Chapter LXVII: Chapter LXVII: Finale
As time went on, the Thorns have been bonding more together. Cherri and Sir Pentious made it clear that they were dating again, and the siblings had suspicions that they'd been 'sleeping' together. It was, however, cute to see them when Cherri dressed in Victorian dress while Sir Pentious was dressed in the popular looks of the 1980's, though he often looked ridiculous in them he seemed to enjoy it.
It also got pretty cute when the both of them dressed in outfits reflecting time periods that neither of them lived in, and it motivated Alastor and Franco to dress a bit more modern. Then, they would find Cherri and Sir Pentious either doing projects in the workshop, walking the gardens, or even getting cozy on a couch together.
As far as dates went, they would go for a dinner and a movie or play – one time they had a double-date with Angel and Alastor to see Shakespeare's 'Taming of the Shrew' – go out to dance, visit the Library to play out a romantic tale, or go to rent cars to go drag racing with some thrill-seeking souls and former demons.
Ω Ω Ω
With time in paradise starting to run low, the Thorns had closed the B&B part of the Beelze-Belfry to direct more of their attention to each other and outside friends. Now – for a few nights of the week – they would gather to play music together, Sir Pentious or Alastor would tell stories with their dramatic voices and personas – Alastor would sometimes use his magic for special effects – or simply pile together slumber-party style to watch a movie. If the night took them outside, their wanderings often took them to clubs, museums, or parks.
Franco walked into the kitchen one afternoon and found Angel and Alastor preparing pizzas for lunch. Of late he'd been trying to form a better relationship with them, though it sometimes led to bickering.
"Hey, care for an extra hand?" he asked.
"Ha! If we needed extra hands, I'd just turn demon!" Angel replied, earning a humored smirk from Alastor, but Alastor looked over to Franco and told him: "If you'd like to help, you can dice the peppers and onions."
As Franco approached, Alastor passed him a knife and pushed the peppers and onions his way while Angel asked: "What's been up wit' ya?"
"I sucked as ya brotha, didn't I?" he replied.
"Can't say I have the fondest memories of ya durin' life, made some decent ones when we were at the Hotel."
"Might be late, but I'd like ta be a better one for the next life," Franco stated as he chopped his veggies.
"Are ya sayin' that ta reduce chances of one o' us breakin' ya face in the future?" Angel asked.
"Nah, I figure by bein' the sweet one, I'd be Mama's favorite," Franco told him with a smirk, and it sparked a playful argument accented with insults.
Noticing that the brothers weren't paying attention, Alastor's shadow brought out some pre-chopped pineapple and threw it on all the pizzas and buried them in cheese and the other toppings and threw them into the oven as Franco snapped: "Ah, go wash the dick taste outta ya mouth! You're spoutin' jizz!"
"The fuck ya talkin' about, I haven't given head in literal years!"
"The hell? Then who was ya last blow?"
"Fuck off, Niss!" Angel snapped
Alastor flashed them radio-dial eyes, a wicked angered smile, and let out a few low tones that snapped them out of their banter.
"Ah-uh, sorry Alastor, Anthony to you too," and then Franco wandered out of the room. When he was out of earshot, Alastor asked: "Angel, Franco's last question… Was it a demon that hurt you?"
Angel wrapped his arms tighter around himself: "Y-Yeah, but ya gave me vengeance for it… Hey now, where're the pizzas?"
"The oven, darling, I finished them while you and Franco were bickering… Do you need anything before lunch?"
"Nah, just gonna hang out wit' the ladies for a bit."
When Angel left, Alastor knew he would have to do something, he didn't much like the idea of it, but he couldn't allow Angel's last memory of doing something that he used to enjoy be with a demon that hurt him, and given what Angel said about vengeance, it was likely a demon that he'd torn to bits. No, that wouldn't do at all; and he knew that Angel – along with the forces of Heaven – wouldn't let him not enjoy it, though the mere thought of what he was planning to initiating made his skin crawl. It was alright though, he welcomed even the most subtle of unpleasant sensations, it made him feel more alive. So, he made up his mind to 'try something' to make sure that Angel's last was pleasant.
However, there was lunch to put on the table first.
…
"So, you flipped the switch and the duck exploded?" Molly questioned, as she looked across the table to Cherri Bomb and Sir Pentious, Franco and Angel flanked her sides while they waited for Alastor to bring out lunch.
"It was – thankfully – a rubber duck," Sir Pentious replied.
"What a waste of rubber," Angel interjected, earning him side-eyes for possible lewd implications.
"Face it Pen, rubber ducks just aren't meant to be made into funny, flying, glow toys," Cherri sighed.
"Whateva 'appened to ya ray guns?" Angel asked him.
"I couldn't work on them without the threat of being Cleaned out of here."
At that, the cherubs flittered into the dining room and served them drinks and then went back to help Alastor bring out the pizzas.
He came out, grinning brightly, placed the pizza he was carrying, and joined his fellow Thorns at the table.
Molly was the first to help herself to a couple slices, soon followed by the others. However, upon biting into it she noticed that there was a topping that provided a flavor that she wasn't quite familiar with on a pizza, but it provided an interesting compliment to the sauce and cheese. It wasn't the anchovies, that was for sure. She happily took a couple more bites – as did her brothers – but then a small cube of the mystery topping fell off her slice and onto her plate.
Molly leaned in and poked at it, taking note of the bright yellow color and the fibrous texture, and then screamed: "AAAIIIEE! IT'S PINEAPPLE!"
Her brothers nearly choked, dropped their slices, and then shot nasty glares Alastor's way. Only he would dare to commit such a culinary atrocity on the noble pizza!
Alastor only laughed and then told them: "You were all enjoying it just a moment ago, so no complaints now."
"You Prick," Franco muttered.
"I can't fuckin' believe that this shit actually tasted… decent," Angel added.
"Watch your language; and what do you mean that you can't believe it? You've all been eating my cooking for a few years now!" Alastor replied incredulously
"Well, how the blazes did ya even put on the pineapple in the first place? I was right there at ya side!"
"With a little help from my shadow and your combative brother. You were so occupied with bickering that it gave me plenty of time to put on my favorite topping."
The siblings shook their heads at him, but – despite the fuss – they continued eating.
Cherri spoke up to break the fallen silence: "Hey, listen, since we're planning on throwing a big sendoff party that'll blow this place up, I was thinking that it might be possible if we could make it a real rager."
"Yeah? How so?" Franco asked.
"A party that would sprawl all over the property, drinks going around, some dancing that goes a little scandalous…"
"Wait, ya mean like pole dancin'?" Angel asked.
"Yeah, c'mon, Angie, we used to have fun with that Downstairs."
"We might be able ta get away wit' that if we keep the moves tamer and the costumes a bit modest – no corsets or banana hammocks for me."
"Anthony!" Franco exclaimed, pulling a face of disgust.
"Ah, shove it, Niss! B'Sides, gotta make sure my otha half would be alright wit' it… Wha'cha think, Smiles?"
There was a pause while Alastor was either frozen or lost in thought before he replied: "Why not? It's only dancing, right? Wouldn't be your fault if other guests find it stimulating, and it wouldn't make much sense for a Cleaner to Mark us if we're going to be cast out of here right after."
"Wait, there's one more thing too… The cherubs… Collin, Nadine, and Mitzi have been a good help to us. We should do something special for them just to show some gratitude," Cherri added.
"Ya got a point there… One nice big favor ought ta take care of that," Angel told her.
…
After lunch Alastor caught up with Cherri and Molly in one of the halls.
"Oh, I'm glad that you two are here together, I could use your help," he told them.
"With what?" Molly asked.
"Why are you blushing?" Cherri added.
"Well, I – oh-ooh dear – I would like to do something special for Angel… Molly, I was hoping that you'd be willing to keep him preoccupied tomorrow while I prepare."
"Sure thing, but prepare for what?"
Alastor's silence combined with a reddening face spoke volumes. Molly and Cherri's eyes lit with realization as Molly told him: "Don't ya worry, Alastor, I'll take care of him for the day."
"Thank you, that's all I need from you right now… Cherri, may I borrow you for a moment, alone that is?"
Cherri shrugged and led the way to an unoccupied room.
"What is it?" she asked
"As Angel's friend… has he ever spoken of any… fantasies – is that the right term – to you?"
"You mean – like – with you in the bedroom?"
Alastor emitted a tone, shuffled his stance, and steadied himself with some breathing.
"Hey-hey , you're okay, and I'm alright to talk about this, no need to panic!" Cherri exclaimed, fighting to keep her voice down. When Alastor was calmed, she told him: "Yeah, Angie's expressed a few fantasies, and I know a few of his kinks – thanks to his former line of work. Do you want to hear them?"
Alastor gave a nod.
"Okay, I know he enjoyed giving head to warm up his clients, and when he was busy down there he liked it when they grabbed his hair – grabbed, but didn't pull. When he 'took it', he often enjoyed restraints – rope, handcuffs – so long as the clients were more respectful to him. With more limber clients he had fun with some more… complex positions. With you, I know you get a little nippy, and he's into it. If you're up to mix all together, he's going to have a lot of fun."
"Thank you… now, what about appearances?" Alastor asked.
Cherri softened up more and spoke: "Come with me, I'll show you some movie clips that might be able to help you out."
Ω Ω Ω
Angel should be back soon. Alastor thought as he looked through their combined wardrobes for ideas on what to wear.
He had altered the bed – made it bigger with four posters and enshrouded with gossamer curtains – and covered it with silk sheets and a few decorative pillows.
For sensual attire – thanks to some helpful tips from Cherri and some videos – Alastor picked out some boxers with a cute print and then borrowed one of Angel's button-up shirts – pink with white pinstripes and only buttoned a few lower buttons – and accessorized with an untied bowtie.
Nine blazes, I look ridiculous, he thought as he looked in the mirror, but he looked like something out of the pictures that Cherri showed him. He turned and brought out a whiskey bottle and a couple glasses, he downed a shot of 'liquid courage' and poured one for Angel – though he would suspect that Angel would not be thirsting for whiskey upon arriving to all this.
He then got onto the bed – the blankets folded down to the foot – and assumed a position: facing the door, propped up on his left elbow, his body resting on his left hip, and his left leg stretched out; his right foot rested flat and behind his left knee, his right knee propped up to point towards the ceiling, and with his right arm wrapped around it.
Angel's voice came muffled down the hall, heightening Alastor's sense of anticipation as it drew closer, it then stopped, and the door opened.
Angel was shocked to walk in and find Alastor propped so alluringly on the bed, a shirt opened to expose his chest – and in a pink shirt as a means to flatter him! The boxers, oh the boxers were so damn cute!
"A-Alastor… what's goin' on?"
"It's a lovely night, mon cher, care to have a drink and enjoy it with me?" he replied, pointing to the whiskey glass.
Angel approached and took the drink with a blush rising to his face, and then he noticed: "Isn't that my shirt?"
"It is… Would you like me to take it off?"
Angel snorted – more out of surprise than humor – and brought his hands to his mouth, his face turned completely red.
Hmm, it must be a gay panic. Alastor thought. Since Angel didn't reply, he undid the rest of the buttons on the shirt and threw the loose bowtie at Angel before telling him in his Creole accent: "You remember the first thing you ever said to me, it was a proposition that I refused. Well – mon amor – tonight I've decided that I want to consent to it."
"EEP!" Angel yelped, then his eyes lit pink, and he started fanning himself with one hand. When he regained his composure, he couldn't help but to ask: "Ya sure?"
"I am… I thought about what you told Franco in the kitchen, and I really couldn't let your last time doing 'that' be your last time – not in this afterlife."
"Okay, gimme a sec," Angel told him. He opened his wardrobe, brought out a small box, and pulled out a wrapped condom: "A compromise, ya told me what made the idea of a blowjob uncomfortable to ya, and I had a small hope that ya might consent, I just didn't want ta push ya… Protection, but ya won't lose the sensation."
He unwrapped the condom – a bright red one – Alastor adjusted his position so that he was more on his back, elbows propped up on the pillows, legs spread.
Angel started climbing onto the bed, taking care not to key Alastor in that he was quite excited for this opportunity, though he nearly started to drool as he slowly leaned over Alastor and brushed his fingers down Alastor's chest and midriff, bringing his hand to a rest over the crotch of his boxers: "I'll be gentle, just close your eyes, and relax… Feel free ta hug a pillow if things get intense."
Alastor followed Angel's instructions, everything was observed through feel from that point: Angel shifting his weight on the on the bed, positioned between his legs, Angel's fingers brushing one hand over his midriff again, Angel's cheek brushing against his inner thigh, soon followed by hands gripping the waistband of his boxers and then pulling them down his legs, he then felt Angel's gentle grip on his shaft before stroking it, and soon after that, Angel's kisses going up his length as it stiffened.
It's okay, Alastor, he'll know what to do, he'll be gentle… He needs this, he's been craving it for years, and he's waited so patiently for you to be ready. Alastor thought to himself as he felt Angel rolling the condom onto him, soon followed by the sensation of Angel slowly licking his shaft from base to tip – he didn't know it but the condom was strawberry-flavored – and to his surprise, the condom still allowed him to feel every bit he would've felt if he were unsheathed.
Then Angel kissed Alastor's tip and took his package into his mouth and he managed to slide part of him down his throat. He heard Alastor let out a slight gasp followed by a slight whimper while his legs each gave a spasm. It was a new experience, so he shrugged it off as discomfort caused by confusion. He continued, enjoying the taste of Alastor through a strawberry sheath while he bobbed up and down on his husband's endowments.
Oh my holy fuck! He's letting me suck his dick, and what a treat! Okay Angel, he's an asexual cannibal, so don't make any sounds to suggest that you find him tasty.
After a moment of thought, Angel experimented by humming a few notes and was rewarded by Alastor gripping his hair with one hand, the sheets with the other, and a surprised 'Ah'. Angel continued humming and suddenly he started hearing music play – emanating from Alastor – and upon a closer listen, he realized that Alastor was playing the tune that he happened to be humming. Curiosity was starting to take over arousal as he started humming a different tune – while still 'servicing' Alastor – and a new song started playing, and Alastor's breathing was turning a bit more heated. His cock was throbbing harder too, which only signaled to Angel that he was enjoying it.
Angel – Alastor noticed – was as gentle as ever, and the vibrations of his humming added a pleasant sensation that was quite stimulating, and triggered him to play those tunes.
However, when he realized that he was starting to reach his climax, his breathing coming out in huffs and slight moans now, he realized what would happen should Angel finish him, and that he was almost there!
"Ange-ANGEL!" and then Alastor let out his static hum.
Angel pulled away just in time – at least as far as Alastor was concerned – the condom held a spent load but the shaft was still standing. Angel was letting out some slight giggles: "Okay, that was probably the most fun I've eva had givin' head… Did I find your tunin' knob?"
"P-Perhaps you did, I didn't know your humming could make me feel that."
"I had a feelin' ya liked it, so why'd ya panic?"
"I-I couldn't… Not in your mouth."
Angel assumed a sultry pose: "So, lemme get this straight: ya think it's alright ta eat the flesh of a man, but not ta swallow his seed?"
The thought of swallowing that was enough to make Alastor physically gag.
"Apparently," Angel muttered.
Alastor sat up and caught his breath: "Sh*t, I didn't want to end the night here," and he cast a quick glance to his groin – still erect.
"What's gotten inta ya, Smiles?" Angel asked curiously.
Alastor drew a breath and told him: "Angel, we have such little time left up here, and I'd rather put my energy into things other than sex. I wanted tonight to be good for you because I've no intentions of doing this again."
"Why didn't ya tell me earlier?"
"I guess I should've given you the heads' up that I want this to be our last round… but because I want tonight to be special for you, I wanted to give you something that you've wanted but I hadn't been ready for… I even thought that it would be nice for you to have one of your fantasies."
"Heh, what d'ya know 'bout my fantasies?"
"I asked Cherri about them… She said that you have a flair for restraints."
Blush rose into his cheeks: "That had ta be an awkward topic… As a matter of fact I've thought how fun it would be if ya worked a little magic with your shadow tentacles."
"I believe I could work with that, but can we clean up a bit first?"
…
Angel went to brush his teeth while Alastor cleaned himself off a bit and incinerated the condom.
Back in the bedroom, they had switched into their demon forms for some added fun, and soon Angel had tentacles wrapped around his four arms and holding his legs spread, enjoying the feeling of another tentacle slithering about his cock while Alastor combed through his fluff with clawed hands and nipped at his ribs.
"Heh, bet those would taste pretty good to ya," Angel mused aloud, he was rewarded with a good 'CHOMP', he yelped as teeth pierced his skin and drew blood.
"Delicious, dear," Alastor told him in a distorted voice, he didn't rip any flesh away, but he left a decent bite mark. Alastor then lowered himself to kiss Angel by the wound to make it feel better, and left a hickey.
Then Alastor moved in to penetrate Angel, leading into a session that had normal humping but with restraints and caresses of shadow tentacles. To Angel, they felt like snakes if – instead of scales – they were covered in suede or velvet.
…
"That was a lovely performance, Smiles," Angel stated as Alastor pulled up his pajama pants, both were in angelic form again.
"Thank you," he replied in a gentle tone.
"So, if ta-night is the last big gift that you're goin' ta give me, what is somethin' that I can do for you?"
"I'd like my wish for abstinence honored, but as for doing something, I'd like to dace a whole night away with you – destination, your choice, be it a New Orleans speakeasy or a fairy tale ball."
"Okay, fairy tale ball sounds like fun – I might like seein' ya as Prince Charming ta my Cinderella… Now – uh – for the bedroom…"
"I'll happily hold and kiss you, and even consent to some fondling – if I'm in demon form you can pet my 'ears' all night – but that's as far as I want to go."
"Alright, that'll be enough for me," Angel replied.
Ω Ω Ω
Cherri assembled the Thorns and cherubs into the parlor, and then announced: "Collin, Nadine, and Mitzy, you know that we Thorns are due to be reborn soon, and for all your service, we wanted to do you a favor as a show of gratitude."
The cherubs huddled together to deliberate for a moment, and then Nadine announced: "We want to go to Joyland with all six of you!"
"Three days!" Collin added.
"Okay, exactly how is that a favor for you?" Cherri asked them.
Collin floated forward: "We won't be able to look down to watch you as kids when you leave. A trip to Joyland will give us our best look at how you'll interact at that age."
"Besides, it will give us a chance to dote on you," Mitzi added shooting a glance to Alastor – he had on a couple more occasions treated her like his little child.
"Alright guys, to Joyland we go!" Cherri declared.
…
"They're so CUTE!" Nadine squealed, the chinchilla cherub fluttered after the young Thorns as they started playing a game. It was a ball game that required them to fly and throw the ball into one of three moving hoops and they played in two teams of three.
"It'll be cute until one of them gets conked in the head with the ball," Collin stated sarcastically.
"Dang, Collin, where'd that come from?" Mitzi asked.
"I'd spent some time cast out of Heaven."
"Ri~ight… Hey, did you ever hear anything about that Cletus and Keenie?"
"My old coworkers? As far as I know, they're still in Hell, not accepting that they've done wrong and should repent…. We shouldn't talk about such things, there's children here."
"GOOOOAAAALLL!" Nadine screamed when Cherri shot the ball through a hoop. She then turned all bashful when the Thorns stopped and stared at her until Molly swooped down to collect the ball and threw it back into play. She was aiming for her brothers – who made up her team – but Pentious intercepted it. He threw it, but as it started to fall short, it bonked Alastor's head and had lazily floated through a hoop, earning Pentious a laugh and a cheer for himself.
…
The cherubs took the young Thorns to a waterpark home to the craziest waterslides in Heaven, where they had a lot of fun splashing around, swimming, dancing under sprinklers, and taking plunging rides on water coasters, there were some faces wild with joy on that trip. Nadine caught some of the day's events on camera.
When that night came, it was Mitzi's idea to throw the Thorns a slumber party where she had them all piled together to watch a scary movie… Given that the Thorns were reflecting ages between eight and ten, she picked out the 1980's classic 'Return to Oz'…
... The scene where a witch's interchangeable heads sounded an alarm on little Dorothy by calling out her name in a haunting tone had the Thorns clinging to either pillows or each other.
"I don't think I'm going to sleep tonight," Molly whimpered.
"Just hold me," Cherri told her.
…
For the third and final day in Joyland, the cherubs took them to another park with possibly the most amazing playground in existence: all types of swings, the fastest slides, challenging monkey bars, all means of climbing equipment, things to spin on, and even a maze to run through.
Mitzi and Collin had prepared a picnic lunch for the Thorns filled with favorite foods from their original childhoods. Young Alastor got a few odd looks for munching on fried frog legs while the others were eating sandwiches or chicken.
Then, as evening rolled around, the cherubs took the Thorns to a place to partake in some classic indoor activities. There was a house filled with toys and board games to play with. Not only was it interesting for the cherubs to see which soul went for to each toy or game, they also got drawn into some of the games. Both Alastor and Sir Pentious played a couple rounds of marbles, Cherri and Franco found toy cars and race tracks and set those up, leaving Angel and Molly to pair off and they picked out puppets and played out a story with Collin about a mermaid princess pairing up with a water dragon to defeat an evil wizard. Their game got looks from the other Thorns, but it didn't completely pull them away from their games.
At the end they had grouped together to play a couple games, one round of 'Uno' had Sir Pentious declaring his vengeance on Molly over a mean play. Though he only got it when the order of play reversed and he played a similar card.
Once they'd fallen asleep, Mitzi turned to Collin: "They're cute, but they're going to be wild kids."
"That's what they want," he replied.
Ω Ω Ω
The fateful day came when Charlie and Vaggie – plus a Shaper angel – arrived at the Beelze-Belfry with papers for the Thorns, detailing what they could expect in their next lives and forms for personal modification.
Upon arrival, they saw that friends in John and Mabel's family had already arrived and were discussing the send-off party they were planning. Luckily, Charlie and Vaggie had their papers too.
"Charlie, Vaggie! How's it going girls?" Cherri declared.
"We're well, thank you for asking, Cherri, and we've brought you all your papers, and the forms you need to fill out for your party permit," Vaggie replied.
"Ah, it sucks that ya gotta fill out that stuff just ta have a good time," Angel stated.
"It's all to help prevent us Cleaners from having to work while trying to have a good time," Mabel told him.
Charlie started handing out the folders while Alastor took a look at the Shaper: "Who's your companion, Charlie?"
"He's here to help go over some of the details of the new life you're going into," she replied, there was a catch in her voice.
"Whoa, Charlie, are you gettin' emotional 'bout this?" Angel asked.
She gave a little sniffle and told them: "Yeah, I'm sorry, I couldn't help but think back to all those good times when you were at the hotel… That amazing birthday party you gave me, those musical and movie productions, seeing you all becoming better versions of yourselves, and now… Now you're on your way to the next life!" and tears started welling up on her eyes: "I'm going to miss you."
"Shh, Charlie, hon! Keep it together," Vaggie exclaimed.
Cherri, Molly, and Angel got up and gave Charlie a group hug, and then Angel told her: "Hey, aren't ya God's granddaughter? Who's ta say that ya can't come ta check in on us, eh?"
That brightened Charlie's mood: "Yeah, maybe I could visit."
Then the Shaper spoke up: "You do realize, Princess Charlotte, that they will not remember you – truly at least – if you should."
That earned him some looks from the Thorns. The Shaper steeled himself and told them: "To begin life anew, souls must leave their past selves behind. That means, no memories… However, because your souls have already been Shaped when you came into existence, and then refined over the years of your lives and afterlives, past influences have been ingrained into you."
"So, these forms…" Angel trailed off as he looked at his questionnaire.
"Means to alter your Shaping… Though we cannot wholly prevent you former demons from reverting back into the fiends you made yourselves into, but we Shapers can help prevent you from becoming the same type of fiend you were."
"Out of curiosity, if that's the case and we end up as demons again, would our skins be different?" Alastor asked.
The Shaper looked to Charlie: "Maybe altered, though we have souls that have gone to live lives taking place centuries before you're to be born, every soul down there has only lived for a few years – at most. Time follows different rules between Heaven and the new world – so nobody's returned since their rebirth," she explained.
"Thus you really can't answer that question, and with Heaven and Hell about to merge, even your future will be uncertain," Alastor told her.
"Actually, there's been some suggestion and debate that soon after the Merging, Lucifer and Lilith will be stepping down from their positions,"
"Hail to a Queen Charlie then!" Cherri declared, followed by a round of applause from the others.
Charlie shifted awkwardly: "Thanks, yeah, there're going to be some challenges for all of us to face pretty soon… The new world… It's lovely but it isn't exactly paradise."
"Paradise is overrated anyway," Mabel stated dryly.
The statement drove Angel and Alastor to look at the papers detailing the new world. There were wars somewhat parallel to those of the old one, there was magic and magical creatures, and then there was a detail that had Angel springing to his feet and crying out curses…
… The new world's greatest flaw was that there were stricter gender norms and homosexuality was illegal in some countries, considered a perverted atrocity in some others, and – at best – in the remaining countries it simply wasn't discussed and the unions couldn't be official.
"It's a homophobic mess down there!" Angel cried, panic and sorrow covered his face.
"Angel, get ahold of yourself!" Alastor snapped as he got up and seized Angel by the shoulders, stunning him to silence. They locked eyes for a tense few seconds before Alastor eased up and told him: "You've aided in overthrowing overlords in Hell, you were the first demon to ascend into Heaven – thus opening that door to all repentant demons, and you went to Hell and back to save my soul… If the new world isn't to your liking right now, then we're just going to have to change it."
"There is something rather unsettling about how nonchalantly you said that," John remarked.
Alastor turned to him: "Downstairs, more than once I've toyed with the idea that if redemption was unattainable for us, then I'd rally these Thorns to overthrow all other overlords and rule Hell – After all, we'd have nothing better to do; but then Angel had to go and Sprout on us and I threw all those ideas out the window and had to turn myself around… Perhaps I speak with overconfidence, but I intend to enjoy this next life and I'm not going to let bigots and gender norms get in the way of that!"
Cherri looked at her papers and told him: "Dude, we're mainly set up to become musicians or private investigators, not politicians."
"Then we'll have the upper hand! Private eyes are simply brilliant for unearthing scandals to be used as leverage! Also, the general public would sooner take advice from a singer than a governor," Alastor replied. He then shot a glance to the papers again and then asked: "Charlie, darling, where exactly did these evil seeds stem from anyway?"
"Well, Grandpa and I had to sow the seeds of life into the new world – and reestablish evolution – but we couldn't use Heaven's souls to be reborn into primordial soup… So we dumped the souls that were wasted during centuries' worth of Extermination Days."
"Whoa, ya mean ta tell us that there is a double Hell?" Angel asked.
"Angel, trust me, that's not a path you want to go down," Vaggie told him.
A pause fell over the room.
"Perhaps you all should break off, do some reading, and fill out your forms, they can get rather personal," the Shaper spoke.
"Wait, hold up, they wanted to set up a big send-off party, they've already sent in an application for a permit, but I wanted to discuss just what it is that this supposed 'rager' is going to entail," Charlie stated. The Shaper bowed his head and gave way to the Princess.
"Some of the usual for a party: real liquor, some indulgent foods, but I thought that it'd be fun ta entertain the guests wit' a little pole dancin'," Angel replied.
"Angel, we can't…" Charlie started.
"Ah-ah-ah, I know that pole dancin' can be a little enticin' but I'll keep put on an outfit wit' a bit of modesty."
"You also have to get your husband's permission if you want to put yourself on display like that," Vaggie told him.
"He has permission. Apart from having my trust I also enjoy watching him dance," Alastor stated.
Angel leaned in and asked him: "Are ya gonna tell me what ta wear?"
Alastor then whispered back: "No, but I am going to suggest a nice pair of boots and remind you that I like watching your legs."
"Go get a room if ya's two're gonna flirt!" Franco called out.
John then put an arm around Mabel and told her: "Makes me think back to our newlywed days."
"Oh, John," and she gave him a peck on the cheek, earning a sharp look from Franco. John then looked up and asked: "Would it be alright if our girls and The Boys came to the party too?"
"I've no problem with that… In fact if could be your sendoff as much as it is ours," Alastor told them, and no one voiced any objections either.
They figured out more details too, from hiring musicians, to food, Sir Pentious suggested that they shoot clay pigeons loaded with fireworks, which reminded the Thorns to tell Charlie that they had plans to blow up the Beelze-Belfry at the end of the party.
To Charlie, it seemed like they really just wanted to cut loose as a final hurrah, so she granted them the party permit – and immediately got an invitation for her and Vaggie to come!
Now, the Thorns had broken off to look through their questionnaires to give to the Shaper.
…
Alastor and Angel grouped into the library, where Alastor really looked contemplative for one area.
"Ya look puzzled, Amore," Angel stated.
"I was debating if I'd like a sense of libido."
Angel practically swooped in and told him: "Hey, Smiles, you're valid and enough the way ya are. I won't ask ya ta make that change… In fact, if I asked ya ta change for me any more than ya already have, then I don't deserve ya!"
"It's not that I'm bothered by it, but it can be a little alienating, and I've got a couple curiosities."
"Heh, then think about it this way: If ya want both sexual attraction and ta fall in love with me, then ya may end up as gay as I am."
Alastor laughed for a moment and then replied: "Well, I suppose we can't have that then! Oh, blazes, we could only imagine!"
"It might be fun, but I stand by what I said: You're enough the way ya are… If ya really want ta change somethin', I'd suggest perhaps a lessened repulsion, but – really – Alastor, if ya want ta change it, then do it because you want it, because I'm not gonna ask for it."
Alastor gave him a nod and skipped over that part for now to give it some more thought. He filled in a couple more answers when Angel asked him: "Is there anything ya want me ta change about myself?"
He looked him over and gave it a bit of thought. Right now Angel looked at him with a pair of brown eyes, and he spoke: "You had mismatched eyes when we met, you lost that when you redeemed."
"Well that one eye was symbolic of a shiner that Frank gave me before I died… What, ya want me ta have heterochromatic eyes?"
"You looked like you already had that trait when I met you, and there was a charm to it."
Angel smirked and wrote it into a change of physical appearance and added: "I wasn't expectin' ya ta suggest a physical change."
"Your personality is already amazing."
"Aww you," Angel replied, and gave Alastor a peck. Alastor then went and finished his questionnaire and then flipped through some of the details of what he was going to be reborn into, and then started laughing.
"What's funny, Smiles?"
"Just take a look at what my family name is going to be!"
Angel took the paper and read aloud: "Born to Estelle and Carlton Delacroix?! As in – like – your character in 'Dark Moors'?"
"That's right… Well, at least it's elegant. What about yours?"
"It's gonna be… Belfiore… That's a pretty one."
"It is, but I'm not planning on taking it," Alastor replied.
"From the sound of things, it doesn't look like it'd be legal in our next life," Angel replied, glancing downward.
"That'll change," Alastor assured him, and then they returned to the Shaper angel to turn the papers in.
Ω Ω Ω
At the breaking of the dawn before the party, Cherri and Sir Pentious set up the explosives, but didn't complete the wiring for safety reasons, Alastor resorted to his magic to weave plants in the garden to form shelters to cozy up in for their last night in Heaven… It was hard to believe that tomorrow was the day they were due to leave for the next life. The Thorns couldn't find it in themselves to exchange any sentimental words. What more could be said? They gave their thanks, their loves, and forgiveness to each other, and what would it matter now? It would all be forgotten soon.
Food was catered in and musicians were hired – happy to play simply for the excitement to come this day, knowing that Heaven and Hell were soon to merge once this group crossed into the new world.
Curiosity surrounding the Thorns motivated some party-crashers to arrive, but to make up for their intrusion they brought food – snacks, desserts, and appetizers – and often hovered about on clouds. Alastor caught sight of one such party crasher serving deviled eggs and took one gratefully after setting up those shelters.
John and Mabel arrived bringing their girls, The Boys, and Mabel's motorcycle gang. Angel's family arrived en masse – at least the members that made it Upstairs – among some of the other former demons, a couple Silver Bullets and Cinemaniacs were picked out, and eventually Charlie and Vaggie turned up.
Sir Pentious had invited friends from the Victorian zone that arrived by wing and laid out punch and they were quick to set up a game of table-tennis, which even drew some attention from the motorcycle gang and The Boys. It was an interesting combination to see the likes of Sir Pentious facing the likes of a leather-clad biker dude in a game of ping-pong, and quite amusing to see the Victorian kick the biker's ass in the game!
"Well, we Victorians invented the game!" one declared as the biker looked shocked over his defeat.
Cherri, Angel, Alastor, and cherubs assisted the musicians in setting up the stage and to set up chairs and equipment: microphones, amps, and they even had to set up a pole for Angel's performance later.
The music to be provided would be quite eclectic, the musicians were equipped to play: classical, jazz, swing, rock, metal, polka, and combinations thereof! Once they started playing, that's when the party really started to kick off! With a wave of his hand, Alastor put on a crimson vest and a steel-blue jacket, and helped Cherri out by giving her a red dress from the '80's; as for Angel, he was in a white suit with a pick vest.
"Quite the masculine look for you, mon cher," Alastor remarked.
"Ya know I'm a guy."
"I know well enough; I've just grown used to your crossdressing."
"This'll help my transition inta drag more dramatic," Angel told him.
They helped themselves to a cocktail and a couple hors d'oeuvres, when the band struck up a swing song, Alastor perked with his eyes flashing red with recognition, and Angel knew what was coming his way as he was pulled into a dance.
As they danced, Angel spotted his brother dancing with a random dame that had turned up – a party crasher for all they could tell – but they looked happy to be dancing together and that's all that mattered. They also saw Charlie and Vaggie twirling and jiving with each other as the band played on, Molly found a cute fella from The Boys to dance with her, and Cherri – at one point – was found mounted on Sir Pentious' shoulders to cheer the bands on with a beer in her hand and Pent's hat on her head. All was well though, Sir Pentious was having a good time with it, sipping from a mug of beer himself.
A couple songs later, the band was really swinging, leading to most of the party taking to the dance floor or flying up to dance on clouds for a bit of extra space with souls flitting about bringing their friends and loved ones food and drink.
…
"Look, there's Princesses Charlotte and Vaggie," Mabel stated as she looked over John's shoulder. He looked and saw them dancing happily and looking at each other like that they were the greatest thing in the known universe.
"That was some wedding," he stated, he then asked Mabel: "Do you want to go see them?"
"Yes, lets," she replied.
They locked arms and approached as Mabel called out: "Charlotte, Vaggie!"
"Hi Mabel, John!" Charlie greeted. She saw that Mabel was about to speak, but she held up a hand and told her: "Listen, I just want to thank you, Mabel, for – despite what happened to you a few years ago – you've been so accepting of my people in Hell."
"Oh, it was nothing, really… They've brought me – us – a lot of excitement… So, I wanted to ask you, how's the real of the afterlife going to work when sainted and damned souls will be able to interact with each other?"
"We're going to start with privileges being based on clearances. Depending on how sainted or damned a soul is, they'll have clearances to do certain things; the most sainted having the most privileges… It's still a work in progress… We did find out that when damned souls meet sainted souls from their lives, they feel a sense of shame when being seen as a demon, so we have another form of punishment for sinners in that," Charlie explained.
"Hmm, seems fair and a lot like life… Thanks, Princess."
"Mabel, you can just call me Charlie."
"Well then, Charlie, would you and Vaggie care to hang around us? I believe Angie's due to dance for us soon."
They agreed, and just in time too it seemed, as they saw Alastor and Angel fly up to the stage, Angel had swapped his suit for full drag now, and Alastor bore a grin and crimson eyes as he announced: "Alright, welcome everyone to our great send off soiree! It's wonderful to see your smiling faces as you're all enjoying the music and festivities, but now it is time for one of the main highlights of this party! He's charming, he's brilliant, he's mine, and he's going to dance for you… I present ANGEL!"
A bright spotlight bore down on Angel as Alastor glided off the stage and landed amongst some of his friends. Angel stood on the stage wearing full drag including a feather boa, corset top, a flowing skirt, dramatic wig, and saucy boots.
The Boys whooped and whistled at the drag queen and cheered when Angel started dancing and tossed the boa into the crowd! To be fair, when Angel took to pole dancing, he kept the moves relatively tame, yet still demonstrated his talents in flexibility and balance. Then, off came the flowing skirt to reveal that he was wearing a tight pair of shorts underneath. He tossed the skirt into the crowd, and one of The Boys cried out: "I'M VERY CONFUSED!" while others just whooped.
As Angel continued to dance, Alastor watched on contentedly, not minding the crowd letting loose and getting excited. Rather he enjoyed watching Angel up on the stage, smiling, relishing in the noises coming from the crowd, and dancing his heart out – even if it was tame for a pole dancer.
Ω Ω Ω
After Angel's show, he switched outfits again, and found Cherri and Sir Pentious shooting the firework-laced clay pigeons, causing quite the visual spectacle and a lot of noise. Angel took up a gun to join them for a bit and shot several of them before Alastor showed up, joined in, and shot several as well before he suggested that they all go and hang out with their other friends for a few drinks now that the musicians have quieted some.
…
The Thorns and friends sat around a table with cocktails and a beer pitcher, enjoying some merriment when Cherri suggested that they play the 'I've Never' game. After hearing the rules, there was a warning that it could go vulgar, but Alastor up and replied: "I'd rather not be a prude stick-in-the-mud, and come the morrow it won't matter anymore."
"Okay, I'll start… I've never gotten a speeding ticket for driving," Cherri declared, with Franco, Mabel, and John taking drinks. Franco looked to them and spoke: "I was 'bout ta do a big drug deal fer da mob, lucy ta not get arrested, what were you speedin' fer?"
"I didn't catch a sign that read the speed had been reduced from forty-five to twenty-five," Mabel replied.
"I was drag-racing Jeeps with one of The Boys," John confessed.
The turn moved to Vaggie: "I've never done illegal drugs," and boy was that a good play! Angel, Franco, Molly, Mabel, Cherri, and Sir Pentious all took drinks!
"YOU, Pent!" Angel exclaimed.
"Opium dens were fairly common in Victorian England – I've only paid a few visits to them though… You Mabel?"
"Not willingly, some factory co-worker brought in some 'special' brownies laced with cocaine."
Charlie took the next turn: "I've never shot a gun."
Everyone else took a drink and they decided to let Franco have a turn. He shot a look to Angel as he declared: "I've never 'taken it' from the same sex." Naturally, Charlie, Vaggie, Angel, and even Cherri had taken drinks, but then there were a couple radio sounds as Alastor hesitantly brought his cocktail to his lips, earning shocked looks from the whole table save for Angel.
"WHOA! Holy shit! The Prick is a bottom!?" Franco exclaimed.
"Ah, don' go fillin' ya head wit' shit, Nissy! At most he's a top-dominant switch!" Angel defended.
Alastor happened to make a glance that met John's shocked and confused eyes as he admitted: "It's not the most comfortable, but sometimes it's nice to let someone else take control," and he spent a moment hiding his face in his hands.
"Hey, Smiles, there's no shame in tryin' things," Angel assured him. Alastor took another sip of his drink to help regain some composure and the next turn went to him: "I've never… bedded a lady."
It wasn't to his surprise that most of the table drank – with the exceptions of Molly and Mabel – but the shocker that did drink was…
"What, but Angel, you've made it clear that you don't swing that way!" Alastor exclaimed.
"Hey, when I was a hooker money was money – for the ladies I charged extra because I wasn't into them."
Cherri then spoke up: "Ma~aybe it's time we put an end to this game, otherwise we won't be able to look at each other in the morning… There's also still a belfry to blow up."
It had started getting dark, brilliant lighting for a series of explosions to awe the crowd.
To gather the crowd's attention, Alastor flew up to the stage and announced the next great event: "Your attention, everyone… It seems that with the Merging upon us, and our transition into the New World happening tomorrow, we Thorns no longer have a use for the Beelze-Belfry… Stand clear everyone, because it's going to be brought down to the finale of the 1812 Overture!"
The band started playing as Cherri and Sir Pentious took up the detonators, and the bombs were set off in place of the cannons written into the score! The Beelze-Belfry blew debris, caught fire, and collapsed dramatically! For most of Heaven's souls, this was possibly the craziest thing they've seen in the decades they've been up in paradise, and they felt what the Thorns felt: the approach of great changes up ahead, the upcoming fear and excitement at their prospects, and that was coupled with a sense of awe and sentimentality.
The Beeze-Belfry, now fallen, was now burning to ashes under the power of ravenous flames, but those flames – as they destroyed that which was once a beautiful abode – also blessed those who looked on with a radiant light and a calming warmth.
As peace fell over the crowd, Alastor struck up a song with the band playing along, one that was sentimental and yet lively, and the dancing resumed as fireworks were launched into the sky!
…
Well into the night, John approached Alastor and told him: "It's getting late, a big day is coming tomorrow, and I believe a little rest is in order… You've set up all those shelters after all."
"And miss the rest of this party?"
"Suit yourself, Alastor, but how long will it be before you'll have the chance to hold Angel again? Do what you will, but I'm going to spend the rest of the night showing and telling Mabel all she means to me."
Alastor cocked an eyebrow and then pulled a face: "Very well, you've convinced me." John gave him a playful jab with his elbow just before they went off to retrieve their spouses.
…
When found, Angel agreed to spend the rest of the night peacefully in Alastor's arms. They tucked into one of the shelters where they switched into pajamas and – by some impulse – demon forms, and an overwhelming wave of emotion enveloped Angel as Alastor wrapped his arms around him.
"Alastor, just a few things I want to tell you."
"Go on, mon cher."
"First off, I don't know how much it'll mean ta ya, but I feel like ya ought ta know that ya have a nice dick… I've experienced greater lengths and girths, but yours always felt special."
"Hmph, I'll thank you for that."
"Just thanks for lovin' me the way have."
"I can say the same to you… You're a lovely husband."
They exchanged kisses, and then Alastor leaned down to nip at Angel's ribs, as he often did, but then he lifted his head and told Angel: "If I may, I'd like to leave something with you that might reconnect us to ourselves and what we've been through together."
"Like what?"
"A bruise that if you carry into the next life would turn into a birthmark, I should be able to make it into an interesting shape, and I'll put it on your ribs so it's easily covered."
"I'll consent if ya can be sensual when makin' it," Angel told him. Alastor agreed and then leaned in to nip, gnaw, and kiss his ribs, comb through his fluff, and grope him. It was enough to excite Angel a bit. Then, when Alastor finished, they spent the night just in each other's arms Alastor burying his face into Angel's chest, and Angel stroking Alastor's 'ears'.
Ω Ω Ω
Come the morning, the camp woke to Alastor playing a sweet song that seemed to signify that they were going on an adventure.
Angel and Alastor seemed to have switched back into their more angelic forms in their sleep. After they woke up, they checked to see the mark Alastor had made on Angel, and it turned out to resemble a crescent moon with a star between the points. A shared look, and they seemed to silently agree that it looked pretty cool for something they hoped would turn into a birthmark.
A knock came from outside their shelter, and looking out revealed Charlie, to hand them folded pieces of white linen, they turned out to be loose shirts and drawstring pants.
"We can't have you cross into the New World with any personal possessions," she explained as they accepted the garments. She was smiling, but the former demons were wiser to it. They knew that she was going to miss them, so Angel pulled her in for a hug: "Thanks Princess, for settin' up that crazy hotel… and for coaxin' me inta takin' Smiles out ta our first lunch ta-gether."
Charlie started tearing up: "I can hardly believe that it led to all this!"
Alastor pulled her in for a quick hug too and told her: "Dry your eyes, darling, and let's have a smile. Everything's going to be okay, you're going to be okay, and the realm of the afterlife is going to be amazing with you taking charge."
"Thanks Al," she replied.
…
Charlie waited as all Thorns and friends got up and clothed. Vaggie stood at Charlie's side to hold her hand.
"Everything will be fine, Charlie, they know that they'll be facing new challenges and that the world that they're going into won't be perfect, but they're ready to live again."
Charlie gave her a nod of acknowledgement, and then they watched as they emerged in their linen clothes. Alice and Nancy appeared to give their parents hugs and a final goodbye.
"You're welcome to join us in the next generation," John told them.
"Thanks Dad, but – for now – Alice and I want to experience the Merging, explore the new realm of the afterlife, and to rest in peace a little while longer," Nancy replied.
"Take care of each other then, my dears, and remember that no matter what – should we meet again in the new world or not – there'll be a place for you in our hearts," Mabel told them, and she embraced her daughters again with tears welling up in her eyes.
"Cut the sentimental crap, Mom, and go live, have fun, and laugh in the face of social standards while fighting them with a shoe," Alice told her, and the family shared a laugh.
Now, the Thorns had all emerged, a few of them didn't even bother to comb their hair for the morning after seeing how sloppy they looked in the linen clothes. Then, without a word, they all assembled together and revealed their wings.
Charlie and Vaggie revealed theirs, and no one needed to be told to take off, they were already ready to launch into the air as one unit.
It was a flight that felt very much like the one the Thorns took when they redeemed and then ascended: speeding into an unknown, but better, realm with a future of certain uncertainties; and no one could find it in themselves to do even so much as speak a joke or exchange a sentimental statement.
Finally, after what felt like a long flight, they landed in front of an arch that was clearly a gateway. When Vaggie landed, she promptly set to work activating the portal as the others landed and assumed positions behind her.
As if preparing to have your soul wasn't nerve-wracking enough, the portal – when activated – looked like it was a door to open space, stars and nebulas to be seen!
"Ah shit, it had ta be a doorway," Franco grumbled.
"It's the gateway to your next life, all you have to do is walk through it," Vaggie told them.
Yet they were all frozen where they stood, up until this point the new life was a dream, but now there it was before them, and to cross through that threshold meant no more true memories, only traits and connections that were ingrained in their souls. Charlie then noticed something: "You'll have to go through on your own too… Angel, Alastor, you need to release your hand-holding."
They looked down and let go with reluctance, and then Charlie slapped a hand to her face as she spotted something sparkling and then told them: "You'll have to take off your wedding rings too."
"Oh crap!" Mabel swore as she and John took off theirs and passed them off to Charlie, and there were some scattered chuckles. Though for Angel and Alastor, taking off their rings felt almost like severing off one of their fingers, but Charlie had them in the end: "They'll find their way to back to you at some point in your lives."
"Great, not that's settled, are any of you going to walk through the gateway? I only ask because Charlie and God himself are due to merge Heaven and Hell the moment after you cross through," Vaggie called out.
"We're ready, it's just a rather intimidating gateway," Cherri confessed.
Charlie then moved next to the portal, and grabbed something: "You're not the first souls ready to go, but have been intimidated by the gate, so we've installed an alternative feature… Close your eyes and think of something that makes you happy, and in it'll be done in a moment."
It was then they realized that she was holding a lever, but with one last glance to their friends, comrades, and family, most took Charlie's advice to close their eyes, but Angel and Alastor kept theirs locked onto each other. Charlie gripped the lever with both hands, looked to Vaggie's assuring face, and then pulled that lever with all her might! She turned to the souls just in time to see a trapdoor open beneath their feet, a few of them let out a couple startled yelps as they fell through, and then – just like that – they were gone.
Ω Ω Ω
It's finished! Thank you for reading, darlings, this story became bigger than I had anticipated, there have been laughs and tears along the way, and this was a fun write.
Please review!