A/N:

Hi everyone! Getting this update done a little earlier this week : ) Just a lot of tender moments here and also a move from the mob. Thank you for reading, and I hope you enjoy!

Partners

Chapter 64:

Invitation Intimidation and Love's Infatuation

A few dozen beignets and some good conversation later, the kitchen door opened courtesy of Alastor's magic, and the deer demon bowed for the spider siblings to go out ahead of him. Angel giggled at the gesture and Molly gave a playful curtsey while Niss gave Alastor a nod and an appreciative smile. The Radio Demon strolled out after them, head held high.

The others had left the lobby by now, except for Husk and Niffty. Husk instantly turned around at the sight of the group and sighed. "Finally! I wasn't gonna be able to hold back Niffty much longer!" The little demon in question was clinging to his wing with a big grin. She released from him now and she dashed right up to Alastor.

"Alastor, you're home! I just knew it! I smelled beignets from the kitchen!" Her eye was sparkling with excitement.

"Niffty, darling!" The Radio Demon, feeling in an exceptionally joyous mood after successfully entertaining the spider siblings, indulged her eagerness by scooping her up and popping her into the crook of his elbow so she could hug his arm. "I'm an utter cad for leaving without telling you. I'll have to make it up to you — name your price!"

She laughed as he tapped her nose. "Just tell me you made sure to eat something and that you won't suddenly go away again any time soon."

"Ha, is that the grand total of my debt?" Alastor chuckled. "Very well! In that case, please know I've just consumed four beignets, and also wild horses couldn't drag me out of here." He blinked. "Ah speaking of which, I saved you a beignet! Still nice and warm!" With a flourish of his hand, a beignet appeared which he handed off to Niffty.

"Thank you, Alastor!" She took it gleefully and started to eat as he set her down.

Molly had come to stand beside Husk. She noticed with interest that he swallowed at the sight of the beignet. When Alastor turned in his direction though, Husk scowled and put on a disinterested look again.

But then her attention went to Angel who stood on her other side, eyes hazed now as he watched Alastor with Niffty. She lowered her voice and whispered playfully, "Well, isn't he good at pickin' up little demons and makin' 'em smile. You imaginin' him doing that with Nuggets or…maybe some mini demons of your own?"

Angel blushed very much, eyes wide, his voice low too. "Oh my god, no, yes, just…Nuggets! Only with Nuggets! They get along good. Sheesh, Molly…" He rolled his eyes with a smirk.

She giggled. "Just kidding." Her eyes went back to Alastor. "He does seem nice, Angel. I'm glad."

Angel nodded. "Yeah. Me too. Thanks."

Alastor set Niffty down now, tugged at his tie, then strolled over to Husk. "Husker…thank you for tending to Niffty so that I could finish my introductions to Angel's fine siblings." He smiled nervously.

Husk eyed him for a moment like he was waiting for a punchline. His scowl softened just slightly when none came. "Uh…you're welcome." He shrugged.

Alastor nodded. Then he bit his lip and his eyes darted around the room until they finally landed on the banner. "Er, my, what's that?"

Angel came up beside him. "Baxter made it for Charlie to thank her for running the hotel since she's been so down lately. And then Charlie let everyone know that her parents are having a problem with the place so we could brace ourselves. Niffty helped Baxter hang it."

"Yup!" Niffty nodded. "I got to fly on one of his little drone robots! Which was neat because earlier I also kind of got to fly when I went with Cherri to see Sir Pentious on his ship so we could bring the Egg Bois back to him after they delivered Molly's clothes!"

"You were comfortable going out and about while I was away? And on such a grand excursion?" Alastor tilted his head, smiling curiously at her. "How marvelous to hear!"

She nodded. "Yup! Cherri's super brave, and the Egg Bois were fun, so I wasn't nervous at all. And Sir Pentious is really nice! I can't wait for him to visit here!" She giggled and stole a glance at Niss who noticed and blushed in confusion then quickly looked anywhere else. Her attention went back to Alastor. "I bet he's even forgiven you for what your tentacles did to his ship…"

"Ship? ...Tentacles?" Niss asked nervously.

Alastor turned to him. "Ah yes, well…bit of a miscommunication. I had just arrived at the hotel, and he chose to attack the building following a sound thrashing from Angel and Cherri. I may have taken him down a peg by summoning eldritch tentacles and using them to drag his airship into the earth. Quite impressive he got it up and running again so quickly." He raised an eyebrow when the spider responded with a slightly worried look.

Niss cleared his throat. "But uh…you'll be able to try working together, right? Cuz Pen is gonna help us out dealing with my Pops."

"And I'm helping out too," Husk quickly added, arms crossed. Molly smiled and held his arm.

Alastor glanced from Husk to Niss and swallowed. "Oh! Ha, yes of course! I'm quite open to cooperation with other overlords! First time for everything! Anyone who I have a serious rivalry with is thankfully nowhere nearby!"

"Who's he got a serious rivalry with?" Molly quickly whispered to Angel.

"Giant walking tv," Angel whispered back.

"What?"

Alastor turned to Husk again, gripping his cane nervously. "Husker, if you're going to be helping, would you…like me to provide you with some means, or…"

"I can take care of myself." Husk scowled, wings puffing up a bit, ready for an argument.

Alastor just blinked and nodded though. "Ah yes, of course! As you wish!" His smile a bit wide, he then turned his attention back to Angel (while Molly gave Husk a small supportive smile that he returned to her). "Angel dear, shall we set up some rooms for your fine siblings? If I assist Niffty with my powers, doing so should take no time at all. They can lodge right across the hall from us." He glowed, eyes wide. "I mean from YOU! And I! In our SEPARATE rooms, ha!?"

"Oh, we don't want anyone to make a fuss," Molly assured, trying not to smile at his fluster.

"Yeah, really!" Niss added. "We'll set up our space — least we could do."

"Actually I kind of liked last night," Molly said, putting a finger to her chin in thought. "Niss and I staying in the same room together, and then Angel too when the morning came. Reminded me of when we were little."

Angel's smile widened, and he turned to his brother and sister. "You know, it might be a little cramped…but I think I'd like that too. We could catch up and stuff before dealing with…everything. A sleepover sounds fun!"

Molly clapped her hands together in excitement, and Niss smiled.

"I'll get you some extra blankets and pillow!" Niffty zipped up the stairs.

Angel whispered to Alastor. "Sorry this means no sleepovers for us… Once things settle down, I'm ready to carry you to bed and join ya there as soon as you want, Smiles."

Alastor glowed immensely and just nodded. Finally he cleared his throat to break the tension and addressed the room. "Well, then, let's join Niffty upstairs and get your room all ready!"

Everyone turned to head toward the stairs.

And then there was a knock on the door. Two short, three long, all solid and loud.

Alastor and Husk each turned to the door with an eyebrow raised in curiosity.

The spiders turned to the door with wide eyes and no smiles.

Niss stepped forward. "That's the mob knock. It's one of them." He reached into his jacket and pulled out a small gun. "I'll answer it. Everyone behind me."

"We're answering it together." Molly came right beside him, and Angel was instantly on his other side as well, both looking firm.

"Alastor, get on the other side of the door." Husk positioned himself flanking one side of the doorway, claws out.

Alastor wrinkled his nose at being given an order. "Pardon?" He asked, an edge to his tone.

Husk rolled his eyes, voice low. "Which one of us was in the army in life? Me! So just do it… for them." He gestured to the spiders.

Alastor didn't hesitate a moment longer (especially when he noticed Molly frown a little to herself). He moved to his side of the door then squeezed his hand to draw blood — a tentacle appeared beside him, ready to strike.

The siblings stood together and approached the door, bracing themselves.

Niss reached out for the handle and opened the door to peek out.

No one was there. But a small gilded envelope lay in front of the door.

"We got a message," he whispered back. "I don't want to tip em off that I'm here by going out and getting it. And I don't want any of you going out there to get it either." He considered then looked at Alastor hesitantly. "Alastor? If your…tentacles…do what you want, could you, uh…"

Alastor beamed. "By all means! Should put a good scare into them too if they're still watching." He smirked, ready to snap his fingers and have his tentacle retrieve the envelope.

At this point, however, the front door flew open, plowing down Niss and scattering the others off to the sides as Sir Pentious entered the scene (dressed in a giant and horrifically makeshift imp costume).

The snake wasted no time in dramatically announcing the cause of his arrival. "I saw the ruffian who knocked and came as quickly as I could! Is everyone all right?" He said 'everyone' but he was looking at Niss, eyes full of concern as he leaned down close over the prone spider.

Niss swallowed as he processed Sir Pentious pressed so close to him in front of everyone. He got himself standing and stepped back. "I…yeah. Yeah, nothin' happened. He just left a note."

"Oh, this, yes!" Pen snagged the note with the end of his tail and brought it inside. He breathed a sigh of relief. "I'm glad that was all then."

"Fuck, how close were you staying that you got here so quick?" Angel asked, dusting himself off as he got standing again. "And when you finding time to make these imp costumes?"

"Oh, yes, well…" Sir Pentious rolled his eyes to the side and shrugged as he explained. "I wanted to be available at a moment's notice, so I set the airship to hover, took the remote for the main controls with me, and told the Egg Bois to play nice for a bit while I lingered across the street. Just as a precaution." He sheepishly removed his costume. "And sometimes the Egg Bois don't have much to do, so sewing is a very productive activity for them!"

Alastor, rather put out by losing the chance to show off his tentacle skills to retrieve the note, cleared his throat, adjusted his tie, and shut the door sharply with a snap of his fingers. "It's usually customary to knock, you know." He let the tension in his tone be apparent.

Sir Pentious turned and pouted at him. "Custom goes by the wayside in times of emergency." He smirked and eyed him up and down. "Also, do I know you?"

Alastor blinked then scowled. "Ha! Ha, ha…Ha," he forced out, his jaw clenched as he tried to compose himself. "We are in a precarious situation and on the same side for the moment, so perhaps we can let bygones be bygones, hmm?" He gripped his cane, trying not to be too distracted by Niss who was biting his lip with a concerned expression while Alastor resisted the urge to maim this overlord who was clearly his friend.

Sir Pentious finished setting aside his disguise and donned his usual hat. "Agreed! Though I intend to soundly best you when it comes to keeping these three spiders safe." He winked.

Alastor's ears flicked in surprise but then he took a breath. "Agreed… to the working together part. Not to the besting me part. I haven't even begun to show you everything up my sleeves."

"I could say the same." The snake stood tall. Then his eyes finally caught Molly and Husk. "Molly!" He waved and slithered up to her, and she beamed and caught him in a big hug.

Alastor sighed, now also trying not to be jealous about how this side character of their situation had already been allowed to get much closer to Angel's sister than himself.

"And Husk!" Sir Pentious went on. "A pleasure, Molly's told me so much about you!" He took Husks' hand in both of his own and shook heartily.

"Uh, yeah…same about you," Husk managed, surprised.

Sir Pentious chuckled. "I'm so very glad you two have ended up together! I was rooting for you both! And now it's all so romantic, and you're here to help gallantly defend each other in a time of need! Molly, he really is perfect for you!"

Molly giggled. "Yeah, I think so." She squeezed Husks's shoulder.

Husk was just blushing, eyes wide, face blank for a moment…but then he finally smiled a little at Sir Pentious. "Uh, yeah, thanks. I appreciate…all of that. You rooting for us…and you looking after Molly." He shook his hand back firmly. "And I appreciate you helping us now. We'll need all the power we can manage, and Molly says you're smart and know how to fight."

"Indeed!" Sir Pentious nodded proudly. "Absolutely charmed to assist!"

Alastor resisted a snarl. Now the snake was on Husker's good side too.

The Radio Demon knew he had gotten better at making friends recently, but still…here was another demon performing the task so easily and perfectly without a thought. And he was befriending people whom Alastor was most keen to get closer to.

Angel noticed the subtle pouting and scowl despite Alastor's smile. He came closer to him as he addressed the snake. "Well, uh…nice of you to come by to be ready to help us, Pen. I know you and Al and Husk are gonna be great back up. But, uh…first shouldn't we read the note?"

Niss blinked and smacked his hand to his forehead. "Right, right, yeah…" He tried not to blush at getting so distracted, and he pointed to Sir Pentious' tail. "Pen, could I…?" He resisted thinking about being wrapped up in that tail.

Sir Pentious blinked then nodded and lowered the envelope to him.

Niss took it with a grateful smile then opened it up and removed a note.

He read the message aloud: "Tomorrow. Dusk. Alley, two blocks east between the abandoned building and the pawn shop. We want Arackniss. Get him to us, Angel. Or else. I want my son back. Now."

Angel scowled and snatched the note out of Niss's hand. "That fucking son of a…." He crumpled it up and tossed it down. "This is all bullshit mind games, and I know Val's supporting it all the way! Pops fucking acknowledges I exist for the first time in forever, pretends he's only got one son, and then acts like I'm enough of a coward to sell out my own brother!"

"Val?" Sir Pentious raised an eyebrow.

"Angel's boss — he's in cahoots with Pops now," Niss whispered to him to explain.

"Pen, can you just vaporize that alley at dusk tomorrow or something?" Angel crossed his arms, scowling.

"Well, technically yes, but the radiation would be outrageous," Sir Pentious replied, waving a hand forward. "I'm not sure if nuclear fallout affects hell the same way it affects earth, but better not to risk it."

"No vaporizing! We're gonna go and talk and play it cool." Molly stepped forward. "And bring guns to make it interesting."

"Everything will be all right, Angel…" Alastor assured gently. Then, recalling that Sir Pentious was still there, he blinked and added. "…And EVERYONE! Everyone, everything will be all right! We are coordinated and capable and we will approach the situation as a united front."

Niss considered. "Are we including the princess in this? I mean…she sounds like she wants to help, and we are letting some other people on board even if this is family business. But I really don't want to put her in danger."

Angel frowned. "Charlie's going through enough right now. I don't want her coming. I want to solve this problem for her so she's got one less thing to worry about."

Molly bit her lip. "I think she'll understand. Also I don't want things to be awkward for her. I mean, she's royalty — I'm not sure if she's supposed to be interfering' with overlord stuff."

The three siblings shared a concerned look.

"She's really not supposed to — interfere, that is. Just as the overlords don't interfere with the royal family." Alastor spoke, his voice quiet and serious. "Of course, rules here are subject to being bent and she could try. But I don't believe she would come out of the matter unscathed without the backing of her family, which is currently not forthcoming. Frankly we're on dubious ground having me here as a sponsor of the hotel, ha…" He swallowed, suddenly feeling strange with all eyes on him now. "Not that I am here to cause her issues necessarily! Though issues can certainly be entertaining! I suppose everything has gotten rather complicated…" Was it getting warm in here? Alastor felt his face heating up.

…Then Husk came to his rescue. "Yeah, well, we ALL got to this place expecting one thing and finding other things. And at least Alastor's on the sidelines most of the time. But this fight is gonna involve aggressive overlords and organized crime, all with different claims and goals. So Alastor's right — she shouldn't help, or it could make things messy for her."

Alastor gave a small nod at the surprising words of support saving him from his own anxiety. "Yes, well…thank you, Husker. Well put."

Husk just shrugged and nodded. But Alastor, with surprise, recognized the gesture as one of camaraderie.

Niss nodded and stood tall. "Okay. It's settled then. Me, Angel, and Molly will go meet the mob tomorrow night. Alastor, Husk, Pen, you'll each be waitin' nearby. We'll work out a plan for that. Don't reveal yourselves unless shots get fired, and be careful." He swallowed. "In the meantime, Pen, maybe you should just stay here. I'm sure there's space."

"I could assist Niffty with setting up a room for you," Alastor offered, eager to seem helpful.

Sir Pentious smiled a little at him. "Thank you." He turned back to Niss. "But I would prefer to return to the ship for tactical reasons. I just wanted to pop in and check on…everyone." He swallowed then slithered across the room and grabbed his Egg Boi disguise again.

"At least stay until it gets dark!" Niss quickly suggested, unable to help himself. "I mean, uh…after ya plowed in here like that, the mob goons are probably spooked. Don't want one of 'em getting trigger happy, heh. Best to give them some time to cool down.

Sir Pentious paused, blushing a little, then nodded. "An excellent point, Niss. I'll stay for a little while then."

"Great!" Niss smiled. "Niffty's upstairs, maybe she can introduce ya to the princess so you can say hi to her too. I just…need to talk to my brother and sister for a bit now, but I'll see ya as soon as we're done."

"Wonderful!" Sir Pentious smiled and eagerly slithered up the stairs.

Before Niss could feel like everyone was staring at him and watching him lose the battle not to blush, he dashed past his brother and sister. "Come on, let's strategize somewhere. Back in the kitchen maybe."

Angel and Molly shared a glance then nodded.

"I'll see ya in a bit, Husky!" Molly waved as she followed her older brother.

"Be done soon, Al!" Angel called, waving too as he followed.

They disappeared into the kitchen, leaving Alastor and Husk alone.

Alastor instantly felt awkward and wanted to leave as quickly as possible. Caring about what Husk thought about him was becoming complicated and draining, but he couldn't stop.

Husk finally sighed. "So, they like you, huh?"

Alastor blinked and rolled his eyes. "Yes. I can be liked."

"Just trying to congratulate you. Seemed kind of important to you."

Alastor hesitated. "How would you know?"

"When a guy owns your soul for a bunch of years you tend to learn to read him well."

Alastor tried not to flinch. At least Molly was out of earshot. He was starting to have a bad feeling about her potential feelings on the 'situation' between himself and Husker. "Yes, well, I…yes, it was important to me. And I'm happy they do like me. They seem to like you as well."

"Yeah. I can be liked too."

"Touché, ha…" More silence. Alastor hesitated. "Well…er…I…"

Husk just sighed. "I'm gonna get a drink. If we have important shit to do, I need buzz to keep my nerves steady." He was already walking away.

"Yes, well, I should get to my office and practice conjuring up some tentacles and whatnot! Ha! Until later, Husker!" Alastor strolled away rather quickly, shut himself safely in his office, and just relished the chance to be alone and breathe while he honed his magic for the fight ahead.

The spider siblings stayed busy together for about an hour, laying out plans and theorizing about their Pops and trying to figure out how Valentino might play into tomorrow night. Eventually, though, they knew there were no more preparations they could make. All they could do now was just take some deep breaths, trust their instincts, and check in with the remaining members of their ensemble to lock down their roles in what was to come.

After leaving the kitchen, Molly saw Husk at the bar and went over to him. She waved to her brothers as Niss went upstairs to see Sir Pentious and Angel wandered down the nearby hall to see Alastor.

Molly sat at the bar and smiled as Husk got her a glass. "Hey, Husky. Think we got everything' sorted out on our end. Cherri's gonna hook me up with a shotgun. Ya want her to get you one too?"

Husk shook his head. "I prefer fists and claws. Tried not to pick up a gun again since life." His scowl softened. "I'd…kind of like to see you shoot one day though. Sounds like you're really good."

"I nail a moving target every time." She winked and laughed.

Husk smiled a little too. "Want a drink?"

"Maybe just club soda. I'm on edge, but I kind of want to stay that way til this is over. Keeps me sharp, heh."

Husk nodded and poured for her. "Yeah. I'm staying away from the hard stuff at least myself." He poured himself a beer and held up his glass. "Cheers."

They clinked glasses and drank.

Molly sighed and rested her head on her hands, eyeing Husk curiously. "Do ya really not like Alastor's beignet things?"

Husk coughed on his beer and wiped his mouth. "What?"

"When we were eatin' 'em together, I was gonna grab ya one, but Alastor said ya didn't like 'em. That you were the only person he ever met who didn't. But you looked a little disappointed when he gave Niffty a beignet and not you."

Husk sighed and crossed his arms. "Okay, look… I tell him I hate them to piss him off cuz I'll take any leverage I can get. But I actually do like them…a lot. I don't ever eat them though cuz if he finds out I like them, I'll never hear the end of it." He scowled. "And yes, I am that much of a stubborn ass."

Molly giggled. "You're MY stubborn ass, mio gatto." She leaned forward and kissed his forehead, making Husk blush. Then she reached into the pocket of her dress and puled out something wrapped in a napkin. "But you know, Alastor's not around now — he's probably nice and distracted getting all cozy with my brother. And I did save this one for Niffty. But since Alastor already gave Niffty one, you can have it if you want. I'm just sorry it's cold now."

Husk's eyes widened and then he carefully took the pastry and ate it in one bite, face covered in powdered sugar. "Don't tell Alastor. Also thank you." He swallowed and sighed. "Fuck, they're good…"

She giggled more. "I'll sneak ya one any time ya want." Molly leaned in closer, her look more serious. "But for now, let's talk mob business. Tomorrow, we figure it'll be good for you to be on a rooftop near the alley where we meet. That way you can fly down. But Pops' snipers will probably be on all of the rooftops, so you and Alastor will need to take out the guys on yours quick and neat and hide in their place."

"Me and Alastor?"

Molly nodded, eyes down as she played with her hands. "Angel and I think it'll be good if you're together. Takin' out a handful of mob lieutenants is at least a two man job. Also you can stop Alastor from being too impulsive with his powers…and he can give you some extra cover if ya need it." Husk scowled and was about to protest when she went on with a frown, "Not cuz you can't handle yourself. It's for strategy. And it's for me…cuz I'll be way too emotional tomorrow unless I know ya got someone looking out for you, like how I'll be lookin' out for my brothers. Safety in numbers, heh." She swallowed. "I don't want anything to happen now that you and me found each other." She blushed, bit her lip, then added with a steady, quiet voice, "I think I'm startin' ta fall in love with ya, Husky."

She glanced up hesitantly to see Husk with his eyes wide and his face flushed.

Molly sighed. "I said it too soon, didn't I? Sorry. My impulse control is just as bad as Alastor's heh…" Then she wasn't talking anymore because Husk had taken her face in his hands and planted a deep kiss on her mouth. She squeaked in surprise then closed her eyes and grabbed his shoulders.

They separated after a long moment, both panting.

Husk gazed into her eyes. "You didn't say it too soon. You…" He sniffed and blinked and then awkwardly wiped at his eye.

"Husky?"

He took a deep breath. "I think I'm in love with you too. For a while, now." He was absolutely red as he managed to whisper the words. "And I'm really fucking scared cuz I haven't tried letting myself feel like that in…forever. But I…you… I'm ready, with you."

Molly's eyes lit up and she dove over the bar and hugged him, knocking them both to the floor on the other side. They both winced then laughed and just held each other close.

As they sat up, Husk rubbed the back of his head. "I, uh…if this means we're going steady…do I get you a pin or a ring or something? I don't really know how that stuff works anymore."

She giggled. "How about I give you something instead?" Molly pulled the red ribbon from her hair and tied it around Husk's wrist. "For good luck tomorrow."

Husk beamed a little.

Molly got standing and helped him up then went back around to the front of the bar. They talked more and drank and shared a few kisses. They were both nervous about tomorrow…but so happy in love tonight.

Niss had dashed right up to Sir Pentious as soon as his talk with Molly and Angel had finished. He found the snake overlord slithering down the hall, admiring the decor and portraits.

"Pen!" Niss smiled, and since they were alone he also raced up and hugged Sir Pentious.

Sir Pentious blinked and hugged him in return. "Archie! I really am so glad everything here is all right, you know. I just met the princess — she is a delight! And that Vaggie too! What cards! Niffty is still playing with Razzle and Dazzle, so I thought I'd show myself around."

Niss released him and smiled up at the snake. "I'm glad you're okay too. And…that you came. Really…" He blushed a little.

Sir Pentious's eyes hazed. "Oh. I missed you too." He giggled.

Niss laughed a little and felt himself blush more. He glanced around. "Uh…mind if we go into Angel's room for a sec? I just want to talk in private."

Sir Pentious nodded. Niss instantly took his hand and pulled him over to a door down the hall and shut them inside. He was about to gesture for Sir Pentious to sit on the bed with him but then swallowed and walked them over to the small couch in the center of the room instead.

The snake demon smiled. "Are you three feeling all prepared now for the task ahead?"

Niss nodded. "Yeah, Molly, Angel, and I know what we're doing. And we're gonna have Husk and Alastor positioned together. We're hoping you could have the airship docked high over everything, just in case anyone gets hurt and needs a getaway."

Sir Pentious pouted a little. "Yes, of course, but I still want to be on the ground, helping you."

"I know. If you can use your remote to summon the ship in an emergency…then I think we can make that work."

The snake nodded eagerly. "Of course! And I'll have the Egg Bois at the ready too!"

"Okay." Niss smiled. "Then we want you on the opposite side of the alley. Husk and Alastor are going to be on a roof, but we need you in a building so you can see what's happening on the ground easily. There's an abandoned one right in the middle of the street that's nearly falling apart. Pops won't station people too deep inside. Just be safe. You'll be able to see and hear everything from there."

"Excellent." Sir Pentious clapped his hands together. Then he reached out and gently touched Niss's face. "Not to worry, I'll be careful, and all of this will be behind us soon."

Niss nodded, leaning into Sir Pentious's hand. "I know. It'll be okay." He blushed a little. "Molly and Angel liked seeing ya. And I'm glad you're getting along with Husk. He's such a nice guy for Molly."

Sir Pentious nodded. "Your family is always a delight, and so was Husker." Then he raised an eyebrow and removed his hand to put it to his chin in thought. "Oh but…I didn't see Angel's new partner downstairs."

Niss's eyes widened and he froze. He was normally pretty good at lying, but he was totally unprepared and the idea of lying to someone he cared about so much made his mind lock up.

The snake eyed him curiously for a moment and then gasped. "OHHHHH, are Angel…and the Radio Demon?! Oooo how scandalous, I love it! And that certainly does explain that evening they attacked me dressed to the nines together!" He clapped his hands together.

Niss sighed. "Pen, they're trying to keep it a secret for a lot of reasons. Promise ya won't tell?"

"Oh, of course not." Sir Pentious waved him off with a chuckle. "I can hold onto gossip! I'm just happy to be in the know for once."

Niss sighed in relief. "Thanks. I'm sure they'll tell ya eventually…especially since they want to try a triple date once they know about who I'm seeing…"

"And a marvelous triple date I'm certain we'll have." Sir Pentious winked. "Not to worry. I understand wanting a rather passionate and handsome spider all to yourself."

"Pen…" Niss blushed wildly and smiled, arms and legs crossed.

Sir Pentious just sighed dreamily at the response. "Absolutely charming."

Niss laughed and rolled his eyes and beamed a little. "Okay, okay, enough flirting… Otherwise you'll get me started." His eyes hazed and he eyed the snake up and down, causing Sir Pentious's tail to curl as he blushed and smiled wildly. Niss stood up. "Wanna finish touring the place together? I could use one myself."

"Absolutely!" The snake rose and bowed as he gestured forward, and Niss went ahead and lead them out into the hall where they walked side by side, just talking and looking around.

Angel had gone to Alastor's office after meeting with his siblings. He figured he should start there with looking for Alastor since he was already on the ground floor. He gave a knock.

"Angel? Come in!"

At the happy if tired greeting, Angel entered and closed the door behind him. He found Alastor sitting on the sofa by the window, leaning his head back while some light jazz played. The deer demon lowered the music and gestured for Angel to approach, his eyes hazed tiredly. "I was just resting, dear. Quite a full night and day, after all. Do you need me?"

Angel smiled as he came over and sat. "Always, but not for anything major at the moment, heh." He rested his head on his hand and watched Alastor. "You okay?"

Alastor nodded. "Just…tired. I don't often socialize so closely with so many people at once. And especially with ones whose opinions matter the world to me. I had an excellent time, but I need a chance to restore myself and settle my thoughts." He sighed, eyelids lowering more. "So many people… like too many radio waves in my head for a moment, ha…"

"Want me ta leave ya here, nice and quiet? If anyone asks about you I'll say you're working and need to be left alone."

Alastor shifted closer. "Actually, would you stay? You restore me even more than quiet or music."

Angel blushed and nodded.

Alastor swallowed. "And could I rest my head against your chest? It's so soft and warm." His eyes drifted there then looked away shyly.

Angel smiled a little and nodded again with a blush. He moved himself to be propped against the end of the sofa. Alastor came over, sat hip to hip with him, and rested his head on Angel's chest. The deer sighed peacefully. "I adore your heart and its beating so much, mon ange…"

"Aww…I adore you too, Alastor." Angel's eyes hazed. "Want me to hold you?"

Alastor hesitated. "Actually, if it wouldn't seem too silly…would you scratch behind my ears?" He glowed brightly. "It feels good, and I can never get the angle right myself," he explained.

Angel let out a soft chuckle. "I'd be honored, cutie." Gently his hands came around Alastor's head and started to scratch.

"Oh…" Alastor let out a perfectly pleased moan and closed his eyes. "Thank you." One of his ears twitched. "Your heart is beating faster now."

"That's cuz you're clinging to me and ya just moaned in a way I only ever imagined before."

Alastor snorted and laughed. "Well, you are very good with your hands."

"Better be, I got six of them after all, heh." Angel sighed, continuing to scratch. "So, I don't mean to bother you with stressful stuff, but I just wanted to give you a rundown about tomorrow. Molly and Niss and I worked everything out about what we'll do… and we worked out what to have the rest of you do too. Niss is gonna get Pen to be in one of the abandoned buildings near the alley. And we want you and Husk to take out the men on one of the rooftops and hide out up there together. Sort of keeping an eye on each other."

Alastor opened one eye. "Me and Husk? Why us together? Certainly Pen could replace—"

"Pen's the biggest one of us, he's gotten be hidden in an indoor space," Angel explained. "And we want you and Husk together cuz Husk'll stay calm in case you start to worry, and cuz Molly knows you'll keep Husk safe since you got that deal with him."

Alastor froze for a moment, both eyes fully open now. "She…is quite aware of my deal with Husker then?"

Angel hesitated but nodded. "Listen, it's…awkward, yeah. But we'll deal with it after all this is over. Okay?"

The deer demon tensed a little but finally settled against Angel once more. "Very well. I will try…tomorrow…with Husk."

"That's all we're asking." Angel frowned a little, rubbing his fingers deep against Alastor's skull. "Just keep each other safe — please. I can't think about something bad happening to you, and Molly can't think about something bad happening to Husk. This is the best solution we all came up with so we would't be worried sick."

Alastor's eyes closed again. "I understand." He clung to Angel a little. "I will keep our allies perfectly safe, and your family. And you most of all. I would conquer worlds for you."

Angel blushed a lot and smiled sheepishly. "Sheesh, Al, you're really having a knight in shining armor moment, huh? I'll keep in mind that ear scratches do that to ya."

"Hmm…" Alastor chuckled. "Perhaps they do loosen my tongue a little." He sighed, all tension gone. "Angel, I like your family. So much."

"I'm really, really glad, Al. They like you a lot too."

"A delightful outcome I've been desiring for days." Alastor hummed happily. "I'm so happy you have them…"

"Me too. And…happy I have you…"

Alastor went still, his voice sounded quiet. "Am I…so close to being on par with family?"

"And then some…" Angel replied tenderly.

Alastor completely leaned into him. "I would enjoy having family again very much."

Angel cradled him more with his arms, hands still in his hair. "I know, Smiles…"

Alastor let out a sigh. "Thank you for the scratching — you've done an exquisite job. You don't have to continue but…please stay here until dinner at least if you'd like. I'll put on some music. Our quiet times together are so few and far between."

"Sure thing."

"Oh, and before I forget…" Alastor sat up a little and reached into his pocket. He pulled out a small, stiff red heart. It looked like a sticker made of thick fabric. He explained. "This is a small radio transmitter. I thought you could stick it to the back of your phone — it'll look like a decoration. But you and I need to communicate, just push down on it for a few seconds and speak. You'll come through on my microphone. And I'll be able to talk back to you as well."

Angel smiled more. "Aww, Al ya made this just for me? It's a heart like I like…and red like you like." His eyes hazed. "So clever, mio cervo." While Alastor looked positively smitten at the praise, Angel pulled out his phone and stuck the device to the back then slipped into into his pocket. He opened his arms. "Now come on, back to resting."

Alastor instantly leaned himself back into Angel's arms, eyes closed. Angel stroked through his hair now as the music turned up again, filling the room with jazz. The spider swallowed, voice quiet. "Al…tomorrow…if something happens and you need to take a serious shot at my Pops…don't hesitate. I mean, it's not gonna make things weird with me or my family if you hurt him. Just do what you have to do to keep everyone safe. Except don't eat him, please. I…might have a hard time stomaching that, heh…"

Alastor gave a nod against his chest. "I will keep everything as quick and neat as possible." His voice had less static, and Angel felt like his smile was smaller against his chest. "I hope I'm likewise free and clear to take a 'serious shot' against Valentino if push comes to shove."

"Oh yeah. But still no eating please just cuz…I don't want him near you ever again if I can help it."

"I feel the same about you. Ma raison d'être…"

"Ya still not gonna tell me what that means?"

"Soon, cher. Soon."

Angel's heart beat more wildly for a moment. He closed his eyes and let himself relax as the music played and they held each other and the afternoon passed to evening.

A/N:

That's all for now! Thanks for reading! I've got two more chapters drafted that'll be up sometime next month and then I might take a short break for a bit with the holidays. Everyone have a nice start to December!

Take care!

-Azure129