A/N:

Hi everyone! Hope you're all doing well! I'm back with more RadioDust shenanigans lol. I hope you enjoy, and thanks for reading! ^w^

Partners

Chapter 44:

The Hope of Making Up

Cherri felt overdue for a visit to the Emporium to see Rosie and Mimzy, especially since Niss was there now. She smiled to herself as she went through the streets of Cannibal Colony (the citizens knew her connection with Rosie now and left her in peace, and she was only mildly jumpy these days at all the bloody, fang-filled grins).

If Angel hadn't talked to Niss yet, she figured it couldn't hurt to give him a heads up that a call was coming soon. And if the brothers had already chatted…then she figured it couldn't hurt to see if Niss needed anything from her. Like maybe some extra knowledge about Sir Pentious from someone who'd been familiar with him for a while — just in case Niss had any interest in progressing his little 'friendship' with the overlord.

Both Niss and Angel had pretty good taste in guys apparently. Angel had gone for a dashing charmer in a three piece suit, and Niss had gone for a dramatic Victorian with height to spare. And then Molly going for Husk — hot dad bod who was moody but probably kind of fun at parties — was unexpected but also kind of kinky, which very much fit Molly. Cherri wouldn't admit it to Angel, but she wouldn't mind if Molly stuck around. Cherri was sort of enjoying all these new friends in her life.

Besides, Cherri knew Molly was miserable without Angel: Molly had confided in her a few times in the past before leaving hell. And Cherri knew Angel was always missing something without his sister. They were better together. Maybe somehow Niss coming back into the picture would make them agree to be together again permanently. If anyone could wrangle the spider twins, it had to be their own big brother.

Cherri took a deep breath as she rounded the corner to the Emporium, then she blinked and inhaled deeply through her nose. Something smelled amazing - like cinnamon and chocolate and coffee, and it was coming from the Emporium…and there was also some opera music playing from an open window on the top floor.

She had to know more. Cherri scaled the side of the building and pulled herself up to the window. Her jaw fell at the sight before her.

In the kitchen, coffee was brewing, pastries were set out all over the counters, and Niss was dancing in turns with Rosie and Mimzy while singing along to Italian opera playing on the phonograph with his hair pulled back in a checkered scarf.

Hell was so damn interesting these days. And gay Niss looked like he was gonna be a hoot to get to know.

She grinned and waved. "Hey, room for one more?"

Niss tripped and fell into Rosie who caught him while Mimzy squealed and waved back to Cherri. "Cherri Bomb!" She turned off the phonograph and helped her through the window then hugged her. "We love when you pop by!"

Cherri hugged her back. "Yeah, I love it too. And I had to see what was up—this place smells great, and someone was singing with some fine pipes." She pulled back and grinned.

Niss was half hiding behind Rosie as he cleared his throat and straightened himself up. "Uh, hey, Cherri. Bongiorno. Nice to see ya!" He blinked, realized the scarf was still on his head, then quickly took it off. "Just, uh, you know, doing some cooking, earning my keep." He crossed his arms and shrugged.

"And also being an utterly charming guest for two ladies who appreciate good company." Rosie added with a smile. "Would you like some pastries, Cherri? Niss whipped these up himself! The hazelnut ones are divine."

Niss blushed a little and tried to hold back a smile. "Grazie. A-And, yeah, sure, if you're hungry, Cherri, you can…"

She grabbed one and ripped off half with her teeth. Her eye widened then closed as she swallowed. "Oh my god…Arackniss, what the hell, Angel doesn't even make desserts this good!" She stuffed the last half into her mouth and swallowed. "Ugh, don't tell him I said that but it's true, fuck…"

Mimzy beamed. "We told him he should go out on his own, open up a bakery."

Rosie nodded. "Alastor's always eager to invest in fine culinary establishments. He says quality dining is the hallmark of any civilized society. I'm sure he'd be interested in assisting."

"Or at the very least he should see if Princess Charlie wants his culinary help at the hotel." Mimzy grabbed another pastry. "Could you imagine waking up to smells like these each morning? That place would be packed!"

Niss smiled more. "Aw, ladies, you're real sweet, but I don't wanna get carried away. I'm sure Alastor's got other things on his plate. And the hotel…that's more Angel's place than mine." His eyes went down a little.

Cherri's gaze softened. "Hey, uh, Rosie, Mimzy, mind if I talk to Niss for a sec? It's sort of a family thing, about Angel. "

Rosie nodded. "Of course. We'll set up some cards in the parlor. Come join us if you'd like whenever you're ready."

"And bring more pastries! I'll grab the coffee!" Mimzy grabbed the pot and some cups as she and Rosie left the room.

Niss sighed dryly and turned to Cherri. "Well, you've caught me dancing around a kitchen crooning like a songbird. I guess I have to kill you now."

She scoffed. "Yeah, like you're gonna do that after I just bowed down to your cooking skills."

"Fair enough." A little laugh escaped him as he went over to the counter and took a final tray of pastries from the oven to cool.

Cherri watched him. He already seemed more relaxed and happier. His eye looked better. And finally wearing something other than that buttoned up suit made him seem freer. She went over and grabbed a rag to wipe down the counter. "So…you doing okay?"

"Yeah." He nodded. "Thanks for sending me here, Cherri. Being here specifically…it's a lot of what I needed and a lot of what I didn't know I needed. I feel good."

She smiled. "Good. Rosie and Mimzy really work wonders. They're solid demons." She swallowed. "Any chance Angel talked to you yet? I might have told him to give you a call."

Niss paused as he turned off the oven. "Last night, yeah. I called him." He blushed a little. "We didn't talk about EVERYTHING… but we decided we need ta talk more at some point soon. We also decided ta see Molly together this weekend if she doesn't come see us on her own first."

Cherri sighed. "She's gonna flip if you two ambush her to try and send her back."

"I think we might be beyond that, Cherri." Niss pouted. "She's been here a while and she's putting down some extra roots: making friends and everything. I think we've gotta figure out something new that works for all three of us." He scowled. "All I know is I'm not leaving my kid sister and brother to figure this out on their own anymore. It's not right."

Cherri nodded. Then she bit her lip. "So, Angel told me Molly's crashing with Pen, huh? That's…really cool of him to help her out like that. To help YOU out like that."

Niss froze up. He was blushing a lot and his eyes were wide, almost a little panicked.

She lowered her voice. "I didn't say a word to Angel about anything with Pen. But, uh…you should brace yourself for the fact that Molly might figure out things…She's sharp."

"She is…and I think she already did," he replied very quietly, still not looking at her. "Thanks for not…telling Tony. I…"

She picked up a pastry and stuffed it into his mouth. Niss blinked in surprise and looked at her.

Cherri shrugged, smiling again. "You don't have to thank me. That's just common respect. You do you, and you figure out you on your own terms. The rest of us are just here for support." She winked.

Niss swallowed a bite of the pastry and pulled the rest out of his mouth. "That's what I want to be - but for Angel. Thanks for setting a good example." He smiled a little again.

Cherri laughed and gave him a playful punch in the shoulder that made Niss wince though he tried to hide it. Then Niss bit his lip. "Hey, uh, so…I didn't get any details from Angel but, uh…my brother mentioned last night he might sweet on some guy…."

She smirked and crossed her arms. "You know you're not getting a name out of me, right?"

"Yeah, I figured." He shrugged. "This person though, they're definitely a good one, right? Like a really, really good one?" He frowned. "Angel said he is but…he doesn't always find the best guys to have in his life. Yours truly being a prime example."

Cherri sighed and came closer. "First of all, enough with the pity party. You don't suck that bad, Niss, and you're being a lot better now. Second, if it makes you feel better to know, I vetted the fuck out of this guy. Watched him close, threatened to blow him up for any crap, told him to get off his ass when he was dragging his feet about admitting feelings. And eventually I looked him in the eye and told him flat out he was good enough for Angel. And I never thought I'd find anyone down here I'd say that to." She put a hand on his shoulder. "Your brother scored himself a damn good man, Niss."

Niss sighed in relief. "Good. That's… That is the best thing to hear."

"And…" Cherri went on, removing her hand with a coy shrug, "if you're looking to lock down a damn good 'someone' yourself - here. A little help." She pulled a folded paper out of her pocket and tucked it into his hand.

He raised an eyebrow. "What is…"

She shrugged. "I've been fighting with Pen for years. You get to know a guy pretty well in all that time. It's a list of his favorite restaurants and teas and flowers and hobbies: just some nice basics to give you ideas for the future."

Niss blushed very much, clutching the list. "I, uh…"

"I can…give him one of these for you - or not - whatever you want."

"No!" His voice cracked. "I-I mean, uh…we just…no, please don't bring me up to him at all. We…I need a little time, and it's gonna be hard enough to see him again if Angel and I go to see Molly." He was blushing a lot.

Something had definitely happened. If this had been Angel, Cherri would have pumped him for info with a teasing smirk. But Niss was different and her relationship with him was different. "No prob." She nodded. "I'm sure he'll be happy to see you though, no matter what. Just let what happens happen and be yourself. I know it sounds corny as fuck, but it works and it saves a lot of stress. Promise."

He nodded and tucked away the note. "I just want to talk to Angel first…to tell Angel first before I…"

Cherri just nodded. "I get it."

Niss shook his head to clear it then quickly changed the subject as he grabbed up a platter of pastries. "You see any sign of my Pop's goons out there?"

She furrowed her brow and crossed her arms. "Nothing direct. But sometimes, in the shadows, it seems like maybe there's some fedora-wearing figures lurking — I'm guessing the last places you were patrolling. He's probably still trying to figure out if you got killed or ran."

"When he doesn't find a body soon, he'll know I ran." Niss's look became serious. "It doesn't matter though, cuz I'm not gonna stay in hiding forever. I'll figure out what to do about him. For me and for Angel and Molly. Then I'll go public again."

Niss might have been small, but he could be intimidating. Cherri nodded. "Well, whatever you want to do, you don't have to do it alone. Just remember that, okay? You and Angel and even Molly, always trying to be martyrs. If you let other people help, shit's easier and a lot more fun!"

He smiled a little again. "Yeah, I'll remember. Thanks." They shared a brief smile then walked out of the kitchen and came to the parlor.

Rosie already had a table set up with the coffee poured, and Mimzy was shuffling cards. "We've got four! Bridge?"

Niss set down the pastries. "Sounds fun to me - Cherri?"

"Eh, it's been a while, but I think I remember how to play. Had an Aunt who taught me." She grabbed a cup of coffee and took a seat as Niss sat across from her.

The all gave a quick cheers with their mugs then sat back for a fun afternoon with good friends.

Valentino felt like shit.

To be fair, he'd consumed a very stupid amount of alcohol and drugs all through the night until dawn. Normally in the middle of the day he was either going over the books or catching a quick nap to be sharp for judging the night's entertainment on the club floor. Right now, however, he was hugging a porcelain bowl in the studio and heaving out whatever was left in his guts.

Vox wasn't here to call a discrete doctor, Velvet wasn't here to whip up something baked and sweet to absorb the bad stuff and help the hangover, Angel wasn't even here to clean up the mess. The few of his 'employees' around right now were either sluts just silly enough to blab about his condition to someone else even if it did mean he'd kill them, or bouncers who were just stupid enough to try taking advantage of him in this state - which again would result in more killing and embarrassment for him.

He rested his head against the bathroom wall. For just a moment he wished he was that fucking Radio Demon with those freaky damn powers because he wanted nothing more than to teleport himself upstairs to the penthouse suite in bed with a hot pot of coffee…and maybe a greasy chicken sandwich for later.

Yeah, okay, wishing to be that fucked up virgin Alastor — he was definitely sick as hell.

He took a breath and dragged himself to stand then straightened up his coat and wiped his mouth. He just had to take a quick walk up one level while seeming normal. Easy. He was a bitch without weakness — he'd smoked away the last of his long ago.

He grounded himself firmly in his boots, squared his shoulders, and put a frown on his face that said 'don't fuck with me'. Then he strolled out of the bathroom and into the hall.

A few half-naked dancers wandering by saw him and waved with giggles then ducked to the side to let him pass. A customer from last night stumbled out of a closet with a cocktail waitress — they both saw Valentino and shut themselves back inside in a panic. One of the porn camera operators strolled past the end of the hall, saw Val, gave a scattered salute, and then hightailed it away.

He almost smiled. Even feeling like shit, even alone, even after a hellish night, he still commanded respect. Vox could go fuck himself and Velvet too. And Angel. Fucking Angel. He should never have let that little bitch move into that hotel.

Valentino got himself into the elevator and kept steady until the doors closed. Then he hissed through his teeth and grabbed his pounding head. He hated this — all of it. Angel off doing whatever the fuck he wanted, and Vox and Vel off on their own now, and that stupid hotel with its redemption shit featuring Alastor who was fucking gunning for him. Why was everyone trying to change everything all at once? He'd been in hell for too fucking long, and he'd worked too fucking hard, and he did not need this chaotic shit!

The elevator doors opened. He stumbled down the empty penthouse hall and into the private party suite, then slammed and locked the door behind him. Good, he was safe here away from prying eyes.

He ripped off his jacket and collapsed onto the large sofa where he and Vox and Vel usually sat, overlooking the main performance stage. He would tell the house managers to take care of things tonight. He was done. He wouldn't even give himself the satisfaction of texting Angel and putting him back on some rough duty - not until he was back in full swing and had some kind of plan.

Not that he was afraid of the Radio Demon or anything: the only overlord he'd ever met who didn't have some kind of lustful weakness he could exploit or blackmail or cater to. The guy who never stopped smiling even when eating people. The guy who made eldritch tentacles rise from the basin of hell in such a horrific way that even Val couldn't find them kinky. The guy who Angel Dust could hang around like nothing.

He was not afraid…

He was only a little afraid…

Like how he'd only been a little afraid in the radio tower he'd gotten shot in the heart and they had lost complete control of the fucking situation in the middle of a town of cannibals with their god-tier spokesman gnashing his teeth and the building on fire.

Valentino's chest still hurt where the bullet wound had been. But he'd been hurt worse, and he could take the most anyway. He'd protected Vox and Vel when they needed it, in the radio tower AND during the hotel open house when the chandelier had fallen and the princess (and Alastor) had singled them out to blame. "Fucking Vox and Vel don't even realize…or appreciate…" He closed his eyes; the room was spinning. "If Alastor was gone, everything would be the way it's supposed to be." No more sponsor meant no more hotel. No more hotel meant no more Angel living in that carefree fucking haven. No more deer demon meant Vox would quit being distracted by him and just come back with Vel so they could move on.

But Valentino had hit Alastor with his only shot during the radio tower attack, and it had failed.

The other option would be…striking up a partnership with Alastor.

He almost smirked as he thought about how much doing that would piss off Vox.

Or maybe it wouldn't. Maybe Vox would surprise him and just turn around and not look back again like the other night. Valentino tried not to think about that idea.

Instead he tried to think of the cold practicalities of the matter.

The only thing he had to offer Alastor that might interest the Radio Demon was info about Vox: every weakness and little pet peeve and embarrassing habit. It might not be enough to secure a full partnership, but it might at least buy Valentino some time until he could shore up his own defenses, find a new alliance, dig up something on Alastor, or get Alastor alone again one more time and exploit the one weakness he knew about the Radio Demon - that the guy didn't like to be touched.

But Valentino wasn't picking up his phone, he wasn't cataloguing info in his head, he wasn't preparing the words he should say. He couldn't. It all just felt so pointless. And…wrong.

He hissed and opened his eyes and looked up. The ceiling was mirrored and showed him his full reflection: his body splayed and exhausted, his mouth frowning, his antennae drooping. His eyes…if he could even call them eyes anymore…just red openings. He'd had hazel eyes once. He'd been a person once. Maybe, on rare occasions, he'd even NOT been viscous son of a bitch once. No one left down here knew that past though. Not even Vox and Vel. But they'd stuck around for this version of him, until now at least.

The Radio Demon was something from a nightmare, and deep down Valentino didn't want anything to do with him. But if Vox and Velvet really were gone now, maybe Valentino was something from a nightmare too. Maybe he and Radio Freak weren't so different. But he still wanted nothing to do with the Radio Demon either way. And besides, he had a feeling that even if he stooped low enough to dish dirt on Vox, Alastor would turn him down cold with a pitying grin. Fucking pathetic. And then Vox really would never come back…

He took a few breaths and closed his eyes again as the room started to spin once more. He wished he didn't feel like this. He wished Velvet was breaking shit over by the wet bar and that Vox was sitting here pouring him seltzer and fielding his calls and patting his shoulder, making hell feel like a more manageable mess than it was.

He felt himself flush, and he hated himself for it.

He felt tears come to the corners of his eyes and he hated himself for that too.

Valentino thought of Angel and wished for a moment that HE had the luxury to just pick up and go live at some god damn redemption hotel with the princess footing the bill. Except he was an overlord and had shit to protect, and he hated himself all the way for that last thought. For daring to be jealous of Angel — one of his bitches, bought and paid for.

His hand moved to put his phone on silent. Then he pulled a pillow over his head, trying not to think of the memory of roughly grabbing and kissing Vox in here weeks ago. That fucking man had turned him down… And he cared! God, he didn't want to dive too deeply into what that meant. He just laid in the dark and prayed for any distraction, even if it was more throwing up.

The walk back to the hotel for Alastor and Angel after their meal at the cafe was quiet. The day was perfectly cheerful, and Nuggets had fun trotting along, but the two demons in question didn't speak at all. Alastor kept looking forward in thought and Angel kept looking down, arms crossed. They both had awkward smiles and kept risking glances at each other, until once when their eyes met and then they looked away entirely.

They arrived at the hotel and went right inside.

Charlie and Vaggie were in the lobby. Charlie smiled. "Hi, guys! Did you have a nice walk?"

"Nuggets had fun," Angel quickly replied as he picked up the pig to carry him up the stairs. "See ya, girls!"

Charlie tilted her head. "Oh, as long as you're both going upstairs, do you want to see the work we did in Baxter's room?"

"Perhaps later, Charlotte!" Alastor's smile was wide and tight at the corners as he marched up the stairs. "We are rather preoccupied at the moment."

"What he said…" Angel added as they both disappeared down the hallway.

The girls watched them go. Vaggie sighed. "The drama begins. I wonder what they're fighting about…"

Charlie pouted. "I hope it's nothing serious."

Vaggie smiled a little. "It'll be okay. First fight means first time making up, right? Remember the first time WE made up?"

Charlie blinked and blushed then smiled cutely, playing with her hair. "Yeah, I do."

Vaggie took her hand. "Come on, let's get a snack from the kitchen and talk all about Baxter's room and all the new guests we're gonna have soon."

Charlie nodded. Hand in hand, they headed out of the lobby.

Upstairs, Angel and Alastor sat on the edge of Alastor's bed while Nuggets rolled on the floor. Angel played with his hands, Alastor clung to his microphone for dear life.

Finally Angel sighed. "So I can talk to ya now? And when I do, you're not gonna give me the phony pretend Radio Demon song and dance anymore, right?"

Alastor glitched a little and his ears drooped but he nodded. "And you'll tell me every detail without holding back anything further?" His eyes drifted over to Angel.

Angel frowned then shrugged but nodded too."Val called me into his office last night. Threatened to put me on more shifts, rough customers, his own parties. He made sure Vox was there to see it. I think it was just some power move in the fight they're having. But I also think he meant it. He wanted to start by having me make up for taking off Saturday night."

Alastor's eyes widened and his smile fell more. "Our date night? I…"

"My choice, and I wouldn't trade that night for anything." Angel blushed a little but still pouted as he went on. "Anyway, I offered to come in on one of my nights off, but Val got pissed that I thought I could make up for a weekend with a weeknight, said some stuff..."

"What stuff?" Alastor asked stiffly. Then he swallowed and added. "Please."

Angel gripped the blankets and crossed his legs. "That I'm not paid to think — and I'm not good at it anyway."

"But you're brilliant," spilled out of Alastor's mouth.

Angel's heart fluttered and he swallowed and blushed more. "I…um…thanks." He shook his head to clear it. "Anyway, he, I, uh…Oh, uh…then Vox said he'd cover it by booking me for a private party, which was definitely just a power move cuz Vox really never warmed up to me. I think I annoy him — or at least my ditzy hooker act does. He never responds to my flirting, you know?" He laughed a little and glanced at Alastor.

Alastor was pouting and looking down, hands clasped.

Angel recognized that look - it was the same look he'd gotten when Angel had said Husk had a 'hot dad bod'. He smiled a little more and added, "And I'm glad cuz, you know, I never really warmed up to him myself. Too much television is bad for you. Give me a nice quiet night curled up with a good radio show any day…"

Alastor was glowing brightly now, and Angel could see the subtle movement of his tail lightly wagging. The Radio Demon swallowed and some pops of static sounded around him. "Yes, well…go on…" he managed.

Angel sighed, eyes hazed. "Anyway, then Val sent me away and I got out of there as fast as I could. I guess that's when they had their blow out. And then I got the text from Val later saying I was still on normal shifts, and that I'd hear later about my party with Vox. Definitely didn't think he'd corner us in the park to get his money's worth though, heh." He rubbed the back of his neck.

"What Vox discussed with you…was it anything to cause any distress or danger to you?" Alastor asked, almost holding his breath.

Angel shook his head. "No. He just wanted someone else to confirm what he's finally realizing - Val's an asshole. And then he wanted ideas for what to do next for himself and Vel from someone who took his own step away from Val — you know, by coming here."

"I…understand." The deer's smile was so small and his eyes were so wide. "But why didn't you share any of this crucial information with me? We spoke last night and you never said a word."

Angel pouted a little. "Because I…it's just…" He bit his lip.

"You said this morning you trusted me all the way," Alastor added softly, eyes down. "Have I done something to make you realize that sentiment…does not ring all the way true for you?"

Angel's eyes widened and he felt tears prick at his eyes. He did his best to hold them back. "You didn't do anything. This isn't… Goddamnit, Al, I didn't tell you because you'd have done something!"

"Of course I would have done something!" Alastor shot back passionately.

"Yeah, and that something could have involved you teleporting to Val to kick the shit out of him for breaking your deal about me! And I can't handle you doing something like that yet, okay?"

"What in the world do you mean? My powers are restored, I'm perfectly—"

"It's not about you!" Angel scowled. "It's me - I - cannot handle you running off into battle with some guy who's torn my heart to pieces every which way and who nearly carved yours out of your chest!" The tears sprung from his eyes and he flung open his arms. "I already had to pull your broken body out of one battle, I can't handle the chance I'll have to do it again! Not yet!" His face was wet, and he imagined his mascara must be running at this point. But the tears still came. "And especially with Val… He took things from me I never thought people could take. The idea of him taking you too scares the hell out of me…" He was shaking a little. "And you shutting me out just because you're mad hurts too."

Alastor's eyes were so wide. He looked down at himself — the formerly broken body the spider had once indeed carried to safety — then to Angel. "The idea of him taking you away scares me quite to pieces too, darling…" His eyes were red, and his voice was a whisper. Angel raised his head, listening. Alastor swallowed. "Him or anyone else. My only comfort when you're off on your own besides your own obvious capabilities is the idea that you would call to me if you were in severe distress so I could come to help you. But if you keep threats like Valentino's from last night to yourself…then all I can think about is what other terrors you might be keeping quiet about." Tears burned off at the edges of his eyes with faint wisps of steam. "I do not like being shut out either, sacre ange du mon vie." His smile trembled a little.

"I…I didn't think about… " Angel's breaths were shallow, and he wiped at his eyes. "Okay. Okay, so… we both got reasons for what we did. And for why we felt hurt." He shifted on the bed. "What are we gonna do now?" He blinked. "I mean, you know, fight's happen, things get better, heh. How do you wanna make them better?"

Alastor swallowed, hands clasped, eyes back to normal. "Change our approaches, I suppose; discuss matters thoroughly to help prevent further miscommunication. Especially since we intend to see our togetherness through for quite the long haul, ha…" He looked at Angel hesitantly.

Angel smiled softly and nodded. "That might need some time to talk over. You free at all right now?" He traced his finger on the blankets.

Alastor's eyes were caught on his finger swirling around for a moment but then his ears perked up and he nodded too. "Indeed. I'm quite game! Shall we go to my office or—"

"Can we talk here? Together? In your bed." Angel blushed faintly. "I just…want to be here with you now when you're better — to replace some of the memories of when you were here and not okay.

There was a frown in Alastor's eyes. "I told you last evening — you're quite welcome here, night or day."

The words were said tenderly, but Angel couldn't help his face warming.

Alastor removed his jacket and his shoes and sat against the pillows on one side of the headboard, knees pulled in. He gestured next to him.

Angel took off his boots and moved to sit in the space. He hugged one of Alastor's pillows, inhaled deeply then smiled. "Smells good," he replied to Alastor's curious expression. "Like you."

Alastor felt a confusing twist in his stomach at that comment. He gripped the blankets. "Er…you know, along with our concerns for each other and how to manage the Valentino situation going forward, we should also probably discuss more about how you'd like to handle matters with your fine siblings after you're reunited. Molly sounds delightful, and your brother Archibald sounds…like he is trying? Ha…"

Angel laughed, pulling up his knees. "If they come here and meet you and find out about us, they're both gonna show no mercy grilling you, you know. Standard sibling procedure — you gotta put the boyfriend through the wringer to make sure they're a good egg."

"Ha! What interesting behavior. But I'm sure I'll manage."

"Oh yeah." Angel's eyes hazed. "Anyone good enough to be Fat Nuggets second daddy is definitely good enough to be with me." He giggled.

Alastor swallowed, looking down.

Angel sighed. "Didn't mean to overwhelm ya. Nuggets really does like you. But you don't have to—"

"Could this be something that stays between us?" Alastor asked softly. "And I could I be 'Papa' instead of Daddy perhaps?"

Angel's eyes widened and he nodded.

Alastor's smile grew and he snapped his fingers. Fat Nuggets was promptly teleported from the floor to the bed. Alastor picked him up, looking the little pig in the eye. "Bon jour, my petite porcine fellow. Fat Nuggets, if you will truly have me, then I am happy to be your Papa Alastor! I shall never raise my voice to you and I shall always be available when you need assistance and I shall provide for you eternally! Do you accept me as your Daddy Angel's assistant?"

Nuggets blinked at Alastor then licked him on the nose.

Angel's jaw fell. "Oh my god, that's like the highest compliment he gives. You're in, Smiles!" He beamed. Then he laughed and added, "And before you stress about setting Nuggets up with his own pig sty farm or something, mostly he just likes attention, snacks, and warm cuddles."

"Hmm, like pet, like owner." Alastor smirked.

Angel blinked then smirked back and nudged him. "Hey! Very funny, chuckles. Got myself saddled with a real laugh riot pig partner."

Alastor set down Fat Nuggets and beamed. "For better or worse, til second death do us part!" He swung a fist through the air.

Angel held his sides and laughed, flushed and happy and beautiful, all at what was 'obviously' just Alastor's clever and romantic play on words.

And yet, Alastor wondered if Angel understood the true depths of his devotion. Especially since he was still trying to understand them himself. Ever since their date, his insides could feel light and bubbly one instant then heavy and churning the next when he was around Angel, and his heartbeat and radio waves could suddenly become erratic. And he'd been incensed beyond compare when Vox had dared to take up the spider's precious time in the park with him. And he kept thinking about Abel and Louise's wedding…and how weddings were nice.

Alastor had figured starting their proper courtship would help simmer his feelings into something manageable, but instead something was growing in him he couldn't name. He just knew that his happiness and Angel's — Anthony's — happiness were mixed together now.

Alastor entwined their fingers on the bed as the spider's joyful laughter finally subsided. Truly, for better or worse, sickness or health, come more hell or some high water, he liked being mixed together. They were living a shared life which implied a shared future, and Alastor had never craved anything so fiercely.

A/N:

Yay, RadioDust making up! And Alastor's got some cute things to work through lol. Also Niss is quickly becoming one of my favorite characters to write lol. I can't wait for him and Pen to be together again. Next time there's a lot of cute stuff to come, and soon the spider siblings will be reunited!

Take care!

-Azure129