could secretly lure away his victims away with extra ease.
November had been dandy!
Now, however, in the afterlife… pardon his French, but November was une espèce de salaud…
He glared at the calendar page in his office marking the fresh month. Getting through last night’s ‘Happy Halloween’ party had been torture enough (all gore and attempts at psychological torture had been banned, leaving him gritting his teeth while he stabbed a pumpkin over and over under the guise of ‘carving it’). But now he had to deal with the fresh hell of November 1st — he couldn’t even begin… This wouldn’t just be one bad night, this would be an ENTIRE MONTH of ever-evolving torture.
He would have to make an exit from the hotel soon. Yet he couldn’t just up and leave for a full month when he’d only been here a few weeks. Charlie might think he had abandoned his post, and then all of his fun would be over, all of his carefully laid plans delayed and possibly derailed. No, no…he needed to stay here for as long as possible, casually plant the notion that he had to attend to an important rendezvous soon, then take his leave for a brief time at the height of his delicate situation and return by December 1st. If all went well, Alastor would be away no more than two weeks — enough time to be missed but not thought gone.
He could continue his hotel shenanigans, and no one would be any the wiser that he… that this particular time of year… that his specific demonic attributes would overtake his former human self to the point that…
The Radio Demon sighed deeply, arms crossed, ears flat. “Once a year you go into a bit of a ‘heat’, old man. Nothing to wear a frown about. You made it through the hellish years of puberty back on earth, you can make it through yet another extra hellish month here.”
Alastor swallowed but stood tall now, shoulders back, head high. He would be fine. He always came out fine in the end with each of his ‘seasons’. At the same time though, he could already feel his fingers twitching with anxiety, his stomach churning from nerves and impending hormones, a sense of dread clouding his thoughts.
He had never asked other demons who endured this experience how they handled themselves, but he was convinced they must have it easier since they all presumably enjoyed sex like most sinners. Indeed, mating time was was probably a carefree month of revelry for them! Instant relief through intercourse! Alastor knew he was different though. Frankly the thought of engaging with any other demon physically to relieve his nagging urges was so upsetting…so upsetting that…
“Oh merde…” Alastor realized his ears were down now and his eyes felt wet and his breath was hitching in his throat. He held tightly to his microphone. “Am I already so emotional?” He closed his eyes and took deep breaths. “No, no, not yet…I must maintain myself for at least another fortnight. You can do this, old boy.” His shadow appeared at his side now, eyes glowing red and antlers a bit larger than usual. Alastor glared at it. “Oh no, no, no — you’re dismissed for the month! If you had your way, we’d be going around mounting and being mounted by every demon with a pulse!” The shadow chuckled, smile growing wicked as Alastor made it disappear with a wave of his hand. Normally his constant companion could be relied upon to be at his beck and call for assistance, but this time of year the creature was a wily one fueled by instinct and eager to proposition any nearby sinner in the hopes of indulging its own instinctual urges. The shadow would be back to normal next month and apologetic like always.
For now though, Alastor was alone with his predicament.
He turned away from the calendar and straightened his bowtie. “No sense hiding in here a moment longer — I’ll just risk getting myself all the more worked up. A pleasant stroll throughout the hotel to give the business to our merry band of not-quite-redeemed sinners should take my mind off matters.” His smile was bright and he looked like his usual confident Radio Demon self. “And we’re off!” He swung a fist through the air and strolled out of his office.
Everything would be fine. Really. What could happen in a month?
__________________________________
Angel Dust, off of work today, found himself on cleanup duty in the lobby with Husk and Niffty after yesterday’s little Halloween bash. Streamers, balloons, and dishes of stale candy corn littered the room — signs of the weakest party he had ever been to in hell. Even his Sexy Husk costume (that had consisted of only a top hat, a bow tie, and a very minimal thong) hadn’t been enough to liven up the bash (though Husk had nearly slugged him, which had made things entertaining for at least a good five seconds). Alastor had been kind of fun to watch though — standing in a corner, stabbing a pumpkin he was claiming to be carving, one eye twitching.
The guy was a tightly wound pocket watch waiting to spring apart at the seams. And Angel had a feeling that once something finally gave, the Radio Demon could easily show everyone a good time. Too bad Charlie kept trying to reign him in.
Angel really didn’t have any guy friends unfortunately (just clients and coworkers and enemies), but ever since coming to this hotel he was getting close to having a friend in Husk despite the cat’s perpetual grumpiness (especially after he started listening to Husks’ stories about his life and offering to cover bar shifts for him to give the cat time off). Now Angel wanted to get to know Alastor more. In fact, he was determined to make friends with him. He had to figure out how to relate to Alastor beyond their occasional greeting and brief bout of joking flirtation.
Speaking of the Radio Demon, Angel suddenly heard the familiar click of his boots coming down the hall. He prayed Alastor would have some wacky bullshit to distract from how boring this clean up job was.
“Hi Alastor!” Niffty announced, waving to him with her broom before going back to pathologically sweeping the floors.
“Good day, Niffty!” Alastor nodded in her direction. Then he glanced over to Husk. “Husker.”
Husk scowled even more and sighed, dumping wrappers into a trash bag. “Yeah, hi. You here to help out?”
“Ha, no!” Alastor put on his laugh track. “Just making the rounds, as it were. Excellent work here, though it would’t kill you to do it with a smile!” He beamed.
Husk rolled his eyes and decided to pick up trash on the other side of the room.
Alastor watched him go with a smug glare…then one of his ears flicked and his head twitched to the side. His smile was unsettled for just a moment before returning to normal.
Angel noticed the whole thing. Interesting…
He decided to run with it. He strolled over to Alastor with his dust rag. “Hey, Smiles? Need an ear scratch or are ya just happy to see me?”
He had to start somewhere with talking to the guy more, and he expected Alastor to freeze up for a moment and then shoot back a witty reply like usual.
Alastor did indeed freeze as per usual…but then he stayed frozen…and kept staying frozen… There was a dull static sound coming from between those antenna-like antlers of his.
“Uh, Al? You who? Did ya blow a transistor or something?” Angel waved a hand in front of Alastor’s face.
Alastor’s eyes snapped back into focus and narrowed on Angel’s appendage as he stepped back with a scoff that almost sounded like a snarl. “Do NOT touch me!”
“I wasn’t trying to touch you!” Angel stepped back and held up his hands with a pout. “Sheesh, what, did ya not get your bowl of cannibal corn flakes this morning or something?”
For the first time, Angel saw a genuine flash of anger directed at him in Alastor’s suddenly seething glare. But then, just as suddenly, Alastor was clutching his microphone with both hands while his eyes darted from side to side. This look…if Angel had to pick a word for it, ‘distress’ was the first one that came to mind. What the hell did the all powerful, all mighty Alastor have to be distressed about though?
“Alastor?” Niffty had stopped cleaning and was looking up at him, biting her lip in worry.
Alastor released a long, shuddery breath. His shoulders relaxed. His grip loosened. And when he looked at her, it was with a genuine smile full of showmanship and care. “Niffty dear, yes, can I help you with anything?”
A bit of her smile returned. “No, thank you! Can I help you?” She clasped her hands hopefully.
He took a breath. “Ha! I’m afraid not, dear. I require nothing at the moment, but thank you as always for being available to serve!”
Her smile brightened and she nodded at him then went back to cleaning.
Alastor’s gaze went dull as he turned back in Angel’s direction, almost looking through him. “My apologies if I got your dander up, Angel Dust. I am a rather mercurial demon, you know — all the better to keep you on your toes and entertained! Ha!” His eyes narrowed a bit again, and his head cocked to the side at a sharp angle. “But do still keep your distance, my dear.”
Angel just watched this chaotic display with a confused look then nodded. He went back to cleaning cup rings off the coffee table. Of course he hadn’t been about to touch Alastor — he knew it made the demon uncomfortable. He just liked getting to joke and pal around with another guy who’s first instinct wasn’t to call him a slut or stare at his ass. If right now wasn’t the best time though, then no worries, there was always later.
Angel chanced a glance at Husk, figuring he could go back to trying to bond with the cat more. But Husk wasn’t scowling and grumbling like usual whenever Alastor acted on edge. Instead he was eyeing Alastor carefully…and Alastor was looking at him and then looking anywhere but at him and then looking at him…and glowing? Alastor’s brow furrowed now and one ear flicked, and Husk gave the smallest nod, like they were communicating something.
For a moment Angel had to admit he felt a flash of jealousy mixed with concern at seeing the confidentiality play out.
Husk casually drifted back closer to Alastor. “Hey, uh…I was gonna put on some coffee. Wanna come with me?”
“No…” The annoyed reply shot out of Alastor immediately. Husk didn’t budge an inch though. Alastor sighed deeply. “But I suppose I’ll entertain your request anyway! Let’s go… Now!” He headed to the kitchen at an almost frantic pace, and Husk trudged along behind him.
Angel watched them until they disappeared. Then he turned back to Niffty — she was chatty, maybe she’d let slip some kind of clue about what was going on.
She was just looking toward the kitchen though, frowning a little.
“Uh, Niffty? Something up, heh?”
“Yes! No!” She blushed. “Nothing to worry about, I mean!” She picked up the pace of her cleaning. “We’re almost done in here. I can finish up. Why don’t you go enjoy the rest of your day off, Miss Angel?”
Angel watched her with an eyebrow raised then finally set down his dust rag. “Yeah, okay. Thanks, Niffy.” He smiled at her. “I’ll see you later.”
“See ya, Angel!” She waved then went back to cleaning.
Angel headed up the stairs, but he went slowly, keeping an eye on the kitchen. Alastor was acting weird — maybe even a little flustered? Could that overly-poised overlord actually care enough to be hiding something? Something emotional? Angel couldn’t deny being curious. He also couldn’t deny feeling a little left out — he could help too, with whatever it was.
The spider would just have to make sure to run into Alastor later and remind him of his presence and of how swell of a guy he was.
And also if the deer demon opened up a little for once and cut the radio host act to tell him the truth, maybe he and Angel could even progress their acquaintanceship to a full-blown friendship that much more quickly.
It was going to be an interesting day off.
__________________________________
“November 1st on the dot — like fucking clockwork, huh?”
Alastor hissed through his fangs and would have seriously considered murdering Husker if he didn’t need his assistance so dearly at the moment. They were in the kitchen and had just finished confirming the undeniable truth that Alastor was all set to be in his ‘season’ for the next four weeks and would require Husker to make excuses for him and keep others from engaging with him as much as possible. There was no need for the cat to get cheeky though.
“Shut up…” Alastor settled on as a reply in a low voice, eyes narrowed. “If anything the predictability is a convenience.”
“You should just bail on this place now then.” Husk crossed his arms. “Go mysteriously hide in your radio tower like you always do this time every year, pretending you’re planning heinous crimes, and then come back next month. I’m sure Charlie’ll be waiting for you with a big mug of egg nog and a fake red reindeer nose to celebrate Christmas.” He smirked a little.
Alastor clenched his jaw. “Do not. Mock me. Husker.”
“I’m trying. To make a point. Alastor.” Husk scowled again and jerked his thumb in the direction of the lobby. “You’re not going to lose first dibs on your new hotel toy if you just go do your thing for a few weeks. The princess needs you. And Niffty and I’ll still be here to hold down the fort. Why are you trying to push it by sticking around for the first couple weeks of your ru—”
A screech of feedback kept Husk from finishing the last word. Alastor’s eyes became radio dials for a moment then returned to normal, though they glowed red. “Because I should not HAVE to abandon my post for a month just to cater to the whims of this altered body! I am powerful and deadly and in control! I am perfectly capable of lingering here for a couple of weeks if I choose! And I do choose!” His breaths were shallow, and his antlers had elongated.
“So the plan is to torture yourself to prove a point? Okay, just making sure we’re on the same fucking page for this terrible idea.” Husk held up his hands. “You can calm down now!”
Alastor smirked, feeling static build around his ears and dark magic swirl over his head. “Hmm… why? Am I frightening you, Husker?” He let his fangs flash and jutted his chest forward, eyeing Husk up and down.
“You’re looking at me like you can’t decide if I’m food or something to be fucked — so, yeah, I’d say that’s pretty damn frightening,” Husk spat, taking a step away.
Alastor’s eyes widened, and instantly the glow left his eyes and his antlers returned to normal. He clutched his microphone to his chest. “I was doing no such thing.” Yet, the denial sounded unconvincing, even to him.
“Yeah, you were. I know both those looks.” Husk rolled his eyes to the side. He added with a mumble, “And I already told ya long ago…if you ever want to go a few rounds to try getting it out of your system — no commitment, no baggage, we never talk about it again — I’m open to it as long as I’m on top—“
“Shut UP!” Alastor wanted to scream, but the words came out as more of a desperate whine. “You know how I feel about… Ugh!” For a moment he wanted to grab his ears and bury his face against his microphone and lament how he could manage to get over every part of being a demon except this one. But with a shaky breath the moment subsided. When his eyes found Husk again, the cat was watching him with a look Alastor couldn’t abide beyond all others: pity.
Husks’ voice was gentle. “I know. I just…don’t know what else to offer when you’re like this.”
Alastor could have cried at the small, sentimental moment. He craved the sudden kindness but also didn’t feel like he deserved it. Why the hell did he care anyway? And for that matter why was his face suddenly flushed while hot tears welled in his eyes. “Indeed…indeed,” Alastor choked out. He took a breath and composed himself again, standing tall. He was fine, everything was fine, everything would be back to normal soon. “Ha, but all I need is your assurance that you’ll run interference with the rest of the hotel while I weather the start of the storm. And you’ve agreed to provide it, so I do believe we’re all done here!”
Husk eyed him for a moment longer then just nodded and sighed. “Yeah, I’ll do it. But I still don’t like you playing fast and loose about this. Really try to keep to yourself. Last thing we need is you accidentally almost jumping into bed with someone here on instinct.”
“Never!” The word came out like a static filled growl. Then Alastor returned to normal with his big bright smile. “Ha, good one though! But I do believe that’s enough catty remarks from you for now. You’re dismissed, Husker!” He gestured to the door with his microphone, causing it to open. “With my…appreciation,” he managed to add with some stubbornness.
“Yeah…whatever.” He nodded. “Look maybe cook yourself an early dinner tonight and get to bed, huh? If you’re sleeping you’re not suffering, right? I’ll keep an eye on everything.” With a sigh, Husk strolled into the lobby and the door closed behind him.
Alastor let out a deep breath in relief. At least everything was all set up with Husk, and now he wouldn’t have to broach the awkward subject with him again. Perhaps he would indeed retire early. Certainly he deserved that much leeway for his first day of this debilitating season. He was rather peckish too, now that Husk had mentioned it.
Alastor turned to the stove…and sighed. Cooking was a favorite pastime of his. But suddenly the idea of going through the long ordeal of meal preparation, even with his magic to help, seemed exhausting. Not to mention his stomach felt both queasy yet empty with no clear craving for anything; a common symptom for him time of the year. He would have gladly eaten a fresh beignet (or two or three) if they were immediately at hand — a well-made pastry was always the ticket in times of crisis. But it was hard to imagine having the energy to go through the lengthy process of preparing them right now. And as for manifesting them with his magic, it was out of the question. Proper recipes had to be properly homemade.
Of course, he could ask Niffty to whip up something for him while he laid down. Though they would never share a direct word about the matter, he knew that she knew about his yearly situation. And she would want to help. He really cared for Niffty a great deal. Husk followed orders out of habit, but she followed orders out of attachment. She was a darling, and sometimes he didn’t know what he had done to warrant fate gifting him with her service. He wanted to hug her very much all of a sudden and thank her for staying with him willingly instead of begrudgingly.
No, if he was already getting this emotional at the mere thought of Niffty, he couldn’t go to her for assistance right now. Blasted hormones. He strolled across the room and opened the fridge to see if there might be anything ready he could make a meal of. He bent low at the waist, examining the contents from the bottom up, humming to himself as he did so.
“Alastor front and center and bent over — I wanted a snack, but look at me getting a whole meal, heh…”
Alastor straightened up with a piercing screech of static, his eyes widened at the sound of Angel Dust’s voice suddenly right behind him, and his ears swiveled back.
Angel sighed and lost his teasing tone. “Okay, I get it — normally you’re not the biggest fan of flirty jokes, but for today you really can’t stand ‘em. I’ll reign myself in, Al. Promise.” The spider came up beside him, and Alastor shifted his eyes to look at him.
Angel was just smiling, resting his arms and head on the edge of the fridge door while he glanced insider. “Ya thinking of cooking something?”
“Er…no…I mean yes! I mean, I’m unsure. Merely perusing the bounty we have for ideas.” Alastor’s eyes shifted back to the fridge. “I don’t believe I’m up for cooking this evening — I was hoping there might be some decent leftovers.”
“Ah.” Angel replied in understanding. He raised an eyebrow and glanced at Alastor now. “You feeling okay? You look a little flushed…” Angel raised a hand, like he was going to feel Alastor’s forehead, and Alastor was ready to rip the fridge door off its hinges when the spider paused and lowered his hand. “Sorry, instinct, heh. My Ma used to check my forehead like that all the time. Ya do look a little red though, Al.” He frowned.
Alastor’s ears drooped slightly. “Merely the result of an invigorating conversation with Husker, ha. He is quite the scamp sometimes!”
“Anything I can help with?” Angel grinned, eagerly leaning over the fridge door toward Alastor.
Alastor raised an eyebrow, holding his microphone close again. “Are you so very in want of entertainment, Angel Dust?”
The spider shrugged. “It’s my day off. Just seeing if I can be helpful.” He winked.
Alastor felt hot all the way down his chest at the same time that his stomach twisted in a distinctly upsetting way. He was grateful for the cool air of the fridge to keep him steady. He was less grateful that part of him suddenly wished Angel would keep leaning closer to him. He focused on the food again. “Yes, well, there’s nothing to be helpful about. The matter is resolved. And I intend to turn in early this evening. You’ll have to entertain yourself I’m afraid.”
He felt Angel eyeing suspiciously for a moment longer. Finally the spider sighed. “Okay, but there is one thing I can help ya with. Your dinner situation!” Before Alastor could insist on the contrary, Angel came around the fridge door and leaned down to get a good look inside himself. He did so just as Alastor was inhaling, and the scent of his floral perfume was quite…nice. Angel was quite nice too, sometimes, maybe. He was funny and witty. And he looked soft and warm. When was the last time Alastor had let himself near a body that wasn’t limp and freshly bleeding out on the floor of his radio studio? The spider spoke again as he pulled a covered dish out of the fridge and stood tall once more with a smile. “I’ve got some leftover sausage and peppers with angel hair and marinara. Honestly, it tastes even better when it sits for a day. I’ll make ya a plate.” He headed over to the counter.
Alastor blinked several times and closed the fridge. “I couldn’t impose…”
“Hey, you’re doing me a favor, I always make too much when I cook. It’s an Italian thing.” Angel had already scooped a hearty serving onto a dish and was covering it partially with tin foil. “I’ll just pop this into the oven for ya. In twenty minutes, it’ll be nice and warm.”
“Oh, er…allow me. This’ll be faster too, hah!” Alastor snapped his fingers. The dish hovered in the air over an open green flame, and instantly the smell of warm food filled the air.
Angel chuckled. “Hey, neat trick, heh!” He turned to Alastor again, arms crossed with a grin. “Now you make sure to eat it all. Starve a cold, feed a fever. I still think you’re running a little hot under the collar.”
‘You have no idea…’ Echoed in Alastor’s mind as he nodded with a bright grin of his own. “Irrelevant since I always clean my plate anyway, ha! But thank you for your assistance, I do believe this will hit the spot quite nicely!” He stepped closer, eyes hazed and looking up to meet Angel’s. “Your concern is duly noted though. As well as your care.”
Angel blinked then his eyes hazed as well. “I think you’re getting delirious with hunger cuz it sounds like you’re flirting back with me for once, Smiles.”
It took Alastor a second too long to reply with, “Ha! No!” And he knew it was a second too long, and Angel’s little blush and growing smile made it clear to him that the spider knew as well. Alastor cleared his throat. “Er, I do believe the food is thoroughly heated. I’ll be heading to my room! Ta ta, Angel!” Alastor grabbed the plate and dashed out of the kitchen as quickly as his shaking legs could carry him. He trotted up the stairs, trying not to think of how satisfying it had felt to have Angel provide for him in this small way. Like a buck tending to a doe… or maybe like he was the buck being fawned over by a doe. “It’s the hormones, it’s the hormones…” he mumbled to himself. He found his door, quickly shut himself inside his room, and locked up behind him with a snap. Alastor the Radio Demon was no longer open for business for the evening.
__________________________________
Angel remained in the kitchen, smirking a little, head tilted. “Oh yeah, something’s definitely up. Hmm…if I didn’t know better, I’d think you had a girl up in your room you were trying to hide, Smiles. Or maybe a guy? Just another demon in general? Honestly, if I hadn’t just seen him behind the bar, I’d think it was Husk at this point.” He chuckled to himself. “Either that or you’re sick with mono or an STD and seriously embarrassed about it.” His smile fell a little. “Ya did seem a little…over exerted. Maybe this is how you act when you’re catching something?” He raised his head with a determined look. “Well, I’m gonna make sure to stock us up on all the nourishing food I can make! Pastina with butter, Italian Wedding Soup with chicken broth, maybe a little warm focaccia with fennel and olive oil. I’ll make even more than I usually do each night, and if ya want some ya can take some. And hey, maybe I do this for you, you see I’m a nice guy and open up to me like pals — equals! Friends!”
Angel nodded to himself with an eager smile then started scouring the cabinets for ingredients. “I’ll get tomorrow’s food prepared now since I got time anyway. I can be a great guy to pal around with, Smiles. You’ll see.” He began to boil a pot of water with a bright look.
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Up in his room, Alastor laid on his bed, eating the food with a serene smile, knees pulled into his chest. He already felt better just being alone now, something warm in his belly, knowing he was safe from prying for the night. These next couple of weeks certainly wouldn’t be too terrible. He could manage. He was strong enough to do that much. Husker would see, and so would everyone else even if they didn’t know all the details — Alastor the Radio Demon was not to be controlled by his body. This was his opportunity to prove that claim to himself, and he was going to take it…even if some discomfort…and dismay…and possibly some near-debauchery might be in the cards to manage as well.
“At least all of the symptoms haven’t kicked off in full swing yet. Perhaps my resolution will make them take their sweet time, ha!” He took another fervent bite of food and moaned a little. “My, Angel is an excellent cook…” He tried not to blush as he closed his eyes, turned on his radio, and listened to music in a state of perfect bliss.