A/N:

Hi everyone! Another update as the stakes get higher for our spiders and the Radio Demon and everyone else. I hope you enjoy and thank you so much for reading!

Partners

Chapter 57:

Family Closing In

One of Niffty's favorite parts of coming to the hotel had been getting to meet and live with so many new people, especially Charlie. Most demons in hell were always mad or scared or grumpy or sad. But the princess was like Niffty — she liked to smile and be cheerful and got excited about nice things! Even was Charlie was busy or confused or worried, she always had a calm and hopeful presence about her that made Niffty feel safe in hell.

Ever since last night though, Niffty had noticed something was different about Charlie. When Niffty had left her room at midnight to get a glass of warm milk (and maybe some cookies too), she had seen the princess leaning on the dark bar in the lobby with a nearly empty wine glass and an open bottle, staring at her phone. In the light from the screen, her eyes had looked so…tired. Niffty had been about to approach her when Vaggie had come down the stairs and guided Charlie away from the bar to bed, reminding her that more than one glass of wine usually made her sick and telling her everything would be okay.

Then early this morning when Niffty had started in on her cleaning chores, Charlie hadn't gotten up early to say good morning and suggest breakfast ideas like usual. Eventually Niffty had asked Vaggie if she should bring some coffee up to Charlie, and Vaggie had hesitated and said that Razzle and Dazzle would get some for her later — the two goats were going to live here now…but they would mostly just be staying upstairs with Charlie to start. Niffty had nodded and set everything up for a fresh pot of coffee whenever it was needed.

Now it was late in the afternoon and Niffty watched from the bar as Charlie finally came downstairs, her hair a little unkempt and her cheeks a little flushed. She walked around, straightening pictures that were already straight and adjusting curtains that were already tidily drawn. She didn't talk much, and her smile was barely there. Niffty noticed that Charlie's brow was furrowed in a lot of deep thought, and every once in a while she took out her phone but then tucked it away again, bit her lip, and shook her head.

Husk was behind the bar, cleaning some glasses and sometimes texting with Molly while Baxter was seated on one of the stools, doodling design plans in a notebook and drinking a root beer that he'd made himself using his mixology machine.

"Hey, Niffty?" Husk glanced up from his phone, blushing a little. "Uh, Molly wants to make sure you'll definitely be here right from the start when she visits. She really wants to meet you since you're, you know…my best friend."

"Hmm?" Niffty finally took her eye off Charlie and glanced at Husk. "Oh, of course! I can't wait to meet Molly!" She smiled, genuinely, but then her attention went back to the princess.

Husk raised an eyebrow at Niffty's unusually restrained reaction to him admitting they were best friends.

"This meeting will be more of a private event, right?" Baxter asked, looking to Niffty and Husk. "I want to give Angel's family space, but I don't want to be rude and not introduce myself."

Husk shrugged, glancing down at his phone again. "Molly says she 'wants to meet and talk to every single person in this place as much as possible' even if she has to take care of some stuff with her brothers. So, figure Niss and Molly are both up for being introduced to whoever's around the night they show up. They'll probably have more time for getting to know everyone later after they catch up with Angel. Also they really want to take care of this issue with those mob guys watching the hotel as quick as possible, so that's gotta come first."

Baxter was writing the entire time Husk spoke. "Got it — introductions but space until the initial spider sibling meeting is concluded! And agreed, I'd like the individuals watching the hotel to leave as well. Did you know the act of being observed can affect the outcome of experiments?" He considered. "Theoretically, I could engineer a small army of drones to locate each person spying and release a high-pitched whine to chase them off. But I'd need time. And the consent of Angel and his siblings of course since this involves their family."

Husk raised an eyebrow. "Couldn't you just make the drones SHOOT the mob goons instead?"

Baxter waved him off. "Ugh, projectiles. So messy. And such a drain on resources with ammunition. A nice sonic attack is never expected and always effective." He winked. As Husk let out a scoff that sounded dangerously close to a laugh, Baxter turned to Niffty. "A single drone at least could be good for external hotel security in the future. Would you like to help me construct one once I have all the parts, Niffty?"

Niffty sighed. "Oh uh…" She glanced at Baxter quickly, trying to smile again. "Yes, of course! That sounds fun! Maybe I could even ride on it." But her gaze quickly went back to Charlie.

That was officially two weird reactions from Niffty in a row. Husk followed her gaze now and realized she was watching Charlie. And he also realized that Charlie did not look good —he knew a stressed person ready for a drink when he saw one.

Baxter raised an eyebrow. "Niffty, are you all right? You seem distracted?"

"It's the princess, isn't it?" Husk asked. "Charlie looks like she just got kicked out of heaven or something, and you're worried."

Niffty frowned and nodded, still not looking away from Charlie.

Baxter blinked and observed the princess too. "Ah…I see. Yes, her posture's usually so strong and her eyes are usually bright. Her current affectation suggests that she's…discouraged." He frowned then glanced from Husk to Niffty. "If I knew the cause it would be easier to think of a way to help her feel better. Do either of you have any idea what happened to her?"

Husk shook his head. "Beats me."

Niffty smiled a little. "No. But no matter what the cause is, there's at least one thing that can help for sure." She walked across the room to the princess while Husk and Baxter watched.

Niffty tugged on Charlie's jacket. "Miss Charlie?" She smiled up at her.

Charlie blinked, like she was coming out of a daze, and looked down. Her smile grew a little. "Oh — Niffty! Hi!" She wiped at one of her eyes quickly. "Can I help you with anything?"

Niffty shook her head. "Not at all. I just wanted to give you a hug." Then she came forward and wrapped her arms tightly around Charlie's waist. "I love you, Charlie. You're the best princess and hotel owner and lady in hell. And probably heaven and earth too."

Charlie stiffened in her grasp. When Niffty finally tilted her head up she saw Charlie had big tears in her eyes and her lip was wobbling. The princess sniffed once…and then she knelt down and wrapped her arms tightly around Niffty, some quiet tears falling.

Niffty patted her on the back. "Want to go to the kitchen together and I can make you some hot chocolate? And we can talk if you're ready to share or we can sit quietly if you're not. I just want to be here for you."

Charlie nodded. "Can Razzle and Dazzle come too? I want to introduce you."

Niffty beamed. "Yes, please!"

Charlie pulled back a little, smiling at her. She whistled, and Razzle and Dazzle trotted down the stairs. The little group went into the kitchen together.

At the bar, Husk and Baxter watched them go.

"Wow…Niffty's excellent at emotions." Baxter sighed, staring after her with a thoroughly intrigued smile. "She always knows just how to make someone feel better. Isn't it impressive?"

"Yeah," Husk nodded, noticing the smile and bright eyes. If this guy did have a small crush on Niffty, he was clueless about it. But at least he had turned out to be a good egg. "She's great with people. Especially her friends when they need help."

Baxter came out of his momentary awe and frowned a little. "Do you think the princess is in serious trouble? Should we talk to her later and see if we can assist?"

Husk considered. "She might need some time to sort out whatever happened before she fills everyone else in. And she's got Vaggie and Razzle and Dazzle looking out for her for now, and Niffty too. Let's maybe give her a day. Charlie's smart; she knows when to ask for help."

Baxter nodded. "That all sounds logical. Thank you, Husk. You know her better than I do."

"Yeah…I guess." Husk shrugged. "I just know this place means a lot to her and that she wants it to be good and safe for guests like you. Even you just sticking around and not leaving with the mob drama happening probably means a lot to her."

"Leave?" Baxter looked perplexed. "I can't imagine why anyone would! Or why anyone would want to threaten this place. Or why more demons don't come here! The premise of the hotel is to redeem sinners for heaven, which is a fascinating experiment. But besides that benefit, just getting to live in a community where I can pursue my interests in peace and maybe make friends is paradise already!" Baxter blinked then blushed a little as Husk looked back at him with a tilted head. "Sorry, that was…not very logical and definitely very emotional, wasn't it? I must have incorporated a little too much caffeine into this soda, heh." He bit his lip. "I've just…liked getting to know Niffty and all of you. I'm excellent at making robots and machines but…friends is a different story."

Husk almost smiled. "Yeah, well…welcome to the club." He cleared his throat. "And it's okay — this place brings out all the emotions. You should have met me when I first got here. Charlie and Niffty and Molly softened me up a lot. It makes sense…being happy here or whatever. You know, originally Charlie wanted to call this place the Happy Hotel."

"Really?" Baxter considered and then his smile grew. "Fascinating!" He started sketching in his notebook immediately. "Then perhaps there is something I can do to help even if I don't know the nature of her problem! I'm going to work out some things on my drafting table! Thanks for the inspiration, Husk!" Baxter grabbed his root beer and dashed upstairs.

Husk sighed, watching him go curiously. Then glanced at his messages with Molly again. He would find a way to help too. He wanted to make this hotel the most welcoming and safe and supportive place ever for Molly…and also for whoever else would come here next, he guessed. Maybe he would turn in early tonight and think about some ideas.

Last night after their quick meal and discussion of new developments in the Valentino situation, Angel and Alastor had headed to bed in their respective rooms, ready to review details and decide a course of action in the morning.

And morning had come…and progressed to late afternoon as Angel slept late after all of last night's excitement. But eventually he got up and went through his usual motions of the day. He fed Nuggets, dressed himself, knocked on the secret door only to discover Alastor wasn't in his room, then finally headed downstairs.

Angel found Baxter and Husk at the bar. Niffty came out of the kitchen now with a mug of something hot to join them. He waved to everyone at the bar then went into the kitchen where he found Alastor standing by the stove with a covered plate of food. He was trying to talk to Charlie while she sipped some hot chocolate, but the princess was definitely not her usual bubbly self. She kept shrugging or just nodding, not meeting his eyes. She was a terrible liar, and Angel knew Alastor knew something was up too.

As soon as she noticed Angel, Charlie concluded her conversation with the Radio Demon and headed back out into the lobby (attempting her best hello and smile to the spider as she went). Angel went over to the stove to join Alastor. "Morning…Afternoon. Sorry, I needed a big rest." He shrugged sheepishly.

Alastor shook his head. "Quite all right. I've put together a plate for you with the best bits from breakfast and lunch. You have perfect timing actually."

Angel smiled a little but then furrowed his brow. "What's up with Charlie?"

Alastor glanced in the direction she'd gone. "Niffty came in here with her half an hour ago, clearly comforting her. The princess is keeping a secret from us, though I assume at least Vaggie knows the details. I have suspicions about the nature of the subject — she broached it with me once before. But I can't understand why she won't be frank about it any longer."

Angel considered. "I don't think it's you. You know Charlie…she's got a great big conscious. She looked guilty even though I bet there's really nothing for her to be guilty about." He frowned a little. "I'll keep an eye on her til she's ready to talk."

"And I as well." Alastor added, pouring a cup of coffee for Angel and himself. His eye twitched a little. "Normally the sight of anyone in power writhing in internal distress amuses me but… er…" He shrugged, glowing a little.

Angel raised an eyebrow, smiling just a bit. "But…?" he coaxed gently. His voice went to a whisper. "Come on, Smiles, it's just us. You don't have to hide that heart of yours from me."

Alastor swallowed, ears flicking. "I merely…like Charlie. Her pluck and moxie have earned my favor. Her happiness entertains me. I want her to remain proud of this hotel and all of you and…" His eyes widened like he had just realized something — he mumbled the last word.

"And…?" Angel's look went dry.

Alastor pouted and spoke through gritted teeth. "I want her to remain proud of this hotel and all of you and…me. I suppose."

A very small laugh left Angel.

Alastor crossed his arms, ears down. "I don't even understand why I would care about her being 'proud of me'. I…she is merely a surprising acquaintance whose exhausting behavior I can't fathom sometimes. But regardless I've grown to value her efforts and encouragement and our odd camaraderie, and if anyone in this wretched plane of existence makes her cry like she seems on the verge of doing I want to give them a good walloping!" He exhaled then took a deep swig of coffee, rubbing his temple. "Is there a kind of platonic relationship one has with someone else where this variety of feelings is normal?"

"Heh, kind of reminds me of siblings actually." Angel sipped his coffee as Alastor spit out his and coughed a few times, eyes wide.

Angel patted him on the back. "Whoa, whoa, easy there, big guy!"

Alastor straightened up. "She is not…I do NOT…" One ear went down while the other cocked to the side. "Are you serious?"

Angel nodded. "I'm just saying, if you're looking for a type of relationship that involves fierce protectiveness, lots of frustration, and maybe not being alike but still getting along, that definitely sounds like me and my brother and sister. Or some kind of family at least."

Alastor was very still, recalling remarks from Niffty and others in the past about all of them coming together as a hotel family. He took a very deep breath. "This is…an odd development. First her convincing argument that I'm a guest here and not a sponsor, and now—"

"A guest?" Angel tilted his head…then his eyes hazed. "Wait…is it cuz you live here…and you're trying new things…and you ain't making jokes about redemption being impossible anymore?"

Alastor nodded.

"Hmm…yeah, I'd buy that." Angel held up a finger. "But no getting reformed before me, mister! Beaus stick together." He winked.

Alastor rolled his eyes and genuinely laughed now. "Ha! I sincerely doubt there are enough good things I could do, even with all of eternity to do them, that would allow me to be redeemed. And I still don't know if I'd call myself a guest." He shrugged. "But I am…satisfied to be here and encounter new demons. And I'm open to trying new experiences. Most of them have done me quite good so far. Especially ones with you, mon bel ange…" His eyes hazed and he picked up the plate of food. "Speaking of which, enough talk of me. You need to eat, and we need to discuss our plans."

Angel blushed and felt his heart flutter at Alastor's firm tone of care. "You lead the way."

With a satisfied grin Alastor teleported them away.

They appeared in Angel's room, sitting on the edge of the bed with the plate between them.

Alastor adjusted his monocle. "Eat please, Angel — for your health. And while you do, I'll give my thoughts on our various situations."

Angel picked up the plate and started eating — a mix of etouffee and breakfast sausages and corn bread and green beans with almonds.

Alastor cleared his throat. "Now, our main three issues are — your father, Vox, and…Valentino." He snarled a little at saying that final name. "You and your siblings already intend to handle your father yourselves with help from me and others should you need it. So I believe we can consider that matter managed. Next, Vox." He rolled his eyes. "I suppose right now his shared distaste for Valentino means I can accept his role as an asset to you. Really the only issue is that at some point I'll have to thank him and make it sound sincere." He wrinkled his nose (Angel tried not to find it adorable). "Finally we are left with your employer. He has an interest in your brother, but he was vague and sounded like he needed your help. And he has released you from his clutches for the moment." He took a deep breath. "For now, as long as we give proper warning to your brother, I think we can put a pin in Valentino too. Not literally unfortunately, but you catch my meaning." His brow furrowed a little. "We simply do not have enough information to be certain of making the best move. Perhaps once things are settled about your father we can devote more time and resources to understanding Valentino's angle and go from there. Until then it's probably best you take him up on his offer and avoid the studio entirely."

Angel considered as he swallowed. "Yeah…all that makes sense. And it's less overwhelming hearing it broken down. We just gotta be patient and smart and look out for each other."

Alastor nodded. "And communicate, so we are aware of each other's intended actions." He glowed a little. "Speaking of which…the choice is yours, but I confess part of me hopes that you simply won't go back to Valentino's studio after this debacle ends."

Angel hesitated, biting his lip. "Al…I just…I don't want to be there but…I like what I do. I mean, I like SOME of what I do. I like the dancing and shows, I even like working with some of my clients — the ones that want to have fun and new experiences as opposed to the ones looking for someone to treat like their property." He shook his head. "The point is, I told you — Val runs lust. If I don't work for him I don't get to work at all. No one will hire me."

"I'd hire you," left Alastor instantly. Then he glowed brightly as static left his ears. "I mean—not for services! We…we already have our own personal relationship after all. But…perhaps a club of some sort could be opened in the Cannibal Colony. You could headline! I would hire you to perform there, and you would be a smash!" He smiled more, looking hopeful. "Or I could hire you to perform on the radio — perhaps a late night talk show about relationship and intimacy issues where you could give advice?" He moved closer. "I could even just hire you to be beside me and safe… I don't mean to be forward but I have plenty of means, Angel. I could take care of us. You could simply enjoy yourself each day, no more risks."

Angel's eyes were very wide. He put aside the plate. Then he took a deep breath and took Alastor's hands. "Al, the cannibal club offer is appreciated…but it's also a big risk. I don't want Val attacking your people cuz of me. The radio show advice talk show actually sounds kind of interesting. But doing it might make people realize how close we are, and then they could use that against us. And the other thing you said, about you just taking care of me…." He pouted a little. "I don't want to just be taken care of. I want to make my own way somehow. Even if I was, like…" he blushed so much, "married to someone I'd still feel that way, heh."

Now Alastor's eyes were very wide. He swallowed. "Noted." His voice cracked. He quieted it considerably as he went on. "There is another option. Part of why I haven't killed Valentino yet is that doing so would leave a rather big power vacuum. Overlords would be split between fighting over control of the lust district and banding together to fight me for causing such a severe disturbance without making any attempt to take responsibility for the main holdings. But I can't oversee lust, Angel. I don't have the instinct for it at all, hah." His eyes met the spider's. "But you do." He squeezed Angel's hand. "You're more than capable of being an overlord. I've told you before. If you replaced Valentino, the transition would work."

"I…I don't want to be like him!" Angel scowled a little, flushed in shock.

"You wouldn't be!" Alastor shook his head. "You would be yourself. You know what changes need to be made, what cruelties gotten rid of. You would make lust something to celebrate rather than fear!"

Angel's scowl softened. He took a breath. "That option…is a lot, Al." He shook his head. "We've already got enough on our plates. I can't think about something like that right now."

Alastor's ears dropped a little, but he nodded. "Whatever you decide to do, I will support you."

"I know. I got me a real swell guy." Angel smiled a little. "That's why I love you…and why my brother and sister are gonna love you…and why I'm gonna give you the best show you've ever seen on our date tonight." He leaned in closer, playing with Alastor's tie.

"I…you…" Static sparkled on Alastor's ears. "You still want to…tonight? Even though matters have only gotten more complicated?"

"If anything I need to cut loose even more now." Angel's eyes hazed. "Things always feel better when it's just me and you."

"Me…and you…Yes." Alastor's eyes were hazed too. Angel's skillful finger had loosened his tie completely. And then before he knew it, his mouth connected to the spider's. This wasn't a simple kiss leading to more. The interaction was instantly quite passionate and heated. They leaned into each other, and Angel moaned and Alastor gripped his cane for dear life. When Angel's tongue darted out to artfully brush his lip, Alastor pulled back for a moment, breathless and stammering. "Angel… certainly later would be a better time. Y-You need to finish eating…"

"You know, some people incorporate food into their fun times…" Angel giggled with a grin.

Alastor's tail twitched and his insides spun as his smile went crooked. "Like…breakfast in bed?"

Angel smirked. "Something like that." He sighed though. "But I guess I do have to talk to Niss. And I should keep an eye out in case Vox texts me. And I did want to rehearse my dance for you a little more. So we can wait — we'll have as much time as we want later anyway."

Alastor just nodded, too flustered for words.

Angel picked up the plate again. "I promise I'll finish everything. Just go pick out an outfit and get ready. I'll see you in a couple hours.

Alastor stood and bowed at the waist. "À bientôt, darling!" He headed to their secret door, only stumbling twice before he made it through while Angel giggled and blushed.

Once Alastor was gone, Angel pulled out his phone and called Niss. It rang a few times then his brother picked up.

"Niss? Hey! So, I know you're already lying low at Rosie and Mimzy's but…" Angel blinked then threw open one of his arms. "What do you mean you just went for a trip across the Pentagram and now you're with Pentious and Molly?! You cannot fucking get found by anyone! Besides Pops' goons, my BOSS is looking for ya too now!"

Niss talked more, and Angel sighed. "I don't know. He said some really creepy bullshit highly suggesting he knows about you and that he wanted me to bring you in to see him. No fucking way. But he might have people looking for you too, so do me a favor and just stay with Molly and Pentious for the night, okay? See if he can somehow discretely drop you off near the Colony whenever you need to go back. Or maybe you can crash there with him until the weekend when you and Molly come here…"

There was a lot of fast talking from Niss in reply. Angel raised an eyebrow. "Uh… I mean, I get that he's a new friend, but he's already been putting up our sister for a bit. I don't think he'd mind giving you a bed too for a little while."

Some calmer talking came from Niss. Angel sighed. "Okay, okay, I just want you to be safe. If you do go back to the Cannibal Colony earlier, let me know. Maybe Cherri can watch out for you while you make the trip, or I can get you a ride or something…"

Niss replied, sounding stubborn, and Angel scowled. "No, NOT because I don't think you can handle yourself! It's because I love you, you idiot, and I don't want Pops to lay a hand on you again or my boss to sell you to the highest bidder!" Angel blinked when he realized everything he'd just said, one particular thing for the first time in a long time. Niss spoke softly. Angel wiped away a tear. "Of course I love you, Archie. And I want you to make it to this hotel in one piece so I can say it to you for real." Niss said three small words in return that made Angel smile. "At least we're on the same page heh. See ya soon." They hung up.

Angel let out a deep breath and put his empty plate aside. Then he wiped away his tears, smiling. He'd forgotten how good it could feel to have his family around — the ones who cared about him, anyway. And he felt better knowing the Niss and Molly were safe together high above the city.

Angel took a breath then stood up and stretched. He only had a couple hours to get ready for date night — and even though part of him was a little nervous (for the first time in his afterlife) about his performance, he was more excited about sharing a new part of himself with Alastor and making a new memory with his sweet deer demon. They deserved a long relaxing night together in the middle of all this chaos…and a little flirtatious fun of course. Angel's heart was still pounding from their kiss as he grabbed his pole and began to set it up to rehearse.

Valentino walked down the hall to his office in the studio as evening came on, smoking a cigarette with a stony face. He was already grumpy about the amount of money he was losing by not having Angel around. But kicking out that silly slut for a bit to squeeze him financially and make him worry about what Val would do next was the best way the moth knew to scare him into talking. Angel would come crawling back soon, eager to please. Sure, blood and family were relationships that inspired loyalty, but fear could inspire more loyalty than anything. Valentino knew that Angel knew what would happen if he didn't start talking about his brother. He just needed to wait out the spider's suffering until Angel snapped.

With a deep breath he opened his office door and stepped in. He needed some time to think.

Valentino nearly jumped when he saw a large figure sitting in his chair, cast in shadow, smoking one of his cigars. He recognized that red-eyed, dark grey, fedora-wearing spider instantly.

And the spider spoke without so much of a hello. "So, what have you got?"

Val blinked behind his glasses then scowled. "What the FUCK are you doing in my office?"

"I'm asking the questions," the gruff spider replied. "My men inform me 'Angel' showed up here yesterday and spoke with you then ran off. But he did not go to any place that had his brother. And today he hasn't shown up back here with his brother. That only leaves the off chance that you succeeded at making him talk last night but did not call to inform me where my son is. So I figured I'd do you the favor of showing up to be told in person…"

Valentino was ready to tear this guy to pieces. He came forward, claws and fangs flashing.

He paused when several red dots of light appeared on his chest.

Henroin puffed the cigar again. "You know, my boy Niss — terrific sniper. Best one I've got. Shame he's gone… but plenty of my other men are still a pretty good shot. And who knows, maybe they're all regular old bullets. Or maybe just one has something angelic in it? Either way, it's gonna take you a while to pull yourself together once a bunch of lead tears you apart."

Valentino seethed but lowered his arms. The dots disappeared as the snipers clearly on the rooftop next door withdrew their guns. "I do not where your kid is yet. I talked to Angel to scare him as straight as he's ever gonna be, and he ran out of here to think over our little chat. Manipulating a bitch takes some time you know."

"Hmm…then don't 'manipulate.' Use force. It works faster." Henroin's red eyes glowed.

"Don't tell me how to run my studio or my whores!" Valentino shot back. "Fuck, were you this much of an impatient ass with Angel on earth? No wonder he's grateful to work for me."

Henroin's head whipped around, red eyes narrowing. He took the cigar and put it out on the top of Val's desk, leaving a burn. "Let me explain something to you, Mister Valentino. This is not a game. I want my son Niss back NOW." On that last word his voice boomed, and Valentino felt himself flinch on the inside — he had a brief flashback to being very young while a different rough and angry father figure yelled at him. But he held his ground as Henroin went on, speaking calmly again. "You know, the only reason I'm not terminating our little arrangement about you, me, Angel and the Radio Demon is because Angel's a lot of things…but a stool pigeon isn't one of them. Even if I nabbed him off the street and interrogated him, he wouldn't give up his brother to me no matter what." He sighed and shook his head. "You said you could get him to give you Niss, and I was curious. But here we are — and no Niss. Hmm…" He laughed and leaned back in the chair. "No wonder Angel accepts working for you. You're a soft joke compared to what I put him through working for me."

Valentino, in a very weird turn of events, didn't feel enraged again at the fresh insult. He felt…almost hurt. Again that childlike feeling came over him of having disappointed an adult. Who the hell was this guy who could give daddy issues to grown ass demons who didn't even know him?! He took a deep breath and hid his confusing feelings behind a smirk. "Angel's close to breaking. He's gone home to panic. And when he drags himself back here cuz he's out of money or terrified of pissing me off or just horny, he'll spill everything. Then you can go get your other kid, and if the Radio Demon tries to stop you cuz he doesn't like other people playing with his demon toys, you can take a piece out of him too like we agreed. I'll even help just to see the look on Angel's face. And if we end him, we can split his territory, fifty-fifty."

"We'll split it seventy-thirty. And you get Cannibal Colony. I don't like those unnatural people." Henroin wrinkled his nose. He stood up. "You have until the weekend to make this work — three days. Otherwise I start trying other solutions. Solutions that might leave you without your star attraction for a few days…weeks…months…while we chat and he recovers from the chatting. He won't talk, but if Niss finds out I have Angel, he'll come to me eventually." He turned to the window. "In the meantime I'm tripling the watch on the hotel — Angel must know I've got an eye on him by now. A little extra pressure should help put him over the edge."

Valentino hesitated, an eyebrow raised. "Yeah, yeah, enough dramatic pronouncements. We get it, you're a stone cold bastard."

Henroin sighed — Valentino could see his smile reflected in the window. "I'm just a man trying to do what's right with the situation given to him. I worked so many shady and deadly deals to give my kids every opportunity. If they disrespect me enough to ruin their lives anyway, that's something no man is obligated to forgive." He was looking up to the sky. "And I'm not so heartless. After all, it would be easy to grab Angel and stick him outside during an extermination — finally get rid of all the shame he brings to the family. But I don't, for the sake of his mother in heaven. She loved her babies. Whether they turned out acceptable…or not quite right…or very wrong." His gaze hardened again. "Don't try to understand family business. Clearly you're not a family man." He turned back around and strolled past Valentino to the door.

Valentino crossed his arms. "Uh, you can't just walk out there! My bouncers will be on you in a second."

"Heh…most of them are a little 'tied up' at the moment — the ten minutes we talked should have been plenty of time for my men to arrange that. By the way, we were surprised that some of your security were women. Shameful, hiding behind broads — even ones that become whores. We didn't smack them around like we did the guys. I run a classy operation. Buona Notte, Valentino." Henroin opened the door and stepped out; sure enough Valentino saw that several demons in suits were standing at attention to walk him out while his bouncers were tied up and struggling, all of the male ones looking roughed up.

The door shut. Valentino took a breath and walked back over to his desk. He lowered the blinds and dimmed the lights then sat down. "What the fuck did I get myself into with this mob spider?" He brought a hand to his forehead, closed his eyes, and resisted a very strong urge to grab his phone and call Vox. He still trusted the TV overlord and Velvet too in a weird way. But he held back, claws digging into his desk. Angel would come around, Niss would go back to Henroin, the mob boss would take out t the Radio Demon. Everything would be okay. And he definitely wasn't scared to be alone until it was. Never ever scared.

Niss had hung up with Angel, touched by his brother's admission of loving him...and saying he loved him back... but he was also concerned over Angel's warning about his boss. He couldn't imagine what the moth would want with him except maybe to use him to mess with Angel. Either way, Niss was confident in his ability to fill the overlord and anyone working for him with enough lead to make it clear they should leave him be. He would consider staying on the airship til morning though…as long as it wouldn't make things weird with Sir Pentious. Of course he would ask for his own room or to bunk with Molly! But still…spending the night anywhere near the snake made his cheeks flush.

Niss put all concerns out of his mind though for the moment as he finished dinner with Sir Pentious and Molly and the Egg Bois. They were sitting around a big table together, laughing and eating. Tonight they also had to discuss another matter that Niss found a little more pressing — how he was going to sort out…coming out. To Angel, specifically.

Dinner finished, and soon the Egg Bois were all tucked in. Niss, Pen and Molly went to the solarium, lanterns lighting the area while the black and red night sky of hell loomed overhead through all the windows. They sat at a small table and began diving into the issue at hand.

Molly beamed and put her hands on the table to lean forward. "You should just announce it right to him! Hiya Angel, guess what we got in common — I'm gay!" She flung out her arms and did jazz hands.

"Oh my god, Molly, no, I'm not THAT level of gay." Niss rubbed his temple and shook his head.

"Eh, give it time." She sat back down and winked.

Niss rolled his eyes, trying not to smirk. "Maybe I should just, like…pull him aside right at the start and sit down for a quiet man-to-man with him. I can explain that, you know…sometimes there's stuff about ourselves that we don't realize right away in life…or in death. Stuff about who we are…who we like…who we more than like…"

Molly's look went dry. "Okay, ya cannot be that vague. I know ya really want him ta just guess the big surprise cuz you're nervous about sayin' it, but he won't. He's literally gonna think you mean anythin' else under the sun."

Sir Pentious sheepishly cleared his throat. "Could we perhaps just…enter the hotel holding hands, Niss? That might say more than words. About you — and us as well."

Niss blushed. He looked at Sir Pentious then at the snake's hand then at his own hand then back to Sir Pentious. "I…You're right but, um…I think I'd like to tell him I'm gay and then tell him about us separately. I'm not sure if both things at once'll short circuit him a little. Or me, heh." His look became more serious, his voice gentle yet firm. "But I do want ya to come to the hotel that night. You can meet the princess and Molly's fella, and maybe Angel's guy'll show up too. And as long as those two have dates with them…I can let Angel know that you're mine."

Sir Pentious was blushing, sitting up tall. He nodded, eyes hazed dreamily.

Molly giggled then sighed. "Archie, how about I grab Angel and tell him you need to talk to him about something personal — you know, get him prepared. Then you come over and tell him, and I'll be there to help if you need it. And then we'll bring over your nice new boyfriend, huh?"

Niss bit his lip but nodded. "Yeah, I think…I think doing it right away having you there to help would be good. I kind of want to do this before we get too wrapped up in stuff with Pops."

She winked and looked to Pen. "I'm real excited for ya to meet Husk. And Angel's fella too."

"Are you certain he'll be there?" Sir Pentious asked curiously.

"Of course!" She nodded. "Why wouldn't Angel's guy be at the hotel? After all, he lives—" She stopped herself just in time. Revealing that Angel's guy lived there would narrow down pretty quickly who he might be. She shrugged and covered, "He lives nearby I think, and Angel spends a lot of time with him so he'll probably want him there for emotional support."

"You could just tell us who it is, save me the big surprise," Niss teased.

She shook her head. "Nope! Angel's getting two big surprise reveals from you that night, so you at least deserve to get one big surprise reveal from him."

Sir Pentious beamed and clapped his hands together. "Well, I'm certain myself and this mystery man and Husk will all get along swimmingly! Perhaps we can all play some cards and do some rabble rousing while you three catch up and bond!"

Niss tried not to blush at the cute image of Pen playing games with the other two spider significant others. But then he cleared his throat and did his best to come back to the present. "I bet they'd like that. I'm probably gonna spend a few nights there and so is Molly. If you want to stay in the airship nearby or…even get a room…it'd be nice to have you around."

The snake blushed, nodding eagerly. "I'd like that very much! I adore getting to know your family!"

Niss blushed a little too and smiled more. "I'm real glad." Then he bit his lip and looked from Molly to Pen. "Now, there's one more thing we have to talk about — no one freak out."

Molly's eyes widened; she WAS clearly about to freak out. "What's wrong?!"

Sir Pentious was on the edge of his seat too, clearly about to freak out as well.

Niss sighed. "Nothing! Just…when Angel called earlier, he said…his boss was talking about me like he knew me…like he was looking for me. It's probably just some scare tactic, but I promised Angel I wouldn't travel at night right now just in case. So, uh…if it's okay, Pen, could I crash here tonight?" His face heated as he quickly added, "I'll bunk with Molly!"

Sir Pentious blushed a lot too but cleared his throat and nodded. "Of course! But I can set you up in your own room if you'd like."

"I-I don't want to put you out," Niss held up his hands. "Might as well go with a room that's already set UP. So, you know…Molly's…heh…"

Molly just sighed and shook her head. "You can bunk with me. We'll stay up and giggle about our boyfriends and you can keep grilling me about who Angel's is."

Niss nodded, sighing in some relief. "Yeah, that works."

"Of course!" Pen said a bit too brightly.

Molly giggled. "Okay, well, now that we worked out where everyone's sleeping, why don't we go enjoy the view of the Pentagram from the windows? It's real pretty this time of night. And it'll give you two something to do besides being all awkward and flustered." She got up and went to one of the large windows set into the walls.

Niss and Pen shared a sheepish smile and got up as well. They came to either side of her.

Niss raised an eyebrow when he noticed Molly's eyes were wide.

She spoke. "Fellas? Do you see what I'm seein'? By the hotel?"

Niss and Pen both looked in that direction, trying to peer through the darkness of night. At first there just seemed to be shadows around the hotel. But then it looked like the shadows were moving — lots of little ones. Then one passed under a streetlight and Niss realized…they were all mob guys. Dozens of them crowding the hotel. Like they were getting ready for something.

"Damn!" Niss pulled out his phone and dialed Angel. But it just rang and rang, no answer.

Molly pulled hers out and tried Husk. "Husky, please…" No answer from him either.

Pen pulled out his phone and tried the hotel. He blinked. "The landline is disconnected."

"Fuck!" Niss paced twice, scowling, then took a deep breath. "Okay…okay…we gotta do something. But what?" He looked to Molly and Molly looked back at him. Then they both looked to Pen. "Pen, can you fly us high over the hotel roof, like in the cloud cover? We gotta go in now."

Sir Pentious nodded and slithered right out of the solarium to command the controls, the spider siblings following after him.

A/N:

And that's all for now! The next chapter is actually so big that I might split it into two parts, and I'm going to be taking a few weeks off from updates to get it just write and work out the next part of the story. There's a lot of RadioDust in what's next and more spider siblings too. Thank you all for your support and for reading, I appreciate it a lot!

Take care!

-Azure129