A/N:

Hi everyone! Finally time for Alastor to meet the spider siblings properly! And we also see a little bit of what Velvet's up to too :333 I hope you enjoy! Thanks for reading!

Partners

Chapter 63:

Meet the Siblings (or Consent is Sexy)

Angel had almost forgotten how small the back room of Alastor's office was. There was just enough space for a cot, a trunk, and a radio on a table in the corner. Only a single small window set high on the wall allowed for light. Yet the space was also sort of cozy and quiet, and it smelled like Alastor which made Angel feel warm all over.

A small layer of dust was settled on the blanket and the pillow — they hadn't been used in quiet a while, after all. Alastor shrugged out of his coat and laid it over the cot then gestured for Angel to sit. Angel smiled and perched on the bottom end of the cot, wanting to give Alastor space. The deer demon sat near the headboard, resting his microphone against the wall.

Angel took a breath. "Molly and Archie are really sorry for last night, Alastor—"

Alastor held up a hand. "I don't blame them in the slightest. We are dealing with several volatile situations lately, they grew concerned when they couldn't reach anyone, and so they came to check on you. Perfectly reasonable. Their timing was just unhappy accident. I'll do everything I can to assure them that I don't hold any ill will about the incident. And I can only hope they'll do the same for me." His eyes were a little wide, hands trying to rest calmly on the coat beneath them.

Angel tilted his head. "Why would they be mad at you? I mean…yeah, they got a taste of your tentacles, but no one got hurt…"

Alastor swallowed. His knees nervously knocked together while his feet spread wide on the floor. "That is not my only concern. Though I'll admit I had hoped to ease them into my lethal side a bit more gently. Ha…"

Angel raised an eyebrow. "Are ya worried cuz your plans for making a first impression got interrupted? I know it was important to you. But I'm sure they'd be happy to start over fresh. They'd never hold any of last night against you, just like you won't hold it against them."

Alastor's smile grew a little but his ears twitched and he shook his head. "I did have some grand notions of how I wanted the meeting to go, yes, but…I know we can always try again. I wasn't too upset by that…at least, not after I had time to think it over."

Angel bit his lip. "Then…I'm not really sure why you'd think they'd be mad, Smiles? I mean…if it's about 'us', Molly's always been cool about me being gay, and Niss…has gotten a whole lot better. And he knew I was dating a guy anyway."

Alastor gripped his hands together now, the leather of his gloves making a soft sound that reminded him too much of Angel's leather outfit from the other night. He sighed. "I know they support you, as they should." His eyes barely made it over to Angel. "I'm merely worried they might have the wrong impression about us — me. They caught us in a delicate situation after all, which might lead them to think that I'm…just like one of those rough customers of yours, constantly demanding certain gratifications. I wanted them to see me being a gentleman with you first and foremost. Instead they caught an eyeful of us during a private floor show."

Angel blushed, smiling a little. "Aw, Al… they're gonna know you're good to me; just spending any time around you will show them that. It goes without saying that there's some 'gratifying' stuff between us since we're dating — believe me, intimacy isn't a surprise to them. But soon they'll get to see the whole picture and know just how much of a gentleman you are." His eyes hazed a little.

Alastor glowed and felt his tail wag and tried to ignore the sensation even as Angel giggled at the sight. "Yes, well…indeed, perhaps 'all hope isn't lost' about assuring them of the sincerity of my affection. I'll let them see how I care for you. I'm eager to start right away, actually."

Angel's smile grew. "Great! So are you okay then to go out there and say hi? The four of us can just do a real private meeting in the kitchen or something."

"Actually" Alastor held up a hand, hesitating, "there's one more thing that…distressed me from last night. It's part of the reason I left, and the biggest reason I stayed away for so long to think. And I'd rather discuss it now before I lose the nerve."

Angel nodded and sat back a little more on the bed, giving him full attention.

Alastor sighed and rested back on his hands, gaze focused, finding his words with great thought. "I was less affected by the fact that they caught us on a date and more affected by the fact that they caught us on that specific date." He saw the spider eyeing him curiously and clarified. "Things went a bit farther than usual after all…for the first time." His ears felt hot, and his head buzzed with static.

"Uh…yeah." Angel blushed pink. "Al, I know you're a private guy and I explained that to Molly and Archie. They didn't even see anything really other than the two of us hugging close around the pole, but either way they'd never tell anyone."

"I know," Alastor quickly assured. "It's not that I'm afraid of exposure." He sighed. "Last night I was comfortable with where things had gone…and were going. It was jarring to be removed from that comfort so suddenly." He glowed more. "I was beginning to learn some things about myself: what I like and don't like…physically. I hardly let myself consider those preferences before I met you. And now I like understanding them. You make doing so easy and fun."

Angel shifted a little closer on the cot, his voice quiet. "Al, I'm sorry the rest of that night got taken away from you. You deserve easy and fun and chances to learn about yourself." He frowned. "We can have another date soon, and I promise it'll be quiet and private and we'll have all the time in the world for anything you want. I'll even carry you to bed." He set his hand beside Alastor's on the coat.

Alastor let his fingers shift to brush Angel's. "I would like all that very much, Anthony." He swallowed, a cherry color coming to the center of the glow on his face. "There is…a final, further detail as to why I ran off last night. But I'm afraid it leaves me a tad ashamed."

Angel tilted his head down. "You don't have to tell me if you don't want to. But if you do want to, I'm here and I'll listen and I won't judge."

Alastor's eyes were wide and down. He nodded. "You've noticed that certain displays of violence and power thrill me a great deal — like a kink, you said once." Angel nodded. "Alastor went on. "I'm afraid that those events are practically the only kinds that get my blood pumping. But I've been open to the idea that under the right circumstances…perhaps certain gentler activities you and I share together might have a similar effect. I really have no way to predict anything — it would depend on the mood of the moment and my own humor and our mutual circumstances. But I have wanted such an experience to happen with you." He gripped his hands against his coat. "Last night it finally started to, for the first time. But then…what put me over the edge wasn't our closeness, it was the violence of nearly slaughtering an enemy." He cringed a little. "You're more important to me than murder, Anthony. I don't know why my body doesn't know that." He closed his eyes and made himself finally say. "I had to leave last night because if I had stepped away from the safety of that pole, my arousal would have been unbearably apparent." Dark symbols buzzed over his head but finally burned off, and he just sat there, trying not to shake.

"Your…oh…OH…Oh!" Something like a swoon left Angel. When Alastor was brave enough to glance over, the spider was blushing red, a set of hands on his cheeks. Angel got himself under control after a moment though and shook his head to clear it. "Alastor, there's nothing wrong with getting turned on, no matter what nice thing does it for you. I'm not offended last night it involved you flexing some muscle instead of just making nice with me. You got physical in the first place to protect me. I'm flattered." His eyes hazed, but then he blinked and went on. "But this isn't about how I feel. I get it now, that must have been so much for you deal with for the first time with another person." His smile wobbled into something giddy for a moment before returning to normal. "And even though I missed ya and was worried, I'm glad you took some time to sort out your feelings. You needed space and you gave it to yourself. That's good."

When his eyes met Alastor's though, the deer demons' were wide and his ears were down. "You're not disappointed that I let violence undo me before your love? That my preferences are so unpredictable? That…" He took a short breath, "…nothing happened?"

Angel eyed him curiously. "You're more used to violence turning you on — I'm not gonna take that personally, Al. And besides it sounds like I, uh…got things started even if the tentacles took ya the rest of the way." He cleared his throat, trying to control a small, proud smile on his lips. "And I think the unpredictability of what turns you on is kind of hot — it's like a mystery, and we get to figure out the answers together." He swallowed. "And of course I'm not disappointed that nothing happened." He bit his lip. "Did you…want something to happen?"

Alastor's wide eyes flickered to radio dials then came back to normal. "Not… a fully carnal experience, so to speak. I…I just thought I might explain the situation to you after we were done on the pole. Perhaps that would have led to more talking…and other explorations. I'm not certain how much farther I would have been inclined to go exactly." He sighed. "I know you accept my sexual and amorous tendencies…or lack thereof. I know that other people are like me too. I feel happier with myself these days…and yet…" He clenched his hands, struggling to find the words. "This all must be so different than anyone would expect."

Angel considered then smiled gently. "I think what you're doing in panicking a little…and it's making you miss the big picture." Alastor raised an eyebrow. Angel explained. "You're talking like the normal thing is for relationships to involve sex regularly, and like our arrangement is some kind of exception you keep having to ask me to make. But that's wrong. There's no one set 'normal'. Everyone's got their own normal. This is our normal, and I love it. It's not an exception, it's just us. Okay?" He smiled brightly.

Alastor was very still for a moment.

Then he dove forward and planted a firm kiss right on Angel's lips before pulling back, flushed and panting. "I enjoy tremendously when you love me despite how disinclined I am to love myself. In fact, I think I will freely admit it's a kink."

Angel was pink in the face again, fingers touching his lips. He giggled. "Oh Alastor…" He leaned a little closer, gazing at him dreamily. "You're the cutest, most impulsive, and sweetest guy in hell, ya know."

"Only for you…" Alastor flirted back shyly. "And I could say the same about you as well. Last night…I never let anyone show me such chivalry before. It was enticing." He chuckled. "I'm starting to understand why all those cannibal ladies swoon when I toss them my hat and bow to greet them when I visit the Colony."

"I thought you might like that treatment," Angel said softly. "Some charm for the charmer."

"The idea of placing myself into your capable hands is…nice."

"You're always havin to be the big strong overlord in charge. You deserve to have someone sweep you off your feet every once in a while."

"Ha, yes…" Alastor's smile grew though his brow also furrowed in curiosity. "I'm not certain which I like more — leading our relationship or being lead by you. The first one makes me feel admired and powerful. But the second one makes me feel…desired and pretty." He squirmed shyly. "I seem to enjoy both."

"Lots of people like both things," Angel assured tenderly. "And you ARE powerful, with those pointy antlers and that chiseled jaw and that broad chest. But you're also pretty with that long hair and your beautiful style and those big doe eyes…"

"Mmm…?" Alastor glowed very much, 'big doe eyes' blinking and darting around then glancing away shyly. His smile was still full and happy. "Angel, ha…if you keep these conversations of ours so entertaining who knows when I might feel rather enthralled next."

Angel giggled and Alastor did too though he tried to hide it in some static.

A noticeable bit of tension was gone from Alastor's demeanor now. "Everything last night was new for me. Thank you for being considerate and gentle. And for being such a sublime dancing teacher."

"I'm here to give you all good first times…from the small ones to the big ones." Angel winked.

They knew the conversation was close to an end…but they just kept sitting and smiling on Alastor's little cot bed in the private back room, locked away where no one was looking for them or could hear them or find them. Last night really had ended too abruptly. Angel was still thinking about his dream, and Alastor was still thinking about Angel's lips on his heart.

They leaned in and kissed gently. Alastor interlaced his fingers with Angel's on the coat. Angel shifted closer and, out of room, Alastor found himself leaning back into his pillow against the headboard as Angel came to rest over him.

Angel separated their lips for a moment, looking down at Alastor as he caught his breath.

The deer demon's face was glowing brightly. And he was giving Angel that 'deer joyfully crashing into the headlights' look he could get sometimes.

Angel bit his lip. "Hey… Do you want something to happen…now?"

Alastor's ears stood up straight. He cleared his throat. "Well, that would be quite inappropriate…here…in the middle of the day…with others expecting us…" Yet his eyes widened a little more with each word, giving him an almost giddy look.

"So that's a no?" Angel asked carefully, smiling a little. "We're big on clear communication, remember? Also, consent is sexy." His fingertip played with Alastor's bowtie.

Alastor swallowed, his whole head and chest buzzing, and the one thing he knew was that he didn't want Angel to leave him yet. "Indeed. That is my way of saying I wasn't expecting anything to happen…and possibly trying to avoid it so we could talk seriously. But we seem to be done talking seriously so… I do believe we could try…and see." He sighed. "I did miss you so much after I left last night, mon ange. We never even got to share a good night kiss…let alone you carrying me to bed…"

Angel just gazed down at Alastor. The deer was leaning back, legs together primly, chest rising and falling beneath his shirt. Angel was used to being hired to play the one submitting to the will of his clients, and that feeling of submission was one of his biggest turn ons. Yet every so often he was hired to be the one in charge, and he understood the appeal of the experience. Alastor made the prospect even more tempting. The overlord trusted him, wanted Angel to help him understand himself better, looked at him like Angel was everything he had ever dared dream of having. And Angel had missed him so much too after leaving last night…

"Why don't we feel our way through the situation then? Heh." Angel's eyes hazed.

A small snort of nervous laughter left Alastor. "Yes, let's, ha!" He didn't even have the compulsion to remind Angel not to go overboard with touch. The spider always took things slow and listened and was careful. Alastor felt perfectly easy.

Angel chuckled. Then he closed his eyes and leaned down, gently kissing Alastor's cheek. He felt Alastor sigh and relax under his touch. And then Alastor's other hand came around his back like a hug, holding on tight.

"Oh Angel…"

He sounded so happy. Angel felt happy too. He nuzzled the side of Alastor's head. He let their thighs brush each other. And when he brought a hand to Alastor's shoulder, the deer demon chuckled low, practically purring with static. Angel smiled and decided to continue to explore. He let his hand gently glide down Alastor's side — the deer trembled. Angel brought that hand around Alastor's back — the deer's spine arched slightly. Angel let his hand come to rest on Alastor's hip (he loved that deer's little figure so much). A small bit of Alastor's shirt had come untucked, and Angel's thumb grazed warm skin.

"Ah…" Alastor squirmed in a slow, new way that practically set Angel on fire inside. His kisses were on Alastor's neck now, heading to his shirt collar and everywhere a few opened buttons could lead. Suddenly though Alastor gasped, and there was almost a laugh behind it. "I…ah…C-Caprese sandwich!"

Angel blinked then moved his mouth off of Alastor. He met Alastor's eyes, grateful not to see too much panic in them, and then carefully disentangled himself from the deer.

Alastor took a very deep breath. "Pardon, I thought we could pick up where we left off last night with ease, but I suppose it's not the right moment. Being close to you right now is lovely but… this place really is so shabby and cramped. And midday doesn't have the charm of dawn or the dark. And I can't stand the idea of making your siblings wait for me longer. Speaking of which, I also couldn't stop worrying about the beignets I made for them getting cold, ha!" He wiped at one of his eyes quickly and sat up. "And perhaps I was starting to feel a bit overwhelmed too. This is all very, very new. I needed a moment."

"And that's what the safe word is for." Angel smiled warmly. "You used it real good, Smiles."

Alastor beamed a little. He bit his lip then though and added, "And you're not…er…" he vaguely gestured to Angel's lap then let out a whine of static and looked at the ceiling.

Angel blinked then snorted as he wiped his brow. "Al, two things — one, I'm a professional sex worker, I know how to keep myself under control and how to secure things down there so nothing shows. And two, honestly even the sight of you turns me on a little, so believe me I'm used to cooling my jets. I'll deal with it later — fantasy time." He winked.

Alastor was cherry red but just nodded.

"Now…" Angel's eyes brightened, "did I hear something about beignets?"

Alastor blinked. "Oh yes! That's the surprise I made for your siblings. I hope they'll enjoy them."

"Are you kidding? They're gonna LOVE those things! Let's go!" He got up, clapping his hands together in excitement.

Alastor stood as well, replacing his jacket and brushing off the dust. He offered Angel his arm. Angel took hold gladly, and they strolled out of the back room and out of Alastor's office together, ducking into the kitchen without the rest of the residents noticing them. A moment later Angel came out alone and pulled aside Molly and Niss, who were still in the lobby admiring the banner. He spoke to them quickly then led them back to the kitchen as well where their real first meeting with the Radio Demon was about to begin.

Today, Velvet had indeed been out making the rounds of her bakeries as she had told Vox. They did basically run themselves on fear of inciting her wrath if they didn't, but a little occasional pop in to terrorize her staff and sample some sweets didn't hurt. She had just checked on her last site and was skipping down the street now with a lollipop in hand.

Honestly, she knew she could have easily expanded and built herself up in the foodservice game to become a true overlord of gluttony if she really wanted. But there were too many headaches that went with being a major political player in this town — Vox and Val's experiences were proof enough of that fact. She liked things simple so she could skip out and have fun if she wanted. And desserts were all she really cared about anyway. Sweets were always there for a person, from the good times to the dark ones. Also, watching someone happily bite into a dessert only to end up with a mouthful of blood and a razor blade in their jaw was too funny.

But Velvet had left Vox alone for other reasons. The first one was she liked giving Shark Daddy and Baby Shark the chance to bond. The second one was…Valentino. She was morbidly curious about how he was doing. And she only grew more curious when she had started getting texts from Vox a few minutes ago.

'So apparently, Val went and got himself involved with the head of the damn pentagram mob! People who snuff out anyone from fresh souls to overlords for business.'

Velvet sucked her lollipop and grinned. Valentino was so dumb, making a mistake like hooking up with those dramatic, shady people. She'd really have to give him a talking to. Vox's messages continued.

'Oh and guess what? The guy who's head of the mob is ANGEL'S FATHER! Angel's descended from some fucked up version of sinner royalty and never said anything!'

Velvet laughed at that information. Angel running away from the dreary old mob for a life on the stage; it was almost poetic or deranged or something. Vox kept typing (for someone who was 'done' with Valentino, he was very preoccupied with him).

'I'm looking at this camera footage — ever since the mob guy talked to Val, there have been armed demons watching the studio from the shadows. Fuck — that ass got himself in too deep and now he's gonna get himself killed, isn't he?'

"Probably," Velvet hummed to herself, removing her lollipop before she continued sucking away. Valentino was probably squirming like a bug. What a fun thing to get to see.

'Vel, I want Val to learn a lesson, but I don't want him to fucking disappear. I don't know…do you think I should talk to him?'

Velvet sighed as she rounded a corner and finally typed back. 'Don't bother. I'm about to do it myself. See you soon! And make sure Vark gets double dessert! He's a growing shark!' She giggled and stuffed her phone into her dress as she headed down the street and finally came to the bright lights of the studio.

Sure enough, armed demons lurked in the shadows — she saw eyes turned on her.

She tossed away her lollipop stick, pulled a rather large knife out of her dress and twirled it around, the blade flashing. The demons watching pulled back a little. Good for them, having enough common sense to fear her. She strolled inside and tucked away her knife.

Velvet hadn't been here for a while, but the staff and performers knew better than to say a word, let alone question her. She had no trouble at all heading down the hall and into the elevator then heading all the way to the top floor. The bell dinged, and she skipped out and headed to the Valentino's office door.

There was a metal bar across it and a chain and a sign that said 'No visitors, Keep Out!'

She grinned. Being disobedient was half the fun of being in hell.

First she slashed off the sign with her knife. Then she pulled a sharp candy thermometer out of her dress and used it to pick the lock on the chain. Next she grabbed a spatula and used it to wedge up the metal bar. Finally she slid her knife along the doorframe, and the door opened with ease. "Piece of cake…" She whispered to herself as she returned her tools to her dress and pushed it open all the way to head inside. "Val, you who! Surprise, it's me!"

For a moment the room seemed empty. Then Valentino jumped out from a corner near the door to grab her. Velvet instantly had him pinned to the ground under her foot with her knife at his throat. "Now, now," she scolded, "is that any way to treat an old friend?"

Valentino hissed through his teeth. But his breaths started to slow down as he processed her presence. "At least it's only you. I thought—" He shook his head. "Fuck, Velvet. You could just knock."

"Yeah, but I wouldn't be me if I did," she explained with a shrug before pocketing her knife again and letting him up. "So, who did you think I might be?"

"No one, nothing, drop it." Valentino went over to his desk, sat down behind it. He rested his head on his arms, looking away.

"Now that wouldn't be fun." Velvet sighed and took a seat of her own. "I hear you might be in a bit deep, Val."

"Shut. Up."

"Make. Me." She glared, eyes practically like daggers all on their own.

He seethed.

She went on. "Anyway…just came by to ask if you need any help? You know, for old time's sake." She smiled, kicking her legs. "I'm bored. I wouldn't mind killing a bunch of people."

"Even if you killed them, more would keep coming…" He mumbled, a hand at his head.

"I'm not seeing a downside — that just means a higher body count for me to rack up." She shrugged. "And if I get tired of stabbing, I'll just put a bomb in a cake and drop it on a bunch of them — simple."

Valentino sighed and scowled as he lifted his head. "Velvet, I'm fucking serious!"

"Me too!" She didn't even blink.

He sighed again. "What exactly do you think you know about it anyway?"

"Oh…I know that you got involved with the Pentagram mob…that the head of the mob is Angel's dad…that Angel's not around here anymore…and that you're scared."

"I AM NOT FUCKING SCARED!" Valentino shot back, standing up, eyes glowing.

Velvet didn't even flinch. "You're cranky — you always get cranky when you're scared. That's why you're always so bitchy whenever Alastor gets involved in stuff; cuz you can't pin him down exactly, and it freaks you out. And you're also bitchy cuz you're a little jealous of how bitchy Vox gets over him, but that's another topic."

"Get out."

"That is a bad idea."

"And what, you're here to be partners again and make it all better by skipping around and getting frosting everywhere?"

Velvet sat up and leaned close, eyes wide. "I'm here to let you know that we see what's going on. And that we'll probably try to make sure you don't get pretty permanently killed as long as trying doesn't mean we get pretty permanently killed ourselves. Got it?"

Valentino's eyebrows lifted behind his glasses. Then he smirked. "Oh I see, Vox sent you. Trying to 'save me' so he can 'be my hero' and impress me. Pathetic."

"Ha! I don't take orders from Vox or from you." She grinned again. "I came cuz I thought it'd be fun. And cuz Vox is to stubborn to do it himself. Men." She rolled her eyes then hopped out of the chair. "Anyway, try not to get whacked just to piss off Angel. There's like a million better things to drop dead for." Velvet walked over to the door then paused, looking over her shoulder, voice serious for a moment. "And we would probably take you back, you know. Just stop acting like our fucking boss and start acting like our fucking partner. And maybe you'll even stumble into acting like our fucking friend." She grinned again and saluted. "Later, Val. I'm gonna leave some macaroons in the VIP lounge. They're drugged but with a low dose of the good stuff — enough to calm you down and maybe even make you smile again. Bye!"

He just watched her with his jaw dropped as she skipped out and closed the door behind her.

Velvet pulled the box of macaroons out of her dress and dropped them off in the lounge. Then she headed to the elevator where she started dealing with an excessive amount of texts from Vox anxiously warning her that maybe she shouldn't go see Valentino. She smiled as she exited the elevator and typed back.

'Everything's fine. He's in bad shape, but there's still some fight in him. I left him snacks and told him to remember we're still around for him if he decides not to die — the big dummy.' She strolled out of the studio, flipped off the demons lurking on both sides of her and headed down the street. She decided to stop and pick up ice cream ( at knife point) for herself and Vox and Vark. Vox would definitely not give the shark enough dessert on his own.

She skipped away, humming to herself in satisfaction.

At the hotel, Angel swallowed as he led his brother and sister to the kitchen. He was all nerves, both the good and the bad kind. He wanted Alastor to be okay with whatever happened next, and he wanted his brother and sister to get the right idea about the overlord, and he just wanted everything in their lives to be calm so they could all get along and be happy.

"Tony?" Niss whispered. "You okay?"

Angel realized he was frozen in front of the kitchen door. He put on a smile and nodded. "Yeah. Just…you know." He took a deep breath. "Just thinking about Alastor — I know he's nervous."

Niss smiled a little. "Hey, me too. I'm meeting one of the classiest and most powerful guys in hell. Plus he's the guy my brother's in love with."

"Tony, you're in love?" Molly had stars in her eyes and leaned close to Angel with a big smile.

Angel blushed a little. "Oh my god yes, but…look, don't bring it up in there, please. Al's not so good talking about the heavy stuff without some warning." He shrugged, looking down a little.

Molly tilted her head. "He…loves ya back, right?"

"Molly, ya can't just ask that!" Niss whispered, arms out.

"I'm just trying ta get an idea of the relationship…" She wrung her hands together.

Angel sighed, his smile small but sincere as he looked at them both. "I think it's more Alastor's place to give specifics about his feelings and…ya know…orientation stuff. But I'll let ya know that he's got his own ways of feeling and expressing emotions and attraction. Just like I got my own ways. We work things out between us and respect each other, and it's good. Okay?"

Niss tilted his head in wonder. Molly smiled in relief and nodded.

Angel turned back to the door. "Niss, he knows you've been with Rosie and Mimzy and he's happy you were safe, so no worries there. Molly, he's extra respectful of ladies, and I know you might want to hug him but…he's a little picky about physical touch. So maybe just a big hearty handshake, okay?"

"Yes, okay! Now quit stalling and open the door!" Molly teased.

With a small laugh Angel pushed it open.

He caught a split second of Alastor caucusing with his shadow in a small panic, like they'd been doing some last minute rehearsals of what was to come. But instantly the shadow disappeared and Alastor turned to the door, microphone held high and one arm behind his back as he flashed a big smile. "Hello! Alastor the Radio Demon, at your service! An absolute pleasure, Mister Niss and Miss Molly!"

Angel smiled so much at the flashy display. Molly held back a little giggle, and Niss grinned at the welcome.

Angel cleared his throat. "Niss, Molly — this is Alastor! He's…my beau." He walked over and stood beside Alastor (who was glowing so brightly that it took all Angel had not to be distracted by the cuteness). "Alastor, this is my big brother Niss…and my twin sister Molly."

"Twin?" His eyes widened at the sight of her. "Ah, you do bear such a striking resemblance, my dear. I certainly would have noticed last night if I had…stayed to chat." He cleared his throat. "Please accept my sincere apologies for my hasty departure and your rough welcome."

"We're sorry we interrupted," Molly offered tenderly. "We were worried about Tony, but still…I was a little impulsive about getting in here."

"You were just trying to keep our brother safe with your powers," Niss added. "There was a lot going on last night. But today's better — especially cuz now we're all here with each other."

So much tension left Alastor's features. "I left last night so suddenly because I was a tad embarrassed — I'm a…private person. But I'm happy I have the chance to greet you properly now." He took a deep breath then bowed to Molly. "An utter pleasure to meet the lady of the family." He held out a hand hesitantly, like he was concerned about whether she would take it.

Molly clasped his hand in both her own and bowed too. "You're a charmer. Good, my brother deserves to be charmed. It's real swell ta meet ya too, Alastor!" She laughed as she straightened up. "And none of this 'Miss' stuff — it's just Molly!"

He swallowed but she looked at him sincerely, her smile warm. Alastor relaxed and released her as he straightened up as well. "Yes, well…thank you, Molly!" He turned to Niss now and held out his hand with more confidence. "And Niss! Delighted to make the acquaintance of the head of the family — the oldest member, after all! I hope you enjoyed your time in Cannibal Colony and that you'll feel free to stay for as long as you'd like. And if anyone tries to take a bite out of you, kindly let them know that doing so will result in me biting them back, ha!" He was confident delivering the joke, but then his smile went awkwardly wide and Angel could see sweat at his brow as he waited to see how a cannibalism jest would be received.

Niss didn't bat an eye though. He laughed. "I'll keep that in mind, thanks. Rosie and Mimzy run a tight ship though — no one's tried anything on me with them around." He blushed a little and added. "Oh, but I'm not head of the family… I mean, technically that's…that's still Pops—"

Alastor sighed and his smile tightened as he released Niss's hand. "Pardon if it isn't my place to say, but I believe your father abdicated that position quite some time ago when he failed to be a proper parent to our dear Angel. Such disregard for decorum and respect is not how a leader of any family should behave. As such I believe the mantel would fall to you, and you seem rather capable of handling it from what I've gleaned from Rosie."

Niss's eyes widened, and he blushed.

"He's all right," Molly said softly, looking to Angel then gesturing to Alastor with a smile.

Now it was Alastor's turn to go wide eyed, his glowing cheeks turning rosy at the centers.

"Yeah…you are." Niss sniffed and smiled. "Heh, I get why my brother admires you so much. And why Cherri likes ya too. You're a good guy, Alastor."

Angel was beaming and about to agree when Alastor cleared his throat, his smile fading a little. "Not entirely, no. My character is…complicated, as you may be aware." He kept himself steady as he went on. "I care for your brother beyond compare and take great joy in his happiness. I enjoy the company in this hotel and am keen to protect them to see how their stories play out. And I am proud to lead Cannibal Colony as a community of unconventional sinners with a sense of mutual respect for one another." Some symbols swirled over his head, and his eyes flickered back and forth with darkness. "I also publicly consume demons who attack me or defy me, but most of all ones cruel enough to make all of hell seem unpalatable. I became an overlord by laying waste to the Pentagram, and I maintain my position through a great deal of violent displays of power. And I make deals for souls…ones who can either entertain me or be of use to me, or ideally both." He swallowed and added, his eyes back to normal. "Oh and I was a murderer in life."

Angel looked at him, his jaw fallen.

Niss and Molly were staring at him too.

Molly put her arms behind her back and stepped forward, eyeing Alastor who seemed ready to crumble as he awaited 'judgment'. She tilted her head. "Well, you're honest, at least. You own up to what ya do and who ya are, warts and all." She looked to her brother. "Tony, he's not just all right. He's extra all right."

Alastor blinked, smile frozen in place, eyes darting around like he was waiting for a trap of some sort.

Niss stepped closer too, brow furrowed. "So, here's the thing… I honestly don't get what the cannibalism stuff is about. Heck, I can barely keep down diced prosciutto in pasta sauce, let alone a fresh body. But hell's rules are…different. And you're good people, and Rosie and Mimzy are good people. So you do you, and I'll respect that as long as I don't see innocent people getting hurt."

"I am very clear with the Colony," Alastor spoke now, firmly. "If someone is in the market for a body, the struggle has to be an even match. There is no harming those of fairer means. Ever. That's just good sportsmanship."

"Good." Niss nodded. "And as for everything else — ya did some rough stuff to get in power, and ya do some rough stuff to maintain your position. Honestly, ya take the magic out of that, and it sounds like standard organized crime business practices to me…even if the 'deals for souls' stuff is still something that leaves me a bit worried." He frowned. Then he glanced at Molly. She was frowning and looking down.

Angel noticed and bit his lip. Alastor noticed and tilted his head then swallowed.

"And, uh…" Niss went on, blinking and coming bak to the moment at hand. "Oh, as for you murdering people when you were alive… I mean, hey, Angel and I were in the mob. We don't exactly have a zero body count from back then, heh. I'm sure even Molly would have taken down a few guys if Ma and Pops had let her."

Molly's eyes widened. She tried to smile then looked away. She kept clenching and unclenching her fingers.

Her brother's didn't have time to notice though as Alastor glowed brightly and suddenly blurted out. "I was a serial killer!"

Niss didn't flinch. "Yeah, I kind of guessed that from how Rosie and Mimzy talk about you. But…I was a hit man for the mob, and I gotta say, there's a strong chance my body count rivals yours." He smiled a little, and Alastor's smile grew.

Angel let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding. He glanced at Alastor with a grin. "Dramatic much? Just had to lay it all out there, huh?"

Alastor shrugged, twirling his cane. "Ha! True! But come now, you know I would have gotten myself all worked up until all I dramatically revealed each of those aspects of myself. Better to put all the cards on the table, I say!" His eyes hazed. "Now, shall we move on to the fun portion of meeting the family, darling? My surprise is getting cold."

Angel giggled. "Oh right!" He turned to his siblings. "Oh man, you guys are in for a treat!"

Alastor snapped his fingers — the steaming plate of beignets appeared on the table. "Fresh beignets! My mother's recipe. They're similar to what you call Zeppolis. I hope you like them."

Niss gasped and beamed, clapping his hands together. "Rosie and Mimzy told me about these! I've been dying to try 'em and figure out how to make 'em!" He dashed over to the table but then stopped when he realized all eyes were on him. He cleared his throat and crossed his arms, trying to seem casual. "I mean, uh…yeah, I heard about these. Sound pretty good…Thanks, Alastor."

"Niss likes to bake." Angel crossed his arms and smirked.

Niss sighed and rolled his eyes with a grin. "Yes, thank you, Angel."

"He was always real good at it!" Molly went over to the table and took a seat. "Made the best biscotti!"

Niss shrugged sheepishly as he sat down. "I've been getting some fresh practice at Rosie and Mimzy's. I figured whipping up stuff for them was the least I could do. And it helped distract me after everything…with Pops." His eyes were down, but Molly placed a hand on his shoulder and gave him a smile, and Niss perked back up again.

Alastor lead Angel to the table and pulled out his chair for him. "Indeed, while I was baking these over there earlier, they let me try one of your croissants. Simply divine."

Niss beamed again. "Thanks! I'm glad you liked it! Uh…which one did you—"

"The one with the hazelnut filling." Alastor sat now too and snapped — plates and napkins appeared in front of everyone. "The spice mix was the bees knees! Did I detect cardamom?"

"Yeah!" Niss blinked. "Good catch!" He grabbed one of the pastries and bit into it. "Ohhh…" His eyes closed. "Oh wow, this is…oh boy. Zeppolis are like delicious little fried bricks, but these are like clouds!"

Molly had her hands on one and took a big bite, leaving her face covered in powered sugar. "Mmm… Oh, Angel…he's a super extra all right guy!"

"That's because my man knows the way to everyone's heart is through their stomach." Angel winked and took a beignet for himself.

"Or through the rib cage — but this way is less messier, hah!" Alastor grinned then looked like he was sweating again at the risky cannibal joke, but Niss chuckled and Molly snorted through her nose, getting powdered sugar everywhere.

Angel was laughing too. "Good one, Smiles!"

"Thank you, Anthony!" Alastor replied almost shyly as he took a beignet for himself.

"Ooo he knows ya name, huh, Tony?" Molly asked, curious.

"He knows all sorts of things about me." Angel winked, and Alastor glowed and rolled his eyes. "Oh, uh…he also knows your name too, Niss. Sorry, I might have gone on a little rant right after the open house and mentioned it."

"It's okay." Niss shrugged, eyes hazed thoughtfully. "Actually I've been getting used to more people calling me Archie. Rosie and Mimzy…and other people." He could feel Molly watching him with a grin and he focused on his beignet and tried not to think about feeding one to Sir Pentious by hand.

Angel chuckled. "Archie's gonna tell us all about his special someone soon. And then uh…" he shrugged, "I don't know, maybe…the six of us…could try a date together?" He glanced at Alastor.

Alastor's ears twitched but he gave a nod. "Here though please, if you wouldn't mind." He looked to Molly and Niss. "It would be for safety, considering the current 'mob' circumstances but also because overlord politics are…delicate." He swallowed, tone sincere. "I would like nothing more than to broadcast to heaven, hell, and earth that Anthony and I are together. But our relationship cannot become public knowledge until I am certain he will be safe."

Niss nodded. "We won't say a word. One good thing the mob did — trained us not to be stool pigeons." He considered. "Everyone at the hotel knows though, right?"

"Everyone but Baxter," Angel answered. "I kind of feel like we should tell him eventually, Smiles — before we slip up and he draws his own conclusions. Just to swear him to secrecy too."

Static buzzed between Alastor's ears. "One confession at a time, please, darling. Perhaps we can sit down with him after we've addressed all our little spies outside."

Molly giggled, watching Alastor with a curious, warm smile. He tilted his head at her. She reached out carefully and gently patted his hand. "Thank ya for wanting to shout from the rooftops that ya like my brother even if ya can't. Hearing that means a lot." Alastor beamed a little. She took two beignets this time. "Mind if I save one of these for Husky?"

"Oh." Alastor blinked. "No — I mean, yes — I mean, that would be quite fine of course! But…Husker doesn't like my beignets." His ears fell a little. "He's the only one I've ever met in fact, ha…"

"Huh…" She raised an eyebrow. "Well…more for us then, I guess."

"And I'd be happy to make them again any time you'd like!" Alastor quickly added.

"Please, yes!" Niss was already on his third one, a dreamy look in his eyes.

"We can cook all sorts of stuff for each other…" Angel put his hand on Alastor's on the table. "Right after we make our Pops take a hike…and, er… maybe my boss too." He winced. "By the way, Al, we sort of found out today that Pops and Valentino might be working together."

Alastor's claws dug into the table as a screech of static came from his ears. His smile grew a little wicked. "Well, I'll be certain to add that fact to my list of reasons that Valentino should meet an early demise."

"Ya too good ta work for that piece of garbage anyway, Tony." Molly scowled. "I'll go beat him up myself if I have ta."

"Ah, you wish to harm Valentino too?" Alastor brightened.

"I hate anyone who messes with my brothers." She grinned, eyes bright as well.

"You remind me of Rosie! So much fire! You two simply must meet!"

Molly beamed. "I'd love that! Niss, when you go back there, I'm coming with ya!"

"Good, they've been dying to meet you too." Niss smiled.

They spider siblings went back to eating.

Angel leaned in close to Alastor and whispered. "See, this is going great. They love you…"

Alastor sighed, and Angel could see his eyes were shining a little. "Indeed. And I am…happy, Anthony." He squeezed Angel's hand. "So very happy."

Angel squeezed back. And Alastor found himself feeling more and more at ease as the pleasant first meeting continued.

A/N:

Yay, Alastor and the spider's are finally getting a chance to bond! He's so happy to have them around ^w^ I hope you enjoyed their meeting! He'll be spending a lot of time with all three of them going forward. Thank you for your support and for reading!

Take care!

-Jenna