A/N:

Hi everyone! I had some time so I wanted to give an update this weekend. The spider siblings each go through some things and get closer to finally reuniting. I hope you like it! ^w^

Partners

Chapter 42:

Loving and Letting Go

Angel closed the secret door behind him firmly, leaving him alone in his room. Nuggets had curled up in his little bed on the floor, fast asleep. Angel walked over to the window and finally answered the call. "…Niss."

"T-Ton…uh, Angel!" Niss sighed. "Hey! I really hoped you'd answer. I…how are—"

Angel cut him off, his voice low and eyes narrowed. "Why the hell is our sister still in hell?"

Niss swallowed. "Yeah, I wanted ta talk to you about that. Molly…she—"

Angel paced, shaking a little. "You have one fucking job to do, one understanding between us — when she drops in, you convince her to go right back to where she's got a shot at being safe! Because I can't do it! She's my twin and the only one in the family who gave a damn about the real me. It rips out my fucking heart to tell her to go! This is the ONLY thing I've ever asked you to do for me…"

"I know! And you know Molly doesn't do anything she doesn't want to do! And she wants to see you before she goes back!" Niss interrupted. Then his voice grew nervous again. "I'm not tryin' to get out of our arrangement, I just…want to make sure whatever happens is best for both of ya." He sighed. "She keeps saying she's waiting for the right time to see ya… I don't know, maybe she's also kinda avoiding ya, so she doesn't have to go back yet. "

"She's avoiding me because she knows I'm not a selfish prick, which means I'll make her leave!" Angel wiped away some tears. "Now, follow up question — why the fuck is our sister in the airship of the biggest pain in the ass overlord in hell!?"

"Stai zitto! You don't even know Pen! He's a goddamn prince!" Niss yelled before he could stop himself. Then he nervously and 'casually' added, "I-I mean, he's swell, and he just did me a favor. He's putting up Molly for now. Where's safer in hell than with an overlord up in the air, right?" Niss paused. "Wait, how did you know she's with him? I was just calling to tell you…"

Angel tilted his head for a moment but then rubbed his brow and leaned his back against the wall. "Husk - a guy here - told me. He helped her sneak out this morning to the roof. He spilled the beans so we wouldn't worry about her. It was kind of unsettling, after all, when a GOD DAMN AIR SHIP flew over the place this morning!" He rolled his eyes. "For someone who's supposed to be up for protecting our sister, Pen's not very subtle, is he?"

"Just leave him alone. He's trying. Molly's trying. I'm…I'm trying…"

"What the fuck is that supposed to mean?" Angel scowled.

"…I left Pops."

"…Oh, for what, another two weeks of pretending you don't live and die with his approval before you go crawling back and tell me it's just 'family stuff' and I wouldn't understand?"

Niss growled in frustration. "I ain't going back to that son of a bitch — EVER! I might hate myself a lot of the time, but even I know deep down that I don't deserve his shit! He doesn't love me either — okay, Angel, I admit it!" He was doing a very bad job of muffling some crying that had started.

Angel nearly dropped his phone. His eyes widened and his voice softened. "What happened, Archie? Something happened — what is it?"

Niss was silent except for the sniffles. He spoke softly. "It don't matter. I'm not gonna bother you about it. I was never there for you: I'm a bad brother. I admit that too, Tony. I don't want or deserve anything from you. I just want us to be there for Molly, and I want to make sure you're okay just like she does."

"Hey, no one's suffering in silence!" Angel frowned. "You can tell me what happened. It's okay." He found himself wiping away a tear too. "You weren't a great big brother when I needed you to be, no. But you're probably a good person or whatever. Pops is just shit all around."

Niss took a deep breath. "A lot of things happened. I…snuck off for the first time ever to do something I wanted to do — something Pops would hate if he found out. But when he realized I snuck off for anything, he hit me — bad. Like he hit you. And then Molly said I looked so sad. And also I…I…" He took more breaths. "I think I fell in love. But it's so fucking complicated."

Angel blushed and was already heading to his door. "Where are you? I'm coming to get you."

Niss took another breath. "No, you don't need ta. I'm okay — laying low someplace safe for a bit til Pops' goons quit looking for me. You shouldn't visit unless it's an emergency. I told Molly the same thing."

"You're still telling me where you are — cut the mysterious crap, Niss, this isn't one of those godfather movies."

"I'm in Cannibal Colony, staying with these two dames Cherri knows. They're nice, so don't worry about—"

"You're with Rosie and Mimzy!" Angel blurted out.

"Uh, yeah. But look, I know they know the Radio Demon somehow and that you two are buddies or whatever, but please don't tell him. I'm really tryin' to be discrete. Let me handle it."

Angel glanced from side to side. "Uh…yeah, that's right — the Radio Demon and I are 'buddies'. Heh. And, uh, sure…I won't tell him. But, seriously, if he makes one visit he's gonna figure out you're there. He can smell fresh meat a mile away. He's nice though, promise."

"That's what these two keep saying."

Angel smiled a little then hesitated. "Niss…Archie, if you wanted a safe house…why didn't you come to me?"

Niss sighed. "We aren't always good for each other, Angel. You know that. I know you would have put me up because we're blood but… you seem happy there, and I don't want to upset you. Also I just need some time alone to get my head on straight. And also I…I, uh, need to find the right time to talk to you about some things, heh."

Angel tilted his head. Then he sighed. "Fair enough. Just take care of yourself." His look firmed. "But if Molly doesn't come to see me by this weekend, you and I are going to her ourselves, capiche?"

"Uh…okay, heh! Yeah sure, you and me and Pen…together…oh and Molly!" Niss replied nervously. "I will try to convince her to talk to you first."

Angel smirked a little. "Do you and Pen got some kind of overlord/henchman thing in the works? You gonna be firing off shots at me the next time I attack him?"

Niss mumbled something that sort of sounded like 'wouldn't be the first time'. Angel blinked. "Uh, what?"

"Nothing! Just…do not go to Pen and Molly without me! Don't tell the Radio Guy about me. And…stay safe, Tony." Niss's voice sounded sad. "I know you're still doing stuff for that Valentino guy. He's barely a step above dad. And you're better than that."

Angel took a deep breath, frowning tightly. "It's my mess to figure out, Archie. Don't touch it. You don't got that right."

"I know." Niss said with resigned acceptance. Then he cleared his throat, ending an awkward pause. "Uh, so… this Husk guy — is that the bartender? Molly's brought him up a couple times. I was teasing her, but are they…you know? And is he a good guy?"

Angel almost smiled. "Yeah, I think they're something. And he's kind of a grumpy drunk, but otherwise he's solid and decent. Molly told him about herself — he wants to get her home too. Looks like it's breaking his heart a little, actually. He cares."

"At least he knows to treat her right. That's good."

"So…" Angel grinned. "Speaking of main squeezes, who's this dame you're in love with?"

"You're asking the wrong question, Angel."

Angel raised an eyebrow.

"I-I…" Niss stuttered, "I should go — promised I'd get up early and make breakfast for the ladies here. They made me dinner and everything."

"Cooking tip — they like demon flesh."

"They're getting fresh pastries strong espresso. That's all I'm good for."

"Ooo, an Archie breakfast — a rare treat. Heh…" Angel cleared his throat. "But, uh, you know…still speaking of main squeezes…maybe if you introduce me to who you're in love with one day, I'll…introduce you to who I'm in love with."

"Really?" Niss's voice cracked in surprise. "You…you always said for me to stay away from that part of your life because of…how I acted." He was quiet for a second. "It's not some…some guy who pays you for stuff and treats you like…"

"No!" Angel straightened up, tall and proud. "It's a perfect gentleman who tells me I'm funny and smart and beautiful and holds my hand. Give me a break, I do have some self respect." He sighed. "And, to be clear, I'm not saying you can meet him right away. And you can't mention the fact that I'm even with someone — except to Cherri, of course." He swallowed. "But if…if you're really trying now and maybe we get some time to figure out things…then who knows? And I do wanna meet whoever's makin' you wanna make such good choices."

A small relieved sigh left Niss. "I'd like all that — a lot. Uh…but can I at least meet this Husk guy sooner? I've gotta make sure he definitely checks out as okay for Molly. I trust your judgment, but it's a big brother thing."

"She's gonna kill you for it."

"Yeah, well, I'm short but I'm wirey - I can take her!"

They shared a small laugh.

"I'll…talk to you soon, Archie."

"Thanks, Tony. I wanna talk to you soon too."

There was a pause, perhaps like they were both anticipating saying 'I love you' but couldn't just yet, and then they hung up.

Angel sighed and sat on his bed. He'd talk to Molly soon, and he'd finally talked to Niss. That was a load off. Now he just had to worry a bout Valentino circling him and how to tell Alastor. But he put the thought out of his mind for now and headed into the bathroom for a hot bath to relax. And also to think a bit about what kind of private show he'd put on for Alastor if the Radio Demon ever asked: something risqué but tasteful that would make that powerful man weak in the knees and a glowing mess of soft static. The idea was tantalizing as he slipped into the bubbles and warmth and tried to let himself be at ease, safe in his room in the hotel.

In Cannibal Colony, Niss put aside his phone and collapsed onto his bed. The talk hadn't gone horribly. He and Angel weren't great together yet, but there was something good under all the drama and pain. They could still try.

The first priority of course was keeping Molly safe and keeping himself out of Pops' sight, and also showing Angel he could be a big brother to rely on. Then maybe afterwards he would ask his brother…find a way to ask his brother… He sighed and tried it out loud. "Hey, Tony! I'm in love with an extremely phallic victorian snake man. Surprise, I'm gay too! So how do I do anything with a guy because growing up I was too scared to even guess let alone ask anyone else or you?" He was a cringing and blushing mess by the time the words were out. But he knew he was going to have to ask anyway. With women he knew most of the motions to go through even though none of them had ever felt natural — just a show to put on for the family. He didn't want to fuck up this thing with Pen. He wanted to be brave enough to do it right.

Niss pulled the blankets over himself and turned out his light to get some rest. And even though he had a lot to feel nervous about, he actually felt kind of good knowing he was somewhere safe and warm and would walk up with people who cared. He couldn't wait for breakfast. He fell asleep smiling, thinking about different recipes to bake.

Alastor and Angel weren't the only ones still awake in the hotel. Though the bar in the lobby appeared deserted, if a demon listened closely enough they could hear the light clink of bottles. Someone was sitting on the floor behind the bar.

Niffty peeked out of her bedroom door and went over to Husk's door and knocked. "Husk?" She whispered. "I heard you finish talking to Molly. Why didn't you ask her to come over or to go out? Is she okay on the airship? She has such a pretty voice! Tell me everything!"

But no one answered. Then Niffty heard a faint gasp and the light sound of a bottle clinking. She turned to the bar. She came closer slowly. "Husk?" She walked around the counter.

She found Husk sitting on the floor with his wings pulled up around his body and head. She frowned and quickly came forward. "Husk? What happened? Are you sick?"

He shook his head and let out a breath - it sounded shaky.

She sat down too. "Husk…" She moved carefully and touched his wing.

He spoked quietly, his voice a little slurred. "She can't stay in hell. She belongs somewhere else. She has to go, and I've gotta let her. For a lot of fucking reasons." One of his hands came out from under the wing and groped along the floor until he found a green bottle.

Niffty saw the label: absinthe. She frowned. "Husk, that stuff makes you black out. Please don't…"

He had the bottle lifted but hesitated. He'd lowered his wing slightly to take a sip and Niffty could see one of his eyes — so big and full of tears. "I can't take care of her. I've got nothing. Not even my own soul." He dropped the bottle and hid in his wings all the way again. "Why do I care this much? I forgot how to love people — it's been the only thing keeping me sane here. And I just met her! But ever since I met her… I felt good. She made me laugh, you know. First time in…" A shaky breath left him. "Now nothing's okay, Niffty. What did I do? What did we all do? And what am I gonna do without her? What's the point?"

Niffty hugged him and stroked his feathers. "We're gonna start by having me stay here with you so you're not alone while you let it all out. Then I'm gonna put you to bed. And in the morning I'm gonna bring you a big cup of coffee and some of Alastor's beignets that you secretly love but won't admit because you don't want to give him the satisfaction. And then we'll figure it all out. Because I'm here and I love you, Husk."

He sniffled. "I love you too, Niffty."

She just stayed with him until his breathing became more peaceful, then Niffty helped clean up his face and put him to bed. Finally she went back to her room and did something unusual for most citizens of hell — she knelt by her bedside and prayed. 'Dear whoever's in charge of heaven and hell and everything else… if there's a way for all of us to be happy and safe together, let us find it. Please. Life was too long and painful for everything after it to just be long and painful too, no matter if we're sinners or saints. And please keep Husk and Alastor and everyone here safe. Thank you." She climbed into bed and set her alarm early so she'd be ready for Husk at first light.

Niss was up early and in the kitchen just after sunrise. Most of what these ladies had in their fridge was meat — kind of scary-looking meat actually. But eventually he found some flour and butter and sugar, and even a few spices. He put on a pot of coffee, pulled out a bowl and a pan, and got to work. Baking was nice and relaxing — a simple pattern of steps open to a bit of interpretation, and when you were done a bunch of random things had turned into something new and sweet and delicious. He really hadn't baked much since life. Even then, he'd had to be sneaky about it so Pops wouldn't find out and jump to other conclusions about him that were…maybe true. Conclusions like the fact that Archie had a lot more in common with Tony than he'd ever let on.

Niss shook his head and went back to focusing on his recipe. He didn't want to think about Pops. He'd blocked his number and the numbers from his lieutenants, but he could still feel those eight eyes searching for him all over hell. He tried to think about something else instead: like how nice it would be if he were in the airship right now making biscotti for Pen. The Egg Bois would be running around handing off ingredients to him. And then Pen would slither in with a smile and dismiss them for some privacy. He'd ask Niss what he was making, and Niss would say it was a surprise. And Pen would chuckle - he had the best dramatic laugh. And he'd slide forward to look over Niss's shoulder, the hood around his head surrounding them both, his tall body pressed against Niss's back. And Niss would close his eyes and maybe lean into him, and Pen would angle his head down and kiss Niss's neck. And then…

"Niss, dear? Are you up already?"

Niss snapped out of the daydream — and just in time to prevent himself from severely over-mixing the batter. His heart pounded and his face felt warm, and just below his belt he felt… He blushed more and took a deep breath in and out to relax himself. "Uh, yeah Signora Ro—I mean, Rosie! Just getting a head start on breakfast! Hope ya like fresh biscotti and pastries!"

Rosie entered the kitchen, already dolled up for the day. "Oh yes, especially ones that smell as heavenly as those. Your mother really must have made some fine meals."

"She really did - thanks." He smiled more as he divided up the dough. "I used to compliment her on her cooking and thank her for it, when I could sneak a moment alone with her." His smile weakened. "Pops didn't like me making too big of a fuss though about domestic stuff. He didn't want his boys to be sissies." He winced and his eye felt tender again

"I see," Rosie offered. "It sounds like your Pops had a poor head on his shoulders and a poorer heart in his chest, if you don't mind me saying so.'

"I don't and you're right." Niss frowned as he laid out the biscotti on a pan. "Just took me two lifetimes to admit it to myself. Fucking unhappy bastard." He took a breath. "I don't know, maybe he went through a lot of bad stuff growing up himself — always tried to tell myself that. But either way he ain't got no right to take it out on us. We weren't the kids he wanted us to be — big fucking deal. We never owed him anything more than what we are." Niss firmly slid the pan into the oven then blinked and glanced at Rosie. "Sorry, sometimes I talk a lot when I bake — all the thoughts just start coming out."

"It's quite all right." She assured. "In fact it's nice to hear you standing up for yourself. You already seem more at ease." Her smile softened. "Your eye looks much better, Niss."

Niss turned back to her, leaning against the oven"All thanks to being here. No thanks to Pops. He…likes to send his kids off with a bang, heh." He gritted his teeth.

"As I suspected." Rosie's look became firm. "He will not touch you here, Niss."

"I know. I feel safe here. Thank ya for that." Niss sighed and stood tall. "I'm gonna think about what to do about him… after I talk to my brother and sister."

Rosie nodded. "I understand." Her smile returned. "Speaking of Angel…have you spoken to him yet?"

Niss nodded and rubbed the back of his neck. "I, uh…called Angel last night."

"Ah splendid news!" Rosie sat at the table and pulled out a chair for Niss.

Niss shuffled over and sat too. "Yeah. It…had some rough moments, but I explained what I'm doing and he listened. I haven't told him everything I want to say yet, but it's a start. And if Molly doesn't go see him soon we're gonna both go see her this weekend. So there's that." He blushed a little.

Rosie noticed. "I see. And where is she, if it's all right for me to ask?"

Niss hesitated a second but then realized it might be good for her to know in case somehow one of Pops' goons popped him, or if Molly needed a second hide out down the line. "She's in the airship of the Overlord Sir Pentious. He's a…friend of mine. I figured the safest place in hell has gotta be above it all, right?" He tried to laugh then swallowed. "I just hope she invites Angel there on her own. It's probably better if Molly and Angel get to talk alone - they were always closer. And I don't wanna put Pen out by dropping in." He looked down at the table, swinging his legs, trying not to think about that daydream earlier. He got up to pour them some cups of coffee.

"Hmm…" Rosie observed as she watched him and considered. "Sir Pentious must be a very dear friend for you to entrust your sister with him."

"Oh, yeah… I mean, Pen's a good guy." He headed back over and set their mugs on the table with a swallow, trying not to blush. "I mean, we get on good."

"Then perhaps we should have him over here! That way you two can at least visit even if Angel and Molly end up speaking alone."

Niss nearly spit out his first sip of coffee. "No! No, I mean…no thanks. I…you two are already put out enough having me here, let alone guests of mine. And he's a busy overlord…and I need some time alone to clear my head." He looked away. "It's really no big deal."

Rosie considered and sipped her coffee. "Niss… you said your father didn't like 'sissies'. Did he not like Angel for certain reasons?"

Niss heisted but nodded. "He hated almost everything about Angel — his looks and his attitude and his, uh…preference for you know, guys…"

Rosie nodded. "So you tried to be only the things he would like?"

Niss held back tears. "I tried real hard — I guess I figured maybe if I was everything he wanted, he'd leave Molly and To—Angel to be whatever they wanted. But he never will. And I'm tired of trying. I can't stand it anymore. Something just put me over the edge." He blushed more.

"Well, whatever that was, we're glad you're here now, among accepting friends." She smiled more. "Did you know Mimzy and I are quite involved with each other?"

Niss's eyes widened. "Really?"

She nodded. "We always had an on-and-off casual love affair, but a few weeks ago there was that nasty attack at Alastor's radio tower and we both came quite close to punching out. So now we've decided to become a bit more intense and exclusive. Love in all its forms is welcome here. We may be cannibals, but we do have hearts."

Niss smiled and inhaled deeply over his cup of coffee. "I never got to be in a place where people just accepted you for who you are. This is nice. If I could stomach eating other demons I might want to stick around all the time."

Rosie laughed. "Do you have any place in mind you'd like to go once the heat's died down?"

Niss sipped his coffee. "Maybe...the hotel. But only if Angel would be okay with it. If he wouldn't, I'd get it. I don't want to mess up his happiness. Otherwise…I don't know. Maybe a good friend would take me in." He smiled a little, thinking about Pen again.

Rosie's eyes hazed. "Well, I'm sure you'll find the best place for yourself." She considered. "Hmm, you know, speaking of the battle at the Radio Tower, Sir Pentious was there. He played quite the gallant roll - would you like to hear about it?"

Niss perked up, unable to help himself. "Really? I mean, sure, if you wanna share, heh. We've still got twenty minutes for the pastries to cook and another ten till they're cool enough to eat."

"And Mimzy will be dozing for at least another half hour, so it all works out perfectly then." Rosie laughed and clapped her hands together. "Well now, you see, Sir Pentious felt slighted by Alastor and was heading to the tower for a fight in his air ship, but a fight was already taking place — and a fire too. So Pen charged into the fray and fired a rather impressive deluge of water at the tower to put it out. He really couldn't be stopped…"

Niss listened with rapt attention and his heart beating quickly as he pictured the snake demon in action, and how it would feel to be right alongside him again.

It was dawn, and Husk was on the roof with Niffty. He rubbed his temple — he usually didn't drink absinthe because it gave him a horrific hangover when it didn't cause a full blackout. Normally he would have spent the entire day sleeping it off but…for Molly he'd dragged himself out of bed, taken a cold shower, drank a pot of coffee, and listened to a very unusual plan of Niffty's — and actually agreed to it.

Now they were both up here looking out over hell, and they could see the airship in the distance not far away.

Husk swallowed. "Niffty, you know I don't like flying. It never feels right, and I lose feathers, and it's hot up there, and…"

"I know." She nodded. "But it's the only thing I could think of. Maybe if you fly close to the ship and at least see Molly even if you don't want to talk to her again yet, you'll feel better or figure out what to do next." She rolled her eye to the side. "And then, if you do decide to land and go on the airship and talk to her, and you two go on a date or something…"

"We are not going to live out one of your stories about us." He blushed. "Besides that can't happen cuz you're coming with me."

"You don't like passengers usually."

"I hate to admit it, but I need the emotional support," he replied dryly.

Niffty beamed. "Then let's go. We'll have to be back soon so no one misses us."

He sighed and helped Niffty climb on his back. "Alastor'll kill me if he finds out about this."

"No, he won't. He loves you. And he's in an extra good mood now because of Angel." She giggled.

Husk took a deep breath and walked over to the ledge. "Well, here goes something stupid. I feel like a fucking emotional wreck cliche. Niffty, just hold on tight — you know I always fuck this up a little at first."

"Got it!" She hugged snugly around his shoulders.

Husk grabbed her ankles with his hands just in case, then dove off the building. He dropped like a stone at first as usual, but then he flapped harder and harder until he was finally up in the air. He panted heavily. "Shit, I am out of shape."

Niffty laughed. "You're doing great! This is so much fun!"

"We are literally never doing this again unless it's a life or death thing." But he couldn't help his pout decreasing a little as he got his bearings and saw them already getting closer to the ship. He flapped harder. If he was willing to endure this humiliation and annoyance with a hangover after an 'emotional' night behind the bar, he knew he must like Molly so much. Maybe he really did even…love…

Husk swallowed and pushed down the lump in his throat right near his heart. He couldn't think about that possibility; it hurt too much. He just needed to get to the ship and see her, and go from there.

Molly was up bright and early. She wanted to keep busy — busier than usual. She couldn't risk stopping and thinking about last night or a certain cat demon. She just wanted to greet the day in every way and then get behind one of Pen's ray guns and blast down a bunch of old buildings and cheer along with the Egg Bois at their victories.

A little after sunrise, Sir Pentious groggily slithered into the kitchen in his robe to find Molly fully dressed and dolled up with many platters of breakfast food prepared on the table and coffee brewing while she finished mopping the floors. His jaw fell.

Molly saw him and dashed over. "Penny, you're up! Good, breakfast is nice and hot! Come over." She led him to the table. "I also made pancakes for the Egg Bois. I'm not sure if they eat, but they do seem to like that I made them into gun shapes so they could pretend to shoot each other." She shrugged sheepishly. The oven timer went off. "Ah, the ham!" She dashed over. "My cooking's a bit more experimental than my brothers', but I hope you like it. I tried not to go too off the rails! Heh!" She pulled a ham covered in pineapples and tomatoes out of the oven and took a platter of eggs off the stovetop full of mushrooms and garlic cloves. She brought both over to the table.

Sir Pentious finally came out of his shock a little. "Molly, all of this is very kind of you, but you didn't have to go to so much trouble. I'm usually a rather light eater anyway and—"

She grabbed a platter of fried pastries shoved them forward toward Sir Pentious. "Nonsense! You've got a big day of overlordin' ahead of ya! Mangia! Mangia!" She laughed but then stopped herself and put down the platter when she realized what she was doing. "Sorry. I…I get carried away about things when I'm a little agitated. But I shouldn't push it on other people." She tried to sit still in her chair. But she crossed her legs and tapped her foot and kept adjusting her silverware on the table.

Pen took one of the pastries and a bit of the eggs. "Did something happen last night, Molly? A bad dream perhaps?"

She shook her head. "Bad phone call. The fella I'm sweet on _ I think he's wise to me about some things. And he doesn't want me coming around or to come here. Says he just wants me to go back where I need to be and be safe. But I don't want to be safe or go back. I want him, and my brothers, and you." She sniffed. "I don't care that this is hell - it ain't so bad." One of the Egg Bois brought her a hanky, and she sniffled.

Sir Pentious frowned. "It sounds like this fellow has a deep concern for you. I don't think he means to hurt you, Molly. He might be trying to save you both pain if you do end up leaving. And if you don't…I'm sure he doesn't want to be the one to keep you in an unsafe place." He looked down. "I know I'd do anything to keep anyone I cared for out of a dangerous situation."

Molly tried to smile a little. "I just wish it all didn't have to be so hard. Why can't we all just be together and safe? None of us are all bad. I heard Princess Charlie once said, what? Inside of every demon is a rainbow? I agree, but ta me it's more like inside of every demon is a little bit of heaven. There's at least a drop of what's good and right in the universe in all of us. Separating everyone only keeps that fact from coming through."

"That's…" Sir Pentious blinked a few times. "That's a beautiful thought, Molly." He smiled again. "I think you and your brothers have some of heaven inside of you."

"Thanks. You too, Penny." She winked. She poured them both coffee. "You know, I was worried at first when Niss told me he had a friend who'd help me. I wanted to be sure it was someone who wasn't taking advantage of him; that he wasn't going from Pops to someone worse."

Sir Pentious blinked. "You…know about your father's, er…"

"My Pops is a jerk. I've known that since life," she said dryly. "I just never gave a damn about trying to win his affection, unlike my poor brothers." Her smile returned. "But anyway, I was so happy when ya turned out to be so sweet and swell. Ya really like Niss for who he is, not for what he can do for ya." Her eyes hazed. "I think it's the sweetest thing I've ever seen."

Sir Pentious was blushing considerably. "I…have never had a friend quite like…"

"It's okay," she assured gently. "I get it. You two just take it slow." She shrugged. "And sorry again for taking over your kitchen. I promise I'll be calmer tomorrow. Or at least I'll put my energy into making enough breakfast for two people instead of twenty, heh."

Sir Pentious smiled. "It's quite all right. This is nice. It feels homey." He glanced away and shrugged. "Despite the fact that I'm an overlord, I never seem to be very popular. It's nice to have a new special friend like Niss. And company like you."

Molly beamed. "Oh, you just earned yourself a hug, mista!" She got up and dashed over and wrapped her arms around him.

He laughed and gave her a gentle pat on the back, wiping at his eye with the end of his tail.

She squeezed him once more then pulled back. "Now then, who are we gonna fight after breakfast? I'm excited!"

Sir Pentious laughed. "Oh, just expanding into some unclaimed wastelands. It sounds counterproductive, but really it's a demonstration of power, and there's always a few overlords or brash demons who'll try to fight us! Perhaps Cherri Bomb."

"Oh Cherri!" Molly's eyes brightened. "Ha, if Cherri sees me up here, she'll have a shock. She'll love it! Never thought I'd get to be in a real demon fight with her!" She hesitated. "We ain't gonna hurt her though, right?"

Sir Pentious laughed. "Normally hurting others isn't really a problem in these parts, but when it comes to Cherri I prefer to only dent slightly. She keeps the Egg Bois well trained with her regular attacks, and they all like her very much. And she's your friend too of course."

"You're swell, Penny." Her smile brightened, and they both ate and drank heartily while the Egg Bois played with their pancake guns in the background.

Outside the airship Husk was already flying home with Niffty still on his back.

"Husk! We were barely there a few minutes!"

"It was enough." He sighed. He hadn't been able to hear any of their conversation, but he'd seen what he needed. She looked happy. She was safe. And that snake overlord was nice to her. She'd even hugged him. Not that he cared. Not that he thought… She was just really better off there. And she'd have to be better off when she left hell.

Niffty held close. "That wasn't a love hug, Husk. Just so you know. I'm very good at telling these things."

"I know. What matters is she's got everything she needs….until she goes. Much better digs than being shut up in my tiny room." His eyes were down. "Thanks for coming with me, Niffty."

She hugged him frowning. "Everything's gonna work out, Husk. Somehow. I promise."

He sighed as they came in sight of the hotel. "Maybe. But it sure doesn't feel like it right now."

They landed on the hotel roof, and he helped Niffty off. "I'm gonna go back to bed and sleep off the absinth. Thanks for getting the bottle away from me last night before I made a bigger mess of myself." He shrugged. "Why don't you go check on Angel and Alastor? They're probably getting up soon to do some cute shit or whatever."

Niffty sighed. "I'd rather stay with you. I'll make you more coffee and some toast. I'm here for you, Husk."

"I know," he said without turning around. "And it helps. But I just need to be alone for a little bit. I'll be okay, Niffty. I always am. I practically have to be for my deal with Alastor, at least. But…I'll be okay for you too. Because we're friends, and we stick together. Just promise me if you ever decide to go in for the redemption thing and getting to heaven, you'll give me plenty of warning, huh? Heh…" The laugh was weak and he headed inside with a yawn.

Niffty watched him go. And she kept thinking. She wanted to find a way to help Husk so much. She went inside and started to do some cleaning — cleaning always gave her her best ideas.

A/N:

Thank you so much for reading! The spiders will be speaking to each other face to face soon enough : ) Next chapter, we're back in full RadioDust mode with some 3V mixed in and also Baxter comes back! It's about time he actually moved in XD Next update should be in two weeks - thanks for your patience!

Take care!

-Azure129