Sheesh, this chapter's a whopper. Didn't think it would take this long to write it.

Please note that there are mentions of period-typical racism in this chapter, including some racial slurs to fit the time these characters were alive, but I do not approve of their use.

Songs in this chapter:
"It's a Sin to Tell a Lie" (recommend the Patti Page cover)
"Get Me to the Church On Time" (either the Frank Sinatra or Rosemary Clooney versions)

Husker couldn't care less if he were late to the wedding rehearsal. All he really needed to do was walk Mimzy, the maid of honor, up the aisle and then stand there while Lucifer flapped his gums.

A grassy section of Alastor's swamp was being used for the ceremony. Colorful glass bottles hung from the trees, no doubt Alastor's idea. Rosie and Mimzy were stringing magnolias around a wooden arch while Niffty set up a dining table long enough to fit ten people. Tina sat at a wooden bar, leaning onto her fist as she watched the others handle everything else.

If Husk hadn't already been aware of the situation, he would've wondered why the bride would appear so uninvolved with her own wedding.

Alastor popped up from behind the bar, a bottle and shot glass in hand. "Here you are, my sweet! My finest whiskey!" He poured the drink. "I thought we'd save the champagne for tomorrow."

Tina sighed as she swiped the glass. "Just leave the bottle, Al."

"As you wish!"

As Alastor set the bottle down, he made eye contact with the cat demon. "Husker, you made it at last!"

Alastor zipped over to his side. Husk was too used to the Radio Demon's antics to react.

"I was about to send the calvary after you!" Alastor said, swinging his arm around Husk's shoulders.

Husk shrugged him off. "I slept in."

"Again? What is it, the two hundredth time this year? Ha-ha-ha!"

When he saw that Husk wasn't laughing with him, Alastor sighed. "Bar's over there. Do with it what you must. We'll begin as soon as Luci arrives!"

While Alastor went off to see how his shadow minions were doing with constructing the stage, Husk trudged over to the bar, reached over the counter and grabbed the first bottle he could get his claws on. He sat a stool away from Tina, who quietly acknowledged him with a split-second glance.

"So," Husk said, taking a swig of whatever booze he'd just grabbed, "you're the dumb broad who's marrying that piece of shit, eh?"

Tina, not one to let people get away with insulting her, put on her biggest smile and replied, "And you must be that loudmouth, liquor-lovin', lay-about lackey my dear Al's told me so much about. Husker, was it? How do ya do?"

She held out her hand, but he only stared at it, swishing the bottle around in his paw.

"Ya realize he's never gonna fuck ya," Husk said bluntly. "Furthest you're gonna get to his bedroom is the door in your mug."

Tina dropped her hand to her lap. She was used to rudeness from men, but this was a whole other level. Still, she had yet to meet a man she couldn't smack-talk into submission.

"First of all," Tina said, narrowing her eyes but keeping her smile up, "if I wanted to sleep with him, he'd be the one at my door.

"Secondly," she paused to pick up her glass, "marryin' him means I get a ton of money, a luxurious estate, and a pretty high social standin' in Hell, while he gets…"

She swirled her whiskey around. "Well, an excuse to stay outta other people's beds or whatever the fuck he wants."

Tina downed the glass in one gulp and slammed it down on the counter. "So, the way I see it, I'm gettin' the better end of this deal."

Husk blinked as he looked the demoness over. Then he scoffed.

"Maybe you're not as dumb as ya look, kid."

"Kid?" Tina placed a hand on her hip. "Excuse me, but I happen to be thirty-seven."

"Yeah?" Husk turned and slumped his back onto the counter. "Well, I died in the 70's. That makes me fucking old enough to be your grandpa."

Tina's smile shrunk, but looked more genuine. "Fair enough."

She wouldn't admit it, but Tina was starting to like this drunken cat demon. His attitude was abhorrent, but in it was some brutal honesty she could appreciate. He also seemed to be the only guest here not excited about this wedding. At least Tina wasn't alone in that respect.

And his wings were magnificent. She wondered if he could teach her to fly sometime.

Husk couldn't help but like her a bit too. The dame at least wasn't a wuss and could hold her own. However, he could see right through that grin of false confidence. He supposed decades of working for Alastor had given him the ability to tell real smiles from fake ones.

"Seriously, though," Husk said. "Once you get in deep with Al, you can only get in deeper, and there's no getting out of it. Next thing ya know, you're drowning in the blood he's made you spill."

Tina traced the rim of her glass. "Ya think I'm in Hell for swearin'?"

"I'm just saying he's dangerous." He looked over at Alastor, who was directing his shadows. "And an asshole."

"Believe me, I know." Tina rolled her eyes. "Fortunately, as a comedienne, I'm built to handle assholes."

She watched as Alastor clapped at the finished stage, praising them for a job well done.

"Though he's actually kinda…tolerable. Once ya get him on his good side." She caught Alastor's eye as he glanced her way. "At least I won't get bored."

As she said this, Husk could've sworn he'd heard a twinge of fondness in her voice. "I'm starting to see why he picked you."

Tina looked back at him. "How do ya mean?"

"When you say shit like that to him," Husk said, raising his bottle to his lips, "do ya get away with it?"

She thought about it. "Yeah. Sort of."

After taking a long sip, Husk smacked his lips. "Few people do. He must like you."

They watched Alastor as he went over to see the finished flowered arch. He said something to Rosie and Mimzy which made them giggle.

"As much as Al could like anyone, anyway," Husk said.

Tina poured more whiskey into her glass. "We're not gettin' married cuz we like each other."

"But do you?"

She shrugged. "Like I said, he's tolerable."

"Miss Tina!" Niffty hopped up to them, holding up two white pieces of cloth. "What color napkins should we use? Eggshell or cream?"

Tina glanced between the choices. "Uh…aren't they the same?"

Niffty gasped dramatically. "Of course not! Cream is darker and you never want eggshell at funerals! Not to mention—"

"Oh, come on!" Tina threw her hands up. "Like anyone can tell the fuckin' difference tween—"

"Niffty, my dear!" Alastor exclaimed, walking up to them. "Are those the napkin selections? Hmm." He bent down and rubbed his chin as he examined the napkins. "Yes, I think the cream will do nicely!"

Niffty held up the napkin in her left hand. "You're absolutely right, Al! Why didn't I think of it before? This will go so much better with the burgundy tablecloth!" She leaned in to whisper. "Between you and me, I think your fiancée's colorblind."

Hearing every word, Tina rolled her eyes as Niffty bounced back to the dining table.

"Al, I thought this was gonna be a small party." Tina gestured to the bottles hanging above them. "What's with all the fancy-pants décor?"

"Just because it's small doesn't mean we can't spruce the place up a bit!" Alastor spread his arms out to their surroundings. "Besides, we will have royalty in attendance! Would you want this place looking like a swamp if the King was visiting?"

Tina groaned. "It is a swamp."

Alastor dropped his arms to his sides and noted her unimpressed look. "You seem stressed today, darling. Here, let me top you off!"

He took the bottle of whiskey and poured it into her glass. Before he could take the bottle away, she tipped it back and filled the glass to the rim. Husk smirked as she hung her head back and gulped the drink down.

"Ya sure know how to pick 'em, Al," Husk said. "I respect a woman who can hold her liquor."

"Retract those claws, kitty." Alastor plopped down into the stool between them and threw his arm around Tina's shoulders. "This little lady's mine."

Tina gaped at him. "Excuse me?"

"Can't fault you for your jealousy, Husker!" Alastor grinned further as he pressed her to his side. "My darling Tina is quite the gal, impossible to resist!"

Husk and Tina were both confused.

"The fuck's wrong with you?" Husk said. "You already told me what was up with—"

"Luci! What took you so long?" Alastor exclaimed.

Husk immediately shut himself up with his bottle, while Tina put up a smile.

"Oh, Alastor!" She giggled, nuzzling her head into her fiancé's chest. "You're such a flatterer!"

"You sinful lovebirds simply cannot wait until after the ceremony, can you?" Lucifer said, twirling his staff as he strutted over. "I do apologize for my wife and daughter's absence. See, Lilith is holding a concert tomorrow and Charlotte does so love helping her mother prepare."

"That's a shame. Seems there's always something preventing my meeting your daughter." Alastor tilted his head. "You know, if I didn't know any better, Luci, I'd say you're making excuses."

"Who, me?" Lucifer put a hand to his chest and chuckled. "You would dare call the Devil a liar?"

The truth was Lucifer didn't think Charlotte was ready to consort with Overlords. She was so naïve and trusting, she could be tricked into making a deal easily, especially with someone as manipulative as Alastor. The longer Lucifer prolonged their meeting, the better.

"Oh, I'm sure we'll meet the princess eventually," Tina said. "Can we just get this rehearsal over with? I mean…" She widened her grin. "I just can't wait any longer!"

Alastor and Tina stood in front of the flower arch, Lucifer between them with a Satanic Bible in hand. As the maid of honor and best man, Mimzy and Husk stood on either side of the couple. Rosie and Niffty watched from their white basket chairs.

"After you two have walked up the aisle," Lucifer said, "I will say a few words. Then you will take this knife," he spoke casually as he took out a jagged, ancient-looking blade, "make a small incision in your left palms, join them together, and then hold them over the book here."

Tina gulped as the blade glinted in the light. "W-We don't have to rehearse that part, do we?"

Lucifer grinned further. "Only if you want to."

Alastor reached for the knife. "Well, practice makes perfect!"

"Don't!" Tina grabbed his wrist. "Just…skip to the hand-holdin' bit."

The bride and groom faced each other, pressing their left palms together.

"Very well then." Lucifer turned a page. "Once your blood has blended together and dripped onto the parchment, we'll begin with the vows."

There was an audible record scratch as both Tina and Alastor turned to the Devil and said, "Vows?"

Lucifer lowered the book with a raised eyebrow. "You have prepared your vows, haven't you?"

Tina glanced at Alastor. The corners of his mouth were twitching.

"I-Isn't this the part where the bride and groom say 'I do?'" he stammered.

Husk facepalmed while Mimzy rolled her eyes.

"Traditionally, yes," Lucifer said. "However, these days, most couples prefer to write their own vows, listing how they intend to love each other. Makes the eternal pledge more personal, you see."

Tina could feel her palm sweating in Alastor's. "H-How we intend to l-love each other?"

Lucifer glanced between them. Even the Radio Demon appeared at a loss for words. The King had assumed the couple would have something in mind for the vows.

"Of course," Lucifer said, flipping the pages of the book, "if you would prefer something more traditional…"

Alastor and Tina exchanged a quick look. If they chose to make their vows less personal, Lucifer might suspect the lack of emotion between them.

"Alastor's such a kidder!" Tina said with a snort. "Of course we prepared our vows! We just…wanna keep 'em as a surprise for tomorrow!"

Alastor caught on quickly. "Yes! Quite right!" He clasped his other hand over Tina's. "After all, our vows will have much more meaning when said at the right moment!"

It seemed they would be staying up late tonight coming up with their respective vows. Tina was sure it couldn't be any different from writing a comedy routine, and Alastor wrote speeches for his radio show all the time. All they'd have to do was sell the emotion.

Lucifer eyed them a moment before continuing. "After that, you will receive your rings from the best man and maid of honor, I will ask if you will take each other, you will respond with 'I do' as you place the rings on each other's fingers, and then I will pronounce you demon and wife.

"And the best part," he said, slamming the book shut, "'you may now kiss the bride.'"

There was another record scratch as Alastor stiffened. "Err, pardon me, Luci, but would you mind repeating that?"

"You kiss the bride." Lucifer smirked. "No doubt you'll want to rehearse that."

Hearing Niffty squeal, Alastor turned to see her leaning forward in anticipation. Rosie held her hand to her mouth as she snickered. Alastor hadn't explained the deal to Rosie, but he had a feeling she suspected the truth.

Behind him, Husk was shaking his head, grumbling, "Knew he'd chicken out."

Mimzy had her arms crossed and was tapping her foot. Tina was looking up at Alastor, trying to hide her grimace.

The Radio Demon hadn't thought this ceremony through. First, he hadn't bothered making a plan for the vows. Second, he hadn't considered the fact that he would have to kiss Tina in front of everyone. A kiss on the cheek or hand, he could handle. But he had never kissed a woman full on the mouth before.

Alastor really thought Tina was going to come up with an excuse for this too. After all, she probably wasn't too keen on the idea either.

But what came out of her mouth was, "Ain't ya gonna bend down for me, Al?"

Static crackled as Alastor's eyes transformed into radio dials, spinning in opposite directions.

"Aw fuck, ya broke him," Husk murmured.

"My, my. I've heard of pre-wedding jitters," Lucifer said, waving his hand over Alastor's eyes, "but this is a new level entirely."

"Al?" Tina snapped her fingers in his frozen face. "Al, you okay?"

What's wrong with him? Tina thought. Didn't he know we were supposed to kiss for the ceremony?

When Alastor still wouldn't come out of the shock, Tina resorted to the only method she had left. She slapped him hard across the face.

Everyone gasped in horror. No one had ever dared to smack the Radio Demon. Not even Rosie, who was an Overlord herself. Only Lucifer was silent, putting his fingers to his lips. Alastor's eyes blinked back to normal and looked down at Tina. Everyone waited for him to explode in anger, or at least slap her back.

Instead, Alastor widened his smile and said, "Thank you, darling! I needed that!"

Mimzy sighed in relief, Niffty squealed excitedly, Rosie cocked her head curiously, while Husk's jaw dropped. Lucifer only chuckled.

"Perhaps we should proceed to dinner," the Devil said, placing the Satanic Bible under his arm. "We'll save the real show for tomorrow."

Alastor kept his arm around Tina throughout the first half of the rehearsal dinner. Most likely to make up for his extreme hesitance to kiss her. They were having venison, which meant Alastor had to use both hands to cut the meat. As a result, Tina was pulled into a chokehold every time he cut a new piece. This made it difficult for her to enjoy her own meal.

After being nearly choked to a second death for the twelfth time, Tina ducked out of Alastor's arm, which didn't escape his notice. Before he could comment on it, she slid his arm into his, locking their elbows together, and gave him a subtle look saying, This is easier.

Alastor quietly accepted this and went back to his food. Everyone else was too engrossed in conversation to pay attention to the couple's hassle. Everyone, that is, except for Husk, who wasn't much for gossip. He'd been about to bring up Tina's obvious discomfort, but was then stopped by her apparent compromise with Alastor.

That kid's got serious guts.

"Alastor, dear," Rosie said, sipping her wine, "you simply must tell us more about how you came to snatch up this precious darling."

"Ooh, ooh!" Niffty leaned her palms onto the table. "Tell us how you proposed!"

Remembering the exact circumstances, Tina bit her lip. "Uh…"

"Well, it was rather unplanned, I must admit!" Alastor put down his knife so he could snake an arm around Tina's waist. "It happened shortly after I rescued her from this pair of sleazy lowlifes!"

"Oh!" Niffty released a dreamy sigh. "Like a knight in shining armor!"

"More like shinin' teeth," Tina grumbled.

"Ha-ha! Good one, dear!" Alastor pinched her cheeks, ignoring the glare directed at him. "Anyway, we got talking and I had our conversation regarding marriage on the brain, Luci."

One hand rested on Tina's shoulder while the other threaded through her hair. "I was looking at her, taking in her elegant beauty, and I said to myself, 'Now here's a girl I can see myself married to.'"

Stunned by the calm tone of these last few words, Tina turned to Alastor, who was looking at her with a half-lidded gaze and a closed-lipped smile.

He must be a good actor, she thought. For a moment, he sounded like he was serious.

"So I figured, why not?" Alastor returned to his usual exuberance as he held up her hand to show off the engagement ring. "And I asked!"

As everyone leaned in to get a better look at the diamond, Tina felt like she should add something to the story.

"R-Real sudden, I know," she said, attempting to sound as perky as possible. "But really, who could say no to that smile?"

Tina then pinched his cheek as a small form of payback.

"Probably cuz it'll come back to bite you," Husk grumbled.

As if proving Husk's point, Alastor snatched up Tina's wrist. Then, remembering their audience, Alastor quickly covered up his displeased reaction by kissing her hand.

Husk felt like he was going to hurl. If not from the seven bottles of booze he'd just guzzled down, then from this phony-baloney couple's disgusting, dramatized displays of affection.

Niffty, however, was completely oblivious to the bride and groom's hidden hostility. "Aw! That's so romantic!"

"Yeah." Tina forced a giggle. "Suppose it would be romantic."

If any of it were real.

Neither the bride nor groom were interested in a bachelor or bachelorette party. So the wedding party reconvened at Mimzy's club. All except Lucifer, who had royal duties to attend to before the ceremony. Tina insisted that she go onstage.

"Ya sure, hon?" Mimzy asked. "Most brides would wanna have a little fun the night before their wedding."

"This is my way of havin' fun," Tina said. "Just give me a few minutes to change."

Before she could take a single step towards her dressing room, Alastor hooked her arm in his. "I'll help you, darling!"

"Good gracious, Alastor," Rosie said with a smirk. "Are you really that eager for the honeymoon?"

It took a second for Alastor to catch her meaning. His cheeks reddened.

"What kind of gentleman do you take me for, Rosie?" he said with a huff. "I merely wish to have a private word with my fiancée, if that's alright with you!"

As soon as the two of them were alone in Tina's dressing room, she asked, "Are we even havin' a honeymoon?"

Alastor shrugged. "It's not required, but if you're not opposed to it, we could—"

"No," she said, crossing her arms.

"You didn't let me finish!" He wagged his finger. "I was going to say that we could stay at a hotel or simply lock ourselves up in the mansion for two weeks! Just to feed the gossip those nosy newsies so crave for!"

Alastor's lips fell over his teeth, forming a mischievous smile. "If anyone asks, we were making love from dusk till dawn!"

"For two weeks?!" Tina gagged. "Even if it's for pretend, no one's gonna believe we were goin' at it nonstop for that long!"

Alastor tilted his head. "Isn't that the usual standard for honeymoons?"

She raised an eyebrow. "You seriously think anyone has that much stamina? Honeymoons ain't just about the sex, ya know?"

"They aren't?"

Tina facepalmed. "Sweet Mother of… No! From what I've seen, couples usually take a trip somewhere. Hit the beach, hike up a mountain, swim with dolphins…" She rolled her wrist. "Get…matchin' sweaters? I don't know, weird couple stuff like that."

"I see." Alastor leaned an elbow onto his cane. "Well, I don't know about any dolphins, but there is a beach in Hell. There isn't any sun, but it's quite peaceful, so long as you avoid the kraken and demon-eating sharks!"

Tina cringed. "Forget the beach. Actually, holin' ourselves up in that mansion of yours doesn't sound too bad. At least no one will be around to see if we're actually…" She blushed. "Well…ya know."

"I'm sure we can find other ways to entertain ourselves." Alastor adjusted his monocle. "And it's a rather large estate, we don't even have to see each other!"

"Right." Tina's eyes shifted to the side. "Speakin' of keepin' up appearances, what we gonna do about the vows?"

"You're a performer," Alastor said. "I'm sure you'll come up with something convincing enough before tomorrow!"

"Fine." She looked down at her feet. "And what about the, uh…at the end? Ya know, when we have to…?"

A thump caused her to look up. Alastor had leaned too far onto his cane and stumbled. Like a true actor, he picked up the cane, twirled it, and straightened up as if nothing had happened.

"That shouldn't be a problem!" The corners of his mouth twitched. "After all, it's just one little smooch on the lips! Nothing to get yourself all worked up about!"

"But you were the one who—"

"Well, I won't make you late for your set!" Alastor practically leaped for the door. "I'll be cheering you on from my usual booth!" As he slipped out, he made sure he was loud enough for the club patrons to hear. "Break a leg, gardienne de mon cœur!"

The door slammed, leaving Tina dumbfounded. The first moment of time to herself she'd had all day, and she had no idea whether to collapse from exhaustion or scream in frustration. So she resorted to the familiar routine of changing into her outfit for the show. She picked out a sleeveless cocktail dress from the rack. The back was open to leave room for her wings, with a high collar to keep the gown in place.

Tina had thought she knew what she would be getting into, making this deal with Alastor. A professional arrangement, a marriage of convenience, no emotional strings attached. That hadn't changed.

And yet, when Alastor had refused to kiss her, why had she felt so…offended?

"I know he's not supposed to like me," Tina mumbled as she slipped into her dress. "But he shouldn't've been that disgusted to kiss me." She hooked the collar behind her neck. "I mean…it's just a kiss. Who freaks out over a lil' ole kiss?"

She picked up her white gloves and paused as she caught sight of Alastor's ring. Shaking her head, she slid it off so she could put on the gloves. She was grateful Alastor hadn't put some whacky Vodou spell on the ring to prevent her from taking it off.

"What, did he think I wouldn't like it or something?" Tina grunted as she pulled the left glove up her arm. "Cuz I wouldn't. No, sir, I wouldn't."

She wrestled with the other glove as her thumb got caught. "I mean I wouldn't mind it, but I wouldn't love it." From her accessory's basket, she selected a headband of tiny roses. "And why should that matter if I like it or he likes it cuz we don't like each other which is the whole point of…this…"

Tina trailed off as she took in her reflection. She was only now just realizing the dress and headband she'd picked were red. His color.

"Fuck."

It was too late to change again. She could hear Mimzy's song nearing its end.

"Well, at least dressin' up to match Al will help the image."

Tina grabbed her stilettos and almost hesitated to remove the purple flats Alastor had given her. She'd received gifts from men before. Flowers, chocolates, jewels. But Alastor's gift had been tailored to her needs and personalized with her favorite color. It was one thing to ask about a girl's interests. It was another thing to pay attention.

That wasn't something Tina was used to.

She supposed she should be grateful that her future husband was courteous to her. He was still a cheeky, pompous, murdering bastard. But so far, he treated her better than her last boyfriend.

"Except he's not my boyfriend," she reminded herself as she kicked off the flats. "Not really."

As she said this, her un-beating heart grew heavy, akin to a feeling she knew all too well.

Disappointment.

When Alastor returned to the booth, Husk was the only one there. Mimzy was onstage, singing something about getting money, so Alastor asked after the others.

"Niffty's off flirting with some deadbeat," Husk said, swiping a bottle off a server's tray. "Rosie went to 'powder her nose' though not sure how she can do that if she ain't got no nose."

"Well, hopefully, they'll be back in time for my Tina's show!" Alastor sat across from the cat demon, making sure the stage was in his line of sight. "The rehearsal certainly went well today! Aside from a few minor hiccups, I'd say everything's coming together splendidly, wouldn't you agree?"

Husk narrowed his eyes. "You're an idiot."

Alastor's neck squeaked like a door hinge as he tilted his neck. "I realize you have a habit of insulting me after one too many drinks, but I hardly think that was called for."

"Your bride-to-be ain't happy," Husk said, raising the stolen bottle to his lips. "It's obvious to everyone except you."

Alastor snorted. "Don't be absurd! Why, Tina's been smiling all day!"

"Right." Husk rolled his eyes. "Cuz you're always Mr. Cheerful inside cuz of that dopey-ass grin of yours." He slammed the bottle down. "She's faking it, genius! She's marrying a man she doesn't love, of course she's miserable!"

Alastor remained nonchalant. "She knows I do not love her."

"And how does that make you feel?" Husk pointed the bottle towards the Radio Demon. "There's a reason you've never married before, isn't there? I mean ya wouldn't even fucking kiss the girl at the altar!"

Static crackled as Alastor's ears twitched. Few demons knew about Alastor's preferences. That is, few understood them. Husk also understood that Alastor rarely liked to discuss the subject.

"Look," Husk said with a sigh. "My marriage in life wasn't perfect. I was a lay-about husband who gambled half our home away." He dragged his paw tiredly across his face. "But I at least knew how to treat my woman. Didn't have to do much. Buy her flowers, take her out every now and then, and if she made dinner that night, I'd wash the dishes."

Husk stared at his distorted reflection in the bottle. "But I always knew she deserved better than me. All I could do was show her that when it came to our marriage, I was serious."

Before the trip down memory lane could become too emotional, Husk took a long chug of booze. He smacked his lips and looked back at Alastor.

"Maybe you don't love the girl. Maybe you never will. But if you show her how serious you are with this commitment, it might make a difference in her mood. You know the dumb saying. 'Happy wife, happy life.'"

It was hard to tell how much of that advice actually got into Alastor's brain, as his eyes and mouth never moved. Finally, the Radio Demon blinked.

"I must say, Husker. I never took you for a love expert."

Husk shrugged. "Just feel sorry for that Tina. Dames like that don't fall every decade." He wagged a finger in warning. "Ya better not fuck her up."

"Don't worry, old friend!" Alastor waved his hand. "We already agreed not to partake in sexual relations!"

Husk dropped his head onto the table. Like talking to a fucking toddler.

Niffty and Rosie returned just as Mimzy's song ended.

"Ooh, I can't wait to hear Miss Twinkle sing!" Niffty clapped her hands. "Then I'll know if she really has the voice of an angel like Al says!"

Rosie raised an eyebrow at Alastor, who kept his gaze on the stage.

"The kid's funny," Husk grumbled. "I'll give her that."

"Alright, folks!" Mimzy said to the crowd once the applause died down. "Now the moment you've all been waiting for! You know her, you love her," she eyed Alastor, "and if not, ya certainly will after tonight!"

Alastor groaned internally, not loud enough for anyone to hear. Why was everyone trying to guilt trip him about Tina? So what if he didn't really love her? So what if he'd been too panicked to kiss her when prompted? It wasn't like the dame was crying over it. True, she had emotions like everyone else, but she wasn't that intolerably sensitive.

Tina didn't care about the lovelessness between them, so why should Alastor?

"Give it up for the comedic stylings," Mimzy said, holding her arm out stage right, "of Hell's very own song-bat, Tina Twinkle!"

Alastor made sure to turn up the volume of the applause as Tina stepped out to take Mimzy's place.

There was something different about the comedienne tonight. Usually, Tina faced her audience boldly and welcomingly. But as she took the microphone in her hand, her stance was stiff, and her smile strained. She didn't even start speaking until five full seconds after the clapping had ceased.

"So," she said, glancing around. "I…I'm gettin' married tomorrow!"

A few demons clapped and whistled, while others groaned in disappointment. The crowd became louder when she flashed her enormous engagement ring.

"Who'd've thought?" She scoffed. "Me, married. And to the Radio Demon, of all people." She glanced sideways at Alastor. "Guess this is my last night of freedom. After all, murderin' your husband's a…lot harder when you're…already dead."

That punchline was delivered so weakly that nobody laughed. Alastor couldn't figure out what was happening. In all the times he'd seen her perform, she had never bombed like this. It was like her usual energy had been sucked out of her body like a vampire would with blood.

Shaking it off, Tina smiled wider. "Also my last night to roast the Radio Demon! Since he'll be my…husband tomorrow. Ya see, the thing about Al, he…"

But as she locked gaze with him, she trailed off. "Ya know, he's so creepy, he… He's a cannibal, so, uh…"

There was a long silence, until someone coughed. For once in her life, Tina didn't have any jokes to crack. What was wrong with her? Alastor had always been easy to make fun of! So, why couldn't she think of anything funny to say all of a sudden?

Seeing that the crowd was looking at her impatiently, Tina set the mic back on the stand. "I can't do this."

There were boos all around, but Tina ignored them as she went back to Charles and whispered something in his ear. The conductor nodded and quietly relayed the message to the band. Before the audience could get too restless, Tina pulled up a stool and sat in front of the mic.

"I know some of y'all were expectin' some jokes," she said, "but I ain't feelin' it tonight, so…this one goes out to my…future husband."

She sent Charles a nod and he raised his baton. The band began playing a slow melody, which surprised even Alastor, as it wasn't Tina's usual style of song. While she often sang jazz, her songs had always been upbeat and lively.

Feeling cheated, several demons roared and picked up their chairs and bottles. Without removing the mic from the stand, Tina gripped it with both hands. She took a deep breath and closed her eyes.

"Be sure it's true," she sang, "when you say, 'I love you.'
It's a sin to tell a lie."

Upon hearing her voice, the rowdy demons silenced and lowered their makeshift weapons.

"Millions of hearts have been broken
Just because these words were spoken."

Soon everyone was reseated, their attention focused on the bat and her deep, soothing voice. Sweet, romantic music like this wasn't often heard in Hell. Voices like hers were reserved for angels. And yet, it touched the hearts of even these vile sinners who had fallen so far from grace.

"I love you," Tina continued, opening her bright, violet eyes, "yes I do, I love you,
If you break my heart, I'll die.
So be sure it's true when you say, 'I love you.'"

On this note, she glanced in Alastor's direction, and nearly missed her cue for the next line as their eyes met.

"It's a sin to tell a lie."

Alastor had heard Tina sing several times before. Her voice had always been lovely, but never had she attributed it to a romantic ballad. There'd always been an element of comedy and playfulness behind her singing. But this song, she sang it straight and with a powerful, yet peaceful emotion. If it weren't for those black, leathery wings, she'd be mistaken for an angel.

Yes, even Alastor was utterly captivated. Not just because of her voice, but the inherent sadness behind it. When she looked his way, he wondered if it had to do with what was to come tomorrow. Had Husker been right? Was she unhappy with their arrangement? And why was she singing a love song of all things? For Alastor?

More importantly, why did he even care?

"So be sure it's true, when you say, 'I love you.'
It's a sin to tell a lie."

When the music ended, the audience was suspended in silence for several seconds before erupting into applause. Many demons had tears in their eyes. Niffty's face was like a waterfall as she bawled.

"So beautiful!" She blew into her scarf. "You really are a lucky guy, Al. You've got a girl who not only sings love songs, but really tugs at your heartstrings with that godsent voice of hers!"

Husk showed no reaction to Tina's performance, though he seemed rather tranquil.

"I agree," Rosie said, wiping away the single tear that had fallen down her cheek. "You've found yourself a good woman." Her smile stretched further. "And a good woman deserves to be treated as such."

Alastor glanced around and found that five eyes were on him. Niffty's was wide and expectant. Husk's were narrowed and accusatory. Rosie's were always hard to read as they were pitch black, but her furrowed brow suggested that she wasn't pleased.

Alastor slammed down his cane as he stood. "Why can't you people simply mind your own business?!"

He stomped angrily over to Mimzy, who was standing by the stage.

Alastor had hoped he wouldn't have to resort to this, but he couldn't have Tina acting melancholic. It would ruin the illusion of their happy marriage and the deal would all be for naught. It seemed he didn't just have to convince all of Hell that he was madly in love. He needed to step up his game and convince Tina.

No, he didn't need her to really fall in love with him. Just motivated enough to keep up the act.

They think I don't know how to treat a woman? I'll show them what a loving husband I can be!

Bending down, Alastor whispered something in Mimzy's ear. Her eyes widened.

"O-Of course, Al, but—"

"Thank you, dear!"

Alastor swooshed past her and stepped onstage. Tina had been just about to exit, but stopped when she heard his shoes click-clacking behind her. Before she could fully turn around, Alastor grabbed her wrist and pulled her centerstage. There were murmurs amongst the crowd as they tried to figure out what was going on.

"You boys can go home!" Alastor said to the band. "I can take it from here!"

Not wanting to get on the Radio Demon's bad side, the band members scurried offstage, leaving their instruments behind. Alastor used his cane to sweep the mic stand and stool out of the way.

"Excuse me, those mics are expensive!" Mimzy shouted.

"I'll buy you a new one!"

Tina opened her mouth to speak. But Alastor was quick to tap his own microphone, causing it to glow.

"Good evening, ladies and gentle-demons!" he said, waving his free arm out in a flourish. "This is Alastor the Radio Demon, coming at you live from Mimzy's!"

Husk's head plopped onto the table. "Fucking Christ, he's broadcasting whatever this shit it."

"Yes, dear sinners, it has been quite a while!" Alastor walked around the stage, keeping his gaze out at the audience. "I'm sure some of you have assumed me skewered by an angel! Ha-ha! No, I'm afraid it will take a lot more than that to take down this piece of work!"

A sign lit up behind him in neon lights, reading one word: LAUGH.

The crowd forced themselves to laugh, afraid of what the Radio Demon might do if they didn't.

"No mindless violence tonight, I'm afraid!" Alastor held up a finger. "Unless you touch that dial! If so," his voice lowered as the level of static rose, "I'll hunt you down and make you the star of tonight's show."

He paused to allow the demons' imaginations run wild with that threat.

"No!" Alastor quickly snapped back into his showman persona. "I'm here to bring you a very important announcement!"

His claw twirled as he paced the stage. "I understand there are rumors circling Pentagram City concerning myself and a charming lady friend of mine! Well, I'm here to officially put those rumors to rest!" He stopped centerstage. "They are absolutely, one-hundred-percent true!"

The neon sign changed, telling the audience to GASP.

"As of tomorrow morning, this handsome demon before you will no longer be a bachelor! Sorry to disappoint you, ladies!" His eyes scanned the crowd. "And a few of you gentleman, it would seem.

"Anyway, you've probably seen my bride-to-be performing at Mimzy's, or recently on the picture show! Allow me to give my little sweetheart a proper introduction! She's the siren of song, the countess of comedy, the Heaven in my Hell!"

Tina tried to tiptoe away, but Alastor snatched her by the shoulder and pressed her to his side.

"Give it up for Tina Twinkle, everyone!"

The crowded applauded, but only because they were prompted by the sign.

"Tina, my darling," Alastor said, glancing down at her, "say hello to our…captivated audience!"

He held the mic up to her mouth, but she pushed it away.

"The hell are ya doin'?" she whispered harshly.

"Ha-ha!" Alastor brought the mic back to him. "Isn't she a hoot, folks?"

Tina squeaked as she felt a hard smack on the behind! The crowd didn't need a sign to let out some wolf whistles. Massaging her tush, the bat demoness glared up at her fiancé.

No way was she letting him get away with that stunt!

She pointed to the mic. "Can I see that for a sec?"

"Of course, ma chère!" He handed it to her. "Knock yourself out!"

She smiled sweetly as she grabbed it. "Mind if I knock you instead?"

Then Tina brought her hand back and slapped his behind. Alastor didn't scream, but he made a sound like a bungee cord snapping.

"I know those of you listenin' couldn't see that," Tina said into the mic, "but basically what just happened was this sleazy fiancé of mine just spanked my ass without warnin'! So I spanked him!" She held up her hand. "With my claws out!"

The crowd laughed harder than they'd done all night. Alastor rubbed his sore behind while giving Tina a furious look, though kept his mouth shut. He didn't want to let on just how much that smack had stung.

Normally, Alastor would've taken the opportunity to teach Tina a lesson. After all, she had just humiliated him on live radio. His live radio!

But when he caught her challenging smirk, that embarrassment and anger slowly transformed into…pride and exhilaration.

Ultimately, Alastor decided to take the hit in good humor and widened his grin.

"Ha-ha-ha! You sure got me there, sweetheart!" He swiped the mic back. "And that, ladies and gentlemen, is why I chose her out of all the demons in Hell!" He bent down and locked eyes with Tina. "Yes, folks, I don't believe I've found any other being this close to being my equal."

Tina frowned, confused by his reaction and words. He had said that last part so directly, not hesitating or stumbling.

"So, as a special treat," Alastor said, straightening up, "I dedicate this tune to my delightful bride-to-be!" He snapped his fingers. "Take it, boys!"

Shadowy figures manifested onstage. To Tina, they looked like giant, demon-shaped Vodou dolls, as they were decorated in stitches. The figures picked up the instruments the band had dropped and began playing a jazzy melody.

Tina's eyebrows shot up in recognition. There was no way Alastor could know this song. He'd died long before the musical had been in production.

A worn, red top hat appeared on Alastor's head. His pinstriped suit transformed into a pinstriped tuxedo. After sending Tina a wink, he began singing into the mic.

"I'm getting married in the morning!"

He leaped off the stage and made his way to the bar.

"Ding, dong! The bells are gonna chime!"

Church bells rang from an indeterminable source.

"Pull out the stopper!"

Alastor grabbed a bottle of champagne and sent the cork flying. The champagne fizzed in all directions as Alastor topped off the drinks of the demons sitting at the bar. They cheered in thanks.

"Let's have a whopper!" he sang, tossing the bottle over his shoulder, smashing it into some random demon's face.

"But get me to the church on time!"

He lowered his voice. "Church of Satan, that is."

Not needing the sign anymore, the audience laughed and cheered. Alastor stepped up onto a table occupied by two demonesses.

"I've got to get there in the morning!"

He adjusted his bowtie and hat. "Spruced up and looking in my prime!"

He bent down to the demoness pair's level. "Girls, come and kiss me!"

The ladies swooned. One even leaned in to kiss his cheek.

Alastor shoved them out of their seats. "Say that you'll miss me!"

He stood back up and crossed his arms over his chest. "Get me to the church on time!"

He fell backwards and was caught by several more fangirls. Before they could touch him any further, Alastor jumped out of their hold.

"If I am dancing," he sang, swinging his cane as he shuffled his feet into a small tap move.
"Roll up the floor!
If I am whistling…"

He swept the cane towards the exit. "Push me out the door!"

Alastor tapped his way back to the stage, where Tina was still standing, too astonished to move.

"I'm getting married in the morning!" He leaped up next to Tina.

"Ding, ding, dong! They're gonna chime!"

Tina yelped as Alastor grabbed her hand and yanked her into his arms.

"Kick up a rumpus!"

He spun her so fast that the club became a blur.

"Don't lose your compass!"

When he stopped her, she felt ready to throw up. Unfortunately, Alastor pulled her in once more, his right hand on her waist, the other hand taking hers.

"Get me to the church!"

Tina's leg shot up instinctively as he dipped her.

"Get me to the church!"

"Al!" she screamed as he spun her outwards.

"For Pete's sake," he sang, pulling her back into the waltzing position to twirl her around.

"Get me to the church on time!"

Alastor then tossed Tina into the air. She flapped her wings desperately, but all that did was cause her to spin out of control.

"You're rather light on your feet, dear!" Alastor said as he caught her. "Of course, it helps if you're able to fly!"

Tina scowled as she was forced to follow his speedy foxtrot. "Ya done throwin' me around like a sack of flour?'

"Ha-ha!" Alastor tugged her into his chest. "Like you could lead any better!"

She grinned mischievously. "Challenge accepted."

Faster than he could blink, Tina clamped her right hand on Alastor's waist and snatched up his right hand, reversing their positions. The action came so unexpected that Alastor was pushed along into following. The crowd hooted and hollered.

Alastor chuckled at the bat's ridiculous behavior. "You do realize this is rather awkward with our obvious height difference?"

"Then get down here."

With surprising strength, Tina yanked Alastor down into a dip, forcing him to look up at her triumphant smirk.

"And watch how we did things in Alabama."

It was not in Alastor's nature to be submissive. However, he was curious to see where his nearly two-foot-shorter partner was going with this. It would honestly be fun to watch her struggle with leading someone as tall as him.

She lifted him back up, flipping her palms upward. Alastor followed by turning his palms downward and curling his fingers with hers. She led him into a box step, and Alastor was pleased to see that swing hadn't gone completely out of style up top.

So far, the height difference didn't seem to be a problem for Tina. The stilettos made up for some of it, and she kept her eyes mostly on his face rather than his chest.

Tina then released his left hand. Thinking she was going to attempt a turn, Alastor chuckled to himself. Poor thing's going to get her delicate little arm caught in my antlers.

However, she didn't lift his right hand as expected. Instead, Tina turned her body out as they rock-stepped back, stretching their joined arms.

Oh, Alastor thought as he felt her hand tug on his. So that's what she's up to.

Without letting go of her hand, Alastor spun towards her, his free arm crossing over his chest. Tina caught his other hand once his back hit her front, putting Alastor in a self-hugging position.

"Think you're my first tall partner?" Tina whispered, placing her chin on his upper arm as she swayed him back and forth.

"Ha-ha! Not too shabby, darling!" His voice lowered "Now it's my turn."

As he twirled back outwards, their hands reversed positions. So Alastor took the opportunity to yank Tina in and ensnare her waist with both hands. Before she could stop him, she was hoisted into the air, but he kept his grip on her. Tina found herself laughing as he held her up for all to see. As an afterthought, she fanned out her wings, giving herself the illusion that she was indeed flying.

Alastor's microphone had been hovering near them the entire time they'd been dancing, catching their verbal exchanges for all of Hell to hear. As soon as her feet returned to the ground, Tina snatched the mic up.

"My turn!"

Tina broke into a Charleston as she picked up where Alastor had left off.

"If I am dancin'
Roll up the floor!
If I am whistlin'…"

She pointed to the exit. "Push me out the door!

"I'm gettin' married in the mornin'!
Ding, dong! The bells are gonna chime!"

She eyed the closest demon to the stage and grabbed him by the collar. "Boys, come and kiss me!"

Before his lips could grace hers, she dropped him to the floor.

"Say that you'll miss me!
But get me to the church!"

Alastor seized the mic back. "Get me to the church!"

With the mic between them, they sang the last line together. "For Pete's sake, get me to the church…on…tiiiiiiiiime!"

On the final beat, Alastor's arm was around Tina's waist, her hands on his chest and her left leg hooked on his hip. Their eyes remained locked as the audience went crazy.

For a moment, the couple forgot the circumstances of their engagement. Caught up in the song, they had let themselves loose, not caring that they weren't alone.

"Now kiss her, you idiot!" Niffty hollered from her seat.

That broke the spell.

Alastor and Tina stepped back from each other. Mindful of the audience, he kept his arm on her.

"Tina Twinkle, everyone!" the Radio Demon said into the mic. "The future Mrs. Alastor!"

Tina tilted the mic towards her. "Get your own glass, ladies! This tall drink of water's all mine!"

For what felt like the hundredth time today, Tina did something unexpected and reckless. She reached up, pulled down on Alastor's bowtie, and kissed him full on the lips.

It only lasted for a second, but it was enough to cause every function of Alastor's brain to completely shut down. He said nothing. Only stood there, frozen, while Tina smiled and waved at the demons shouting their congratulations. Some audience members whipped out their cameras.

Alastor had dreaded the moment another pair of lips would touch his. When someone else's saliva would enter his mouth, even if briefly. He had thought he could delay it until tomorrow, but the little minx had ripped the band-aid off and gotten their first kiss out of the way. Without running it by him first.

He had thought he would faint. Boil over, scream, lash out, scar those wet lips so they could never touch him again! Anything to show his disgust!

And yet, he didn't feel so repulsed. True, he hadn't asked for that kiss. But at the same time, he hadn't…hated it.

In fact, it had sent a tingling sensation down his back. Something he wasn't familiar with, but not unpleasant.

At the very least, when Alastor looked down and saw how happy Tina was, he didn't feel any need to end her life.

"Gotta hand it to ya, Al," Tina said as they walked arm-in-arm through the streets. "Ya sure know how to sweep a girl off her feet."

Alastor shrugged. "Well, what kind of man about town would I be if I couldn't dance?"

"Or sing." She looked up at him. "Ya ever sing professionally up top?"

He shook his head. "Given my…circumstances of birth, I was never properly trained. Unlike you, it would seem."

"Yeah, wasn't easy findin' a vocal coach in the 70's either." Tina gazed up at the darkening, red sky. "Ma had to work double shifts to pay for my lessons. And I only learned how to sing in case no one would hire a female comic. Let alone a black one."

"They always were more…tolerant of colored musicians, weren't they?"

Tina patted his arm. "They don't use that word anymore, either."

"Is that so?" Alastor tilted his head thoughtfully. "Well, I'll admit I didn't mind that word as much as some. It was nicer than mulatto, anyway."

Tina stopped in her tracks. She sometimes forgot Alastor had been born of mixed race. He hadn't brought it up since their first meeting, and had been so nonchalant about it. Not to mention demons didn't normally maintain their human skin color, so such at thing didn't matter in Hell.

It had been hard enough being black during the Civil Rights Movement, when the world was still getting used to change. Tina could only imagine how hard it must have been for a multi-racial person like Alastor decades earlier, with segregation still in effect.

Alastor snapped back into his usual cheerfulness and continued walking before the conversation could become too heavy. "It's just as well I never got the opportunity onstage! It would've put me too much in the spotlight! Would've been more difficult to carry out my…work discreetly."

Tina cringed. "Why'd ya do it, anyway? Become a cannibal? What, were ya tired of animal meat?"

He held up his hand in a so-so gesture. "In a way. To make the long story short, I never planned any of it. But like cigarettes, once you try it the first time, you find it difficult to stop."

She had a feeling it would take a lot more trust for him to tell her the full story. "If I asked ya something, would you be honest with me?"

Alastor raised an eyebrow. "Depends on the question."

"Did ya ever think about," her hand tightened around his arm, "eatin' me?"

He stopped and turned to her fully. "Bold question."

Her hand slid out of his arm. "Does it come with a bold answer?"

His eyes raked over her as he contemplated it. "Once. While tending to your wounds, I wondered what your blood would taste like."

Bending down, Alastor whispered, "Took everything in me not to bite the whole leg off."

Tina tried not to look disgusted. "Why didn't ya?"

"I told you. I never eat people I like." He booped her nose. "Especially someone as entertaining as yourself."

Her cheeks took on an adorable shade of pink. "Then…ya meant what ya said onstage? The part about me bein' your…your equal?"

"Not in terms of power, obviously." He patted her head. "But in all other respects, I believe us to be equally matched."

"Ya barely know me."

Alastor took her hand. "I'd like to."

Tina glance down at the hand holding hers. They had made a promise not to touch each other without consent when alone. While there was nothing disrespectful about his touch now, he seemed to continue the habit, whether they were in public or not. Didn't breaking a deal usually have supernatural consequences or something like that? How was he able to get away with these touches?

That's when Tina finally noticed a crucial detail about his hand.

"Ya fuckin' bastard!" she screamed suddenly, wrenching out of his grasp. "You've been wearin' those gloves the whole fuckin' time!"

Alastor's grin widened as he retracted his hand. "You are only now just realizing this, my dear?"

"You…you…" She took fistfuls of her hair as she grunted. "That's how you've been gettin' around our deal! Ya never technically touch me, cuz you're always wearin' gloves!"

Laughing, Alastor adjusted his monocle. "I was wondering when you'd spot that little loophole. But I've also noticed you hardly complain when I do lay my hands on you, so naturally, I assumed it didn't count, because it didn't bother you."

Tina took a deep breath to calm herself down. "It's not…bad when it's something small like takin' my hand or touchin' my shoulder. Mostly I hate it when ya do something indecent." She crossed her arms. "Like slappin' my ass in front of everyone!"

"Yes, yes." Alastor massaged his behind. "You made that quite clear. Please understand, when we're in public, any displays of affection are simply for show, nothing more."

"Still, a warnin' would've been nice."

"Oh?" He tilted his head. "Like the warning you failed to give me at the very end of the show?"

Realizing he was referring to the kiss, Tina's cheeks went from pink to red. "Yeah, uh…like ya said. I was just givin' the crowd what they wanted."

Alastor relaxed his shoulders. For a second, he'd been worried that his little romantic gesture had worked too well.

They were too wrapped up in their exchange to hear the wheels rolling towards them. Alastor stiffened as a young, red imp on a skateboard crashed into him. The kid fell onto the concrete and shook as the Radio Demon stared down at him.

"S-Sorry, M-Mister!" the boy scrambled backward. "I-I didn't see ya, I didn't mean to—"

"Don't you worry, lad!"

Alastor surprised both Tina and the boy with his jovial tone. The demoness' mouth dropped as her fiancé bent down and picked up the imp.

"Accidents happen!" Alastor said, dusting off the boy's pants and readjusting his baseball cap. "No harm done!" He handed the child the skateboard. "Just be more careful when operating a vehicle like this!"

The boy gave a toothy, yellow smile. "G-Gee! Thanks, Mister!"

"You're most welcome, young man!" Alastor gave the lad a pat on the head. "Now, run along, little one! It is quite late, and you shouldn't be out at this hour!"

The boy didn't push his luck further. He got on his skateboard and whizzed off in the direction he'd come.

"Ah, the youth." Alastor shook his head with a chuckle. "They get more rebellious every generation." He turned back to Tina, who was still staring at him agape. "Close your mouth, dear, you'll catch flies!"

Tina obeyed, but her eyes didn't leave him. "I…had no idea you had…such a way with children. I really…though you'd be mad at him."

He smoothed out the wrinkles in his jacket. "Well, I can't fault the boy for being young and reckless now, can I? He's only a child, after all!"

A heavy frown formed on Tina's face. "I've…never really been good with children."

There was a faint amount of sadness in her tone, which did not escape Alastor's ears. He wondered if there was something more to that statement, but given the events of today, he chose not to prod her.

Using his finger, he tilted her chin up towards him. "Fortunately for you, you won't have to worry about a little thing like that! Demons aren't as expected to reproduce as humans are! They can, of course, but few see the need to! So no one will question our marriage being childless! After all, what would be the point in bringing a child into a world like this?"

Tina's frown didn't leave, but she seemed less tense. "That's good. I guess."

They continued their walk in silence. Whatever burdened Tina's mind, it was clear she didn't want to discuss it. Alastor didn't take her arm again. He didn't know what he had done to upset her, but he felt he owed her some space.

It was strange. Alastor had entered this engagement purely for appearance's sake, as well as something to occupy his time. And yet, there was something…satisfying about being in Tina's company. Whether they were conversing, holding hands, or simply in each other's presence, he liked having her there.

He kept glancing at her face, not liking the frown that stuck there. He wanted to ask what was wrong so badly. But after the last time she'd confided in him about her emotions, he feared he would grow too sympathetic.

This marriage was of a professional nature. One that could only go so far, especially physically. It wouldn't do for either of them to form an attachment.

Neither of them spoke again until they reached Tina's apartment.

"Are you certain you won't spend the night at our estate? It would save you the journey tomorrow."

She didn't comment on how he'd called it their estate.

"Hardly seems appropriate." Tina forced a chuckle. "Bad luck seein' the bride and all."

"Darling," Alastor said, leaning his hand on the doorframe, "I bend luck to my will."

"Maybe I just wanna surprise ya with my dress." She cracked a small smile. "Don't worry. Mimzy, Rosie and Niffty will be along to make sure I don't back out at the last minute."

"Good." The staff materialized in his hold. "You know what happens to demons who try to back out of my deals."

She glanced at the mic. "Can't think of anything worse than bein' forced to listen to your lame-ass jokes for the rest of eternity."

Tina reached for the doorknob, but was prevented when Alastor caught her wrist. She was about to give him a scolding, but then saw the look in his eyes. They were glowing softly, the lids drooping in an almost gentle manner. His claw slid from her wrist to her hand, hooking her fingers.

"Until tomorrow," he whispered, "ma petite chauve-souris."

Tina scrunched her nose. "Did you just call me a 'bald mouse?'"

"Ha-ha!" His shoulders bounced as he laughed. "Goodness, no, dear! That's simply how you say 'bat' in French!"

"Oh. That's…kinda weird."

"It is, isn't it?"

He lifted her hand towards his lips, but quickly stopped himself. The last thing he needed right now was to almost cross the line of their deal again. So, he released her and bowed.

"Bonne nuit."

Tina blushed as she entered her apartment. "Night."

Once the door was shut, Alastor allowed his smile to drop for one brief moment. He'd grown such a habit of grinning all the time that his mouth was practically frozen in that position. However, there were those rare moments when the mask would fall.

He massaged his jaw, loosening the muscles beneath, before using his fingers to pull the corners of his mouth back into that Cheshire smile. But that did nothing to tame the emotional storm brewing within.

On the walk home, Alastor attempted to define the emotion. It wasn't sadness, or anger, or fear. There was a lightness to it, but also a heaviness. Like some champagne had solidified in his stomach, but the gas bubbles put pressure on his chest.

He didn't know what to call it, but he knew the cause.

"I'm getting married," Alastor murmured.

In less than twelve hours, he would be tying his soul to a woman he barely knew. A woman he didn't love, nor did he think he ever could love. He wasn't capable of such a feeling.

And yet, when he thought of the moment he and Tina would say their vows and seal them with a kiss, he didn't feel as…apprehensive as he had this morning. Perhaps it was because he now knew what kissing her would be like. Or perhaps it was the lecture he'd received from Husker.

Or maybe, just maybe, it was because Alastor was actually looking forward to marrying Tina.

Happiness. That's what he was feeling.

But this was different. It wasn't the happiness he experienced while acting on his sadistic desires, or putting on a show, or feasting on the flesh of his enemies. No, this was calmer. More tranquil. Like he had gotten everything he ever wanted, leaving nothing more to wish for.

It was a pleasant feeling. One that transformed the Radio Demon's smile into a softer, more genuine one.

There was a skip in his step as he made his way through the empty streets, twirling his cane as he hummed. That song simply wouldn't leave his head, and he imagined her voice mingling with his as he sang quietly to himself.

"It's a sin to tell a lie."

I've seen a lot of theories of Husk having a wife, so I played with that.