A/N:

Hi everyone! Fresh chapter for the post-mob antics for you :) We get to check in with a few more characters, and Niss and Angel finally talk! I hope you enjoy, and thanks for your support ^w^

Partners

Chapter 74:

It's My Coming Out, and I'll Cry if I Want To!

The next morning Niss was up at the crack of dawn. He had been going to bed early and getting up early ever since the mob battle. That routine had always helped calm his nerves. And he had always liked the quiet of mornings and the chance to calmly get a head start on his work and clear his mind for the rest of the day. Sir Pentious, meanwhile, had been sleeping in lately (and sleeping most of the day, in fact), so getting up early also gave Niss a chance to prepare Pen's breakfast, and text Molly about Angel and the hotel, and check in with the Egg Bois for a full report about the airship.

This morning, Niss had gotten up and gone to the kitchen extra early (while it was practically still dark outside) because, along with Sir Pentious's breakfast, he had to prepare a meal for himself and his brother. And he had a lot to think about regarding the talk they were going to have.

Molly had let Niss know that Angel remembered everything from the end of the battle…including Niss's grand coming out. In a way, Angel remembering was a relief — Niss wasn't sure if he had it in him to try announcing his orientation like that again any time soon. At least he and his brother could get right into what they needed to discuss… even if that fact also meant there was no going back now about keeping his sexuality a secret.

Niss knew it would be okay. He knew he had wanted to talk to his brother about this stuff anyway. And he knew he really needed to see Angel safe and awake again. But still, his hands trembled now as he moved fresh biscotti from a cooling rack into a small basket because he knew that there were ways in which this talk would be hard for both of them.

He took a deep breath. For a moment he wished so much that their Mama could be here. He remembered her so well. Whenever he was upset as a child, she used to touch his shoulder and tell him he didn't have to carry the weight of the world, just the weight of his own beautiful head. And then she would kiss his hair and promise that, no matter how big his problems were, things would turn out all right. Niss had to smile a little to himself at the memory but also at the fact that…Sir Pentious had kind of taken over soothing and encouraging him nowadays. It was a good thing; a comfort he had sorely missed.

Speaking of Sir Pentious, as the sky finally grew lighter outside, Niss set aside the basket of biscotti by a thermos of fresh espresso and then moved on to getting the snake's breakfast ready to be served. Today he had prepared toast and jam with orange juice, and he had included a couple of the biscotti too — even if Pen still couldn't eat much, there was a chance the cookies would tempt him. Once the tray was ready, Niss headed over to Sir Pentious's room and knocked. "Pen?" He quietly called, not wanting to disturb him the snake since he was likely still resting. "Any chance you're up? I have to leave for my talk with Angel, and I wanted to bring ya breakfast. Some of it's hot."

There was no reply. Niss considered leaving the tray on the floor or with one of the Egg Bois with instructions to heat up the toast later. But he really wanted to check on Sir Pentious before leaving, even if the snake was asleep. He slowly opened the door and stepped into the darkness of the room. The shades were drawn and the fire was almost out. But some light did come from the doorframe of the bathroom along with the sound of running water. Niss smiled — knowing Sir Pentious could still be up and about in little ways made him feel relief. Maybe when he got back he would visit him and explain that he really didn't care about the snake's concerns over his appearance after the battle and while he was trying to rest up from whatever was bothering him. Niss just wanted to be there for him, and for them to be happy together. And besides, battle scars could be kind of attractive.

Niss placed the tray on the nightstand and knocked on the bathroom door. "Pen? It's me. I left breakfast by your bed."

"Niss!" The snake sounded a bit winded. "Oh drat…you're leaving for the hotel now aren't you?" came his sad voice.

Niss frowned. "Yeah. But I'll come back real soon. Unless you're sick. I could stay for a bit — I'll just text Angel, and—"

"No, no!" There were some sounds of hurried movement. "Hah…I'm quite well! Almost! Er…I'm almost all better, I mean. I just hoped I could be all better in time to accompany you. I know you're nervous." He sighed in some defeat. "But I'll still be a while it seems."

Niss smiled a little. "It's okay. Knowing your here, safe and thinking about me, is enough." He swallowed. "You promise you're okay?"

"By the time you get back I'll be like a brand new me," Sir Pentious chuckled.

Niss chuckled too. "Okay. I'll see you soon. I told the Egg Bois to check on you. And I'll say hi to Molly and Angel for you."

"Thank you, dear!" Sir Pentious hesitated. "Would you say hello to Husker and Alastor for me too if you see them? We really had a pleasant time working together during the battle. It was fun. I've never had such charming friends…present company excluded."

Niss blushed and smiled more. "I'll send along your regards. I'm sure they never had a friend as charming as you either." He rested his forehead against the door for a moment. "Do ya…still want to do the triple date sometimes soon if Angel still wants to?"

It sounded like Sir Pentious was leaning against the door now too as his voice sounded, much closer. "More than anything, darling."

Niss giggled. "Great. See ya soon, Pen."

"Bye bye, Niss!"

Niss headed out of Pen's room with a light heart and a happy grin. He stopped by the kitchen to grab the basket of biscotti and the thermos of espresso, then went to the airship exit to lower the ladder. He felt much calmer and freer now. Having Sir Pentious in his life made things just a little easier. And suddenly a small part of him couldn't wait to move into the part of his life where he could gush to his brother about his own sweet overlord boyfriend.

"Husker!"

"Ah!" Husk jumped and nearly stumbled to the ground as his wings flared out in surprise. To be fair, Alastor had literally just popped up from behind the bar at 8am smiling widely and shouting his name while a sleepy Husk had been trying to shuffle to the kitchen in his suspenders to set some coffee to percolate before crawling back into bed with Molly to snooze and cuddle for at least another three hours. "Alastor, fuck, don't do that. It's bad enough when you teleport directly behind people, but the jack-in-the-box stuff can give someone a heart attack." He caught his breath and tilted his head. "Were you waiting behind there for me?"

"Indeed!" Alastor nodded. "I am sorry to have startled you — ha, your fur is still on end."

Husk pouted and pushed down his puffed up fur. "Alastor, come on, it's too early for—"

Husk's bedroom door opened and a yawning Molly poked her head out, wearing a long pink cotton nightshirt. "Husky…come back ta bed, it's cold without ya." Husk blushed considerably, but Molly just smiled widely as she caught sight of the Radio Demon. "Oh, Alastor! I didn't know you two were hangin' out this mornin'!"

"We're not—" Husk started in confusion.

"But I'd like to be!" Alastor finished with gusto.

While Husk raised an eyebrow, Molly beamed. "In that case, you boys enjoy yourselves!"

"But—" Husk's ears dropped a little as he looked back to her again.

Molly's eyes hazed. "It's okay, Husky — you can make the bed warm with me again later. Have fun!" She waved and blew him a kiss and then shut the door.

Husk sighed deeply, pouting and scowling as he looked back to Alastor again. "You dragging me away from my girl isn't going to become a new thing, is it? Cuz I kind of thought we might be past that petty stuff."

Alastor glowed brightly. "Oh, no! Er…rest assured I'm loathe to interrupt anyone engaged in intimate pursuits. But I really would like to spend some time together…if you wish."

Husk eyed Alastor curiously.

The Radio Demon's smile grew nervous. "I assure you, no ulterior motives. I merely want a word…but for a longer period of time than usual. Perhaps you could show me how you've set up the bar or you could fill me in on any new developments with Niffty and Baxter or you could let me see some of your infamous magic tricks. It's been ages after all. Ha…"

"Its been ages cuz I usually only show the magic tricks to people who I'm trying to date. And it has been a while since I tried that with you." Husk smirked, unable to help himself.

Alastor glowed considerably, eyes darting around.

Husk sighed and took pity on him. "But…maybe I could show ya a couple I'm working on for Molly. And we could hang out at the bar. And hey, I didn't know there had been any new Baxter and Niffty developments, so dishing about that might be nice." He shrugged and smiled a little. "Okay, you got me for a bit."

"Splendid!" Alastor beamed, all apprehension gone, then glanced at the assortment of liquor bottles behind the bar. "Now then, Angel did introduce me to a drink named Tequila sunrise, but he claims it's not for morning drinking. So how about we have some mimosas or a Bloody Mary instead — emphasis on the blood for me, ha!"

Husk chuckled and got behind the bar with him, grabbing some glasses for them. "First of all, yeah, no early morning tequila sunrises for you — you'd be hurling all day. Second, a mimosa — not happening, this isn't brunch. Normally I'd replace that with a screw driver but…I'm trying to cut back on the hard liquor a bit. So how about some virgin bloody Mary's, hmm? Basically just a couple of servings of veggies in a glass?"

"Hmm, you drive a hard bargain but sold, Husker!" Alastor announced. As Husk started to make the drinks, Alastor observed him and raised an eyebrow. "You've changed the band on your hat — is that…"

Husk shrugged, blushing a little as he worked. "Yeah, the ribbon Molly gave me for good luck in the fight. I like having it near me."

"It suits you," Alastor remarked, eyes slightly hazed in a warm smile. "She's a treasure."

Husk blinked at the sudden praise. "Yeah, she's…yeah. Thanks." A soft smile came to his own features too as he finished up the drinks and finally topped them off with some extra tabasco. He passed one to Alastor. "Cheers to…I don't know, special spiders and sobriety when it matters."

"Ha! And to drinks that can help us stay that way so we can thoroughly enjoy their company!" Alastor added.

They clinked glasses and smiled a little at each other, both clearly thinking about just how this day together might go.

Before they could drink though, there was a knock on the front door. Husk turned to it with a wary glare while Alastor smiled brightly. "Do you think it's someone for me to kill? Perhaps an incredibly foolish mob member?"

Another knock. "Uh, hi, it's Niss. I'm here to see Angel!"

"Ah, well, no time for carnage today anyway." Alastor snapped and the door opened.

Niss entered, smiling sheepishly, a covered basket in one hand and a thermos in the other. "Oh uh, hey fellas! How are you feeling?"

"Sore but much better now that Molly got the bullets out of my wings." Husk stretched. "She's quick with that."

Niss nodded. "Yeah, heh, she used to get 'em out of me and Angel too when we couldn't risk going to hospitals."

"And I'm Aces, especially now that Angel is awake!" Alastor swung a fist through the air. "Are you here to see him?" He asked in interest.

Niss nodded, blushing a little. "Yeah. Gotta check up on the little brother. And he and I need to talk." He blinked a few times. "Oh! And also Pen says hi! He really liked getting to hang out with you two the other day."

Alastor and Husk each shared a little smile. Then Husk looked to Niss with a shrug. "Yeah, well, we like him too. Working together was fun."

"Really? Good, I'm glad." Niss beamed. Then he swallowed and rubbed his neck sheepishly. "Well, I should go see Angel before the espresso gets cold. See ya, fellas!" He dashed upstairs.

Alastor considered deeply for a moment. "Husker, should we start asking Sir Pentious to do things together since I'm courting…and you're seeing…and he's dating…?"

"We can." Husk stretched up. "But I'm also sure the spiders will find their own way to get all of us together," he assured with an amused grin. He grabbed his Bloody Mary. "Now, bottoms up!''

He raised his glass and an amused Alastor did as well. They did a small cheers then drank deeply, ready to start their day's adventure together.

Angel was sitting up in bed, twiddling his thumbs, just breathing. He had been up since early, too nervous to sleep deeply anyway. Eventually he had sent Nuggets off to play with Alastor's shadow so there wouldn't be any distractions. And he had done his hair and cleaned up as best he could and even added just a bit of blush to his cheeks so he wouldn't look pale and make Niss worry. Now all there was left to do was wait. Because he knew that if his brother said he would come today… he would come.

And sure enough, just after 8am, there was a light rap on his door. "Tony? You up? It's me, heh. I brought breakfast."

Angel took a deep breath and smiled a little. "Hey, Archie. Yeah, I'm awake. Come in."

The door slowly opened, and in stepped his brother wearing grey pants and a dark purple shirt and carrying a basket and a thermos. As the door closed, Niss's eyes stayed down then shifted to the basket to adjust some of the items in there, and then went to his shirt to smooth over the creases. Finally, though, he took a breath and his eyes slowly came to his brother.

Angel met them and didn't let his gaze falter.

Niss smiled in such relief for a moment. "Tony…you're really okay."

Angel nodded. "Yeah…for almost a whole day now. Heh…"

Niss's smile fell. "Tony, I'm sorry I didn't come until now. I…" He took a deep breath. "Everything that happened was a lot to process. But that's no excuse. I'm your big brother, and I should be here for you when you need me and even if you don't need me — no exceptions. You deserve that much and more."

Angel's smile grew. "I'm just…glad you're here now." He shifted over. "Wanna sit together while we eat?"

Niss swallowed but nodded. "Sure." He walked over and kicked off his shoes. He set the thermos down on the night table then took two cups out of the basket and poured hot espresso into each of them and handed one off to Angel. He pulled out a couple plates then set biscotti on them with cloth napkins. He placed the basket aside then sat on top of the blankets beside his brother, legs crossed.

They shared a small smile and held up their cups.

"Salud?"

"Salud."

They clinked glasses and took deep sips then sighed peacefully.

"You brew the best damn espresso in the universe," Angel said wistfully as he lowered his cup.

"That's cuz I got the patience to do it all from scratch, right down to grinding the beans myself." Niss smiled in some pride. "Glad you like it."

Angel picked up a biscotti and took a bite. "Mmm…and I know it's disrespectful but somehow your cookies were always even better than Ma's."

Niss chuckled. "She always liked doing the main courses better. When I was little I wanted to do the baking to help her so she could do the kind of cooking she loved. But then I realized…I loved baking. And now here we are — drinking espresso and eating almond anise biscotti in hell. Heh…"

There was a small silence.

Niss swallowed and kept talking, tension building inside of him deep down.

"How's the leg?"

"Healing. But divine wounds…they're complicated. And it's definitely gonna scar."

"Ah, yeah."

More silence.

"Uh, how's Alastor? He okay too?"

"Been babysitting me like a hawk but otherwise fine. Sentimental deer."

"Good, good…"

More silence.

"And…Molly, she's…she's good? And Husk is good? And she's good with Husk?"

"Yup — they're both fine and practically living together. It's pretty cute."

There was yet another silence.

Angel noticed that Niss's eyes had lowered to his plate more and more as these questions had gone on. Finally he watched the older spider sigh. His voice was so quiet. "Tony…when are you gonna…say something…about…" His hands holding the espresso cup were shaking.

"When you say something first…" Angel replied softly, eyes down too, holding his own cup tightly. "Cuz this is about you, not me. And I'm not gonna force anything. I respect you too much for that."

There was a little more silence, but when Angel heard his brother sniff he looked over again and saw Niss sitting there with his his eyes wide, quiet tears falling.

Angel frowned so much and was about to try and say something to comfort him when some trembling words sputtered out of Niss's mouth. "I…don't like girls…I like guys." And then his breaths were quick and he had to start wiping at his face, the tears started coming so quickly.

Angel grabbed both their mugs and set them aside, then put an arm around his brother's back. "Hey, hey, shh…Hey. I know how hard it is to say those words for the first time to someone. I know. It's okay." He patted him.

"No it's not…" Niss groaned as he rested his head on Angel's shoulder. "I was always acting like no one could understand you and always pretending I knew what I was doing, and you got hurt and I've been hurt, and I thought I was broken but then I realized I'm not, and then I went and fell in love with some big rival of yours and got you roped in to all this stuff with Pops again, and I should have just told you, just explained everything to you from the start. Cuz maybe then we could have been better together from the start." He finally looked up into Angel's eyes, face a mess of tears. "I'm a stubborn ass, and I'm sorry."

Angel was crying a bit too now. He shook his head. "No, you're not an ass. You—" he blinked, suddenly observing Niss's face closely. "Is your mascara running? Are you wearing mascara?"

"I tried on yours at our sleepover and I secretly liked it, so I borrowed Pen's!" Niss sobbed, blushing.

Angel smiled and shook his head then gently held his brother closer. "Well, the shade suits ya. And like I was saying, you're not an ass. Stubborn, yes, but I'm pretty that's a hardwired genetic trait in our family, heh." He took a deep breath. "I accept ya and love ya for who you are, Archie. And I'm glad you finally knew more about who you are too. And I'm glad you know about yourself better now. And I'm glad you finally shared all this with me."

Niss sniffed, his crying easing up a little. "And…Pen?" He blushed more.

Angel smirked. "Of course I'm happy about you and Pen! He's powerful, funny, and hot — just like my guy! Great minds think alike!"

"Oh my god, Tony…" Niss separated from him and smiled and blushed a lot as he wiped away the rest of his tears.

"Oh please, like you aren't aware of all those things about Pen and Alastor and probably Husk too." Angel rolled his eyes and rested back more against his pillows, eyeing Niss. "Pen's also real nice to you from what I've seen. He looked all kinds of smitten on the airship when you announced you two were dating."

Niss swallowed and shrugged, eyes down shyly. "Pen's a prince. A real gentleman and so smart. And he acts all classy and pretty. And he tells me I'm wonderful and fascinating and worth caring about…"

"Overlords really are something else when it comes to chivalry huh," Angel mused.

Niss's smile grew as he nodded. Then he added shyly, "I couldn't stop thinking about him from the first time we met. I liked him…like how I always wanted to like someone. And when we finally kissed it felt good. It was the first time kissing anyone ever felt good for me." He dug his hands against the blankets. "I've hated it every other time. With those girls Pops used to set me up with — ones he wanted ta marry me off to so he could make mob connections. I thought…I thought I didn't know how feel good about all that stuff."

"I…I knew getting ready for dates always made you grumpy but…" Angel blinked and frowned. "You never felt good…ever?"

Niss just sniffed and shook his head, curling in on himself a little, voice a bit broken. "Every time I fooled around with a girl, it was a nightmare."

Angel shook his head. "I didn't know. I'm sorry it was like that for you." He wiped away some fresh tears and squeezed his brother's hand. "Well, now you know what you like. And it's valid and it matters." He hugged his brother, and Archie shut his eyes tight and hugged him back.

They separated. Niss took a deep breath, no longer crying. "Tony…while I got the courage to ask, could I talk to you sometimes about…being gay?" He swallowed. "I don't really…I don't really know how to have a relationship with a guy. And I was always bad at having em with girls. I guess I feel lost all around, heh… Especially about, you know, any…intimate stuff." He blushed.

Angel blushed a little bit too. "Of course I'll help. I, uh, don't mean to brag but I'm a bit of an expert on gay matters of the heart, heh." He laughed a little.

Niss smiled a little more. "Pen and I are starting slow anyway. Just trying to figure out what to do now that the first kiss happened, heh. But…if I have any questions, it's real good to know you're here."

"I'm always here. You're my brother. And my friend." Angel winked.

Niss's smile grew. "You're my friend too, Tony." He considered, managing to take up his cup again. "If it's okay to ask… what did you and Alastor do after your first kiss?"

"Hmm, woke up together," Angel mused.

Niss nearly snorted in surprise on his espresso.

Angel laughed. "Hey, hey, that was kind of a joke. I mean we did wake up together but that's only because it was super late when we kissed and we got tired. No one's gotta jump into sex. You just figure out what feels right for the both of you."

Niss nodded, clearing his throat, absolutely red. "Yeah, I'll…I'll keep that in mind."

"In the meantime, I can give ya a list of Pen's likes and dislikes and favorite things and stuff."

"Cherri already did. She's been real into getting us to finally make a move on each other."

"Yeah, she was the same way with me and Alastor."

They both shared a grin and then burst into laughter.

Niss sighed, leaning comfortably back on the pillows, finally at ease. "I'm gonna text Molly to let her know everything worked out okay. She's been waiting so long for me to come clean."

"Hey, invite her up here," Angel suggested. "We'll eat and have some more sibling bonding time, like at our sleepover. I think we need it after everything with…ya know, Pops."

"I'd like that." Niss's gaze warmed as he finished sending the text. He turned to his brother. "I like this version of a family much better than the old mob one."

"Oh yeah!" Angel nodded sagely after a satisfying sip of his espresso. "Way less drama and dry tradition. Way more snacks and cute guys."

The shared a laugh again. Then they were elbowing and nudging each other and finally roughhousing a little together until their sister finally came. And once the trio got settled, they ate and talked, and laughed, and it was exactly what all three of them needed.

After a nice night spent with Rosie and Mimzy just eating and drinking and actually relaxing for once in her life, Cherri had rolled out of bed at noon and decided to do a little spying on the studio. She liked giving herself a chance to take things easy…but after so many years of being on high alert in hell, it was hard for her to slow down for too long.

Besides, she wanted to give Rosie and Mimzy some time alone. She knew they were together now, and it felt kind of weird to be staying with two people who were in love. But at the same time she was sort of…getting a little lonely all by herself at her hideouts, especially since Angel hadn't been coming by as much considering everything he'd been managing with his family and Valentino's bullshit and trying to deepen his relationship with Alastor.

Maybe…she would think about trying to stay at the hotel for a while. Sure she'd still be living with some serious couples but at least it was more of a communal space. She could hang out with Nuggets if worse came to worse.

Cherri sighed, downed the last of her cheap coffee, then tossed the cup away as she stared at the studio from the roof where she was currently perched.

She hated this place so much. She knew all the hateful things that had happened to Angel here from so many nights of him showing up at her place, crying and strung out and scuffed up or worse. She joked with him sometimes about planting C4 around the studio one day and pressing a button to blow it all sky high. For real though, she actually had buried a bunch of C4 around here, little by little over the course of several years with hundreds of late night visits. And she did have a button somewhere that she could press… and then it would all go boom.

If she could be sure no innocent strippers were passed out in there right now, she might have seriously pressed it today and set Angel free completely from this place of horrible memories. But she couldn't be sure. And either way she felt like she owed it to Angel to talk to him about something like this first. Once she saw him feeling better, she was sure it would take the edge off of some of her impulsiveness and anger.

Weirdly though, Cherri suspected that no strippers or anyone else was in the studio right now, which was definitely odd. It was nearly two o'clock now, which was when the porno shoots started: a big money making time for Valentino. But Cherri didn't see anyone coming or going or hear any music, and the perpetually glowing neon sign out front wasn't even lit. She caught sight of the closed blinds of Valentine's office and scowled — at least she knew that fucker couldn't be in there. There was no way he was better after the ass kicking he'd gone through. Even in critical condition though, Cherri knew he would have kept this place running to make money and make his sex workers feel like shit. So what was his angle with suspiciously closing up shop? What was coming?

Fuck this subtle espionage shit — even if the C4 plan was out for now, she at least wanted to blast her way in there and bang some heads and find some dirt and then drop a few M-80s in the toilets. But…she knew it would cause more harm than good if she did. Valentino was leaving Angel alone right now, and Angel was safe with the princess and Alastor to protect him. The last thing they needed after all the trauma with Henroin was more trouble and another fight.

She took a deep breath and rubbed her eye. Then she pulled out her phone and made a call. There was still one precautionary thing she could do right now…and a few internet searches on her way here had made her finally decide it was better for her to say something so people could be prepared. "Hey…Vaggie? It's Cherri… Nothing, just keeping an eye on the studio. It's pretty quiet. I'm guessing Val wants to lay low for a bit after humiliating himself." She swallowed. "Listen, maybe I'm just tired and a little paranoid but…I saw something, and I'm not sure if it's worth it to tell Charlie about it. I know she's been stressed… No, it's not about the mob, it's about…her, maybe? Or her parents? The royal family? Look, just go on Voxtube and look up the latest teaser ads for the News 666 station. It's probably nothing, but I don't want any more surprises. My nerves are kinda shot…" She leaned back against the wall with a deep breath, eye closed for a moment, listening to Vaggie. "Yeah, I'm okay…I guess. I don't know, I was thinking about a vacation…maybe to your hotel? Not as a permanent guest though, I am not the angelic type, heh." Cherri managed a small laugh and opened her eye. "Yeah, well…we'll see. And just let me know what you think about that news teaser once you see it. No one should end up as ratings bait for that shitty show. Talk soon." They hung up and she glanced back at the studio once more, rubbing her eye in tiredness. Her gaze drifted to Valentino's office window again.

For just a moment she thought she saw the blinds shift a little, but then they looked normal. She eyed the space carefully for several minutes — nothing changed. Finally Cherri just sighed and shook her head. "Fuck, I'm tired. Come on, there's no way Val is better enough to be in that studio — even if he was, that arrogant fucker wouldn't be hiding and spying. And there's NO WAY he would ever let anyone else use his office. And there's no way a stripper would sneak up there — not with Val's punishments." She rubbed her head. "I need to get more coffee or take a nap or something. Then I've gotta talk to Rosie and Mimzy about heading over to the hotel. Angel's siblings and Alastor have had him to themselves long enough. Now it's my turn to be all over him for waking up." She smiled a little and headed away.

She didn't know that, as she turned around, a familiar face with pigtails was watching her from the window with a curious manic grin.

Speaking of the studio…

It was quiet right now because Vox was the one temporarily running it. And if he was going to run it, he was going to do so his way — which meant whichever way was simplest, safest, cleanest, and would give him the least chance of a headache or any major debts.

Yet what a headache he started to have the morning following the mob battle when he sat down at Valentino's desk and pulled out his receipts to try and figure out the books. It was a nightmare of cigar-burned papers and checks signed in lipstick and loose cash with no clear idea of where it had come from or where it was meant to go. "If we had an IRS down here, they'd be hunting you down, Val, I swear…" Vox grumbled to himself as he sighed and got to work.

He had decided immediately to keep the club entirely closed for a few days while he took home all the receipts and sorted things out — no shows, no porn, no services. He needed quiet and a blank slate, and quite frankly the whole building needed a break from all the cigar smoke and liquor spills and disturbing fluid scents. Honestly, the state of the studio was part of why Vox never had Valentino over to his place — the man was a pig, in terms of relations AND cleaning.

Well, Vox never USED TO have Valentino over to his place. But after the mob battle…there hadn't exactly been any other place for the passed out moth to go. Velvet could only manage caring for herself (and pet sharks too, surprisingly), and even that situation was touch and go. And they couldn't just leave him at the studio with orders for the strippers and bouncers to look after him. They all hated Valentino; seeing him so weak, they'd rob him blind and shove his body in a dumpster — and maybe set that dumpster on fire.

So Vox had been left only one option.

Which was why Vox's living room couch had been occupied by an unconscious Valentino for the last two days, who had spent that time in a groggy daze, moaning and grumbling and full of bruises that would look worse before they got better. Taking full-time care of Valentino was even more stressful than taking full-time care of Vark, and frankly managing both of them at once was enough that there definitely wasn't time for Vox to manage opening the studio for anything even if he had wanted to (and Velvet definitely couldn't be trusted to run the place on her own… There would be so many knives, so many whipped cream bikinis, such a frightening number of casualties…)

Valentino wouldn't like the lack of profits when he woke up. Vox would just calmly remind him that they were both loaded as hell and it really didn't matter. The studio was more about power for Valentino really. And anyway…Vox had another subject regarding the studio to spring on Valentino that he was sure would annoy the moth a lot more.

He was still working out the best way to present that second thing.

In the meantime, Vox was sitting at his desk in the living room this afternoon, finally done sorting and calculating and now digitizing all of the numbers to see what he was working with. Vox sighed and leaned back in his seat, enjoying a moment of peace. "You're lucky Vel was able to take Vark for a walk so today I'd have time to wrap this up, Val. We might even be able to do a soft open of the studio tonight — just some drinks and dancers, the basics. If Vel can stay with you and Vark here, then I go down to the place and keep an eye on things to make sure it goes well." He glanced over toward the sofa.

He knew Valentino probably couldn't hear or understand him. But Vox had figured talking to him might help bring him around. The guy had gotten a lot of wounds to his body and a big one to his ego. It made sense that he needed some time to rest and process. But still…Vox was looking forward to seeing him open his eyes. It made him uneasy that the normally robust powerhouse moth was in such a defeated state. Vox wanted him to wake up, even if that meant Val might grumble and toss and try to leave. He almost missed all of Valentino's childish pouting whenever he knew he was wrong but refused to admit someone else was right.

"I'm gonna make stew tonight. I figure soup's easy to get down but hearty enough to keep you full." Vox rubbed the back of his neck. "I know, I know, you like fried greasy things that cook under a heat lamp. But you kind of almost got yourself killed the other day, so I don't think some home cooking would hurt." He smiled and tilted his head. "Huh, I don't think you ever actually tried my cooking before. Or, I never let you try it cuz you'd always make cracks about me probably only being good at making tv dinners." He rolled his eyes. "I know it's not your style, but I hope you'll say you like my food once you wake up and finally know you've been eating it." He laughed a little. "Well, I better start defrosting the meat. And Vel should be back with Vark soon, so I've gotta run his bath too. Then I'll take care of changing your bandages."

Vox stood up and headed to the kitchen, already trying to work out how he could keep the studio running at just enough of a capacity that he could manage affairs there but that no one would suspect something was wrong with Valentino.

Once he made it to the kitchen his phone rang. He answered. "Vel? Are you heading back here with Vark?… Wait, why were you at the studio?" Vox sighed with a dry look. "Okay, fine, 'cuz no one could tell you not to be'. Anyway, what's—" His brow furrowed. "Oh, Cherri, huh?" He rubbed his head. "She's probably just checking up on things. Making sure Val's still out of commission and that no one's gunning for Angel. It's fine. If things escalate maybe I'll try putting in a call to Alastor to let him know that as far as I'm concerned our truce can stay indefinite." He swallowed and went over to the fridge as Velvet went on. "Yeah, about Angel… I'm telling Val we're not going to have him at the studio anymore. Clearly he can't handle being around that spider, and clearly Angel doesn't want to be around him, and clearly Alastor doesn't want either of them around each other…" He pulled out the meat and shut the fridge. "Yeah, Val's going to be pissed, but I don't care. I'll just…help Angel find a new job or something so we can all move on. Because things can't go on like this." He smiled a little as he grabbed a few ingredients from the cupboard. "No, I'M gonna be the one to tell Val about 'no more Angel' when he wakes up and probably have him get all pissed. You can watch though if you want…. Okay, see you soon." He hung up and went on with his dinner preparations, humming a tune to himself.

The living room was silent and still the moment Vox left. And the stillness managed to continue for a whole minute, which was impressive considering Valentino wasn't a patient man. Once he figured the coast must be clear though, the moth's eyes popped open and he let himself take deeper, shuddery breaths. Everything still hurt — both his body and his pride.

But what hurt worst of all had to be his chest.

Because his heart still kept doing some kind of unsettling 'fluttering' thing whenever Vox got near him, and the sensation was turning Valentino's insides into a spiral of nausea and dread and fear…and…some kind of perverted hope?

Valentino clutched the blankets. He had been coherent since this morning but still faking sleep because…he could not talk to that man. He could not face him. He could not risk messing up…this, whatever it was that was going on. Vox was taking care of him after a whole bunch of shit had gone down between them, and Valentino…liked it?

The moth shuddered. He had a very bad feeling that the moment he let Vox know he was awake, everything would change and maybe everything would be ruined, and he wasn't sure how much he could handle right now. But he couldn't go back to sleep because the last thing he remembered was dreaming over and over again about last month when he had casually kissed Vox to offer his 'services' for helping the television work through his hate crush on Alastor. Their mouths meeting so fleetingly… It was a feeling some part of him wanted to recall now…

He also knew he didn't have the option to just fake sleep for much longer either though because Vox had just mentioned changing all of his bandages, and Valentino could not lie here and let that man touch him and tend to him and talk to him without absolutely breaking out in a cold sweat of frustration and confusion and blushing and even more fluttery heart stuff.

This was bad. This was so very, very bad.

He was so distracted with anxiety that he didn't even hear Vox start to walk back in from the kitchen until the television gasped and dropped a bottled water on the floor. "Val! Val, you're awake!"

Vox rushed over as Valentino instantly sat up straight and pressed himself back against the arm of the sofa for distance. Sitting up so suddenly, unfortunately, caused his head to spin as much as his heart, and he winced with a scowl.

"Whoa, hey, take it easy. Here…"

Valentino's eyes widened and everything relaxed as a cool washcloth from the end table suddenly rested over his forehead.

He saw Vox sit beside him, smiling. "There. That should help a little. I'll get you some aspirin too, but you have to eat first. Dinner won't be ready for a couple of hours but I can make you something else for now. You're probably starved." He took a deep breath. "And…you're probably wondering about being here…"

Valentino swallowed and tried to speak but he found himself clutching his throat. He felt a scar there. He remembered now — Henroin and the piano wire.

"Hey, go slow, it's okay…" Vox offered gently.

Valentino willed away a painfully strong urge to blush as he coughed and managed to speak in a quiet, croaking tone. And he asked a certain question while he felt brave enough to hear the answer. "Why did you bring me home with you?" Vox blinked then shrugged. "Because Vel's house has too many knives, and the studio only has nurse outfits but no actual nurses."

Valentino almost laughed but pushed it back. He was not going to think of Vox as funny on top of everything else. "No, I mean…I mean, why didn't you just fucking let me die?"

Vox's eyes widened a little, and his smile fell. "Because I told you back during the fight…I'm your friend, and I want to help you, and you can't stop me. And because even you deserve to go out better than that, dying in the street."

Valentino sighed and slumped low on the sofa. "It's been like what, two days?"

"How did you know?" Vox blinked then smiled.

"Just…seemed like two days. Considering how hungry I am," Valentino quickly mumbled.

"Oh, right. I'll make you something." Vox stood up. "And hey, at least you have a sense of time passing. That's good. No concussion then." He smiled more. "You just relax and take it easy until we're sure you're in the clear from anything else major."

Valentino reluctantly snuggled under his blanket, frowning a little. "Is the studio open?"

Vox shook his head, look dry. "No. And don't complain. If I'm gonna run it til you're all better I needed to get a handle on the place in my own way. We'll open tonight or tomorrow."

"You're gonna run it for me…?"

"Yes." Vox had a dry look, like he was just waiting for the inevitable argument.

As though Valentino had the energy in him or the desire. As though the idea of Vox taking some command wasn't suddenly making his chilled and beaten form feel warm all over.

Oh fuck, he was so screwed.

Valentino swallowed and managed a word he probably hadn't said in a long time to anyone. "…Thanks."

Vox blinked. "What?"

"Thanks!" Valentino spat sincerely, pouting a little, scowl deepening.

Vox's smile came back.

Valentino realized he liked making Vox smile. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.

"You're welcome." Vox nodded. "Now just stay right there — and prepare to stay there for at least the rest of the week. You can get up and walk around if you want, but you shouldn't go out on the streets until we're sure no more mobsters are looking for you and no demons can realize you're hurt and take advantage of you."

Valentino scowled as Vox started to walk away. "Wait! What about the Radio Freak? Are you still doing that stupid truce of yours?" His blood boiled for a moment at the idea of Alastor and Vox being chummy enough now for that much cooperation. He distracted himself from the sickening jealousy by quickly asking about the next thing to pop into his head. "And what about Ange—"

Vox held up a hand, voice firm. "We're not gonna talk about them right now — not til you're a lot better. Just relax. I'll be back in a minute. And Velvet should be back here with Vark soon. He's been waiting by your bedside each day for you to wake up. He'll be thrilled to see you." He gave another smile and headed away.

Valentino sighed deeply and brought a hand to his head. He was stuck in the apartment of a guy he was CATCHING FUCKING FEELINGS FOR while the rest of hell when to hell without him. And his studio wasn't making money. And also maybe all of this drama and his ass kicking would get out to the public anyway.

He knew it was a long shot, but he hoped whatever Vox made him would include some cocaine. Or at least a cigarette or a beer. He was really fucking reeling.

Instead Vox brought him toast with grape jelly and a glass of juice and a cupcake. And even though Valentino knew he should be enraged at being treated like a child, it was all he could do to hold back tears as he ate the simple snack and felt like he was being filled by (some much needed) love and care with each bite. He was really so incredibly emotionally screwed…

A/N:

Yes, Val has a crush and has no idea how to have a crush XD So that's gonna be a fun thing for now. Plus the spiders are gonna be back together, and there's more Alastor and Angel stuff coming too :333 Thank you all for reading!

Take care!

-Azure129