WARNING: THIS CHAPTER CONTAINS MENTIONS OF SEXUAL ASSAULT, GRAPHIC VIOLENCE, AND NUDITY!

Gosh this was a whopper of a chapter. But it's worth it!

Title Song: "Your Guardian Angel" by the Red Jumpsuit Apparatus

Tina rushed to Angel Dust's crumpled form. "Husk, Carrie! Get in here!"

The door to the back room opened. When they saw what the commotion was, Carrie gasped and Husk cursed under his breath.

"Carrie," Tina said, "get me the first aid kit."

The canary nodded and ran into the kitchen. With the professional air of a trained nurse, Tina examined Angel's injuries. After taking his pulse and feeling for broken bones, she opened his good eye. The sclera was almost as red as its pupil. Then she smelled his breath and recoiled.

"He's obviously high on something," she concluded. "My money's on marijuana. We better get him to his room."

Husk knelt down on the other side of Angel. "Sure it's safe to move him?"

"Nothing's broken. Still, we should be gentle. Get his legs for me, will ya?"

Together, they flapped their wings and hoisted Angel into the air. His body felt limp. His moans were the only indication that he was conscious.

"Al," Tina said as they flew past him. "We'll need towels, a basin of water, cold compresses, and an empty bucket in case he needs to hurl."

Throughout this whole ordeal, the Radio Demon had done nothing but stand there dumbfounded. He'd been in the middle of saying something important, when the blasted spider just had to swoop in and make a scene. On the other hand, Alastor was not one to kick a man when he was down, and he had never seen Angel in worst shape.

Not to mention to refuse his wife now would be unwise. Especially after their distressing argument.

Alastor summoned the requested supplies and followed the others to Angel's room.

Just as Husk and Tina were laying Angel down on his bed, Carrie appeared with the first-aid kit. Angel's pet pig, Fat Nuggets, came out of hiding and hopped onto the bed, sniffing his owner inquisitively.

"He'll be okay, piggy." Tina rolled Angel onto his side. "Husk, help me get his dress off."

"What?!"

"Come on, soldier. You were in the army, you know the drill."

Husk grunted. "If he starts teasing me about this, it's your fault."

The dress was so tight they had to tear it open. As it was already ruined, Tina hoped Angel would forgive them.

It didn't look good. His fur was singed with cigarette burns. His back and arms were covered in deep scratches and bruises. Some pretty nasty ones on his rear and legs.

For a moment, Tina's eyes flashed to black. She recognized the nature of those injuries all too well. She also knew the offender. He'd done the same to some of her girls.

He'd been close to doing it to her.

Behind her, there was a growing buzz of static. She turned to see Alastor standing there, his eyes like a television that lost its signal.

He was triggered too.

Tina reached out and touched his arm. Alastor's eyes snapped to normal and gazed down at her.

"You don't have to stay," she whispered. "Husk and I can take it from here."

"No." He shook his head. "No, I…want to see how this plays out."

The Radio Demon didn't think much of the spider, but he identified with victims of abuse. After all, that was one of the things that had connected him to Tina.

Using the towels, Tina and Husk applied pressure to the scratches that were bleeding out. Meanwhile, Alastor applied a cold compress around Angel's black eye. The spider hissed as soon as the ice touched his skin.

"Who the fuck did this?" Husk said through his teeth.

Alastor raised an eyebrow. "If I didn't know any better, Husker, I'd say you cared."

"Hey. He's annoying as fuck, but I wouldn't wish this on anyone."

"It was his boss," Tina murmured. "Valentino."

Alastor growled. "I should've killed him when I had the chance."

"We should've." The hair on the back of her neck stood on end. "If I were ten times stronger—"

"You did what you could, dear. And if you'll recall, we were weakened and outnumbered at the time."

"What are you two talking about?" Husk asked.

"Just a run-in we had with the Three Vs some years ago," Tina replied. "See, what happened was… Wait."

The Songbat turned to her husband, whose forlorn eyes were focused on her.

"Didn't ya say that was the night you…?"

The Radio Demon nodded. "The night I realized I was in love with you."

2004, Next Cleanse in 37 Days

Being the wife of the Radio Demon meant that most lesser demons left Tina alone. With more powerful demons, it was a different story.

Tina should've paid more attention when she heard the screech of a limousine. If only she had flown off before she was snatched from behind. She tried to scream, but was stopped by a rag soaked in chloroform.

When she came to, she heard two male voices. She was too dazed to make out what they said, but one was deep and sultry, the other sounding like it came from a television.

Of course. What other two demons had the power, and the audacity, to abduct her?

Once Tina regained the feeling in her body, she realized she was standing upright, her arms above her head. She lurched forward. Her wrists and ankles were cuffed to a wall or something.

"Oh, look," said Valentino. "Our little sleeping beauty's awake."

Tina blinked her eyes open. Vox approached her, taking her by the chin.

"Comfortable, little bat?" Vox gave an electronic laugh. "Maybe we should've hung you upside-down."

Tina tried to make a retort, only to find a cloth gag tied around her mouth.

"Don't bother trying to transform." Vox pointed to her wrists. "If your adrenaline goes up any higher than it should be, these cuffs will send an electronic shock of a hundred volts. And it's worth noting, just fifty is enough to kill a human.

"Luckily for you, you're already dead." He gave a pixelated grin. "Doesn't mean it won't hurt like Hell."

Tina stopped struggling.

"Good girl. Now." That smug screen was in her face. "There's no need to be so nervous, sweetheart. It's not you we're after here."

Valentino blew red smoke rings her way. "As tempting as you look on that St. Andrew's Cross."

So that's what she was restrained to. Tina felt like she might gag into the gag.

"If you continue to behave," Vox said, stroking his bony fingers against her cheek, "we might consider letting you go afterwards."

Tina jerked her head away from his touch, glaring daggers at him. The television's mouth glitched into a frown.

"Now, now, doll. We're not looking to hurt you. You're worth more to us alive than dead."

She stuck up her nose with a grunt. Chained up or not, Tina was too stubborn to go down without a fight.

"This doesn't need to be difficult," Vox said. "It's your husband we're after, not you."

Valentino huffed. "Though I would like compensation from our last little rendezvous."

Laughter bubbled in Tina's throat.

"Oh, you think that's funny, do you?" Valentino stepped up, pointing his cigarette at her. "I warned you what would happen if you played around with Overlords, babe."

He pressed the burning tip to her shoulder. Tina winced, but refused to release so much as a whimper. She would not give these bastards the satisfaction.

Besides, she was no stranger to this kind of pain.

"You know," Vox said with a sigh. "This ain't no fun when we can't hear her screaming."

He reached towards the gag.

Valentino grabbed his wrist. "Don't be foolish. Remember what her scream can do."

"I'm aware." Vox slid out of his partner's grasp. "Fortunately, we won't have to worry about that."

The minute the cloth was removed from her mouth, Tina released a sonic screech. Valentino covered his earholes, but Vox remained calm.

The handcuffs buzzed and a jolt of electricity coursed through Tina's body. She writhed and shook, her scream mixing with the sparks. It felt like her skeleton was frying from the inside out.

When it was done, her head drooped in exhaustion. Thanks to the static, her fur was all puffed up. She heaved, trying to slow her heartrate. Vox laughed.

"I did warn you." He lifted her chin, not reacting as the static lightning danced around his arm. "Try the again, and I'll silence you forever. Capiche?"

Tina scowled, but kept her voice low. "Just you wait until Al gets here."

"Oh, we're counting on it."

Vox released her and opened his jacket. In the side pocket was a white, pristine revolver. Tina had seen something like it before. Alastor had given it to her in case of emergencies. It was sitting in her bedside table.

If only she'd kept it in her purse.

"You know what this does?" Vox pointed to the gun.

Tina shrugged her shoulders as best she could. "It's one of them angel-made guns. Strong enough to kill—"

"Even the most powerful of demons." Vox closed his jacket. "The bullets don't come cheap, so I only bring it out for special occasions."

Her eyes widened in terror. "You don't mean—?"

"Oh, I mean." The television paced around the room. "That out-of-tune motherfucker has been a thorn in my side for decades. Doesn't care if he's a has-been. He just won't quit. Now, he's too smart to challenge me directly, so I'm extending the invitation to him."

There had been no point in Tina worrying about Alastor. He could more than take care of himself. But one shot from that holy weapon and he'd be gone. Forever.

Then what would she do? It'd been so long since she'd considered an afterlife without Alastor. She didn't love him, but she didn't want him erased.

Valentino leaned against the wall beside the St. Andrew's cross. He was much taller than Vox and therefore, much more intimidating.

"We would've had this little party sooner, but we just had to see how serious you and Radio Boy were." The pimp lit a new cigarette. "Well, you've been hitched for what, five years now? And he's yet to stray."

He blew a smoke ring and shook his head. "Seriously, I've never seen a more committed spouse. Except maybe Lucifer. But then again, he and Lilith are swingers, so." He shrugged. "Let's just say Radio Boy surprised me."

"Took us decades," Vox said, his electronic red eyes focusing on Tina, "but we finally found his weakness."

These two were idiots. They didn't get that the reason Alastor hadn't cheated on his wife was because he wasn't interested in anyone. Not even her.

Tina couldn't help it. She burst out laughing. Her captors frowned.

"What's so funny now?" Vox demanded.

"Y'all really think I'm Al's weakness?" she wheezed. "That what? Seein' me in danger would get him to drop his guard enough for y'all to take a shot at him? That he'd be dumb enough to fall for a lame trap like this? Ha! If something happened to me, all he'd do is find a new piece of arm candy!"

In reality, Tina was just trying to stall until Alastor could get here. But as she said this, she wondered if it were true.

If anything happened to her, if Vox were to use that gun on her, would Alastor even care? Sure, the two of them got along, but could she really be considered a weakness?

Or could she easily be replaced with another desperate soul to play the trophy wife?

But the two Overlords only laughed.

"There's no use trying to swindle us, doll," the pimp said, extinguishing his cigarette on her arm. "The fella dedicates broadcasts to you. Rips demons apart for you. Looks at you like a fancy dessert that's too beautifully crafted to devour."

Tina ground her teeth to prevent herself from screaming. "That supposed to flatter me?"

"Point is, he'd do anything for you." Valentino smirked. "It's a shame, really, that you don't extend him the same courtesy."

Tina stiffened. "What?"

"You think my employees don't tell me about their clients? Especially if they're as famous as you?" He booped her nose. "Not that I'm judging, of course. Monogamy can get dull after a while."

She tried to keep a poker face. "Al doesn't mind."

Would he, though? When they had gotten engaged, Alastor had granted her permission to seek fulfillment elsewhere. Even so, Tina had never mentioned her extramarital activities to her husband. She wasn't sure why. They weren't exclusive to each other.

But Alastor wasn't like her one-night stands. He talked with her, listened to her, gave her undivided attention when she needed it most. How would he react if he found out his company wasn't the only one she sought out?

She didn't want to know.

"He doesn't, eh?" Valentino gave a wicked smirk as he flicked his cigarette away. "Then I suppose he won't mind if you and I get…better acquainted."

He ran a single claw from her neck down to her cleavage. Tina froze. She should've chosen her words more carefully.

Nonetheless, she tried not to show her panic. "If you think I'm so important to Al, he won't like ya playin' with his favorite toy."

"Oh." Valentino chuckled, placing another claw on her thigh. "He'll be too busy worrying about the bullet in his chest to pay any mind to you."

"Val," Vox said in a warning tone. "Don't get too carried away. We're supposed to wait for Velvet before having any fun."

"I won't rush." The pimp seized her chin with a third hand, running a thumb along her bottom lip. "I wanna enjoy this."

"That's your problem, Val. Always thinking with your dick." Vox's eyes traveled around the screen. "Radio Boy will get the jump on us if you're too busy screwing with our hostage."

"Then keep an eye out for him, will ya?" Valentino squeezed her face, threatening to break the jaw. "Be a good girl and I promise not to bite."

For a second, the pimp had Ethan's pale face and blue eyes. Tina whimpered as his sharp claws teased along her thigh, the rest feeling up her curves. With a wicked grin, he pierced her dress, sinking his talons deep into her skin.

The pain brought her back to her sense. No. She'd sworn never to let herself be made into a sex object again. She had to keep her head and find a way out of this before the sleazy moth got too far.

The cuffs were her greatest obstacle. She couldn't transform or scream without getting shocked. She couldn't even kick the bastard in the balls.

Where was Alastor? Shouldn't he have realized she was missing by now? He didn't normally have trouble finding her. Especially once she…

If Tina weren't restrained and being fondled by a giant bug, she'd slap herself for her stupidity.

Curling her left fingers, she scraped against the edge of her engagement ring. Thank Satan it was still there. Of course, the idiots couldn't have known about its charm, otherwise they would've removed it.

All she had to do was turn it three times. The charm had nothing to do with her adrenaline levels, so she was certain it wouldn't trigger the cuffs.

"You know," Valentino said. "I really thought you'd put up more of a fight."

Tina had been so deep in thought she'd almost forgotten she was being violated. She couldn't let Valentino suspect her plan. It was necessary to distract him from seeing her ring.

So, swallowing her disgust, Tina used her most innocent, pleading voice. "I'm sorry. I was just thinking." She curled her lip into a pout. "It's been so long since I've been given any real pleasure."

Valentino blinked, taken aback for a moment. Then he smirked.

"Deer Boy doesn't treat you as he should, does he?"

She shook her head. "Too much of a gentleman."

He scoffed. "No wonder you're such a frequent customer. Maybe we're doing you a favor by offing him." Tina tried not to shiver as he slid a claw under her skirt. "Lucky you, this one's on the house."

While he was drawn in by her act, Tina worked on her ring. It wasn't easy with only her middle finger and pinky at her disposal. She'd only managed to turn it halfway.

Valentino took her face again and leaned in. Tina closed her eyes, pretending to welcome it. By the time his chapped lips met hers, the ring had been turned once.

Her fingers hurried. His were pulling at the string of her panties. She masked her moan of discomfort with one of pleasure.

Twice. One more turn to go.

His tongue poked at her lips. If she didn't open her mouth, he'd get suspicious. So she let his tongue in. It tasted like sandpaper.

The ring was almost fully around. Just a few more taps and she'd be saved.

Then she felt a snap against her waist. Valentino had ripped open her panties.

No more Mrs. Nice Bat.

Tina bit down. Hard. Warm blood oozed into her mouth. She ignored the metallic taste and didn't resist swallowing.

Valentino cried out and tore himself away from her, cradling his bleeding tongue.

What was supposed to be "You bitch!" came out as: "Noo nih!"

Vox finally intervened. He stomped up to Tina and smacked her hard across the face. This did nothing to erase her smug expression.

"I warned you what would happen if you didn't behave." He grabbed her throat. "So tell me, bitch. Was that fucking stunt you pulled worth it?"

Tina only smirked as she finished turning the ring a third time.

The room was instantly encased in darkness. The only remaining source of light was Vox's screen.

A pair of shadowy hands snatched him by the shoulders. Two red dials and a set of teeth glowed above him as that wonderful, static-ridden voice spoke.

"Kindly get your filthy paws off my wife."

Tina had never been so happy to see that creepy husband of hers.

Vox was yanked back into the shadows, forced to release Tina's throat. With her echolocation, she could sense the outlines of the three Overlords. Tendrils sprang from both Alastor's and Vox's backs, the latter's sparking with electricity. Valentino stood off to the side, still nursing his injured tongue. His partner clearly had things under control.

"Watch out, Al!" Tina shouted. "Vox has one of them angel guns!"

There was a whoosh as Alastor's voice replied, "Thanks for the warning, darling! I'll have you out in a minute, so hang in there!"

She rolled her eyes. "Now ain't the time for your corny jokes."

Regardless, she wondered if he could tell she was smiling.

A ghost of a hand closed over her right wrist, sending a chill down her arm. After a click, the cuff opened and her hand was free. She looked up to see a pair of glowing blue eyes with no pupils. When the clicking sound returned, she could see a key jiggling in the other handcuff.

"That you, Chesterfield?" she whispered.

Even with echolocation, it wasn't easy seeing a shadow in the darkness. But the eyes went up and down, as if the shadow were nodding.

Once the second cuff was unlocked, Tina rubbed her sore wrists. After her ankles were freed, she felt a tug at her elbow. A flash from the ongoing battle allowed her to see Chesterfield pointing toward the door.

She turned back to the fight. Alastor stood at his full demonic height, his glowing microphone blocking Vox's tentacles.

"I can't just leave him," Tina said to Chesterfield. "What if he gets shot?"

The shadow shook its head and pulled at her arm.

"I ain't leavin' him here."

Chesterfield rolled his eyes and moved behind her to give her a hard shove.

"Get off me! I ain't gonna—"

She was cut off by a hand over her mouth. It was much too solid and warm to be Chesterfield's. Then Tina felt something thin and sharp poke the side of her neck. She gave a muffled cry. Alastor's head turned in her direction.

A shot rang out. Tina watched in horror as Alastor's silhouette crumpled to the floor.

Had the holy bullet struck his heart? Was her husband dead?

The lights came back on. Vox loomed over Alastor with a triumphant grin. Valentino stood beside his partner, holding a smoking pistol.

It wasn't the angel gun. But Alastor was still crouched on the floor, in his demon form, cradling his right shoulder and supporting himself with his staff. His monocle had fallen off. A small red X glowed in the middle of his forehead.

Tina's captor pressed their weapon, a knitting needle, to her neck.

"One false move, Radio Boy," came a female voice, "and your little wifey gets it."

It was Velvet, the third V in the gang. To Tina, she sounded like Harley Quinn brought to life, though ten times more terrifying.

Alastor's vacant black eyes locked onto his wife. They slowly returned to normal, the rest of his body following.

Why wasn't Alastor fighting back? How badly was he hurt? Did Valentino's gun also hold holy bullets?

"I knew it." Vox chuckled as he reached into his jacket. "The dame is your weakness." He drew the revolver. "But if you hold still, I promise to let her go unscathed. Or else."

He pointed the gun towards Tina.

Alastor gave an animalistic growl. "Your quarrel is with me, Vox. There was no need to bring her into this."

"See, that was your fatal mistake." Vox aimed the gun at Alastor's head. "You got too attached."

Everyone expected the Radio Demon to retaliate. Or at least make a wisecrack. Instead, he took one last glance at Tina and closed his eyes, accepting his fate.

Tina, however, would not accept this.

She took no time to rationalize. She bit down on Velvet's hand, then dug a heel into her foot and elbowed her in the ribs. Once Tina had enough distance, she spread her wings and knocked the ragdoll backward. Vox aimed his revolver at the bat just as she was transforming. But before he could pull the trigger, she released a sonic screech.

It was stronger than any screech that had ever come out of Tina's mouth. Not only did it force everyone to cover their ears—or whatever helped Vox to hear—but it knocked them back into the wall.

Only Alastor remained unaffected, his hair and coattails blowing back but his staff keeping him in place. He merely watched as Tina's soundwaves pressed the Three Vs to the wall. The bat herself rose above them all, flapping her enormous, majestic wings.

When she finally shut her mouth, the Three Vs slumped to the floor. Velvet cradled the sides of her head. Valentino clutched his bloody mouth. Vox's screen was cracked.

Before they could regain their senses, Tina swooped down and stood in front of Alastor with her arms spread.

"This was your fatal mistake, fellas," she said, her voice echoing. "Ya underestimated me."

"Huh?" Velvet cupped a hand beside her head. "What'd you say?"

Tina sighed. If they couldn't hear her, then she would make her message clearer.

She circled Alastor, hooked her arms under his, then flapped her wings to lift him to his feet. He looked back into her pitch-black eyes in surprise.

For the first time ever, Tina was in her demonic state and fully conscious.

"Can ya get us outta here?" she whispered.

Alastor nodded. He had just enough energy left to accomplish that much. They'd take care of the Three Vs another day.

The Radio Demon slammed his staff to the ground, opening a portal beneath him and Tina. They fell through. If not for Tina's wings, they would've had a rough landing on their living room floor.

Once the portal closed above them, Alastor fell limp in Tina's arms.

"You okay?" Her voice was still distorted, but the concern was obvious.

"It's nothing," he grunted. "I just…need to sit down."

The bedroom was too far, so Tina settled him onto the couch. She eased back into her regular form as she examined his body. His jacket was torn and burnt in several places. The worst, of course, was the bullet wound in his right shoulder, to which Alastor was still applying pressure.

Tina tried to remove his hand. He dropped his staff and grabbed her wrist.

"Don't."

She spoke firmly. "Let me see."

He shook his head. "I'm fine. I'm a fast healer."

"What about the bullet? What happens if the wound closes up before you can take it out?"

"It's fine," he stressed. "I have magic. I just need to…rest a while. Then I'll take care of it."

Tina narrowed her eyes. "Al, I ain't no doctor, but a fucking gardener can see that ya ain't fine."

"I don't want you—"

She held up a finger. "You've already proven your manhood today, hon. Let me take care of you for once."

Alastor was quiet. She sounded so much like his mother.

"Now stay right here and keep applying pressure to that wound." She stood up. "I'll be right back."

She returned with a first-aid kit, a basin of water, towels and a bottle of whiskey. Then she sat down on the coffee table and reached for the buttons of Alastor's jacket.

"What are you doing?" he asked in panic.

"Ya can't expect me to treat your wounds with all these clothes on," Tina said.

Alastor's cheeks reddened, though he knew she had a point.

Just the same, he had never allowed a woman to see his body. Except for his mother, of course.

Removing Alastor's clothes proved to be difficult. The bloody fabric clung to his skin, and he couldn't move his arms through the sleeves. Ultimately, Alastor told Tina to rip them all off. He could always repair them later.

When she was down to the last layer of clothing, a white undershirt, Tina's movements became slower and more hesitant. She tore the shirt open with her claws and, for the first time, was met with her husband's bare torso.

As expected, his waist was thin, almost skeletal. His ashen gray skin just barely covered his ribs. What Tina hadn't expected to see were abs. They were small, but they were there, with a broad chest to match.

But that wasn't what drew her attention. His left side was charred with an electrical burn, the other bearing a claw mark dripping with blood. Vox had managed to get a few hits in.

There were more scars. All over his chest, neck and arms. They weren't fresh like the other wounds. They were faded, but prominent.

Tina dared to put a hand to his chest. Alastor stiffened, but did nothing to stop her.

It was a rare thing for them to touch. Not without fabric between them. Alastor always wore gloves and covered up everything from the chin down. The only times they ever truly touched each other were in their platonic kisses, and even those were brief.

His skin was cold and smooth, textured by the numerous scars. Tina curiously traced one with her finger.

There were two reasons demons would have scars. One, if they'd lost an appendage. Two, if they'd received those scars in life.

Normally, Alastor hated being touched. But Tina's furry hand was soft and warm, like a kitten's paw. Even when she touched those sensitive scars, he found the action strangely soothing, and forgot the pain in his shoulder.

A rapid thumping snapped Tina back to the present situation. "What's that?"

"Hmm?" Alastor was too overwhelmed from the sensation of her touch to notice anything.

Her ears twitched as she tried to pinpoint the sound. Then she looked behind Alastor. Swishing side to side against the back of the couch was his tail.

"Uh, Al? Something wrong with your tail?"

"My tail?"

He glanced back. Then, with a heavy blush, quickly covered the quivering ball of fluff.

"That's, um…" Alastor tried to come up with an explanation. "Completely normal! Yes, completely normal behavior for a tail!"

It wasn't though. At least not for his tail. It would flick sometimes, maybe stand erect, but never wag.

"Al, your wound!" Tina grabbed a towel to stop the bleeding from his shoulder. "Okay, we gotta take care of this bullet before anything else. Maybe you should lie down for this."

She lowered him onto his back, making sure his wounded shoulder was facing towards her. Alastor pressed down on the towel while she removed her rings and got a pair exam gloves from the kit.

"Do you even know how to do this?" he asked.

"Nope." She snapped the gloves onto her hands. "I mean I took up first-aid after ya bandaged my leg, just so I wouldn't have to rely on ya next time I got into a scrape." She peeled the towel from his shoulder and bit her lip. "But I've never removed a bullet before. Don't ya need surgery for this sort of thing?"

"In emergencies like this, darling, we must use whatever is at our disposal. Normally, I'd use my magic for this, but…" He glanced down at his injuries. "I'm finding myself a bit drained at the moment. You'll just have to claw it out."

Tina's jaw dropped. "What?"

He took her fingers. "You have claws, dear. Put them to use."

"But won't that hurt?"

"Oh, ha-ha." His laugh was weaker than usual. "You needn't worry about little old me. I have a high tolerance for pain. Just get the thing out so we can get this over with."

She couldn't believe his nonchalance, but without proper surgical knowledge or tools, she had no other option. "Do ya…wanna bite down on something?"

His grin widened. "Your arm?"

She punched him in his wounded shoulder. "Quit makin' jokes or I'll add to your injuries."

"Ouch," he said bluntly. "Some nurse you are."

She scowled as she poked her claws through her gloves.

It wasn't a fun task. Tina basically had to rip the wound open further to see inside. She had to dig through several layers of flesh before reaching the bullet. Then she got a pair of tweezers, dipped them in whiskey, and went for it like a game of Operation.

Alastor didn't even grunt through the whole process. Though his claws did penetrate the couch cushions, releasing the stuffing.

"Don't know how ya can keep that smile up," Tina said once the bullet was out.

Alastor shrugged his good shoulder. "This isn't the first time I've been shot, and it won't be the last."

As Tina put the bloody bullet in a tray, she stared at his forehead. The red X that had been there during the battle was gone. In her time in Hell, she'd learned about death marks on sinners, and that they were usually indicated with an X.

She dipped a towel in the basin of water and began cleaning around the open wound. "Do ya mind if I ask ya something personal?"

Alastor raised an eyebrow. "It depends. Although you might as well, as I'm not exactly going anywhere, am I?"

She glanced at the scars on his chest. "How exactly did ya die?"

It took a while for him to answer. "I told you a pack of hunting dogs ripped me apart. But what did me in was the policeman's pistol." He pointed to his forehead. "Hunted and shot like a common stag. Almost poetic."

He tried to put a light spin on the subject, but his tone suggested this wasn't easy for him to talk about.

"So those scars are from the dogs?" Tina asked.

Alastor ran a hand across his chest. "Whether they represent my death, or the sins I committed, or the marks my father left, I'll never know. Any scars on demons serve as cruel reminders of the suffering they faced in life."

Tina moved on to clean the gash in his side. "I know."

He tilted his head. "You do, don't you?"

From two words, he could tell it wasn't just an observation.

Once the blood was washed away, Tina put the now red towel in the basin and got a needle and thread from the first-aid kit. It took her several attempts to get the thread through the eye. Her hand shook as she began stitching the bullet wound.

"You're not the only one with scars," Tina murmured.

Alastor opened his mouth to inquire further, but then caught sight of her face. "Who gave you that bruise?"

Tina paused in her stitching. "Vox."

She'd been so focused on Alastor's injuries, she'd forgotten about her own. And Alastor had been too drained to notice.

But he was noticing now.

"And those cigarette burns?"

"Valentino."

His claws dug into the head of the couch. "And who caused your mouth to bleed?"

"Don't worry," Tina said quickly. "It's not mine."

His concern turned into confusion. "Not yours?"

"See, Valentino was kissin' me—"

He ripped a chunk of fabric from the couch. "He did what?!"

"So I bit his tongue."

The fabric fell from his claw. "You did what?"

"Though some of it might be Velvet's. Damn." The thread came undone so she had to start all over again. "You know, when I bit down on her hand."

Alastor's shoulders bounced as he chuckled.

"Hey, you're gonna break the stitch," Tina scolded. "And what's got ya laughing?"

"I'm just amazed at you, darling." He locked eyes with her. "When we first met, you could hardly take on two run-of-the-mill hoodlums. Tonight, not only did you manage a fully controlled transformation for the first time, but you took on three Overlords! Single-handedly, no less!"

Tina blushed. "You did most of the work, really."

"Yes, but when I was incapacitated, you stepped up to the plate and allowed us both to escape! You're truly…incredible."

Her hand slipped and the thread slid through the folds of flesh a second time.

"Your stitching, on the other hand, could use some work."

"Sorry." Tina threw the needle down. "But the last time I had to stitch anything was when I tore my dress onstage back in '87. Unless you've got a faster way to close this up, we'll just have to make do."

"Hmm." Alastor rubbed his chin. "There is…one way. If you're not opposed to a little Vodou."

"What?" She scowled. "I thought ya said you were too drained to do any of that!"

"I was." He gripped his shoulder. "But I should have enough to perform a small healing spell. And I couldn't very well do it while the bullet was still in there, now could I? I will need your assistance, however."

Tina sighed. "Fine. What we gotta do?"

Alastor's eyes suddenly became sheepish. "The spell requires a…blood sacrifice."

She gestured to his shoulder. "I think you've already sacrificed plenty."

"Not mine. Another's."

She stood up. "Want me to get your supply from the basement? I know ya don't want me down there, but—"

He shook his head. "The blood is more potent when given…willingly."

One look from him and Tina understood. "Oh."

Alastor took her by the hand. "Tina, I would never consume your blood without your permission. However," he said with a wince, "it would speed this process along."

As he spoke, more blood pulsed from his shoulder, and Tina became much more aware of the sharpness of his teeth.

"Does it…have to be a lot?"

"Just a pint. Not more than you'd give for a transfusion."

She pulled her hand from his grasp and stepped back. "If this is some trick to get a taste of me—"

"No trick," Alastor said. "I wouldn't be asking this if it weren't necessary."

She raised an eyebrow. "Ya won't chew my arm off?"

He crossed his heart. "Believe it or not, Tina, I respect you too much to do a thing like that. And if you agree to this, I promise to tend to your injuries afterwards."

He would've done so anyway, but had to offer some incentive.

Tina was still wary, but didn't want to attempt another stitch. "One pint. That's it."

"Deal."

They shook on it.

"Which arm do you prefer?" Alastor asked as he hoisted himself into a sitting position.

Tina was right-handed, so she extended her left arm. He snatched it up and pulled it towards his gaping maw.

"Al!"

"Ha-ha! I'm just pulling your leg, dear. Or arm, as the case may be."

She held up a fist with her free hand. "I can still knock those teeth out."

"Alright, alright. I've had my fun."

Loosening his grip, Alastor gently peeled the bloody nitrile glove off her hand. Then he paused, seeing a black ring of charred fur surrounding her wrist.

"What happened here?"

"Oh, right." Tina flexed her hand. "Them cuffs shocked me when I tried usin' my powers. Think they got my ankles too. My fur should grow back in a few days."

For once, the Radio Demon was hesitant to take another's blood. She'd already suffered enough tonight.

"Might wanna hurry up," Tina said, pointing. "That shoulder ain't lookin' good."

Alastor blinked. "Of course, dear. Now hold still. This'll only hurt for a moment."

He held up a finger, a single claw poking through his glove. He brought it down just below her burn and pierced the skin. Tina seethed through her teeth as he dragged the claw down her arm. The incision was less than an inch long, but it stung.

After whispering some words in Creole, he lowered his mouth and pressed his lips over the fresh cut like a tender kiss.

As he began to suck, the pain lessened. She couldn't feel his fangs. In fact, she barely felt anything at all. She supposed this was his way of being courteous.

Alastor closed his eyes as the warm blood entered his mouth. Some of her fur caught in his throat, but he was accustomed to this, given how most demons were.

He'd always suspected his wife to taste divine. Ever since he'd first smelled her blood. But he'd never dared to try it, knowing it would break her trust. Now he finally had his chance.

As much as the Radio Demon was enjoying himself, there was something odd about this feeding. Usually, once he started, he couldn't stop. He still had that urge, but it was different somehow. Like he was hungry, but for something else entirely.

He repositioned his lips, ceasing his drinking a moment to just relish the feel of her fur against his lips. He wanted more of her flesh. Not to devour, just to taste.

His ears fell flat, his tail began wagging again, and from his throat came the last sound either of them expected to hear.

A purr.

"Uh, Al?" Tina cringed. "You're makin' this a lot weirder than it needs to be."

Alastor's eyes snapped open. They were glowing. They only did that whenever he was angry or excited.

Remembering himself, he sucked one last drop and, with great difficulty, pulled his mouth away. But not before licking the cut clean.

"Did it work?"

As soon as Tina asked this, the wound in Alastor's shoulder began closing up. Within a minute, it resembled nothing worse than a mere scratch. Meanwhile, Alastor took a small bandage from the first-aid kit for Tina's wrist.

"What about the others?" She gestured to his gash and burn.

"I would've had to take more blood to fix those up," he explained. "The bullet wound was more urgent."

Tina got a roll of gauze from the kit and, though it wasn't bleeding out anymore, wrapped up his shoulder. She then started to do the same to his middle. Alastor said the gash and burn would heal on their own by morning.

"Why'd ya have to go and do a thing like that?" she asked as she brought the gauze around.

He tilted his head. "If you mean drink your blood, I told you, to help me heal faster."

"Not that." She glanced at his bandaged shoulder. "Ya almost got yourself erased for me. You'd be more than just dead right now. You'd be gone." She choked on that last word. "So why did ya just…sit there, prepared to take it?"

"Oh, that's simple. I did it because…"

The Radio Demon trailed off. Why had he done it?

Honestly, he hadn't really thought about it. But the moment he'd seen Tina with a needle to her throat, it had been like someone had pulled the circuits from his internal radio.

He had stood frozen. In fear. He was rarely ever afraid.

In that horrid instant, his life had flashed before his eyes. More specifically, his life with Tina. All those meals they'd cooked together, all those dances shared, all those nights spent in each other's arms. Such small, simple, mundane moments that made this afterlife worthwhile.

All would've been gone had the Three Vs followed through on their threat.

"Well?" Tina said.

Not wanting to let his fear be known, Alastor cheerfully said, "Because if I had let you perish, I would've lost my favorite source of entertainment, of course!"

She sighed. "Of course."

"Besides," Alastor said, giving her head a pat, "I made a promise to protect you, didn't I? I have no intention of second death parting us so soon, my lo—little bat!"

His smile twitched along with that unexpected slip of the tongue. Where had that come from?

If Tina noticed, she didn't give any sign.

"And done." She tied the last bandage into place. "All wrapped up like a Christmas present.

That got a chuckle out of him. He'd said the same thing to her when he'd tended to her leg the night he'd proposed. Now their roles were reversed and she'd been the one to save him.

"My turn." Alastor leaned forward, ignoring the pain in his ribs. "You should get a cold compress from the icebox for that bruise."

When Tina returned, holding the compress to her cheek, Alastor removed his ring and blood-soaked gloves. And so, his hands were revealed to her for the first time.

They were ashen gray like his skin, but now she knew why he always hid them under his gloves. His nails were brittle, grimy, and unfiled. She didn't question this, however, as he put on exam gloves. Then he rubbed lotion onto her burns.

"Are you injured anywhere else?" he asked after wrapping up her wrists.

Tina glanced down at the tear in her dress. Blood dripped down her right leg. She tried rolling up her skirt, but it was too tight.

She set down the compress and rose to her feet. "I'm gonna have to strip."

There was a record scratch. "What?"

"Hey, it's only fair." She gestured to his bare chest.

Turning around, Tina reached for the clasp of her dress below her wings. Realizing there was no getting out of this awkward situation, Alastor stopped her hands and undid it for her. Then, very slowly, he pulled down the zipper.

A heavy blush overtook his face when he revealed the top of her rear. "Um, err, is there a reason you're not wearing any…?"

As she peeled down her dress, Tina replied, "Can't wear a bra cuz of the wings. As for my panties… Well, Valentino broke 'em."

The redness in his face became less associated with bashfulness and more with rage. "If he dared to ravish you—"

"No." Her voice was barely above a whisper as she stepped out of her dress. "I didn't let him get that far."

"Even so, I should've torn off all six of that insect's limbs when I had…the…"

The sight of Tina's breasts silenced him. Not in the way one would think.

While it was true that Alastor was taken aback at seeing a naked woman for the first time, what was more shocking was the state of her breasts.

Golden brown fur covered most of the skin, which he was grateful for. But a series of small scars formed dark brown patches across her breasts. Areas that were normally covered by her dress. Where two nipples should've been were two black Xs. Death marks.

Tina didn't mind Alastor staring. After letting her see his scars, he had every right to see hers.

Once he'd taken in the view of her chest, his eyes moved downward. Thankfully, her fur concealed her private area. Then he focused on the real purpose of this display of nudity. The deep, claw-like scratch in her right thigh.

He sneered in disgust. Not at her body, but at what those bastards had done to her.

"By Satan, Tina." Alastor reached for the quilt hanging over the couch. "Why didn't you say something sooner?"

"You had it worse," Tina replied.

"That's no excuse." He draped the quilt over her shoulders, though it mostly covered her wings. "Next time you're injured, tell me."

As Alastor dabbed the scratch with a damp washcloth, Tina tightened the quilt around her. It touched her that he was still being a gentleman, despite the two of them being so exposed. Yet neither of them felt any shame, nor any inclination to take advantage.

"Did you get those scars from your cancer?" Alastor inquired.

Tina nodded. "Had surgery done to remove the lumps. But it wasn't enough." She crossed her arms over her breasts. "At least when you died, it was over in minutes. My death lasted over a year."

"Hmm." Alastor poured the whiskey onto a cotton ball. "At least by then you were most likely prepared for death."

"But it's ironic, ain't it?" She winced as he disinfected her wound. "That the things that could've fed my baby were what killed me."

"God sure has a funny way of punishing us sinners, in life and death."

She shrugged. "It could be worse. It could be like those cartoons where little devils with pitchforks throw us in a big boilin' pot and melt our skins off."

Alastor did not laugh as he picked up the roll of gauze. "In this Hell, the real torture you're subjected to is not by the Devil, but other sinners."

"I saw a Broadway play once where the characters said, 'Hell is other people.' That idea of Hell was probably the most accurate."

His wrapping slowed as he thought of the torture most recently enacted upon his wife. "I should've gotten there sooner."

"It ain't your fault, Al."

Alastor knotted the bandage. "The only reason they took you in the first place is because you're my wife."

Retracting his hands from her legs, he moved back with his head down. "I should've been with you." He ripped his gloves off. "I should've had Chesterfield watch over you."

Tina leaned towards him. "Ya can't protect me all the time."

"But I promised I would!" In order to hide the oncoming burst of emotions, he buried his face in his hands. "What kind of husband am I if I can't even protect my own wife?"

She got up and joined him on the couch. "You're a good husband, Al. I wouldn't be here right now if ya weren't."

"But I allowed those…those mongrels to disgrace you!" He choked on his words. "You were disgraced enough in your life. You don't deserve any of this."

Tears were falling through his fingers. He hated being so vulnerable in front of people. Grown men weren't supposed to cry, but be strong for their women. She must think him so pathetic. After all, he'd failed to fully protect her tonight.

As if Alastor hadn't experienced enough surprises, Tina threw her arms around his neck. The quilt slid off her back as her bare chest pressed to his.

He'd been able to handle her touching him in order to tend to his wounds, but having their entire torsos squished together was extremely overwhelming. Heat spread from his face, down his neck, to all parts of his body. Every instinct screamed for him to push her off, but he was too stunned to move.

"You're right." Tina rested her head in the crook of his neck. "I don't deserve a husband as wonderful as you."

This made him relax a little. "You…you really think that?"

"Mmm-hmm." Her arms tightened around him. "So thank you. For comin' for me when ya did. I was worried I might never see ya again."

It was clear she was not releasing him anytime soon, and he couldn't very well turn her away after hearing that.

Besides, there was something strangely…pleasant about the way she was holding him. Her soft fur enveloped him. Her heart beat against his chest, synchronizing with his. Her hair, always rich with the scent of lavender and peach, tickled his nose.

Tentatively, Alastor slid his arms around her, one below her wings, and one above. Tina repositioned herself so that she was sitting on his lap. He said nothing in objection, but simply moved one hand up and down her lower back, avoiding any sensitive areas, the other stroking her hair. It all felt so different without gloves on.

This was the most intimate the two of them had ever been. They were both practically naked, yet the embrace didn't feel sexual or disgusting. Just natural, comfortable, innocent. Hence, it didn't bother him.

Instead, there were other sensations he couldn't explain. Her scent caused his eyes to roll back. Her touch sent his heart racing. Her warmth got his tail wagging. Her low moans had his ears sagging.

Despite all the Radio Demon's morals, he wanted to keep holding her like this. The two of them as close as physically possible. With no intention of letting go.

A new fear crept over him as Vox's words echoed in his mind: The dame is your weakness. You got too attached.

As much as it pained Alastor to admit it, that piece of shit television had been right.

The Radio Demon didn't open up to anyone, except Tina. He didn't like being touched by anyone, except Tina. He wouldn't sacrifice himself for anyone, except Tina.

This wasn't just about their deal anymore. No, their relationship had stopped being professional long ago. At some point, they had crossed the boundary of friendship. He wouldn't do any of this for Husk or Niffty or Mimzy or Rosie. Tina was far more special than that.

This wasn't good. Not good at all.

The whole point of this marriage was so that Alastor wouldn't have to worry about romantic feelings. Tina wouldn't have accepted otherwise. If he were to go back on his word, she might consider the deal broken and leave.

Aside from that, she'd already been used by so many other men whom she'd trusted. While Alastor would never stoop to their level, to have feelings for his wife when he'd promised not to could be seen as a betrayal.

Then there was that hopeful part of his brain that said Tina would be understanding. Perhaps, if this intimate gesture was anything to go by, she could possibly feel the same way. If not now, eventually.

But Alastor didn't want to risk it. He liked their relationship the way it was. The prospect of love would ruin it.

Was this even love? He'd never known the feeling, and his mother did not count. He wished she were here to give him advice.

Once, during his childhood, he had asked his mother why all the girls at school were acting so strange around him. After a long talk about the birds and the bees, and a rather disturbing mental image of his parents entwined, he had still been confused. So his mother had tried a different approach.

"You don't have to like these particular girls, Allie," she'd said. "But when you meet that special girl, who likes you for more than just your handsome face, you'll find yourself wanting to care for her in whatever way possible. Whether that be through touch or conversation or simply being there for her. Just remember that she will have needs too, and you must be willing to provide for her."

"But how will I know when I meet that girl, Mama?" he'd asked.

"You'll know. In that moment when nothing else in the world matters but her."

Given how terribly marriage had turned out for his mother, Alastor hadn't taken that advice to heart back then. Though for her sake, he'd tried to provide for Tina like a good husband should. Offered her a home, food, gifts, and company.

Now, as he watched Tina fall asleep in his arms, he finally understood what his mother had meant.

Love wasn't about wanting sex, or finding someone attractive, or even just sharing a space with someone. It was about putting someone else's needs before one's own.

Just as Alastor's mother had taken beatings for him, he'd taken a bullet for Tina. The reason he'd almost erased himself for her was the simple truth that he couldn't endure Hell without her.

Nothing else in the world mattered but her.

Settling his cheek onto Tina's head, he closed his eyes in perfect contentment.

This was it then. At long last, the Radio Demon knew what it was like to be in love. Now his heart was lost. Even if it could never be returned, this night would be forever burned into his memory.

The night he started seeing Tina not just as his wife, but his one and only soulmate.

And so now you know what made Alastor realize his love for Tina. Don't worry, we'll get to hear Tina's reasons too.

You'll notice all these nude scenes never lead to smut. As an asexual, I actually appreciate nude scenes in media that are not presented in a sexual manner. It shows that being naked doesn't have to be sexual, and between people it is a show of trust. Doesn't mean us aces aren't still nervous about it (I myself dreaded changing for PE class).