A/N:

Hi everyone! I was going to take a short break but I'm too excited about sharing Alastor and Angel's pole dance date. The chapter got super long though so I'm posting the first part this weekend and the second part in the next chapter next weekend. Thank you so much for reading!

Partners

Chapter 58

Pole Dance Denouement - Part 1

Alastor stood in front of his secret door to Angel's room, unmoving as he held his cane close. Moments ago, the clock on his mantle had chimed six — the time for his date with Angel — but he suddenly found himself quite unable to be punctual. There were aspects of his deer form that were inescapable in hell, and one of those was the fact that on the rare occasions when Alastor became truly nervous he froze, just like a deer aware of a hunter. In life he'd had moments of hesitation when circumstances had threatened to expose his homicidal activities, but he had always been able to push through and continue his work. Down here, however, his frozen state could linger quite powerfully. Right now was absolutely one of those times as he stood a mere door away from the man who had his heart…because that man was possibly ready to share some more of his body tonight as well.

Alastor's eyes darted down to look himself over once more. He had wanted to appear casual, considering the nature of the evening. He wore his usual pants and shoes with black suspenders and his bowtie, though he had forgone his jacket. And he wore his familiar red dress shirt…except he had left the top button open, letting his collar frame his neck. He had also made the further risqué decision to roll up his shirt sleeves in advance, exposing his dusky and scarred forearms below his gloves. Angel had already seen this new part of his body during their movie date in his office, and Alastor…had come to realize that he had enjoyed being viewed by the spider.

Yes, the Radio Demon was satisfied with his choice of attire. He just needed to go through that door and then all the unknowns and curiosities would be replaced by a clear and comforting understanding of what was to come.

Yet he still remained firmly rooted to the spot and gripped his cane all the more.

His shadow appeared now, head tilted, and Alastor's eyes flicked upward to look at him. "I am going to go. I just needed a moment. This is all…so much for me. Quite new. Quite…personal." He glowed.

The shadow's eyes widened. He glanced from side to side then came closer like he was trying to make sure his communication stayed secret. Then the shadow pointed with one hand to Angel's door then pointed with his other hand to Alastor…then blushed a bluish color as he awkwardly made the tips of both fingers come together to touch.

"NO!" Alastor screeched, eyes turning to radio dials and ears standing on end. "There will be no…hanky panky of a conjugal nature! You know that!" He went on, ears folded now down as his eyes returned to normal. "I have merely never walked into a situation where someone was going to seduce me and I was actually open to…the act of the seduction…even if I'm disinclined to the further physical consequences."

The shadow smiled a little and nodded in understanding. He flew around Alastor quickly, straightening his hair and smoothing down the creases in his shirt. Then he flew in front of Alastor, gestured to the door and the deer demon, and brought both of his hands together to make a heart shape.

Alastor nodded, ears returning to normal. "Yes…Angel and I are…quite keen on each other in many ways. He…wants to care for me. And he knows me well enough to do so in the best possible way; a good way for both of us." He glowed a little then took a deep breath and stood tall, head held high in the face of the looming door. "Nuggets should be in my office — Angel said he would store him there so he could eat dinner and rest peacefully. Please go there now and take your usual excellent care of him."

The shadow winked and disappeared.

Left alone and with his nervousness broken, Alastor finally strode forward and knocked on the door. "Angel, darling…I am ready. May I come in?"

"Perfect timing, Al! Step right up! Be with ya in a sec!"

Alastor opened the door and stepped inside, unintentionally bracing a little for whatever state he might find the room in considering Angel's intent to erotically dance for him so they could deepen their intimate understanding together.

But he blinked when he took in the reality of the situation. The room was utterly normal. Yes, Angel's pole was set up on a platform, and a a chair was in front of the makeshift stage with a bottle of something on a table beside it, and there was music filling the air. But the space was well lit like usual (though the drapes were closed for privacy and to keep out mob spies), and the bottle turned out to be Alastor's favorite sarsaparilla rather than something headier, and the song wasn't one of those dirty talk dance modern dance numbers but rather a fun instrumental big band tune. And suddenly he felt silly for how worked up he'd let himself get. He wasn't sure what he exactly had been fearing but images of strobe lights and strippers in cages and pornographic paraphernalia might have come to his over imaginative mind.

"All ready!" Angel called out happily from the bathroom. And then he strolled out.

And Alastor tilted his head in pleasant surprise. Angel was rather clothed…if all in rather tight black leather. He wore leather pants that hugged around his waist with a black leather belt, leather boots with high heels, and a sleeveless leather vest that started above his hips wrapped around his chest up to his neck. His hair was slicked back a little, and his perfume smelled less like flowers and more like a light musk. He was beautiful yet rugged all at once. Alastor felt his tail wag.

Angel came over, eyeing him. "Wow…" He gazed at Alastor's arms then quickly looked up. "Still okay to look?" he asked with a hesitant smile, gesturing to the limbs in question.

Alastor blinked and instantly nodded. "Yes! To look…and touch… though no kissing all the scars yet perhaps, ha…" He glowed more and hugged his cane, remembering Angel's teasing flirtation from their movie date.

Angel giggled. "Got it." He blushed. "You look nice — comfortable. I like it a lot." He glanced down at himself. "I kind of tried to do the same, in my own way."

"You look quite handsome — and lovely too as always," Alastor quickly added. "My apologies, I was stunned for a moment by…I mean to say you…er…" He gestured vaguely up and down at Angel with his hand.

"Cuz I'm wearing so much?" Angel grinned.

Alastor nodded sheepishly.

Angel chuckled. "There's all kinds of ways to be sexy, Al, I told ya. And we're gonna take this nice and easy. And it's gonna be a good night."

Alastor nodded again, eyes hazed. A part of him was inclined to move forward and kiss Angel and pull his hands through all that lovely white hair and inhale that bewitching scent with which he'd doused himself. But he resisted — Angel had their evening all planned, and he would follow the spider's lead.

Angel strolled over to the chair and gestured to it. "Now, why don't you take a seat, Smiles? Best one in the house. Then we can start."

Alastor followed obediently, grateful for the chair to hide his still uncontrollably wagging tail.

Angel smiled and sat on the edge of the stage in front of him. "So, before we start, do me a favor? If anything I try makes you feel…you know, uncomfortable…I need ya to tell me. And I know you might get a little tongue-tied if you're nervous, so I figured it could be good to have a simple thing picked out for you to say if that happens. It's a consent thing — you say the word, and we can stop right away and do something else. Knowing we've got something all set up will make me less nervous too, heh…"

Alastor considered then nodded. "Very well. What would I say?"

"Caprese sandwich."

Alastor raised an eyebrow.

"It's gotta be something you wouldn't normally say in this kinda situation," Angel explained. "Plus it's better if it sounds a little funny — helps lighten the mood."

Alastor nodded again. "Understood. You do like those sandwiches. And I enjoy them as well." And somehow having that little phrase at his disposal did feel comforting.

Angel chuckled. "We'll have to get some together at the cafe soon then."

"Will you have a word to say?" Alastor glowed. "Not that I'm intending to do anything that would… I just thought, so we can both be the same…"

Angel blinked. "Actually yeah, sure!" He smiled. "What do you want mine to be?"

Alastor's ears flicked. "Jambalaya?"

Angel smiled more and winked. "You got it."

Alastor's smile grew too.

"Okay then, we're all set!" Angel clapped his hands together and stood up. "So, since we're starting slow… I'm gonna stretch a little bit on the pole before I perform. You just relax. Pour yourself a glass of that soda you like — I swiped it from behind the bar, heh. You drink, we can talk. You're not like a formal audience — you're kind of my partner in this for the night, in a way." Blushing a little, Angel went over to the pole and wrapped his hands high around the top, moving back his hips to stretch his sides.

"Yes, I suppose so." Alastor snapped up a filled glass on the table, unintentionally becoming aware of how nice the sound of Angel's leather shifting and stretching was — he'd always enjoyed that sound as well as the scent of freshly tanned leather. "Ha, er…you know I always wanted to try a live audience with a radio show. I'd still broadcast it of course so others could hear as well, but a crowd to play to seems intriguing to me. I supposed the audience would probably just be other cannibals since they'd be the ones most likely to be able to stomach the carnage. I think it could be a rather entertaining experience."

"You should try it sometime! I bet Rosie and Mimzy would love to come — and I know you got that little harem of cannibal lady fans who would jump at the chance." Angel encouraged with a smirk, bending one of his knees and grabbing his ankle with his hand.

Alastor nearly coughed on his sip of sarsaparilla at the jest. "Ha! No! I cannot invite that group into close quarters with me for an extended period — it would be bedlam. And Rosie would never let me live it down." He rolled his eyes.

Angel chuckled as he kicked back his leg into the air and arched his back entirely to hold on to his ankle with both hands. "I'm sure there's plenty of calmer cannibals around who'd like to see the show. And I'd be happy to listen from here, even if I might lower the volume during some of the more intense parts."

Alastor's smile brightened. "I'd like that very much, Anthony. I'll…perhaps I'll discuss the idea with Rosie and Mimzy soon." Angel's body really could create some fascinating and rather defined curves and angles, like art… Such anatomy… Alastor blinked, snapping out of the thought. "Oh, speaking of the colony, I've been meaning to mention that I know Arackniss has been staying at the Emporium."

Angel's eyes widened as he released from his stretch. "Oh…" He sighed. "Yeah, I told him you'd probably figure that out… Sorry, I wasn't trying to keep it from you or anything. It was just…complicated family stuff." He turned, arms behind his back, stretching forward to open his chest.

"You only meant to keep your brother safe and let him handle his own affairs. I understand," Alastor assured. "I'm just happy that he seems to be getting along quite well with Rosie and Mimzy. Those two…are a comfort. Especially to confused young men in need of guidance. I would know better than anyone…" Angel's normal prodigious chest fluff was sealed inside the leather yet Alastor found himself thinking about the hidden heart it bore, straining forward.

Angel's smile softened as he turned and hugged the pole close now then twisted around to the opposite side. "He really does like it there. And I'm sure Rosie and Mimzy have been talking you up to him this whole time. See, you're in with him for sure."

Alastor's smile perked up a little. "One can only hope, ha…" Yet he bit his lip nervously.

"Shh," Angel whispered. "We're not worrying about that tonight, right? Just you and me getting to know each other. Only a few more stretches to go. Also don't try this one at home, heh…" Angel took a breath, bent over, and gripped low on the pole.

Alastor tilted his head, curious. He became rather fascinated when Angel then lifted his feet off the platform and swung his legs up to wrap his ankles high around the pole, his head upside down while his hands still gripped the pole at its base. Holding this clearly challenging position, Angel became flushed and his breath quickened. And Alastor watched as the lithe muscles of his arms gained definition, and the muscles in his legs bulged gently agains the leather, and the pink lines of his stomach tensed. He recalled Angel's workout at Cherri's gym. The spider truly was rather strong — seeing Angel lift himself made Alastor think about Angel carrying him to bed the other night. He wished he hadn't been asleep, that he could recall the sensation…

Angel released himself and returned to standing, letting out a breath and wiping his brow. "Okay, I think that's good."

The spell broken, Alastor willed away the flush in his features. "Yes, indeedy, you seem quite limbered up!" It came out far too loud and enthusiastic, and he instantly shut his mouth.

Angel gave a humble smile. "Yeah… Actually a lot of pole dancing, and especially my routine tonight, is just those stretches choreographed together with a little extra flair. No surprises. No big ones at least." He winked. Then he knelt down, pressed the screen of his phone at the edge of the stage, and the music changed to something a little jazzy and just a tad promiscuous. Alastor found it rather appropriate though.

"Now that the warm up's done, we can get to the main attraction." Angel stood up tall, his eyes half lidded. "For your eyes only and for one night only — though honestly I'm open to encores — the one and only Angel Dust. Your one and only beau. Enjoy, cutie." He wrapped himself around the pole with a playful smirk in Alastor's direction.

Alastor snapped away his cane and clapped his hands, happy to encourage his dear partner and no longer feeling so nervous about the night ahead.

Niss was with Sir Pentious at the airship controls, looking down at the Pentagram below.

"We have to stay above the cloud cover, otherwise the mob's gonna notice," Niss observed, brow furrowed in thought. "Pen, even this high up, do you think you can aim the ship to hover over the top of the hotel?"

"Yes, easily." Sir Pentious turned to the control panel and made a few adjustments: the ship slightly shifted course."But how will you get down there? The rope ladder won't extend that far." He bit his lip as he went back to Niss, considering. "Perhaps we should all descend the ship to a nearby street and head into the hotel directly through the main entrance. I can fight on the ground just as well as I can fight from up here."

"No!" Niss blinked as the word flew out of him. Sir Pentious stared down at him with wide eyes. Niss took a breath and went on, more calmly. "It's dark out, and we don't know what firepower they're packing, and we don't know how bad the situation's gotten." He blushed a little. "The mob won't hurt me or Molly if they catch us — we're still the don's kids even if he hates us. But you…I'm not putting you at risk!" He blushed a little. "I just need you safe, here. Please."

Sir Pentious gave a nod, blushing too. "I'll stay up here. But if tonight is a false alarm and the confrontation with your father still doesn't take place until several days from now…I'd like to help. You said the Radio Demon is assisting, and I want to offer my services too."

Niss swallowed and glanced down uneasily.

Sir Pentious leaned down toward him. "I'll be quite fine. I can handle myself. Besides, I'd love the chance to best Alastor at being overlord muscle. We have an unsettled score."

Niss looked up at him again and gave a nod. "Okay. Just be careful."

"Always. And you as well…Archie." Sir Pentious smiled, placing a hand on his shoulder.

They were very close, and their hearts were pounding from a lot of things, and they both cared for each other so deeply. And something about Pen calling him Archie was apparently a big turn on to Niss. He swallowed and felt himself lean up a little…and Pen leaned down. Their eyes closed…

Molly dashed into the cockpit with a bag over her arm, wearing her trench coat. "Okay, I'm all ready and…Oh sorry!" She smiled sheepishly and giggled.

The boys swiftly moved away from each other, eyes on the ceiling like nothing had happened.

She smiled gently. "Normally I'd insist on leaving you two alone but…I guess we are kinda pressed for time. And still no answer from Angel or Husky…" She bit her lip, frowning.

Niss cleared his throat. "I, uh…think our only option is to take the ship in high over the hotel above the cloud cover and drop down. Molly, are you used to the spider body enough yet to, uh…you know, handle getting that far down on your own? Otherwise I can carry you on my back for the drop."

"Ya mean I'm I good enough at making webs that long and strong?" She waved him off. "Oh yeah, I've been a natural at that from the start — I'll have no problem gettin' down!"

"You make web strands?" Sir Pentious raised an eyebrow and couldn't help glancing at Niss curiously.

Niss flushed. "SHE does. I, uh…barely do. And mine don't hold well. Different kind of spider."

"But then how will you…" Pen started to ask him, concerned.

"That's okay, I got my own method for getting down." Niss stood up a little taller, smiling almost proudly. "I'm a jumping spider. I can take a leap and fall that big, no problem."

Sir Pentious's eyes turned starry. "Fascinating! I'd love to see you jump one day under less critical circumstances."

"Heh, it's a date," Niss replied sheepishly.

Sir Pentious's eyes hazed for a moment. But then he managed to blink himself out of his daze and head over to the controls. He shifted the main lever forward. "We should be over the hotel now. I've opened the hatch for when you're both ready. Do send a message when you land to let me know you're okay — please?"

Niss smiled. "You got it." He turned to his sister. "Come on, Molls. Let's head out! We'll see if we can get in through the roof — and if not, one of the windows."

She nodded. Then with a determined look she went over to Sir Pentious and gave him a hug. "Thanks, Penny! We'll be okay. If the Egg Bois wake up and miss me, tell 'em I'll be back real soon."

"Of course, Molly." Sir Pentious hugged her in return. They separated. He looked to Niss. "Be safe, Archie."

Niss swallowed and nodded. "I will. Bye, Pen." There eyes stayed locked for a moment, but then finally Niss took a breath and went with his sister down the stairs to the belly of the ship where the exit hatch stood open. They both stared at the clouds and the faint lights of the hotel and city below.

Molly glanced at him, her voice quiet. "Sorry, I really didn't mean to interrupt you two."

"It's okay." Niss assured. "Now was…probably not the best time for a first kiss anyway."

"Oh." Molly's eyes widened, and her smile grew. "First one, huh? That really SHOULD get to be special. If ya need help angling some alone time for it later, I'll do my best. First ones are real nice." Her eyes hazed.

"I take it you and Husk have had a first one?" Niss smirked a little.

"And a few more besides." She giggled. "He doesn't think the fangs or the fur or any other spider stuff I got now is weird. He just…says I'm beautiful and that he's only got eyes for me."

Niss's smile warmed at seeing Molly so happy, at hearing how nice this guy was to his sister. "That's why I'm excited to date Pen…so we can keep help each other feel good, just like you and Husk." She giggled, and he went on. "But I also kinda…wanna talk to Tony first before anything, uh, 'physical' happens with me and Pen. Since, you know…I never tried stuff with a guy before." He blushed. "I barely managed to make stuff happen with girls back in life, and even then it was just…uncomfortable and kind of a mess. I'm pretty nervous, Molly."

She nodded. "Tony'll understand and help ya. I know it. He's gonna be real happy for ya, Archie."

Niss smiled a lot. "Yeah. We're all gonna get a chance to be real happy together soon." He took a deep breath and looked back at the hatch. "Come on, let's deal with this mob bullshit so that we can get to the good times fast."

She grinned. "Yeah — let's pull one over on 'em! We're the better mobsters anyway." Laughing, she headed down the ladder then secured her web silk to the final rung and jumped down into the clouds. Niss followed, climbing down to the bottom rung and then taking an exhilarating leap; the night air rushed over him as he prepared to face whatever was in store for them and thought about Pen watching him jump one day.

Back at the hotel, Alastor's head rested on his hand and his eyes were hazed dreamily as he continued watching Angel fluidly curve and swirl and cling to the pole. Something about the rhythm and lithe quality of the movements over the course of these last few songs had soothed him incredibly — he could have gazed at the dancing forever. He was equally fascinated about the fact that, while Angel didn't direct any lewd physical gestures at him, he did behave a bit promiscuously with the pole. If such movements had indeed been directed at him, Alastor would have gradually felt more and more uncomfortable. And if they had been directed at another individual Alastor had to admit he would have been jealous. But with Angel's intentions directed at pole, the Radio Demon was in the fortunate position of being able to experience the sultry display with no pressure or awkwardness. He could appreciate the siren song of Angel's seduction all on its own.

Of course, Alastor still experienced fluster at some points. Angel lifted himself up completely again a few times, his legs above his head while clinging to the pole, and Alastor felt himself flush slightly at the repetition of the strong display. He wondered if he should practice more calisthenics in his spare time. After all, if Angel saw more of him eventually, the deer demon wanted to appear…fit. With a deeper heat entering his features, Alastor's ears flicked to bring him out of that awkward thought, and he went back to letting the grace of his spider beau enchant him. As the music crescendoed, Angel suddenly stood in front of the pole and put all six arms on display, moving them hypnotically. Alastor beamed at the patterns they made. It was nice to have a beau who had six hands to admire and potentially hold.

Finally the song ended, and Angel came to rest with his arms holding the pole and his head dipped back to look upside down at Alastor. He was flushed and breathing heavily, but smiling so happily.

Alastor applauded enthusiastically and made some applause come through his microphone as well. "Bravo! Delightful! The most entertaining erotic elegance in hell!"

Angel laughed and righted himself. "Aww, I'll take that as high praise from the Radio Demon." He fanned himself with his hand. "Do ya mind if I take a rain check on any encores for now? Usually I can go a lot longer, but I don't incorporate as much upside-down stuff into my regular routines, and it takes a lot of work. Plus this leather's making me overheat a little."

Alastor nodded. "Of course! Why don't you sit and have a sarsaparilla with me?"

"Sounds perfect." Angel sighed and wiped at his brow with the back of his hand. Then he reached up and pulled down the zipper of his leather top, letting it open in the center to expose his chest. "That's better."

Finally, the pink heart appeared, and instantly Alastor's attention went to the elegant marking. Somehow seeing it felt both scandalous and like the most natural thing in the world. He made himself glance away though has he snapped up a full sarsaparilla glass for Angel. "Performing with such precise prowess really must be tiring."

"Yeah. But it's a good kind of tired, ya know?" Angel came to the edge of the platform stage and sat down, legs crossed as he grabbed his glass. "Hey, Smiles? So, you know…the show doesn't usually end just cuz I'm tired from dancing. There's other stuff I do as part of my act. Like…sometimes I climb into someone's lap."

Alastor's eyes widened, and he nearly dropped his drink but caught himself at the last moment.

"I'm not talking a lap dance or anything!" Angel quickly assured at the skittish response. "Just, you know…something like how we were sitting the other night in your office on our date. But…we could talk instead of making out."

Alastor considered.

"Remember," Angel offered softly, "you got your special word — you say it at any time, we can do something else, no questions asked."

Having that fall back did make Alastor feel better. He looked to Angel. "I think it would be nice to try. I would like to attempt the full audience experience tonight."

Angel smiled shyly. Then he came over, placed himself in front of the chair, and gently eased himself down to sit on Alastor's thighs, legs framing Alastor's body, hands draped over the back of the chair. Alastor had to look up to meet his eyes as the scent of leather and perfume filled his senses while the spider's strong thighs gripped just a little against his own to stay stable. His beautiful Angel… here all to care for him.

"You're the best audience I've ever had," Angel assured softly.

"I'll take that as high praise from the star Angel Dust." Alastor's grin grew as he eased into their new position with a relaxed sigh. "Cheers, darling?"

"You know it, babe."

They clinked glasses and drank then put them aside.

"I'm…enjoying this evening — very much, I want you to know," Alastor said softly, glowing.

"Yeah? Good. I'm having fun too." Angel blushed. "So you like my sexy side so far?"

"There was never any doubt, cher. I only hoped I could remain comfortable around you despite my personal inclinations…and I am. This dance is sort of like flirting or playing a game. It's actually quite fun with someone you trust."

"Yeah. I don't think I've ever tried being sexy with someone who I liked and who liked me back." Angel scratched his head. "I was pretty nervous up there actually, I'm glad I still gave you a good show."

"Really?" Alastor tilted his head. "But you didn't show a single sign of nerves. You were exquisite."

"Thanks." Angel smiled. "Probably just first time jitters, heh. Practically felt like a virgin."

"…Is that…a bad thing…generally?" Alastor kept his wide eyes down and felt his face heat up.

Angel raised an eyebrow for only a moment but then immediately understood the implication. After all, their first kiss had been Alastor's first ever. Other conclusions were easy to draw… His voice lowered and became tender. "No, not bad. It's sort of fun and nice. Lots to look forward to. Haven't felt that way in a while. Thanks for giving it back to me."

Alastor let out a sigh of relief and finally made his eyes meet Angel's again. "And I feel…desired. Quite completely. Which is an experience that surprisingly does not make me panic or act out in a rage. It's quite welcome actually, from you. And it's fun and nice as well."

Angel shifted forward a little, and their foreheads rested against each other lightly now. "Al, if me letting you know how much I want you is something that makes you feel good, then we can it keep in mind for anything else we get up to together in the future." He blushed. "And I like knowing that you like being desired. I want you to know your secrets are always safe with me."

"I do know…" Alastor's eyes were starting to glow a warm yellow. "You're slowly pulling each secret out of me — even ones I didn't know I had. I barely have any more surprises up my sleeve for you, Anthony."

"Eh, I'm sure you'll think of some."

Alastor considered, bit his lip, then took the plunge to say, "There is one — about my smile and my voice." He glowed. "But I'm not quite ready to divulge it yet. Though I very much hope you enjoy the situation when I do."

"So mysterious, Alastor…I like it." Angel purred, eyes hazed.

They shared a chuckle together.

Angel shifted on the chair. "You know, after we finish drinking…I did have a little bonus encore special thing planned before we break for dinner…if you might be interested."

"Hmm, tell me more." Alastor smirked.

"I thought you could come up on stage with me and I could…give you some pointers on how to pole dance yourself, hot stuff." Angel winked.

Static ran up Alastor's ears and he had to restrain the instinct to freeze up in the face of such an unheard of and unimagined notion. Yet, he was curious to realize that his mouth was not on the verge of uttering 'Caprese Sandwich'…which meant that deep down he must not consider the proposition entirely beyond him. And they were alone — no one else would ever see or know. And he wanted to touch Angel again. And he wanted to try this new thing — he'd been exposed to so many new things over the last few months and they had all turned out delightfully. And the pole still fascinated him. Finally he nodded. "I would like to be taught, mon ange."

Angel's eyes lit up. "I've got music picked out and everything! It's gonna be all simple steps! You'll love it, Smiles, trust me! Just like I love you!" He giggled.

Alastor's eyes hazed. He couldn't imagine saying those words back in this moment, but he at least held one of Angel's hands and replied, "I didn't realize before tonight that there were genuine ways I could enjoy intimacy. I am happy to dive deeper…and happy for your tender assistance."

"I won't let you drown, big guy," Angel offered in reply, voice charming.

Alastor's tail wagged against the back of the seat, and he felt like the luckiest man in hell.

Molly had gracefully descended from her web strand to alight on to the roof on her feet, and Niss had landed squarely on all fours a moment later. The end of the ship ladder ascended back up into the clouds. Both spider siblings clung to the shadows.

"I'm gonna check in with Pen," Niss whispered to Molly, pulling out his phone.

'Pen - We landed and we're safe. Stay nearby. I'll message you again when we know what's up.'

He received a reply back seconds later.

'Please do. If I don't hear back from you within the hour, I'll rally the Egg Bois.'

Niss had to smile a little at the caring reply. He responded one more time.

'I get it. But try to get some extra backup too ta be safe. In Cannibal Colony, Rosie and Mimzy can help. If you use their names, you'll get safe passage. And maybe they can find Cherri too.'

Sir Pentious sent back a very enthusiastic smiley face which Niss found adorable.

'Archie, come on!' Molly whispered, sneaking over to a ledge.

He tucked away the phone though and came back to the moment at hand as he followed her. "There's no one on the roof," he whispered, glancing around. "So either they got inside already somehow and subdued everyone or… they're surrounding the place but not raiding the place. Which is weird. Why would Pops beef up spying like that?"

"We'll figure it out later," Molly assured. "Right now I wanna get inside and see Angel and Husk!" She peeked over the edge of the roof. Some of the mob men were on the fire escapes, others skulked around street corners, a few were in shadow right by the front door. She darted over the opposite side of the roof and smiled, Niss barely keeping up with her. "Look, Angel's room overlooks the backyard, but no one's on this side of the building yet cuz they can't access it from the street. I can see his window from here — the curtains are drawn but there's light at the edges of the glass. Someone's in there! I'll just lower us down on a piece of web and we can go in through Angel's window. Maybe everything really is okay and we can warn him! And if he is trapped in there with Husk and everyone else, then you and I can bust through the window and fight!" Her eyes narrowed, glowing pink.

Niss held up his hands. "Whoa, hey, hold on — I wanna get this squared away too, but let's assess before we knock any heads." He considered. "Your plan's good, but let's keep the element of surprise for as long as possible. We get down to the window and subtly peek inside. If anything looks bad we can go in to be sure, but even if the mob has taken over the hotel...I think it might be better if we just stay put. Then we can let Pen know and he can get us backup from Rosie and Mimzy and Cherri. We'll have an airship and a whole cannibal army and a bunch of planted explosives on our side, and then we can strike."

Molly groaned but then sighed. "I guess I can wait to knock some heads if it means we get all that… But if we run into Pops, can I be the one to jump him and tie him up someplace?

Niss smirked. "You can capture him, tie him up, and punch a hole through his favorite hat if ya want."

Molly beamed. "Then I'm in for the surprise airship and cannibal army and explosions plan!" She winked. "Now come on!" She reached past her jacket into her chest and pulled out a fine line of pearly thread. "Hold on ta me, Archie."

"Okay, Molly." Niss held around her shoulders as she tied off the web and they began to repel down the wall, getting closer to the lit window below. "We're comin', Tony…" he whispered to himself, just hoping his brother would turn out to be okay.

A/N:

Thank you all for reading! The second part of the date will be up next weekend, and it gets very flirty and intense lol. I hope you enjoy, and thank you for your support!

-Azure129