A/N:

Hi everyone! Here's the new chapter, and I hope you enjoy it — lots of important talks and emotional moments for all the Hazbin babies 3 Thank you all for reading : )

Partners

Chapter 38:

Starting Fresh

The roof of the hotel was empty now, and Sir Pentious's airship was flying into the distance while a certain blonde spider held tight to a rope ladder. She made it to the open cockpit door and climbed inside. The door closed behind her - she leaned against it and caught her breath.

"Molly!" She smiled as Niss ran up to her - for some reason he had his hat pulled low. He gave her a quick hug and pulled back. "Are you okay?"

"Of course! Just a little climb." She lowered her voice, glancing around. "Why are ya hiding your face? Is ya friend not supposed ta know who we are?" She pulled down her own hat.

Niss looked away. "No, no… he knows who I am. And he knows you're my sister. Oh, but, uh… he doesn't know that our brother is — "

"Welcome, my dear! It's Miss Molly, yes?"

A large snake demon slithered toward them with a big smile — and with lots of little egg creatures trailing after him. He held out his hand to Molly.

Molly's eyes widened. "Oh, yes! Thank you for picking me up! I got into a…complicated situation." She took his hand and shook. "It's a pleasure ta meet a friend of Arch…oh, of Niss."

Sir Pentious released her hand and doffed his hat "And it's very nice to meet Niss's sister! And think nothing of it — I was happy to help. You know, your brother and I met at the open house at that hotel, and ever since then we've become fast friends."

Molly tilted her head and looked to her brother - Niss was glancing away, blushing. Her mouth fell open a little - she remembered teasing Niss about having a crush on someone at the party. But, Niss liked girls… Unless… She quickly looked back to Sir Pentious and smiled again. "I'm very happy ta hear that. You seem like a swell friend ta have."

"Boss, boss! Can we show the nice lady around!" one of the eggs asked eagerly.

Sir Pentious nodded. "Of course." He gestured to the Egg Bois. "These are the Egg Bois, my henchmen — they're at your service. I've prepared a room for you, if you'd like to rest, and a small breakfast. Once you're settled, perhaps we can all have tea later and chat."

"Grazie - I appreciate your hospitality, Sir Pentious."

"Please, call me Pen!"

Molly nodded. "And you can drop the 'miss' and just call me Molly." Sir Pentious nodded in return. Molly gave her brother a quick hug and tried to catch his eye - but he wouldn't look at her directly. She raised an eyebrow but then decided to give him some space and went to the Egg Bois.

"Do you know Miss Cherri? You remind us of Miss Cherri!"

Molly giggled. "Yeah, I know her! She's swell!"

The Egg Bois cheered then eagerly guided her away as she laughed.

Sir Pentious turned to Niss. "She's delightful, Niss. I don't know why you hesitated about asking me to bring her aboard."

Niss looked down. "Because she's my sister - I should be able to help her. I shouldn't have to call in favors."

The snake demon leaned down a little. "It's not a favor. You're my friend. And I'm…rather excited to meet a member of your family. She's really welcome any time. And so are you. This airship has gotten quite lonely over the years…until now." He shrugged with a sheepish smile.

Niss looked down more and sniffed and wiped at his eye quickly.

Sir Pentious raised an eyebrow and frowned. "Niss? Is something wrong? You can tell me."

Niss's phone buzzed and he jumped - his hat fell off, revealing his hurt eye.

The snake's eyes widened and he gasped and slithered close. "Arackniss! What happened?"

Niss backed up against the wall and grabbed his hat to cover his face. "Don't tell, Molly. Please! She'll know who did it, and she'll try to do something reckless to them."

"And I might very well help her!" Sir Pentious scowled, and his tail curled. "Who laid hands on you?"

The phone buzzed again, and Niss flinched.

"Was it your 'boss'? Just say the word - I'll blast him to ashes!" Sir Pentious's eyes glowed red.

"No, don't do that!" Niss held up his hands. "He's not just the boss. He's…my dad." Niss wiped more tears from his good eye as Sir Pentious's jaw fell. A choked laugh left the spider. "And if you really want a fun extra plot twist, Angel's my brother! I'm a pathetic nobody, and I'm related to a guy you hate who always attacks you. You got no use for me around here! I'll pay you back for taking in Molly, I swear. Right now though I just need to go!"

"Not back to that man!" Sir Pentious insisted, tears in his own eyes as they lost their glow.

"No, not back to him. Not this time." Niss shook his head. "I don't know where I'll go. I might try Angel. It's really complicated though. Dad was the worst to him in life, and he's my little brother, and I…was bad to him too. And it's ironic because we've got more in common than he realizes." He smiled sadly up at the snake.

Sir Pentious moved closer and leaned down. "Niss… Angel's a fun sparring partner — I don't despise him, and certainly never you! You're resilient and brilliant and decent. And I am quite happy when you are around! Exceedingly happy, actually." He swallowed, flushed with emotion. "Are you happy as well?"

"Yes, okay! Happier than I've ever been! I like you a lot!" Niss felt ready to go demonic too and tried to calm himself. "But I'm not good enough for…" They were very close now, he realized.

"You're enough - more than enough, actually," the snake whispered down to his friend.

Niss looked up at him. This guy was something else. And more than enough too. And… then the spider leaned up just a little and found his mouth brushing the snake's. Their eyes were hazed, breaths shallow. And it all felt right, and he didn't want to go. He wanted Pen to wrap him up in his tail and carry them somewhere private. He wanted his first kiss with a guy, his first love with a guy, his first night with a guy…. But today had been a lot and he needed to think.

Arackniss stepped back - they both blushed furiously, hearts pounding.

"Hold that thought - please," Niss managed shakily. "I just need to…There's a lot I need to do." And then he grabbed the rope ladder, opened the door, and jumped out, climbing down to the nearest rooftop.

Sir Pentious watched him go with wide eyes, fanning himself with his hat.

From a balcony, Molly (after leaving the Egg Bois in her room) had watched everything between both of them. And she decided two things. One - she would make sure both of her brothers ended up happy and in each other's lives and with whoever they wanted to be with. And two - if she truly became damned and unable to return to purgatory or go to heaven, she would kill their father. Maybe it was her new demonic nature talking, but if she was going to be in hell she might as well have a good reason for it. He would never be allowed near her brothers again.

Angel headed down the hall to Alastor's office, bracing himself for an encounter with a very dramatic Radio Demon. When he reached the door and saw dark symbols swirling around it, his suspicions were confirmed. He knocked. "Hey, Al? It's me. I know the door'll open for me on its own these days but I still want to ask - can I come in?" He swallowed. "Also, I mean…I still got your tie if you wanna swap." He flushed down his neck thinking about wearing a piece of Alastor's clothing… and remembering Alastor taking off his tie last night and letting Angel kiss his neck until the deer demon had moaned faintly.

A moment passed then Alastor's shadow appeared and opened the door for Angel. It gestured inside with an uncertain look then disappeared. Angel went in and closed the door.

Alastor was sitting at his desk with his fingers tented and his head down. The shades were drawn and the radio on his desk emitted a steady, soft static.

Angel took a seat in the chair in front of the desk. "You want to talk about it?"

The static quieted. Alastor took a deep breath. "This needed to stay a secret, Angel. They really cannot tell anybody…"

Angel shrugged. "To be fair we kept it under wraps longer than I thought we would - a whole hour. In this gossip factory, that's a damn miracle, heh." Alastor didn't laugh. Angel sighed. "They won't tell, Smiles. And, hey, this way we don't have to worry about sneaking around so much. We can just be ourselves around them - as much as we want to."

Alastor's eyes stayed down, his brow taught. "I really could just kill them all, you know… Then spirit the two of us away to hide out in my radio tower. No one would dare cross me after a display like that, you'd never have to bother with Valentino, and we'd both be perfectly safe." He dug his claws into the top of the desk.

Angel swallowed then frowned. "You don't mean that. And you know you don't mean that. And you know I'd never want that, so stop working yourself up, Smiles. Please."

Alastor's eyes came up and widened - Angel didn't look 'afraid' but he did look uncomfortable. The Radio Demon relaxed his hands and took a breath. "I apologize. I…lose my head a little when I'm confused." He closed his eyes. "You're right, I'd never do something like that to the demons here. And that's what I don't understand." His eyes opened again - there was a softness to them that hadn't been there before. "It's not just you I care for. It's all of them to various degrees. I could toy with them or dismiss them or make deals with them… but even for the sake of my own power and my own plans I could not end them. And that much heart is not usual for me, Angel. It hasn't been for a very long time. And it…unsettles me."

"It's okay, Al." Angel smiled gently. "And yeah - caring about people is kind of a bitch. But I think they're all worth it. They're good people." He put his hand on the desk, near Alastor's but not touching it. "They don't want to hurt us. They just want us to be happy."

Alastor looked at his hand. He let his fingertips touch Angel's. "I know. And it's so very unexpected. Much like you, mon ange." His eyes came up to meet Angel's. "Thank you for bearing with me. I think I have accepted this situation. And you have been an immense and welcome help."

Angel smiled more and his eyes hazed.

Then Alastor's eyes went down to Angel's tie and his own. He swallowed and glowed and snapped his fingers. Their ties unwound and then appeared on each other's necks. "I can't believe we made such a faux pas with our ties. I've never been sloppy about details before - it's how I avoided capture for my crimes so long in life."

"Eh, it could happen to anyone." Angel smirked. "Actually, I think we could have fun with this in the future. Like randomly sometimes we'll just mess with everyone by swapping jackets or boots or gloves… Even a whole outfit one day."

"Hmm - I'm afraid I don't have the gams or the height or the … 'upper body' to fill out your full ensemble, Angel." Alastor rolled his eyes to the side, his smile shyly quirked to one side.

Angel snorted. "We'll stick with the small stuff then. And then we can watch everyone all squirm, not sure if they should say anything to us even though they're dying to."

Alastor grinned a little. "That…actually does sound entertaining."

"See — they don't got any power over us. We're the power couple running this whole situation!" Angel winked, and Alastor's shoulders and smile relaxed.

The Radio demon even leaned back a little in his chair. "I suppose, deep down, I merely don't want to risk ridicule. People…have treated me oddly enough for my amorous preferences for two lifetimes. I'm an entertainer, not a spectacle…"

"I get it." Angel frowned. "It sucks having people judge you and toss in their two cents. But it's all gonna be okay - you and I got something special. And even if Charlie and the others know about the basics, they don't have to know about the private stuff. That's just between you and me." He blushed a little.

Alastor swallowed and nodded. "Do Abel and Louise suspect…?"

Angel shook his head. "Naw. I said I was coming here to check in with you about Pen. Uh, nothing's up with that, right? I mean, an intimidating fly over is definitely on brand for him."

"My shadow didn't report anything." Alastor raised an eyebrow. But then he sighed and his thoughts went elsewhere. "I may let Louise know about us at some point. She…also has already been suspicious. And I feel a certain affinity for her."

"That's cool. She's a good kid." Angel interlaced his fingers with Alastor's. "Want to try going back to the table? You hardly ate anything…"

Alastor shook his head. "I'll find some sustenance later - perhaps of the demon variety. And I'd prefer not to be around others for the moment except for you. But if you would like to return, please do. The longer you stay in here the more they might imagine." His glow brightened.

Angel waved him off. "Eh, for all they know you're off on a hunt by now and I snuck out the back for some fresh air." His eyes went down. "But I can go if you really want."

"I really…don't want," Alastor said lightly. He raised up their entwined hands. "You love me, and I am quite taken with you. It's a truly intoxicating experience. If we'd had more time this morning I would have told you so."

Angel flushed pink. He remembered his heart pounding against Alastor's last night. He tried to put on a confident smirk. "Alastor the Radio Demon, are you coming on to me — at 11 am on a Sunday?"

A laugh left Alastor. "I am merely trying to properly finish what we started last night." He gave Angel's hand a gentle kiss then lowered it. "Besides, this is my office! A professional space! Our first night fraternizing ended up being in here by complete surprise! Certainly we can save further relationship explorations for more appropriate locations." His eyes were looking anywhere but at Angel, and he glowed brightly.

Angel eyed him with a smug grin. "Are you sure that's what you want, Smiles?" He stood up and sat on the edge of Alastor's desk, legs crossed. The Radio Demon's eyes went to him now. "Cuz…" Angel went on coyly, "I got this feeling that you sort of liked getting frisky in this professional space. It's probably perfect actually - clever, talented radio overlord like you must have sound proofed this baby flawlessly."

A bit of rosy red came to Alastor's features along with this radio glow. "Well, perhaps I did do a thorough job on the acoustics. It's really my speciality after all. I added some magic too - I can hear sounds from the outside if I choose but, yes, nothing from in here escapes." His ears flicked. "All strictly to keep sensitive business matters private of course."

"Right, of course!" Angel leaned closer to him, his thumb rubbing gentle circles against Alastor's palm. "Well, if you change your mind, it's just real comforting to know that your magic and sound skills did such a perfect job making this room all safe and secure."

Alastor's eyes widened very much. "If you're trying to admire my skills in an effort to get me to kiss you, it's…not succeeding." And yet there was a clear tension present in his smile.

Angel's smile softened. "Hadn't crossed my mind. I just like flirting with you, cutie. But I do think we could have fun in here."

"Ha! No…"

"Oh, not that kind of fun!" Angel waved him off and laughed nervously. "Get it out of the gutter, Smiles!" He cleared his throat. "I meant we could blast some swing music and dance or set up your shadow band and sing a duet… Oh, or maybe one night we can take a page out of the girls' book and have a slumber party! We'll bring sleeping bags and snacks and set up a horror movie. You can laugh at me getting scared silly by everything ." He smiled brightly.

Alastor tilted his head. "Horror picture shows genuinely scare you?"

Angel shrugged. "All the creepy stuff and jump scares and monsters — kinda. You'd think living down here it wouldn't anymore, but no luck. Cherri thinks it's a scream." He rolled his eyes.

Alastor considered. "I could comfort you and hold your hand if you were scared?"

Angel nodded.

Alastor's smile grew. "I would like that very much. It's a date."

Angel's eyes widened and his smile and blush grew. "Oh, uh…when?"

"When do you desire, darling?" asked Alastor, eyes half lidded.

Angel's heart fluttered. "Well, fuck, right now is out since, again, it's 11 am on a Sunday. But uh…maybe this week? My usual night off is Wednesdays…"

"I'm game!" Alastor swung a fist through the air.

"Then I'm yours, sugar," Angel purred.

Alastor's tail twitched back and forth.

"Your tail's wagging, isn't it?"

"Irrelevant…"

And then there was a knock on the door. "Uh…Alastor? Angel? It's Charlie. I decided to postpone that after-breakfast walk considering…everything. Would it be okay if I came in? Unless now's a bad time!"

Alastor sighed, eyes still on Angel. He held up his fingers to snap. "Last chance to abandon ship - as a gentler method, I could just snap up a platter of beignets to distract the others then teleport back to the roof so we could run off and play hooky all day…"

Angel blushed and grinned. "You know how to put out a tempting offer, Smiles. But…eh, let her in. She'll want some answers sooner or later. Maybe I should get off your desk first though - at least give the appearance that you and me do more in here than mercilessly flirt." He sat back down in the chair.

"Very well." Alastor sighed. "But if she breaks into song about us, all bets are off." He snapped his fingers and stood. The door opened a crack. "Come in!"

Hesitantly, Charlie pushed open the door with a smile. "Hi guys!" She gave a little wave. "Just…checking in about Sir Pentious."

"False alarm." Alastor assured. "My shadow reports he left without incident."

"Yeah, probably just trying to intimidate us, heh." Angel shrugged.

"Oh, good." Charlie smiled a little more. There was an awkward beat of silence. "Well, um…that's all I had to talk about. And if there's nothing you two want to talk about, I'll just, uh…"

"If you would like to remark on the recent development of our courtship, feel free to express yourself," Alastor begin. "I am in a slightly better mood and distinctly less likely to choose violence as my reply."

"Charlie, if you wanna say something about Al and I being more than friends now, it's okay as long as we're alone." Angel added with a smile. "Just…don't make a big thing about it. Smiles and I are still getting used to everything. We're trying to take it slow." He blushed a bit.

"Of course!" Charlie assured gently, wringing her hands together. "I just wanted to make sure you're both okay. I know you didn't mean for everyone to find out just now, and I know that experience can be a little jarring." She glanced down. "My, uh…my parents sort of found out about Vaggie by surprise. It didn't go great."

Angel frowned. "Charlie, don't take this the wrong way, but your parents suck a little."

"Indeed - truly they know not what they do," Alastor agreed with a nod. "You're going to become something far more astounding than whatever their expectations for you had in store. In certain ways you already have."

"We all have!" Angel announced. "And no thanks to our parents and their shit!"

Charlie was smiling a lot, and now a happy laugh left her and she wiped away a tear. "You see - this is why I'm so excited for you two! Ever since you started spending time together, you've both seemed…better. Angel, you're confident and you laugh more and you're taking care of yourself. And Alastor, you're trusting others and trying new things and smiling with your eyes along with just your mouth. I'm so proud!" She wiped a tear from her eye and clasped her hands behind her back. "And…if you ever want to go on a secret double date with me and Vaggie, just let me know!" She swallowed. "I, uh…tried one of those with my parents and it also didn't go great. But I'm sure it'd be better with you two!" She looked at them eagerly.

Alastor's eye twitched.

Angel decided to take it from here. "Hun, we appreciate your support so much. And maybe…at some point…we'll do the double date thing. But Al and I just need lots of privacy right now. No sudden relationship movements, heh…" He was up and guiding her toward the door.

Charlie nodded. "I understand, absolutely. I'm here for whatever you need."

"Angel…wait. I'd like to have a word with Charlie in private please," Alastor made himself say.

They hesitated. Angel raised an eyebrow at Alastor, but Alastor only glanced at him for a moment before looking away, flustered. Angel smiled again. "I should go feed Fat Nuggets breakfast anyway and then take that long hot bath I mentioned so I can process everything." He gave Charlie a hug. "I'll see you later. And hey, next time you have a girls slumber party, I'm coming. Al was literally the only thing that could have kept me away." He chuckled then waved to Charlie and Alastor before departing.

Charlie turned to Alastor.

He was sitting up straight with his hands folded on his desk. He gestured forward. "Will you have a seat, Charlie?"

She nodded and sat in the chair, not nervous or hesitant - just smiling and curious.

Alastor sighed deeply. "I've been considering asking you something for a while. And now that the cat's out of the bag, well…it makes the question that much easier to bring up."

"Sure, Alastor. What do you need?"

He sighed, eyes narrowed. "First, I need to make myself clear - you will be doing me a service through your advice in this matter. But you owe me nothing. In fact, I owe you still from your efforts to assist me after I was attacked at my tower."

"Alastor, you don't 'owe' me. We're like a family here and that's what families do."

Alastor held up a finger. "Trust me, it's in your best interest if I owe you, Princess. One favor to be used when you're in a situation with no other way out. I do believe you're treading into more dangerous waters than you realize with this hotel. Consider me an emergency recourse."

Charlie hesitated but finally nodded.

Alastor lowered his finger. "Coming back to the matter at hand…I'm asking for your assistance even though I still reserve the right to walk out of this hotel at any moment and never return. Or to mock every sinner who enters here. Or to raise a bit of Cain just for the demonic thrill."

Charlie just listened patiently.

Alastor raised an eyebrow. "Despite all of that, will you still answer my question?"

"Of course, Alastor."

He tilted his head. "May I ask why?"

She smiled a little more. "Because I want to help you. And I like you. And…my dad did teach me some useful things. Like how sometimes you have to let overlords go on about their powers a little bit before they'll finally just tell you what they want."

Alastor's eyes widened then he laughed. "Ha! Guilty as charged I suppose." His ears flattened a little. "Very well, then…" He clenched his jaw. "How…do you manage to secure your own amorous pursuits despite your delicate political situation?"

Charlie raised an eyebrow.

Alastor's look went dry. "How do you date Vagatha so openly even though you're royalty? Knowing people could so easily use her against you…"

Charlie's smile fell for a moment. "Oh…" she swallowed, "I mean…things are a little different for me than for an overlord, Alastor. Demons aren't likely to try attacking a Magne. But…I do worry sometimes."

"So you understand the need for Angel and I to be discrete." He held his microphone close. "But if our situation does ever out itself in some way…I must know exactly you keep her safe."

"I don't, Alastor." Charlie shrugged. "I mean, Vaggie knows I'm there to help her if she needs it. And we live together, so I'm always nearby. But she's strong and can take care of herself." She put on a brave smile. "Vaggie and I knew when we started out that dating would be complicated. But we love each other. And no fears about what might happen are going to scare us away from being together."

Alastor considered deeply. "Angel is…likewise quite strong. I trust his abilities. I trust my own. But accepting that much uncertainty…" He sighed. "I'll have to think about it and prepare should the day come when we are discovered."

Charlie nodded. "Take all the time you need. Your secret is safe here, Alastor."

"And my Angel is safe here as well." His eyes finally met hers again. "And for that reason among others, there's a solid chance you were right regarding the falsity of my grandstanding earlier." His smile grew.

Charlie's did too. "And if you ever want any romantic advice, I'm happy to help…"

Alastor's eyes widened and he swung a fist through the air. "And on that note, I do believe our meeting is over!" He snapped to make them both appear in the hall. "I'm going to head out for a bite of fresh meat to eat. I'm famished!"

"Okay, Alastor," Charlie replied, eyes hazed. She turned to leave then paused. "Alastor…the one good thing about everyone knowing — about me and Vaggie — is that they know bothering her means bothering me. And I know I don't look it but…I have a lot of my own power. I'm not a demon people want to risk bothering that much." She swallowed. "They stay away from her because of what I might do."

Alastor considered. "An interesting point," he replied quietly. "Thank you, Charlotte."

"You're welcome, Alastor."

They parted ways, both smiling.

Cherri, Rosie, and Mimzy were enjoying their walk together to the outskirts of Cannibal Colony. They couldn't discuss Angel and Alastor directly out in the open like this, but they were looking forward to sitting down at the Emporium and recounting the dramatic specifics of the morning.

"That was the most engaging breakfast I've ever had! And it didn't even involve me dismembering a demon!" Rosie grinned.

Mimzy nodded. "No wonder Alastor picked that hotel to get entertainment - the comedy there writes itself! And the more guests they get, the funnier it'll be!"

"Seriously, that entire meal was an impressive level of awkward!" Cherri smirked. Then she noticed Rosie and Mimzy eyeing each other before looking down.

Cherri tilted her ehad.

Rosie spoke under her breath. "Cherri, Mimzy and I do believe a small, shadowy figure has been following the three of us for the last few blocks."

Mimzy nodded. "I wasn't sure right away, but I am now. They just came around the last corner we turned — they are definitely on our tail."

"If you'd like to attack first, Mimzy and I would be happy to act as support," Rosie offered. "We're quite full from breakfast - no sense in us tearing into the foolish demon."

Cherri played with a stick of dynamite in her pocket. "Sounds good. But let's lead 'em down one of these deserted side streets first. An interrogation before death might be fun."

The cannibal ladies grinned and nodded, then all three went down a small side street.

When the shadowy figure came down the street behind them a moment later, it hesitated — the three ladies were nowhere to be seen.

Cherri jumped out of an alley and pulled the figure inside. She had a lit dynamite stick in one hand. "All right, fucker, what's your deal? Here about Angel? The hotel? Or just trying to jump a chick only to get your ass kicked?" Red eyes and visible fangs appeared out of the shadows behind her - Rosie and Mimzy closing in.

"Cherri! Fuck, I won't sneak up on you again, I promise!"

Cherri blinked and doused the dynamite in a puddle. "Niss?" She could barely tell it was him, he had his hat pulled down so far. She held up a hand. "Hold on a sec, girls! I know him." Rosie and Mimzy paused, eyebrows raised. Cherri dragged Niss deeper into the alley. "What are you doing? Tailing me is how you get killed! Tailing cannibals is EXTRA how you get killed!"

"Well I'm out of options so I took a damn shot!"

"What the fuck does that mean?"

Niss sighed. Then he took off his hat. He had tears in his eyes - and one of those eyes was nearly swollen shut. "I need help, Cherri. And I know I should just ask Angel but I can't - for a lot of reasons. I'm leaving our fucking dad, and I need to disappear for a bit until I get my head on straight. You know all the abandoned buildings nearby. Just take me to one of them so I can hide out, I'll figure out something from there. Please."

She watched him, her eye wide. Then she spoke."No." Niss winced at the refusal. She scowled then she looked down the alley. "Rosie, Mimzy!" The cannibal ladies came forward, curious. "Any chance you got a place you could secretly stash a guy in Cannibal Colony for a little bit? It's Angel's brother, Arackniss… and he's finally ready to not take shit from anyone."

"Cherri!" Niss's good eye widened.

"Angel has a brother?" Mimzy's eyes brightened.

Niss groaned. "Oh god, please don't tell him - I really need to figure some things out before we talk, and he doesn't exactly like me, and I don't blame him, and I…"

Mimzy came closer. She frowned and touched his cheek. "Who gave you that shiner?"

Niss swallowed. "…The same person who gave Angel such a big black eye in life that he took it with him into death."

Rosie came beside Mimzy, smiling. "Shall we eat this person alive for you both?"

Niss flinched. "No… I'm not ready for… And he's not worth it anyway." He blinked. "You don't have to put me up either. That's asking a lot. And if he finds out where I am, he'll…"

"Oh, my dear Arackniss," Rosie laughed, "no one picks a fight with Cannibal Colony and lives. And we can be discrete." She reached into the pocket of her dress and pulled out a card. "I'm afraid we can't very well stroll in with you in broad daylight if you want this situation to be a secret. When nightfall comes, find your way to this address. If you meet with any trouble from the other cannibals, show them this card - that will grant you passage."

Niss took the card, looking a mix of overwhelmed and grateful.

Cherri sighed. "I'll tuck him away somewhere until it's dark - we'll go by rooftop so no one sees." She looked to the cannibal ladies. "Thanks, guys. Angel and someone else - they're gonna appreciate this a lot."

"Someone else?" Rosie titled her head.

Cherri glanced away. "Angel's kind of private about his family. I don't wanna say too much more. But you'll probably meet her eventually.

"Her?" Mimzy beamed. Then she looked to Niss again. "We'll have fresh clothes and a piping hot meal waiting for you - don't worry, no demon flesh. You'll be perfectly safe, Arackniss!" She hugged him and then rejoined Rosie. "Let's go and prepare for a guest! It's been so long since we've had one!"

Rosie nodded to Niss. "See you soon, young man!" She waved then departed arm-in-arm with Mimzy.

Cherri waved goodbye. Then she turned to Niss. "Don't worry. They'll take care of things. And they definitely won't eat you."

Niss's eyes were down and his arms were crossed. "The fucked up thing is, I barely care if they would or not."

Cherri frowned. "Hey…come on. It's gonna be okay." She hesitated. "Can I ask…why now? I mean, I'm happy you're standing up for yourself and looking out for Angel. But I'm also worried. This is a big change for you. And your dad's done other shitty stuff to you before…"

"I doing this now cuz I found someone who I care more about making happy than my dad."

"Angel and Molly?" she asked as she pulled down a fire escape ladder for them to climb.

"No…I mean yes, but I wasn't thinking of just them…" Niss glanced away.

Cherri smirked, hands on hips. "Oh my god, is it your new friend Pen?"

Niss blushed and made a big show of heading over to the fire escape and bracing the ladder.

Cherri considered. Then she blushed and tilted her head. "Niss…are you…?"

"Hey, we've gotta keep ahead of my dad, right? So let's climb, heh!" He started scrambling up the fire escape.

Cherri let out a deep breath and followed him. One step at a time with the spider siblings.

A/N:

Thank you all again for reading and for your support! And if you live in the States, Happy Thanksgiving! I'm taking off from updates again for another week or two so I can catch up on some things, but I'll be back with lots of fun moments for everyone soon. Thank you for your patience!

Take care!

-Azure129