The pair slept peacefully through the night and peacefully through the morning until there was a knock at the door.
"Gah!" Angel groaned. "Five more minutes!"
Unfortunately for the two of them, the knocking continued.
"Anthony!" Dr. Red's voice rang out. "I'm here to bring coffee, snacks, and outfits for you and your lovely wife!"
Angel sat up, being careful to hold Cherri up to keep her from sliding off his chest, yawned and replied, "Okay, we're up!"
Cherri slid herself out of Angel's arms and mumbled, "What's going on?"
"Dr. Red woke us up to give us stuff for the party," Angel replied.
Cherri climbed onto the other side of the bed, pulled the covers over her head, and said, "Tell him to come back later."
"You know he doesn't take no for an answer," Angel complained.
"Argh!" Cherri groaned as she sat up in bed. "Fine. Let him in."
Angel tiredly climbed out of bed and made his way to the door. Upon opening the door, Angel saw Dr. Red with a big smile, a cart with coffee and breakfast snacks, and matching red outfits for the party.
Angel blinked exhaustedly and said, "Uh…thanks."
Angel stepped out of the way and allowed Dr. Red to push the cart into the room.
"Good morning, my lovely former patient!" Dr. Red said with a smile that started out cheerful and quickly melted into being suggestive. "Did you two have a good night last night?"
"We did," Angel answered, quickly gaining his composure. "Aside from Arackniss's rude, intrusive behavior."
Dr. Red's smile melted away to shame and he said, "I do apologize for that. Your father and I have had a discussion with Arackniss and made it clear that such behavior is never to happen again."
"Good, it better not ever happen again. My poor wife was cryin' over it for hours last night," Angel lied, gesturing to his supposedly embarrassed wife. "She was almost inconsolable. It broke my heart to see the poor thing in such a state. If Arackniss hadn't left, I would have given him a piece of my mind and a fist to the face."
"Yeah," Cherri said pitifully, following Angel's lead. "That guy was a major creep!"
"If Arackniss ever tries to do that again, I'm gonna punch him into next week," Angel said with as much masculine bravado he could muster.
Despite the lack of polish on their performances, their act worked. Dr. Red was practically shaking in his shoes.
"Noted," Dr. Red said nervously. "Anyway, enjoy your breakfast and take your time getting ready. After all, it is your honeymoon."
"Thanks, doc," Angel said.
Dr. Red then quickly left the couple alone with their breakfast.
The pair waited for the doctor to walk away before letting themselves relax enough to breathe.
"That took care of him," Angel said.
"Yep," Cherri said, climbing across the bed to reach the cart of food. "Let's eat."
Angel smiled, filled a plate full of food, sat on the bed, and said, "Pass me my phone, babe."
"Why?" Cherri asked.
"We need to take some more cute couple's photos for Voxtagram," Angel replied.
"Okay," Cherri said crawling back over to the bedside table to grab her phone and Angel's. "What did ya have in mind?"
Angel smirked mischievously in response.
When Cherri got close enough, Angel grabbed Cherri and pulled her onto his lap so that she was lying on her back with her head on his lap. Then with a playful chuckle, he began to feed her grapes from the cart.
Cherri chuckled playfully and said, "Angie, what are ya doing? I can feed myself."
"Not if we want to take those cute Voxtagram photos," Angel replied, snapping a picture of the two of them sitting like that.
"Okay, Angie," Cherri said. "But don't get too carried away. Your relatives are waiting outside."
"Oh, I know," Angel replied, snapping some more pictures. "I'm whetting their appetites for more."
The pair laughed as they took turns taking goofy couples' photos while eating and drinking coffee until they were both full. After that, they took turns using the bathroom and getting ready for the party.
Angel and Cherri put on the outfits that Dr. Red had brought them.
Angel wore a black and red tuxedo with a red bow tie. His shoes were freshly polished boots in stunning black leather.
Cherri put on a red ballroom gown that fit off her shoulders with fabric with many intricate patterns embroidered in and matching red high heels.
"What do ya think?" Angel asked after giving his outfit the final touches.
Cherri smiled and whistled like a wolf.
"That good, huh?" Angel asked, pulling on his bowtie. "Glad to hear it."
"Yeah, hon," Cherri said. "You totally look hot! What do you think about my outfit?"
"Hot damn, honey," Angel said. "You're looking fine."
"So, are ya ready to go out there?" Cherri asked.
"As ready as I'll ever be," Angel replied.
"What do I even talk about with them?" Cherri asked as she handed their phones and charges over for Angel to put in his pockets. "Do they like explosives?"
"Depends on the type," Angel said, stuffing the items into his pockets. "What do you mean?"
"How do they feel about cherry bombs?" Cherri asked.
"Most of them aren't into arson unless it's mafia-related," Angel said. "Think safecracking and things like that."
"So, thievery, elimination of the evidence, and destroying rivals type of explosions?" Cherri asked.
"That should work," Angel said, taking Cherri's arm. "Alright. Let's get going."
Angel and Cherri exited the room and headed to the courtyard where they were last night. The almost empty courtyard and garden was now stuffed to the brim with relatives.
Angel and Cherri saw them through the door and collectively took a deep breath.
"You ready for this, Cherri?" Angel asked.
"As ready as I'll ever be, buddy," Cherri said. "Let's go."
Taking Cherri's hand, Angel led her outside to where his extended family was waiting.
His whole family looked up to greet the couple with congratulatory cheers.
Angel flashed a big smile and waved to his relatives.
He turned to Cherri and whispered, "Wave back."
Cherri raised her hand and waved back, making the same smile as Angel.
The Spider family then quickly approached the couple with wide smiles and chatty voices.
"So, how have you all been?" Angel asked nervously.
The relatives immediately swarmed the couple and began drowning them in conversation on all sides.
At the same time, Angel immediately remembered why he disliked his family.
"Hey, Anthony! Glad to see you're back!"
"Hey, Anthony! Your wife is hot! Can you share her?! Hahahahaha!"
"Anthony, I thought you'd never come back! That doctor has done wonders for you!"
The conversations flew rapid fire in such a fashion with no room to even breathe.
"One at a time, guys!" Angel replied. "One at a time!"
"Seriously, are you all that happy that Angel decided to tie the knot with me?" Cherri asked. "Why are you crowding me like this?"
The family members ignored their pleas and continued to show an unwanted level of affection.
In desperation, Cherri pulled out a smoke bomb and lit it only for Angel to toss it away.
Angel's family looked at them awkwardly for a second before Cherri awkwardly chuckled and said, "So, which way to the party food?"
"Yeah," Angel said. "My wife and I are hungry!"
Every Spider family demon in the crowd collectively gasped, quickly ushered the newlyweds to the table where all the food was and sat them down while serving them plates piled with food.
"Cherri, honey, are you going to be okay?" Angel asked.
"I can definitely see why you don't like spending time with your family," Cherri replied.
"To call them overbearing is putting it lightly," Angel said with an eye roll.
The family members finished piling the plates high with food and the filling the glasses with water to wash it all down.
"I guess it's time to eat," Cherri said, picking up her utensils.
"Whatever you do, don't overstuff yourself," Angel teased. "You'll get food pregnant."
Cherri chuckled out loud and continued to eat.
After the two had had their fill of food and family conversation, they sat back in their chairs, basking in the oppressive atmosphere.
"How are you feeling, sugar tits?" Angel asked.
"I feel like I want this party to end," Cherri complained.
"Me too," Angel agreed.
"Oh, Anthony!" Angel's aunt called, interrupting their misery. "How about you and your new wife get together for a family photo?"
"Are you sure, Aunt Berta?" Angel asked.
"Of course, Anthony!" the gray spider demoness replied. "Now, go stand over there with your new wife!"
Angel and Cherri scooted close together.
Aunt Berta snapped a few pictures on her phone. Then she proceeded to get more and more relatives around the two of them.
Angel had horrible flashbacks to all the photographs he had to stand for during his life and felt a shiver run down his spine. Cherri gently gripped his hand to help him calm down.
"Anthony!" Molly suddenly yelled out from the crowd.
"Molly!" Angel yelled back.
Molly ran through the crowd and into Angel's arms. Cherri joined in on the hug so they could talk quietly without being noticed.
"How are you two holding up?" Molly asked.
"Not too well," Angel replied with a sigh.
"Want me to find an excuse for you two to leave for the honeymoon?" Molly asked.
"Yes, please," Cherri replied.
"And preferably soon," Angel added. "I think Aunt Berta is about to break the personal space rule."
Right on cue, Aunt Berta wrapped her arms around them both and asked, "What are you two talking about?"
"Nothing, Aunt Berta," Molly said.
"We were just talking about me and Cherri's upcoming honeymoon," Angel said.
"Anthony was actually telling me how he and his wife were feeling tired and wanted to go on their honeymoon," Molly said.
"Oh, really?" Aunt Berta replied.
"Yeah," Angel said. "If you don't mind."
"Why didn't you say so?" Berta asked before turning away to take care of their issues.
"Can I blow them up now?" Cherri asked quietly.
"Later," Angel replied.
"I'll go call the limo for you and your bride, dear nephew," Aunt Berta said with a dramatic sniff before she walked away. "I'm so proud."
"Where was this love when I needed it before?" Angel muttered only loud enough for Cherri and Molly to hear.
Molly and Cherri squeeze his hands in comfort.
Meanwhile, other family members swarmed them.
"Oh, God," Molly complained. "This is beyond uncomfortable."
"Tell me about it," Cherri said.
"Maybe smoke bombing out of here isn't such a bad idea," Angel said.
"There's no need for that," Molly said before calling out to Aunt Berta, "Aunt Berta, is the limo on the way?"
"Yes, it will be here shortly," Berta said.
"Wonderful," Molly said.
"But until then, we have more family time!" Berta said cheerfully.
"Oh, how great," Angel replied, trying to hide his sarcasm.
"Hey, cuz!" a random cousin called out. "I like yer doll. She's feisty! You think we can share her?!"
The rest of the family erupted into laughter, except for the trio and Arackniss who was still sulking.
"Not funny, Bruno!" Molly yelled out.
Cherri and Angel sighed deeply, knowing they had to put up with this for another hour.
Molly sighed and said, "I'm sorry, you two."
About one hour of unbearable family interaction later, the limo finally showed up.
"Oh, look at the time," Aunt Berta said. "It looks like the limo is here."
"Thank God," Angel muttered to himself.
"Did you say something?" Aunt Berta asked.
"Nothing, Aunt Berta," Angel replied.
Dr. Red appeared with suitcases with Angel and Cherri's name on their respective bags.
"Ah, there we are," Molly said as the family ushered the happy couple towards the front of the house. "It looks like it's time to go."
The group reached the front of the home where the limo was waiting. Dr. Red put the suitcases in the limo, and everyone began saying their farewells and congratulating the happy couple and the good doctor.
"Thanks for everything, Doctor Red," Aunt Berta said.
"Yeah," a random cousin said. "If it weren't for you, Anthony would still be a fag!"
Angel held his tongue and squeezed Cherri's hand.
Henroin came out of the crowd, placed his hand on his shoulder, and said, "You're part of the family again, son. I couldn't be prouder."
Angel shook with anger and squeezed Cherri's hand even tighter.
"Thanks, Dad," Angel said, opening the door to the limo and resisting the urge to grit his teeth. "That means a lot."
Henroin walked away and left Angel and Cherri alone.
"Keep it together Angel..." Cherri whispered. "This bastard won't get the better of you. You are ten times the man he would have been."
Molly ran up to the pair and gave them a hug while Arackniss continued to sulk.
"Call me when you get to your condo," Molly said before stepping back into the watching crowd.
Angel and Cherri waved at the crowd one more time. Cherri climbed in first. Angel climbed in second and shut the limo door behind him.
Cherri whispered, in case the limo was bugged, "Wanna wave them goodbye to keep up the act?"
Angel nodded and they sat next to the window and waved to his relatives as the limo drove away. Cherri waved alongside him.
They all waved and blew kisses, except for Molly who gestured for them to call her and Arackniss who was still sulking.
Once they were out of sight, Angel and Cherri sat back and watched the scenery drift by while Angel whispered to Cherri all the information he had learned from the night before. Soon enough, they arrived at the condominium.
The chauffeur opened the door to the limo.
Angel smiled at Cherri flirtatiously and said, "Darling, shall I take your hand?"
Cherri smiled and nodded her head. Angel gently took her hand into his and helped her from the limo.
The two of them looked at the condominium as their chauffeur picked up their bags.
"This place sure looks spacious," Angel noted as he eyed over the luxurious condominium.
"Yep," the chauffeur said. "We house most of our associates and family members here."
"I can tell," Angel said.
"Does that mean that your family will be coming to visit?" Cherri whispered.
"I hope not," Angel whispered back.
"Right this way," the chauffeur called to the couple.
The couple followed the chauffeur into the elevator.
Angel held Cherri's hand tightly as the elevator made its ascent.
The elevator stopped on the 8th floor, and the chauffeur said, "Here's our stop."
"Thanks, Mario," Angel said.
Mario carried their suitcases until they stopped at a room at the corner of the hall.
"Is this it?" Angel asked.
"Yes, here's the key," Mario said, handing the key over to Angel.
"Thanks, cuz," Angel said, taking the key.
"Of course, cousin," Mario replied with a wink before walking away. "Have a good day, you two!"
Once Mario was gone, Angel opened the door and, along with Cherri, quickly got everything inside and looked around.
It was a nice modern condo with all the furniture and the other amenities. It was perfect for the two of them.
"Nice apartment," Cherri said, as Angel shut the door.
"Yeah," Angel noted. "Very snazzy."
"Alone at last," Cherri said.
"I'll say," Angel replied. "We need to get to work immediately."
"Way ahead of ya," Cherri said, walking over to the couch to turn on the TV. "I'll catch up on the news."
"Thanks," Angel said. "I'm going to call Molly. If those assholes didn't delete her number, I should be able to give Molly Charlie's number. If our king didn't take away her phone, we could get in touch with her."
"Wait," Cherri said, sitting on the couch. "Do you have any other plans on how to crash the wedding, Angel?"
"All we can do is crash it when we get there, but that will involve planning," Angel said with a shrug. "Charlie must be involved. She's the only one who could possibly fight Alastor. That's why I need to call Molly."
"I get that," Cherri said sternly. "But does your plan have anything else to it besides relying on the princess to kick the Radio Demon's ass?"
Angel sighed and said, "Not yet. That's why I need Molly to talk to Charlie. I have no better plans for how to deal with Alastor right now. I mean, do you?"
Cherri sighed, switched on the television, and said, "No, but maybe I'll get ideas from watching TV. You need to keep thinking too because, if beating Alastor is even going to be remotely possible, we all have to contribute what we can."
Angel looked at Cherri thoughtfully and asked, "Cherri, are you scared?"
"What makes you ask that?" Cherri asked.
"I am," Angel replied. "I just want to feel like I'm not alone."
Angel and Cherri shared a warm smile before each of them turned to their own respective tasks.
