A/N:

Hi everyone! It's time for a big emotional chapter between Husk and Alastor and for some thing to change around the hotel ^w^ I hope you like it, and thank you for reading!

Cw/ Trauma response, cathartic crying

Partners

Chapter 76:

Rewriting Our Stories, Together

Alone in the room she was using at the Emporium, Cherri hung up her phone and sighed deeply, closing her eye as her head rested back against her pillows. Niffty had needed almost an hour of talking down. And Cherri was glad the little demon had reached out to someone and called when she needed help — she understood all too well how shit from your past could really fuck up trying to enjoy your present. Cherri was happy Niffty felt better, but she was also exhausted now, mentally and physically. She kind of hoped no one would call or need her for the rest of the night…and tomorrow…and maybe the week.

She was running on empty and still couldn't figure out exactly why.

Cherri opened her eye and looked to the ceiling. "I mean, it wasn't MY dad who tried to gun down me and my siblings, and it's not MY hotel that might get sabotaged by a bitchy news anchor, and it's not MY secret spider boyfriend who almost got killed or MY colony of cannibals that needs to be kept rallied and ready to go. Angel and Charlie and Alastor are the ones dealing with the big shit, not me. And look at them, they're all getting by. Even Niffty's ready to try tackling some serious trauma, and Husk is probably already working hard to build some kind of life with Molly, and Niss just came out of the closet in one of the bravest public confessions ever." She shrugged, scowling. "But I've got no secrets, no responsibilities, no looming threats. I'm free and clear and safe, and I just help out when shit gets chaotic. Things are easy for me compared to them. And anyway I'm a fighter, I can handle whatever they need. Always."

She nodded to herself but suddenly felt a little dizzy. She tried to sit up, feeling a little shaky now too. It was like her head couldn't pick a thing to think about so instead her mind was just racing. She looked down and focused on her hands to steady herself. "I…I should finish those flash powder bombs I wanted to make before I go to sleep. That'll help. Yeah…" She pulled out the paper and gunpowder and twine and her tools. She set everything on a rag on the bed and started working. Her fingers kept twitching though or losing grip. so she had to move much more slowly and carefully than usual. Pyrotechnics, bombs, ammo… These were things she knew. She was an expert after all these years. The familiar practice of piecing together her explosives made her feel better, made her not have to think about the weird feelings inside of her.

She couldn't stand the silence right now though. She didn't want music, she just wanted city sounds or voices to give her some background noise to soothe her thoughts. She decided her own voice would be fine for now. "You don't have to feel worried or nervous or whatever. You've got all these great people in your life now who appreciate and love you along with the one person you've always had — Angie. And look how good they're all doing. Look how good he's doing." She sniffed, smiling a little — probably just gunpowder dust in her eye. "He's not letting Val use him anymore. He's taking care of himself. He found new friends. He made up with his family. He's got the guy he always deserved. He's gonna be okay now. They're all getting there. Even Niffty — she just started trying to work through her stuff, so it might take her a bit, but she knows what she has to do and she's strong enough to try." She twisted the top of the bomb to seal the flash powder. "And you got to help all of them a little bit or a lot. You did good, Cherri." She kept twisting. "You should be happy." She twisted even more. "Be happy…" The paper bulged as she tightened more…and her eye bulged with a tear… "Ah!" She gasped as the bag burst, sending gunpowder all over her arms and the rag…and now onto the bed spread, staining the pink and white fabric dark grey in a few spots.

"Oh shit!" Cherri bundled up everything in the rag and tried to brush off the powder, but it just ground deeper into the fabric. "Damn it, Rosie and Mimzy let you stay here, and you go and ruin the god damn comforter. All you had to do was not be a shitty guest — that's a pretty damn low bar. Come on, come out…" She grabbed the glass of water on her nightstand and poured some on, trying to wipe it with the end of the rag, but the stains just smeared. Now there was a horrible grey empty blotch that wouldn't go away no matter what. She scrubbed and wished it would go away and leave her alone. She wished SHE could go away…leave everything alone.

And suddenly somehow she was crying, sobbing, gripping the bed spread with her hands and groaning at the back of her throat, collapsed against the edge of the bed.

She had forgotten for a moment that she wasn't alone in one of her hideouts. She was in a house with others.

There was a swift knock on her door as those other people clearly heard her cries. "Cherri?" Rosie called. "Cherri, are you crying?"

There was a huff and a grunt from the hall, and then the door burst inward courtesy of being rammed by Mimzy's shoulder. She caught her breath and straightened up. "Did someone hurt you? Let me at 'em!" Mimzy's eyes glowed.

Cherri's sobs slowed a little in surprise, but she couldn't make them stop completely. She just clung close to the bed. She didn't have the energy to deny what was happening or a good excuse for being found like this. She just let out a deep shuddery sigh. "I'm okay…" she mumbled. "Just tired…" A fresh wave of tears poured out of her eye, and a fresh shudder sobs ran through her body.

She heard movement and peeked slightly up from the cradle of her forearms to see Rosie and Mimzy approach. Rosie sat on the opposite side of the bed and Mimzy came around and stood beside Cherri.

Mimzy patted her shoulder. "Cherri…what is it? If something's wrong you can tell us… We'll even keep it a secret and everything. You should have seen Rosie and me cleverly not letting Niss know for the last few weeks that Angel and Alastor were dating, heh…"

"She's right." Rosie nodded. "You can share anything with us, and we will treat your feelings with respect and confidence. And if you're not ready just yet, we'll be here for whenever you are ready to talk." She leaned a little closer. "Mimzy and I are quite fond of you friendship, you know."

Mimzy nodded. "You're like the hip little sister we never had."

Cherri almost smiled, but it wobbled and fell apart again. She still didn't lift her head up but she did turn it slightly so she could see and talk a bit better. "I…I got gunpowder stains on your blanket. I'm sorry."

Rosie raised an eyebrow and leaned over, finally noticing the grey smudges. "That? Oh it's fine. I know how to get every stain out of everything. You should see some of the stains Alastor's come home with. Blood, viscera, and every kind of oil blotch and electrical burn you can imagine from tinkering with radios or battling Vox." She smiled. "We'll get you a fresh blanket and a hot cup of tea with milk to go with it — perfect recipe for a good night's sleep."

Cherri glanced at her, blinking a few times. "I…thank you…I…" The tears were building again.

Mimzy frowned. "Shh, hey, you don't have to thank us. It's such a little thing, and we're happy to help. You help so many people yourself after all — Angel and Niss and Molly and even Alastor…"

Cherri was very still, eye down.

"You're a good young lady, Cherri. You never have to feel alone here," Rosie assured.

Cherri took a breath. "But…I do feel alone… I think that's why I…" She hesitated and swallowed back some more tears.

Rosie and Mimzy shared a quick look then waited for her to go on or to choose to rest for now.

Cherri sat up a little. The idea of keeping everything inside of her as this big dark blank weight in her chest to be avoided made her feel sick. Talking about it seemed like a slightly less scary option. And Niffty had seemed so much better after talking to her. She wanted to feel better too. "I…I'm alone cuz everyone's meeting new people and starting new things in their lives and doing so much better. But I'm…still the same person, in the same place, doing the same things. And maybe everyone needed some of my help to get where they are, but now they don't need me. And I don't know what to do. I don't know how to not fight for myself or someone else. Even thinking about it makes me tired and sad and…scared." She blinked a few times, the tears building again. "And then I couldn't even build a stupid flash powder bomb right just now, and I got the gun powder everywhere and messed up the blanket like the world's worst house guest, and now here we are…" She closed her eye and let the rest of the tears fall, sniffling and catching her breath.

She only stopped as a temporary shock came over her when she realized Rosie and Mimzy were suddenly at each of her sides, hugging her closely. She let herself continue to let some final tears fall, sinking against them.

"It's okay, dear, let it out," Rosie gently urged. "You've done so much, no wonder you're overwhelmed."

"You've been taking care of everyone but forgetting to take care of yourself," Mimzy chided. "We're gonna help fix that."

Cherri let out a deep sigh. "I don't know to take care of me. Most of the time I feel like too much of a train wreck to be worth it…" The small truth slipped out as her tears tapered off.

"Well, to begin we'll help you understand why you are indeed worth it," Rosie explained. "And in the meantime you'll be staying here — no battles, no obligations, no scouting…"

"But…that's the only stuff people still need me for…" Cherri started, shaking her head.

"People need you to be happy and healthy and safe," Mimzy assured seriously. "You don't have to be taking care of a bunch of things and doing a bunch of favors to belong in the lives of the people who love you. Right now what you need is to take some time away from all the big stuff and focus on you."

"She's right," Rosie nodded. "You deserve to give yourself some time and be the one who's helped for once." She met Cherri's gaze. "Every person deserves chances to figure out what they want in life and how to be happiest. This is going to be one of yours."

"We'll teach you how to take care of yourself. We taught Alastor!" Mimzy beamed. "He used to be running on empty for days, even weeks! But we got him to start at least putting in some minimal self care for his sake and everyone else's."

"We won't force anything," Rosie assured. "We just want you to know that this is a safe place, for however long you need, simple as that"

Cherri was very still for a moment. Part of her wanted to insist that she really was okay. But a larger part of her knew that she couldn't keep going on this way. If she tried, she wouldn't be okay. So she nodded with the last bit of energy she had. "Can I…have that tea…and the blanket…" she managed to ask.

Rosie nodded and straightened up. "Right away."

"Ill grab you some cookies too!" Mimzy assured. She gave Cherri another big hug then separated from her. "We can sit in here with you and work on our sewing or play a card game while you rest, or leave and give you privacy, whatever you'd like."

"Stay please," Cherri breathed out. "I'd like that. I don't think I'm up for anymore, talking but I don't want to be alone either." She managed to get herself up and sitting on the bed. She curled up against the pillows, eye half lidded, feeling oddly peaceful if still a little shaken by all of the emotions that had just poured out of her.

Mimzy and Rosie nodded to her and left to gather everything she would need.

When they returned with the blanket and tea and cookies and a deck of cards, they tucked her in and set the snacks on a small plate at her bedside. The two ladies began a quiet game of Crazy 8's. Cherri barely made it through watching one hand and drinking half a cup of the soothing tea before dozing off into a deep, restful, and much needed long sleep, drifting off to the gentle chatter of Rosie and Mimzy. It felt like a good start to something long overdue.

"…So there we were, me and Alastor wrestling in here, trying to settle whether or not he could go out hunting while he was sick. We finally tied and we're lying on the floor, sweating and panting, everything set up to be this big emotional and erotic moment… when Al gets cold feet and tells me to go. Oh I was so mad heh. So I did what any sane gay man would do. I went to the open house in the dress he made me, I did a tasteful pole dance on stage that I knew would drive him crazy, and then I chatted up everyone at the party except for him — while he watched and seethed with jealousy!" Angel rolled his eyes as he finished another slice of pizza. He was propped up on pillows in bed with Niss sitting on one side of him and Molly sitting on the other. They were into their second pizza and third bottles of soda, just having such a wonderful time, especially now that all the bad stuff was behind them and they could all talk about their fellas.

"And that really worked for getting Alastor to confess to ya?" Niss asked, raising an eyebrow.

Angel smirked. "One hour later, we were on the hotel roof ready for anything with each other… I mean, until Vox interrupted by crashing the chandelier in the ballroom. But then I got to watch Al take care of business, and that was nice too." His eyes hazed. "And we, uh…ya know, we caught up with each other later for making our whole little mutual attraction official."

Molly giggled. "Oh, the hotel open house was the best night for love! Meeting Husky behind the bar was wonderful. He was so stubborn! I pinned him in five seconds flat after he snuck up on me for snoopin' around— then we talked and shared moonshine, and I made him smile."

"And…that was the night I met Pen, even if it was just as friends," Niss added shyly with a blush.

Molly giggled more. "I wish you and me hadn't been sneakin' around that night — we both coulda danced together with our fellas: me and Husky, and you and Penny." She sighed dreamily.

"Well, what's stopping you two from dancing with 'em at Louise and Abel's wedding?" Angel asked with a grin. "Al already agreed to dance with me at it."

"But the wedding's still so far away. I think we should get in some practice first — all of us." Molly smirked a little, looking at Angel.

Angel smirked back. He put a hand to his chin like he was suddenly coming up with a great idea. "Say, now there's a thought. Hey, ya know, maybe for our triple date we could go dancing, right here in the hotel! We'll set up the ballroom, put on some music…"

"Wait, me too?" Niss was blushing and wide eyed. He held up his hands. "Come on, you two, you know I can't dance."

Molly leaned in closer to him. "It doesn't have to be fancy. You just gotta stand in front of Penny and hold him and sway a little. I bet you could manage that pretty easy."

Angel nodded. "Yeah, it's not like we'll be out in public. Just the six of us, and no one's gonna judge you. Believe me, Al'll be too flustered thinking about other people seeing us together to bother, and Husk'll be all gaga over Molly in another cute dress."

Niss looked down, considering. "Cherri's list about Pen did say he liked dancing…" He sighed. "Okay. I'll ask him, I guess…"

Molly and Angel both beamed.

"Wonderful!" Molly added, sharing another quick secretive look with Angel. "Now, before the big date, Angel and I also figured we'd do that little shoppin' trip we talked about — get some new outfits, do some bondin' and stuff. You remember, we were plannin' it before the big mob battle?"

"Yeah," Angel added, "so you can invite Pen down here for that too — he'll even get a chance to see Husk and Alastor again. It sounds like the three of them hit it off during the mob battle."

Niss blinked. "You both still want to do the shopping trip thing? I mean, I know you suggested it when you thought I was dating some chick, but…"

"We definitely want to do the shopping thing," Angel assured, eyes hazed knowingly. "Trust us, it'll be fun."

"We'll make sure everyone has a good time," Molly added with a nod.

Niss smiled even more, still blushing. "I…Well…Okay. Thanks. I'm…I'm really happy you're both happy about Pen and me, you know."

Angel slapped him playfully on the back and beamed. "Of course! Pen's gonna feel like part of the family soon, just like our two fellas. Promise."

Niss smiled so much at his little brother and sister.

Molly bit her lip then, pulling in her knees to hug them close. "Speakin' of bein' like family, I had a little talk with Alastor earlier…" She glanced back and forth between her brothers. "Told him I know he's nervous about impressin' us, but he's already swell in our books. I think it went good." She laughed a little. "He got real happy and started talkin' a mile a minute about all sorts of stuff that's been on his mind, and then he let me give him a hug."

"Aww, really!" Angel's clasped his hands together. "I wish I could have seen. It sounds cute!"

She giggled. "It was. I think he likes huggin'…"

"He really does…" Angel sighed with a dreamy look that made Molly giggle more and Niss chuckle.

Molly took a breath. "Anyway, he and Husk have been hangin' out today, and I think Alastor…might be havin' a little talk with him — about family and some things changin' between them…"

Angel's eyes widened. "You mean about the…"

Niss's eyes darted from one to the other. "The what?"

Angel frowned a little. "Uh…Al isn't just Husk's boss. He made one of his deals for Husk's soul…"

Molly quickly interrupted. "…Which is silly cuz maybe you can own all of a person's stuff and give them orders and even decide how their life's gonna go, but you can't own the special spark deep down inside 'em." She swallowed and took a breath. "But even if he's got a paper sayin' otherwise, I think Alastor's startin' to rethink things. He's gonna do something today…I'm just not sure what." She sniffed, trying to smile again. "Husky's the only one of our fellas who ain't an overlord, but he still deserves to be free."

Angel took her hand. "He does. Husk's a good guy. And Alastor knows that. And he wants to be a good guy for him too." He bit his lip. "I know this whole situation between our guys ain't ideal but…I really appreciate you still being so kind and welcoming to Al, Molly. And I know he does too."

She nodded with a smile and squeezed Angel's hand, cuddling close to him.

Niss watched his siblings and moved closer too, speaking comfortingly. "Hey, no matter what happens, the six of us are gonna find a good, safe way to be together. I'm gonna see to it. Your big brother's here, and he's gonna make things okay. And so is Pen probably cuz he really likes to help me out with stuff, heh…" He shrugged sheepishly as his brother and sister laughed. Then Niss wrapped them up in a big hug that they eagerly returned.

He pulled back eventually and sighed, glancing at his watch now. "Speaking of Pen, I love spending time together like this and I'm so happy to see ya feeling better, Tony. But I really gotta get back to the airship soon. Pen's been acting a little funny. I think the battle kind of wore him out — nothing serious, but I still want to make sure he's okay."

Molly nodded. "Will ya come back and visit every day though? I mean, as long as the airship's up there. Or are ya plannin' to go back to Rosie and Mimzy's and stay there again?"

"I…I don't know…" Niss's brow furrowed.

Angel smirked. "Well, unless you're planning to move in with Pen…" Predictably, Niss turned scarlet and shook his head, "…then you could always get a room and stay here with us."

Niss blinked in surprise then smiled so much, eyes hazed warmly. "I'd really like that, and I really appreciate ya wanting me here. I've loved staying in the colony, but it would be nice to be closer to you too for a little while." He bit his lip. "For now though, e-even though we're not living together cuz it's way too soon for that, heh…I really want to be with Pen in case he needs me. But once he's better…I'll think about it."

The three of them shared happy smiles.

Then Molly grabbed the nearest pizza box and opened it. "Before you leave, we have just three slices left. Think we can finish this final pie off?"

"God, I can — I barely ate for the last two days, I'm starving!" Angel grabbed a slice.

"Never let it be said that a pizza ever defeated the likes of us!" Niss grinned and took a slice as well.

"And Hell pizza is really starting to grow on me! The wood-fired ovens down here make a delicious pie!" Molly grabbed her slice eagerly.

The siblings lifted their pizza slices and then dug in, sharing a few final minutes together tonight and looking forward to all the fun nights together to come.

Husk had to admit — Alastor was a damn fine cook. The dinner they shared in the library was one of the best he'd had in a long time. The Radio Demon paid an obsessive amount of attention to detail in his recipes; everything was whipped up from scratch, and he never skimped on the spices, seasonings or servings. And there was care behind the dinner too, no Radio Demon trickery at all — Husk could feel it. By the time the meal was over, Husk was so content and relaxed that even if Alastor's 'request' turned out to be for Husk to paint himself red and become the hotel's new mascot he might have seriously considered doing it.

Alastor seemed to be enjoying himself too, savoring every bite from his plate and then easing back into his arm chair. Husk never brought it up, but he had a feeling that even though the deer demon got some extra power from cannibalism, demon meat wasn't exactly his favorite dish of choice. He had definitely been eating more of a variety since coming to the hotel, and he seemed happier both about the cooking and the consuming.

Alastor finally dabbed his mouth and pushed away his plates of empty crawfish shells and bread crumbs and pie crust pieces with a satisfied sigh. He glanced at Husk. "Ah, I see your plates are clean too now, Husker. Er…would you like thirds?" He held up his fingers to snap.

Husk shook his head and pushed away his plates too. "No way — any more of that good home cooking and I'll pass out here and now."

"Ah, so you liked it?" Alastor asked hopefully.

Husk resisted the urge to grin and roll his eyes at Alastor's eagerness for approval. "Yeah. You're a good cook. And it was a great spread. Why wouldn't I?"

Alastor shrugged, hands clasped nervously. "Sometimes you seem…hesitant to try my meals. And you just pick at things when you do. I often wonder if I just simply can't seem to appeal to your tastes." He blinked. "In hindsight perhaps I should have consulted you on the menu tonight, but I did want things to be surprise."

Husk tilted his head. "Alastor, it was great. And I appreciate you cooking for the two of us. And…" he blushed a little and resisted the urge to pout as he made himself admit, "…the only reason I don't eat much of your cooking is either because I'm very hungover and worried you'll kill me if I puke it up. Or because I'm frustrated at you and trying not to give you the satisfaction of liking anything you do." He shrugged sheepishly. "But I mean, these days I've been hungover a lot less since I'm not drinking as much. And I'm trying to stop handling problems passive aggressively since we're both adults and we should probably try acting like it every once in a while." Alastor's eyes widened a bit in wonder as he took in the small confession. Then his shoulders finally relaxed and his smile grew. "Ha! Well, then, I'm happy we're on the right track to be on better footing together about meals and…other matters." His ears twitched nervously.

Husk nodded. Then he turned to face Alastor more, a serious look on his face. "Alastor, now it's time to tell me what the thing is you want from me. You're seriously anxious about it, and even I'm starting to get a little on edge."

Alastor was very still for a moment. Then he nodded. "To…introduce the matter, first I'd like to inquire about the nature of your frustrations with me — like we touched upon during the mob battle. The reasons why I frustrate you sometimes…er, often."

Husk blinked. Then he leaned back a little. Fuck it, he might as well spill everything — best way to get a clean slate for moving forward. "Well, let's see — you never try getting to know anything about me — until lately, that is. You give me orders instead of just asking me to do things when you know I'm gonna do them anyway since it's my job — even though you're starting to be more polite now. You…took everything I had, and I know that was part of our deal, but you never give me any chances to try earning or winning any of it back — and that's true to this day. And sometimes you rub it in my face, and it makes it even harder to stomach." He scowled a little. "I've got nothing of my own, Alastor. Nothing to provide for anyone with." He blushed a little and added, "Oh, and how you got me into our deal in the first place — subtly seducing me — that was shitty. You and I both know that."

The deer demon had winced with each listed issue. But as Husk finished, Alastor finally took a breath and nodded. "Fair. All very fair complaints. Thank you for explaining your perspective to me" He crossed his legs and considered. "You have been…one my most helpful and dependable allies, you know. For a long time. You do deserve better. It's only right." Husk raised an eyebrow as Alastor went on. "I'll attempt to address each of your grievances. As for not getting to know you, I admit the oversight and am eager to share and learn more about you now if you'll indulge me. As for giving you orders…that's just been rudeness on my part, and there is no reason I can't ask for assistance like a civil person in the future. As for your possessions and assets…or lack thereof…" One of his ears went down, "I'll admit, that situation is harder to immediately amend since I liquidated most of your assets long ago…and since your 'earnings' in my service are, er…"

"Limited to bar tips?" Husk supplied dryly.

Alastor nodded. "I…I do have some thoughts though." He cleared his throat before Husk could ask for more details and continued. "And as for…the seduction…" He glowed so brightly and barely held back an embarrassed peal of static, and Husk almost cracked a small satisfied smile. "I can't imagine how you felt…"

"I felt like you would have felt if, in the middle of all your mutual flirting with Angel, he'd suddenly stopped and said it was all a joke." Husk blushed darkly, arms crossed. "Not that I was as gone about you as you two are about each other, but still…"

"…How…unforgivable of me," left Alastor slowly, gaze down, and Husk swore he could see some tears at the edges of his wide eyes. "I had…a reason for doing things that way at the time…but it's no excuse, and it wasn't right. And I am sincerely sorry."

"What…was the reason?" Husk asked, unable to help himself.

Alastor's glow became immense, and static buzzed between his ears.

"You don't have to tell me if you don't want to," Husk quickly added.

Alastor hesitated then shook his head. "No, you should know the full details of the matter. And besides it's…it's all in the past anyway." He let his eyes meet Husk's again. "May what I share stay between us?"

Husk nodded.

Alastor nodded in return then went on. "Up until not long before I met you, I had been attempting my first political alliance — a playfully hate-fueled partnership with…Vox." He scowled, sizzling static coming from his ears. "We were both technologically inclined overlords, even if in different ways. He seemed intrigued by me, and I liked the attention. We would fight together against others or fight each other, I would dismiss him, he would tease me, then I'd pick a new fight against someone else or him, and round and round we went. It was nice to have a compatriot…until he tried to get closer in an intimate way, and then I pulled away entirely." Alastor sneered a little. "I was not interested — and I made my strong aversion very, perhaps insultingly, clear. Anyway, Vox ended our alliance and declared I was just a lonely lost soul who no one in hell, heaven, or earth could ever stand being around. It stung…because it's a thought that had occurred to me before." Alastor tried to hold his head high, but his ears went down in a sad way.

Husk frowned.

Alastor continued, his look softening again. "When I ran into you a few months down the line, you seemed intrigued by me, and I couldn't help your interest intriguing me as well. You were on the way to being an overlord yourself, and your camaraderie proved that I wasn't so very unlikeable. I thought maybe we could form a little alliance of our own — perhaps you would even become another overlord to rival myself, and we could one day be friends and part-time enemies, ha!" He smiled a little. "I decided to get the ball rolling by offering you a deal — I thought it would impress you or thrill you or motivate you to try to best me."

The smile fell again. "But… instead you started behaving a bit differently toward me…like you were allured by me, the same way Vox once was." He glowed a little. "I didn't want a repeat of what had happened with him — the rejection. So I used my charm to encourage and influence your affections because I was convinced I could control the situation this time before it got out of hand." His smile grew so small, the ends turned down. "And then suddenly you took me up on the deal offer by proposing we play a card game with your soul at stake. I couldn't back down from the challenge, so we played, and I knew you were distracted by me, and perhaps I should have called or even thrown the game, but…I realized winning meant you could never leave me. I wouldn't have to be alone. And so I won." He was looking down. "But I acted smug and cruel as soon as the ink on your contract was dry to maintain my reputation. And you grew cold and angry, and I continued to push you away because everything becoming a mess between us was just another reminder that Vox must have been right and no one could stand to be around me without a contract or a tentacle holding them in place. Ha…" Alastor looked so frazzled. He brought a hand to his forehead and sighed.

Husk blinked as he finished taking everything in. Then he took a deep breath. "Yikes. That is a pretty fucked up story, Alastor. I…We really did put ourselves through hell never talking about any of this stuff…" He shrugged. "I guess my side of what happened back then…isn't exactly perfect either now that I think about it. I took you up on that card game for my soul because I did want to become an overlord and I really was starting to like you. I thought if I won — if I beat the infamous Radio Demon — it'd go a long way toward making a name for myself. And I thought you'd be impressed and, uh… finally go out with me if I asked. Because all of that sounds like the basis for a healthy relationship now that I say it out loud…" He rubbed his temple, cringing a little. "We were both much younger and way more fucked up than we are now."

"If I could go back, I—" Alastor started.

"No." Husk looked up, voice firm. "Look, I'm not saying it didn't all suck at the time, but…I don't know, maybe a small part of me liked the risk. Maybe part of me wasn't sure exactly what I was doing with the overlord stuff or what I wanted to happen. I made my choices." He shrugged. "And because of those choices, I got to help you not get yourself killed a bunch of times. And I met Niffty, and she's my best friend. And now I met Molly too, and I'm in love with her. And I actually finally give a damn about my life in a way that matters." He looked Alastor in the eye. I don't want to undo anything. I just…want something better going forward. Okay?"

He expected more anxious apologizing from Alastor. But instead the deer demon's smile softened and he gave a small nod. "Precisely why I've called you here this evening. Thank you for indulging my desire to set the scene so we can finally get down to business. Or to deals, rather." He snapped his fingers.

A scroll of paper, glowing green, appeared in the air. Without even having to read it, Husk knew it was his contract. "My fucking…?" He blinked a few times then held out his arms. "Wait, okay, wait…wait. If you're thinking about… You and I both know you can't just…make a contract go away. You set them up that way, and it's also part of the magic that binds them. There are some serious higher powers in play — if you tried to just destroy our deal, maybe you could, but you'd get hurt — bad — and maybe me too. And I'm not putting you and me and Angel and Molly through that."

"Destroying your contract in a way that causes us minimal harm would indeed be a challenge — I would need a great deal of time to sort it out safely, if it could even be done safely," Alastor admitted. But then his smile grew. "But…if we work within the parameters of the existing contract, changes to to your circumstances can be almost immediate!" Husk's eyes narrowed curiously "You and I both know you make those contracts ironclad — you write every line, and you phrase them all as specifically as possible."

"I do write every line, and I do make the language precise to carry out my means. But ironclad? Oh ho - no, I think not." Alastor couldn't help smirking proudly. "That would be rather boring, don't you think? No chance for anyone to prove themselves clever or worthy enough to find a way to torturously wriggle out through one of the proverbial back doors and surprise me, ha!" When Husk just kept staring at him blankly, Alastor's eyelids lowered, obviously pleased with himself. "What I'm saying, my dear Husker, is that I make my own loopholes. For fun."

Husk's look went dry. "You know, I want to be surprised, but somehow that kind of intended chaos is very on brand for you."

"Ha!" Alastor laughed heartily then snatched the contract from the air with a giddy grin. "So, would you like to know the big loophole? There are a few subtle ones that would require years of ridiculous risks and sheer dumb luck to make good on, but there's only one big one — one clause that instantly undoes the whole kit and caboodle, no harm, no foul."

"Lay it on me." Husk reclined back, preparing himself for whatever random and impossible thing a soul would have to do to escape Alastor's power in one move.

Alastor cleared his throat, spread the scroll, and read. "All contract stipulations shall become null and void in the event the signer proves to be or becomes of relation to the contractor."

Husk sighed. Alastor always had to be so mysterious and build things up so much, and he sympathized, but at this point he was getting tired. "Alastor, I know you're trying here but…what?"

Alastor rolled up the contract. "If we are family, no more contract. You are free to regain your former holdings or to try for new pursuits — whatever you wish. I put this clause in every contract because I honor family and do not take advantage of my own. But of course it has always seemed a loophole without risk since I have no family down here. Presently."

Husk hesitated…then his heart heart started racing. Because Alastor was looking at him funny, and his head was starting to piece together what he might mean…

Alastor's voice quieted…and his glow deepened. "Angel and Molly are blood. Should…one of us wed one of them and one of us wed the other…I do believe that would make us family, Husker."

Husk instantly bolted up. He paced a few times, practically sweating, scowling to himself nervously. "Oh ha-ha, Alastor, very funny! You know Molly and I have barely even started being an item…"

"But…you are in love together, yes?" asked Alastor cautiously.

Husk whipped his head around. "Yeah, we are! Which is why I respect her enough to take things at a decent pace and not just…go and marry her to get out of a contract!"

"There is no time limit — no need for anyone to rush into anything," Alastor replied calmly. "But should a union be something you both desire down the line, the option would merely be there. And would being family with me really be such an unfortunate thing? Ha…" He shrugged sheepishly.

Husk huffed, still blushing so much, shaking his head, growing more overwhelmed. "A-And that's another thing — no matter what me and Molly decide to do, come on, are you really trying to tell me you suddenly have serious plans to marry Angel?"

Alastor instantly glowed so much that his cheeks turned rosy. His wide eyes stayed down. His chest swelled with a deep breath, but otherwise he didn't move a muscle. Though he blinked once to remove some tears gathered at the edges of his eyes.

All of Husk's bluster suddenly slipped away, and his jaw fell as he froze in place. "Oh…Oh fuck. Did you…Did you already propose to—"

"No!" Alastor screeched with static. He played with his hands mercilessly. "I haven't even broached the subject! Not a word. It would be improper! We are still in the early stages of courtship, after all. I've only just as acquired his siblings' approval. I merely…I…" He clutched his hands. "I know my intentions for the future." He closed his eyes, voice soft. "Please. Please do not breath a word about this to another soul. I can't have him know my plans until the time is right. And there's still…something missing. A few things perhaps…" His eyes opened but stayed down, and his ears fell too. "I just want you to know that there's hope to escape me, Husker. And that I want you to be happy."

Husk stood there for a long moment. Then he walked over to Alastor and leaned down. He caught his eyes as best he could. "I'm not gonna say a word to Angel — or anyone — about your 'intentions'. And…I can't say if me and Molly…if marriage is something on the table for the future. But either way, I'd prefer you didn't tell her about this clause, okay? I don't want her looking to do me any favors."

Alastor gave a small nod.

Husk went on. "And look, I…I appreciate you trying and caring. A lot. And it does help, knowing there's a chance. Okay?" He rubbed the back of his neck as he straightened up.

Alastor nodded again and quickly wiped at his eyes. He cleared his throat and tried to put back on his usual smile. "Yes, well…that loophole is the only immediate way to be released from the contract. But we can still work within the existing contract to free up your situation a bit more, as I said."

Husk listened, eyes attentively on the radio demon.

Alastor went on. "Your contract binds your soul to my service for eternity. But…how does one define eternity? Infinity? And if so, what would half of infinity be? Something infinite as well, ha. My point is, since eternity can be a subjective term with an unknown end…small breaks from it can be allowed since it's all infinite anyway." He cleared his throat and unrolled the contract again. He flicked his wrist, and a pen appeared in hand. "Now then, we can't push the magic too far — for example, I can't assign you to my service for only one hour per week. We have to have the contract in full effect for over half the time to avoid any issues. I was thinking…perhaps you could be in my service four days a week and then the other three would be your own."

"I'm sorry, what?" Husk tilted his head.

Alastor made a few alterations on the contract with the pen. "And, of course, by making this adjustment, I would be officially recognizing your elevated status. You'd no longer just be a demon I've bound in my employ — you'd be an associate! Practically an overlord in the running again really. We'd have a proper business relationship. And for every situation where your assistance results in gains to my resources or position, you'll receive a cut of course. You're an asset to the Radio Demon enterprise, and you should be respected as such."

"I…huh?" Husk tilted his head the other way.

Alastor was was still glancing through the contract, making small notes. "I'm planning to make a similar adjustment to Niffty's contract as well — I'll discuss it with her privately soon. You two are my best and brightest and most trusted after all! And change can be good…for example, me changing to become a better boss, as I'm trying to do right now." He skimmed through more of the scroll. "As for the hotel bar, we can take turns running it in your stead when you're off. Or perhaps Baxter would like to give it a shot again and fill in part time — I'm sure Niffty would love that, ha!" He reached the end of the scroll and lowered it.

"I…" Husk blinked many times, "three days off…pay…practically an overlord…?" He shook his head then leaned in close, looking at Alastor. "Alastor." The deer's head snapped up to see Husk desperately scowling at him. "Are you saying that three days a week I get my life back?"

Alastor nodded. "Exactly! Three days a week, free and clear…Until I can arrive at a more permanent solution either with my magic or through our marriages, ha…" He glowed again.

Husk took some very deep breaths. Then he stood up tall. Then blinked a few more times then almost jumped when he realized he felt tears on his face.

"Husker! You're cry—"

"I am NOT doing ANYTHING!" Husk announced, wiping away the tears. "I just…I'm very full, and I had some beers earlier, and this has been a lot…"

"You're content with this temporary solution then?" Alastor asked hesitantly. "You'd have to agree and initial the changes before they can take effect."

Husk nodded so vigorously, still wiping away tears that kept trying to come. "Damn it, part of me wants to ask if you're fucking with me, but even you wouldn't go through all this just for a bait and switch. Angel deserves a medal for softening you up this much."

"Angel deserves a medal for being perfection in corporeal form…" Alastor mused, eyes hazed as he raised his pen, the object glowing green. He dramatically signed his initials then held the pen and contract out to Husk. He swallowed. "I know that…signing something with me again must be an unpleasant bit of déjà vu, but please trust me — I now have only your best interests at heart."

Husk didn't hesitate. He took the pen and nodded, looking Alastor in the eye. "I know. And I do trust you, Alastor." He glanced at the paper, transfixed for a moment, then finally signed. The contract glowed brightly then rolled up and disappeared in a flash of green flame.

It was done. And even though Husk knew right now wasn't one of his days off yet, his heart instantly felt lighter.

Alastor stood up, eyes and smile full of joy. "There, all done, except for the handshake!" He held out his hand hesitantly. "Of course, it was just an amendment, not a full new deal, so we don't have to, but if you wish—"

Husk took his hand and shook firmly. "It's a deal. All of it."

Alastor looked at him in awe. "Thank you…for trusting me."

Husk's hands shook a little as they still held Alastor's. "Thank you for…trying."

They watched each other for a long moment.

Then Husk released his hand and swallowed, blinking a few times and clearing his throat, still a bit overwhelmed. "I, er, uh…Alastor, I wanna confess something to you because I think now you deserve to know the truth." When the deer tilted his head, Husk quickly explained, "Along with liking your cooking in general…I love your beignets. I always said I hated them just to piss you off, and I've been too stubborn to back down about it. But they're fucking delicious."

Alastor beamed so much. "Ah, I'll make some for you soon then! Perhaps a basket to share with Molly!"

"Heh, it's a deal." Husk wiped a way some tears and laughed.

Alastor clapped his hands together. "Well then…now that that's all settled we should probably go check on our paramours. It's late, I'm certain they're missing us." He snapped away their dishes.

Husk nodded. "Yeah, Molly did promise to help me make the bed warm again, heh. And I'm sure you can't wait to be all over Angel again now that he's coherent." He smirked as they started to head to the library doors. "You've been doting on him ever since the fight. It's kind of sweet, you know."

"I merely wished to ensure his safety, and I only know for certain he's safe when I am near him," Alastor replied, glowing so much. "I want him to see he is cared for…" "Well, I'm sure with everything you've been doing for him here and everything you did for him in the field, he's feeling plenty safe and loved."

Alastor paused, a screech sounding between his ears. When Husk raised an eyebrow Alastor blinked and explained. "I…I have not said those words to Angel." He swallowed. "One of the little snags preventing me from…pursuing more formal matters."

"Wait…really…you haven't said you love him?" Husk raised an eyebrow in confusion. "But you do love him, right? So why not?"

"I…" Alastor's eyes went down and his ears twitched. "I don't feel attraction the way he does. Asexual, as you said. And I also don't seem to experience amorous emotions the way he does — my…feelings for him are strong but they're not quite like his feelings for me. So I cannot says those words to him yet, not while I'm unsure if my sentiments are of the proper caliber. He deserves the best." He sighed. "I tried discussing this matter with Rosie — she says there's something I'm not realizing yet, though I can't imagine what it is.

"Alastor…seriously?"

Alastor looked up at Husk with such innocence and confusion.

Husk sighed and replied to him with full sincerity. "Alastor, you listen to Angel, you keep him safe, you think about him all the time, you do him favors, you nurse him back to health, you practically adopted his pig. So what if you're Ace and maybe Aromantic too — someone who doesn't experience much romantic attraction." He shook his head. "Rosie has the patience to let you figure things out on your own, but I always tell you things straight when you need it, so here it goes. What you and Angel feel for each other might be different, but the result is the same — you care about each other with your whole hearts. So you already love him, just in your own way. But it's still love — not 'better' or 'lesser' love, just love." He looked into Alastor's eyes. "You know it's true: I mean, you're talking about marrying the guy and spending your whole eternity with him. Stop being stubborn and dramatic and just think about it."

Alastor stopped breathing, eyes so wide, glow so bright in his face that his cheeks were rosy. His ears twitched a little, like something was calculating in his head. Then he gasped sharply in realization. "Oh my."

"Wow…" Husk eyed him curiously. "I didn't mean to make you blow a fuse or anything. But if it'll help you and Angel be even happier together, maybe it's worth it, heh…" Husk grinned and lead them through the door, holding it open for Alastor. "Come on, we both need some time to process. I think we made some great progress today on our friendship and now your love life too I guess."

"Friendship… We're friends, yes!" Alastor finally snapped out of his shock and looked to Husk with a big grin. "Husker, my friend! I must go see Angel now. Thank you!" He took Husk's hand in both of his own, shook heartily, then stepped back.

Husk nodded, smiling warmly. "Anytime. Go get him."

Little delighted sparks came off of Alastor's ears as he nodded then snapped himself away.

Husk sighed and turned toward his room with the idea of lying down and thinking over the amazing change in his life that had just happened while he waited for Molly. But first he went over to the bar and dug around for a bottle of champagne to put on ice — this wasn't just a time for thinking or talking, it was a time for celebrating. He couldn't wait to tell Molly about his new contract…though he didn't feel right yet talking to Molly about the marriage clause. That could wait. For now they would just be happy with their whole futures ahead of them. And maybe Alastor and Angel would do the same now that the gears had finally started turning in the deer demon's mind and heart to show him the truth about how much he clearly already loved Angel.

This place was becoming a mess of sappy emotions. Good — Husk had been afraid for a while that he had lost the ability to feel those. He was grateful to have them back with no end in sight.

A/N:

Yes, finally, Alastor and Husk have resolved their issues lol! And now they can move forward as best maybe future brother in laws 3 I still have a couple more chapters ready to post, and their full of lots of fluff and romance for the spiders, so I hope you like them ^w^

Take care!

-Azure129