A/N:

Hi everyone! I'm back with some new "Partners" ^w^ There are some sweet moments coming up in these next few chapters and a few major moments for different couples and characters. Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoy!

Partners

Chapter 98:

Bonds Between Blood and Beloveds

"Shall we whip up a fresh batch of deviled eggs just for our dear crow friends, Niffty?"

"Good idea, Alastor! They love the eggs so much. Silly birdies — you COME from eggs."

"Oh, I think they know. They are chosen cannibals through and through, ha!"

"No wonder they like you so much. I bet one of these crows would make a nice pet for you if you wanted. But it's extra nice that they get to be free to fly around."

One of the crows in question landed on Niffty's raised hand as she and Alastor sat in the open backyard of the cafe this morning. Since the cafe wasn't normally open this early, they had snuck in (leaving Abel and Louise still sound asleep at the hotel), prepared their own food together in the kitchen, and had proceeded to enjoy their breakfast (and discuss certain important matters) in peace and quiet and privacy. Now their table was strewn with empty dishes, and for the last half hour Niffty and Alastor had been having a grand time just feeding scraps of their breakfast to the little lingering creatures.

The crow on her hand cawed and flew up again, and Niffty laughed, swinging her legs.

Alastor couldn't help laughing too, in a softer way than most demons were used to hearing. He was glad again that they had managed to come here alone. He had been meaning to have a heart to heart chat with Niffty to check in on her and reassess some of the more contractual parts of their relationship. And the ideal opportunity had presented itself when they had both woken up early and run into each other in the lobby. Alastor had been especially pleased when Niffty had suggested going out somewhere together — her enjoyment of outings lately was delightful to see.

The Radio Demon teleported away their soiled plates and snapped his fingers.

His shadow appeared, wearing a chef's hat. It bowed with a grin, holding a tray with fresh coffee and a couple of beignets.

Alastor grinned in return. "Ah, perfect timing! Thank you for preparing and delivering our surprise final course. Would you mind fetching a plate of deviled eggs as well for our crow friends? There should be some already cooked that just need prepping and plating. Niffty and I still have some loose ends to tie up out here."

The shadow nodded, set down the coffee and pastries, then disappeared to the kitchen.

Alastor looked to Niffty as she bit into a beignet with a happy smile. "Thank you for taking me out to breakfast, Alastor — and for making your beignets." She glanced around. "I've been enjoying going out so much more lately. And hell is extra peaceful in the mornings."

Alastor nodded. "Anything for you, my dear. I am always honored and entertained by your company." He grinned. "And these days I do believe Baxter is too. All going well now?" He had refrained from asking about her new relationship until this point, wanting to give her as much privacy and space about that issue as possible, though his instincts and observations told him matters were progressing quite well for the happy little couple.

She nodded, blushing a little. "Oh yes. He's very kind and understanding. And I'm kind and understanding. And we're kind and understanding about what we need together. And he's nice and also kind of fierce…" She smirked to herself. "You know, when he found out that Katie had hacked his drone to get that mob fight footage, his eyes and fins glowed and his lantern flickered like lightning and his brow got all furrowed in determination. Then we raced to his lab and started doing all these big calculations and welding stuff and electrocuting things with a wicked smile. And I helped! It was all very passionate and cute." She giggled dreamily. Then she swallowed, smiling more. "We're going to Abel and Louise's wedding together, you know. I'm designing a pattern for a new dress for myself and everything."

"Ah marvelous! Angel and I will see you there." Alastor winked at her, making her smile brighten. "I really am proud of you for all of this socializing and exploring. I know those matters haven't always been easy for you, but your improved confidence has been remarkable. You seem so much freer."

Niffty nodded. "I FEEL freer. Certain places or lots of people can still be overwhelming, but…if I take a deep breath and think through the situation and maybe have someone with me who I trust, I can manage. It's new and good — I like it."

Alastor nodded, resisting the urge to wipe a tear from his eye. "And, er…speaking of new, good things… you are sure you're satisfied with the new terms we discussed earlier? For your contract?" He snapped, making the glowing paper scroll appear beside him, along with a freshly-inked quill. "I know it's not perfect, and I know that the 'family' clause that might instantly undo Husker's deal one day isn't as applicable to you. Though Niffty, I also need you to know that, blood and matrimony be damned, I do think of you as…as family…"

"Alastor…" She leaned over the table with a gentle smile, her big eye looking into his two unsure ones. "I know. You're my family too. And it's enough." When he managed a small nod, she took the quill and signed the contract. "Besides, I don't think I'd want to be entirely free of a contract with you. I like being bonded, even just part-time. You and I are in business for eternity no matter what. And I don't want to go off on my own and start my own dynasty or business or political domain. I just want to help you with yours and be happy with all our friends." She shrugged, smiling proudly.

Alastor nodded again, now having no choice but to wipe away some tears that burned at the edges of his eyes. "Yes, well…you are an invaluable member of the Radio Demon enterprise, and quite frankly the whole business would fall apart without you, ha…" He sniffed, and instantly Niffty held out a fresh hanky to him. "Ha, see, you anticipate my needs better than I do! Thank you." He took the hanky and dabbed his nose. He signed the fresh contract himself — it glowed and then disappeared in a burst of sparkling green magic that got a clap of appreciation from Niffty. At ease, he grabbed a beignet for himself finally and took a satisfying bite.

Then Niffty rested her head on her hands, eyeing Alastor eagerly. "Speaking of your needs…are you excited for your big triple date tonight?"

Alastor glowed but nodded. "I'm eager to continue making a good impression upon Angel's siblings and their paramours. There will be dinner and dancing and conversation — in the hotel, of course, for the sake of our privacy."

She nodded. "I'll make sure you aren't bothered. I'm sure Charlie and Vaggie will be fine working on radio show stuff upstairs, and Abel and Louise will be here at the cafe, and Steve and Cherri will be out with some new 'friends'…." Her smile picked up on one side.

Alastor noticed. He tilted his head. "Indeed? Who…"

Niffty bit her lip. "Sev and Helsa. Helsa has a meeting with Cherri today to talk about radio show and hotel expansion stuff, and I heard Sev invited Steve to come over too." "To…play his saxophone? Or…" Alastor's wide eyes darted from side to side. "Is…Forgive me, I'm still picking up on the social cues of romance… Is the meeting between Sev and Steve intended to be a date?"

Niffty sighed. "That's where it gets tricky. Steve was way too casual when he talked about going — I don't think he sees it as a date. But I heard Sev talking to him on the phone on speaker, and…I think Sev definitely wouldn't mind it being a date. But he also seemed nervous." She considered. "It's might be complicated for Sev since Steve's a guest at Charlie's hotel…"

"Perhaps." Alastor looked down, brow furrowed. "Though it's odd. One would think Sev would already be used to pursuing others and having Charlie know about it — their families move in the same circles after all, so it's hard to imagine he hasn't already tried courting someone they both know. Perhaps his hesitance has something to do with…" He hesitated. "My apologies, I'm not certain she'd like me to say. It's about their history together."

Niffty looked at him carefully. Then her look went dry. "Sev's the one who broke up with Charlie, isn't he?"

Alastor blinked. "How did you—"

Niffty shrugged. "The way she acted when he showed up. She wasn't guilty or bored or annoyed… She seemed sad and awkward. That's how people always act in the romance books I read after someone leaves them." She considered. "I hope the breakup wasn't too bad. In those old pictures hanging up around the hotel, they seem so happy together. I just don't want Charlie to feel hurt by being around Sev again now, especially if he and Steve… you know." She bit her lip, her brow furrowed.

"Charlie is very strong and sensible," Alastor assured with a supportive smile. "And I've offered to act as a buffer with the Von Eldritch siblings whenever she needs. And Cherri is assisting as well in tech-related matters where I can't be of much use such as by meeting with Helsa tonight. Our princess will not get hurt as long as we are by her side supporting her."

Niffty nodded, smiling a little again. Though her eye hazed mischievously as she added, "Speaking of Cherri and Helsa…"

Alastor blinked and nearly toppled over his coffee cup. "Egad, is there some sort of love potion embedded in that hotel? Mere moments inside, and everyone couples off, ha."

Niffty giggled. "Well, I don't know for sure about Cherri and Helsa. I just have theories and daydreams. But Cherri is on the phone with her a LOT. And there's shouting…But, you know, the kind that's sort of passionate."

Alastor sighed with a grin. "We're all doomed to pair off, aren't we?"

"It doesn't sound like such a bad way to be in hell," Niffty mused. "Besides, I figure it's less 'doomed' and more 'pleasantly surprised'."

"Indeed, ha…" Alastor smiled shyly.

The shadow returned now and set down a platter of deviled eggs with a flourish.

"Yay! Crows, come here! Fresh eggs!" Niffty called out, holding one up. Half a dozen crows swiftly descended on the table, and instantly Niffty was laughing and doing her best to keep up as they pecked the tray and the table and sometimes landed on her hair.

Alastor watched her in amusement and then turned his entertained expression to himself when a crow landed on one of his antlers. He thought about his first time coming to this cafe — how he'd been seated alone, and several guests had fled, and Abel had stumbled through taking his order in fright. And now he was here again, dining with a friend and playing with birds and looking forward to so much in their lives.

He grinned, feeling cheeky, and leaned across the table. "Niffty, darling — want to hear a secret?"

She nodded instantly, leaning closer.

"I let us into the building this morning with a key…because I'm the secret new owner of this cafe."

She gasped, eye bright.

He held up a finger to his lips. "But you mustn't tell anyone, especially Abel and Louise… Or at least just Louise — Abel has figured me out already, ha! But what neither of them know is what I'm about to tell you: my secret plans for this cafe starting after their wedding… My top business partner should know such details after all."

She nodded eagerly, and Alastor leaned in, talking low just for the dramatic effect of sharing a secret. And when he was done, Niffty was clapping and smiling and buzzing with excitement and he was feeling pretty excited himself. The wedding was so close, and once it happened so many new futures could begin.

In the hotel dining room, Crymini sat with her knees on a sofa, looking out over the back of the piece of furniture, trying not to act like she was waiting for Husk to wake up already. Abel and Louise were still asleep, and everyone else was either out or busy. And she felt restless. Going to the airship with Husk and Molly the other day had been pretty okay — the place was huge and Sir Pentious was nice if a little cheesy, and all the windows had really made her feel not trapped up there but the place had still had a lot of little comforting nooks and crannies to relax in. As long as she could be with someone familiar, she realized she might be comfortable coming and going from the hotel. She had just…gotten used to being around these people, and so now she wanted to be around them all the time. Being alone felt like an uneasy step back. And if she had to pick someone to be around, it would be Husk. He understood some of the things about herself that she didn't even understand because thinking about them too much was too painful. She had known for a while that other demons suffered trauma like she did. What she hadn't known until now was that some of those demons could actually give a damn and try to comfort and help her.

She'd never admired someone in hell until now. And she'd never felt…cared for in hell until now. Almost like she had a dad…a real dad.

Crymini closed her eyes and shook her head, wiping away tears that had started to come. Husk's door handle moved, and she quickly sat down on the sofa, trying to be casual.

She heard him talking on the phone after a deep yawn. "You sure you don't want me to whip you up something for breakfast before you three go out? I know you got brunch plans, but I can at least make you some coffee…" A small laugh left him. "Okay, okay, you three are the ones taking care of us today, I got it. Alastor left me a note, said he was taking out Niffty for breakfast. They should be back soon, probably around when Niss and Pen are gonna drop in. I'm gonna make some eggs and toast for me for now. Love you, Molls." He hung up, and Crymini heard him stretch.

She peeked up from behind the couch and decided to make herself known. "Oh, hey, Husk!" she said casually.

He blinked a few times and turned a brighter smile to her. "Oh, Crymini. Morning." He raised an eyebrow. "You up to anything?"

She shrugged. "Oh, just, you know, hanging out. You doing something big with Molly later?"

He nodded. "We've got a date tonight. But first she's gonna go out and spend time with her brothers. It's kind a special occasion for them." He shrugged. "The three of them were apart for a long time and then had to deal with a lot of rough stuff about their dad… You saw the footage. Now they just want to get to know each other again. And they want to get to know who each other's dating."

Crymini nodded in understanding. "Good. They deserve some nice time together. And you deserve nice time with them…and so does Sir Pentious. And…" She blinked. "Huh…who's Angel dating?"

Husk blinked and grimaced and then just sighed. "That's a long story kid, and it's too early for me to be sharp enough to come up with a decent excuse not to tell it. Let's just say ya gotta wait til Angel's comfortable enough to tell you himself, okay? It's a private thing."

Crymini hesitated but then gave another nod. She couldn't help her ears going down though. She hoped that whatever was going on with Angel and his partner, it was okay. Secrets always made her worry; in her experience, usually people kept secrets to hide bad things from others.

Husk must have noticed her concerned expression because he put on a grin and quickly continued, "Hey, I was gonna make some eggs and toast before Angel and Molly come downstairs and Niss gets here. Want to have breakfast with me?"

Crymini nodded eagerly, her ears going back up. If Husk wasn't too worried about who Angel was dating, maybe she didn't have to be either. She tried to seem casual again as she got off the sofa and walked over to him. "Yeah, that'd be cool." She shrugged. "And I get it — the spiders need some personal family time to work through stuff or whatever. And Angel needs his privacy. Makes sense."

Husk nodded and lead the way to the kitchen. "If you're looking for company today, Abel and Louise should be up soon. I'm sure they'd like to take you to the cafe with them. Or if you want to stay here, Niffty could use help cleaning and Baxter could use help working on his new project to help with the radio show."

Crymini nodded but hesitated. "Is…Alastor gonna be around?"

Husk paused at the kitchen door. He bit his lip. "He'll be here for the afternoon, but then in the evening he…won't be available." He glanced at her. "You still feeling nervous around him?"

"Not…as much," Crymini admitted. "I just…I'm not ready to be alone with him yet." She frowned. "Sorry, I know he's your…boss or friend or whatever. And he seems okay. I've just had bad experiences with overlords…men…adults." She crossed her arms.

"It's okay, Crymini. Me too," Husk assured. "But I appreciate you getting to know him and giving him a chance."

Crymini nodded. "I appreciate being here and having the chance to get to know all of you guys. Especially you, Husk. You're really cool or whatever. Thanks for breakfast and stuff." She looked down, hoping she didn't sound too dorky.

Husk paused and smiled at her. "Thanks for saying an old, gruff cat like me is cool. With how flashy and powerful everyone else around here is, it's easy to feel like I'm a bit washed up, heh."

"Definitely not!" Crymini assured. "You're got experience and wisdom or whatever, and you don't care what anyone thinks. Plus you make really good food and do amazing magic tricks. That's all the definition of cool! If I'd had a dad or something half as cool as you, maybe I would have cared enough about my life choices not to end up in hell, heh." She shrugged, biting her lip, wondering if the joke was in poor taste.

Husk's eyes widened. He blushed. Then he got in front of her and looked at her seriously. "You don't deserve to be in hell, no matter what choices you made or who let you down or whatever heaven says. But as long as you're here anyway, I'm glad you're letting us help you. You're always gonna be safe with the hotel and with me, okay?"

Crymini nodded, blinking back tears…but there were too many, and a couple fell anyway.

He sighed. "Is a hug all right?"

She nodded, tears streaming silently as he came in and wrapped her up in a gentle hug and patted her back. He separated from her. "Wanna add lots of cheese and hot sauce to the eggs and toast I'm making? And maybe a couple chocolate chip pancakes?"

Crymini nodded, smiling and wiping away her tears.

Husk smiled again and lead her into the kitchen as Crymini took a deep breath and realized the final sad tears falling from her eyes had become happy ones.

A little while later, the sounds of, "Archie!" "Archie!" echoed down the upstairs hall of the hotel. Niss, who had just arrived on the roof and headed down here, paused at the sound of his twin brother and sister excitedly shouting his name together. An odd sense of déjà vu came over him. The only time they had ever approached him this way in life was when they had a scheme ready to spring on him. But certainly they were too grown for shenanigans like that now, right?

When he turned around and saw them bounding down the hall toward him with mischievous grins and a gleam in their eyes, he realized he was quite wrong.

Niss held up his hands on reflex as the two taller spiders stopped mere inches in front of him, barely avoiding a collision. "Okay, what are you two up to and how much am I not gonna like it?" He smirked.

Predictably, Molly and Angel blinked and put on 'shocked' expressions of innocence.

"Up to?" Angel looked to Molly. "Are we up to anything, Maria?"

"Heavens, I should hope not," Molly replied to Angel. "Unless ya know somethin' I don't, Anthony." They gave Niss big grins.

Niss crossed his arms. "Spill. What — is it something about your little shopping trip today and your plans for Pen?"

"Actually…" Molly smiled more, letting all of her dimples show. These two were crafty — they knew Niss had an extra hard time saying no to his baby sister, especially when she was acting all angelic. "We know a couple weeks ago we talked about takin' your lady out with us… but that was before Angel and I both knew you were datin' a fella."

"AND before we knew you wanted to start a whole new happy gay life with bright-colored shirts and volumizing mascara — which you are pulling off flawlessly today, by the way," Angel added with a wink, schmoozing him more.

Niss couldn't help blushing and standing up a bit taller. The flattery was working. "Okay, appreciated. Your point being?"

Angel shrugged. "Well, we were thinking that maybe the three of us should do a spider sibling shopping spree instead, huh? We'll get brunch, buy you some of your own makeup so you don't have to keep borrowing Pen's, get some cute outfits and gussy ourselves up to surprise the fellas tonight…" He grinned.

Molly nodded. "Plus, it would give our fellas a chance ta bond. They haven't spent time together since the mob fight, and that wasn't exactly recreational. Husky and Alastor are doing so well now, and they really wanna get closer ta Pen too. So what do ya say?"

The twins clasped their hands together, looking at him eagerly.

Niss blinked a couple times, but then he smiled more and nodded. "I say that's actually a really great idea! Pen likes making friends, and the three of us really haven't done anything together that's just fun, and I really do need to pick up some things now that ya mention it…" He gave them a firm look. "But I reserve the right to limit how 'gussied up' I get — I can't pull off flashy looks as good as you two. Also I'm not holding all your shopping bags along with mine like when we were kids picking up groceries and stuff for the family — deal?"

The twins shrugged at each other and nodded to their brother with smiles. "Deal!" "Deal!"

They all shook hands.

From downstairs they heard a knock on the front door. Niss smiled. "Maybe that's Pen! He said he forgot something on the ship and he'd meet me down here. Your fellas downstairs?" The twins nodded. "Great, let's go tell 'em our plans!" They started to head down together. Niss went into stride beside Angel and lowered his voice. "Pen's still a little extra nervous about hitting things off with Alastor. Are you sure Alastor's okay with him now?"

"Yeah," Angel assured. "Al was just jealous for a variety of dramatic reasons. He's been waiting for a chance to explain everything to Pen and apologize. He…gets kind of nervous about making new friends too. Hopefully Husk supervising will help them both out, heh."

Niss smiled a little. "Today'll be good for them. And good for us too. Never really got to go shopping. I'm kind of excited."

"You'll have fun. I know all the best stores and the best places for deals." Angel winked.

Niss's smile grew.

They reached the lobby where they found Alastor and Husk by the open front door and Sir Pentious entering. The snake had a little gift bag in hand. As the spiders got closer they noticed Husk holding a bouquet of flowers and Alastor holding a box of chocolates.

"Hey, boys!" Angel grinned coyly, hands on his hips. Molly waved and Niss gave a nod in greeting.

The three guys quickly turned to their partners with smiles.

"Nissy!" Pen waved enthusiastically and slithered over to him. "Hello, dear! I know our date isn't technically starting until later, but I wasn't sure if you'd prefer to have your gift for the evening now so I grabbed it from the airship anyway. I hope you like it." He shyly offered the gift bag. Niss took it with interest and reached inside. He pulled out an apron decorated in chef hats and spiders and black (and some pink) hearts. "I made it myself," Pen explained. "The Egg Bois sew and do needlework recreationally, and so do I. I hope it matches your taste."

"Pen, it's beautiful! I"ll use it for baking every day — thank you!" Niss came forward and hugged him tightly, and Sir Pentious hugged him back.

Husk stepped toward Molly, clearing his throat. "When Pen showed up with his thing for Niss, Alastor and I figured we should get ours ready for you two, just in case." He held out a bouquet of pink and white and yellow flowers, sitting in a little crystal vase. "For decorating your room, cuz you liked the little plant I gave you as a housewarming gift."

Molly took the arrangement and inhaled the floral scent deeply. She eyed Husk with a dreamy look. "Thank ya, Husky. They're lovely, and so are you." She kissed his cheek, and Husk chuckled and blushed.

Alastor stepped shyly toward Angel. "And I acquired chocolates — filled with espresso cream and hazelnut and strawberry. It seemed like an appropriate traditional gift, and you do seem to enjoy those flavors. I made sure they're the best for you because you deserve the best." He was glowing so much, clearly processing trying to have a vulnerable emotional moment in front of so many others.

Angel took the chocolates and patted Alastor's shoulder. "They look delicious, Al. Thank you."

Alastor smiled more.

The siblings shared a grin, communicating together, then Niss cleared his throat and decided to take the lead as he looked back to the guys. "So, fellas, me and my brother and sister were talking about how today's gonna go. We're thinking the three of us will head out, get some brunch, and do a little shopping trip. Then we'll come back here to cook and get ready for tonight. But while we're gone, and since you're all here already, maybe…you fellas would wanna do your own thing together? Get to know each other, find something fun" What do ya say?" He couldn't help his eyes going to Pen. He knew the snake wanted to be friends with Alastor and Husk, but if he wasn't ready for such a deep dive today he wouldn't pressure him.

Sir Pentious looked back at Niss, swallowed, but then smiled and nodded, eyes bright. "I think that would be a very nice way to spend the afternoon." He looked to Alastor and Husk. "We really haven't had a chance to spend time together since the mob incident, and battle is hardly the best place for casual bonding, heh…"

Husk grinned. "Yeah, we could find something to do together. We'll get the dining room set up for when you three get back. And then…we can wing it from there." He looked to Alastor, gaze questioning.

The deer had been momentarily frozen but now blinked and nodded. "Ha, yes! The three of us are courting siblings, after all! The least we can do is try to establish a bond similar to their own. I'm sure it will be quite the entertaining day!"

Angel smiled in a little relief and Molly beamed. Niss nodded to the guys. "Okay. You have fun. And whatever you do for lunch, keep it light. We're gonna cook up a storm for you three later." He crossed his arms, head held high. Molly and Angel crossed their arms and took equally proud poses at his sides with nods.

Husk chuckled. "Okay, we'll keep that in mind." He opened the door and gestured outside. "Now go, enjoy yourselves already and catch up! We'll be waiting for you."

Molly set her flowers on the end table and kissed Husk before skipping outside, Angel set his chocolates by the flowers and blew Alastor a kiss before strutting after her, and Niss set down his apron carefully beside his siblings' gifts before kissing Pen's hand and exiting as well, closing the door behind them.

Outside, Niss took a deep breath of fresh air and looked to his siblings. "I'm glad the fellas were open to some bonding time together. This'll be good for 'em. And today'll be good for us." He shrugged. "So, where to for brunch?"

"The cafe where Abel and Louise work! You'll love it!" Angel replied. He and Molly hooked arms and then Angel held out his other arm for Niss.

Niss rolled his eyes but grinned and hooked arms with him. "Okay, and we can head there together like this but remember to walk slow and definitely no skipping. You both got legs twice as long as mine, and I don't wanna get dragged down the sidewalk like a limp noodle."

The three spiders shared a laugh as they headed down the street together. This was the way their lives should have been, and now that they were together again this was how their lives were going to stay. Brunch and shopping and his brother and sister happy: none of them could have asked for anything better.

Inside the hotel, Alastor, Husk, and Pentious were left in silence…and it was a silence that made Alastor distinctly on edge with its awkwardness, his ears flicking in anxiety.

Husk noticed and cleared his throat. "So, uh…hey, I know just hanging out is new for all three of us. No pressure. Let's just get to know each other but WITHOUT gunfire in the background this time. Uh…drinks at the bar to break the ice?"

Sir Pentious nodded with a bright smile. But Alastor held up a hand, a screech of static leaving his ears. "Wait!"

Both men stopped and turned to him, Pentious with a quizzical eyebrow raised and Husk with his brow slightly furrowed in worry.

Alastor sighed. Then he stood up tall, straightened his tie, took a deep breath, and approached the snake. "Sir Pentious… last time you visited us at the hotel, just prior to the mob battle, I was quite rude to you. You have my apologies." He bowed his head.

Sir Pentious blinked then instantly held up his hands. "Oh, no, you weren't — er, there's really no need to apologize. We were all tense, and you were concerned about me discovering your relationship with Angel, and—"

Alastor shook his head. "None of those circumstances excuse being a bad host on purpose. I was distinctly abrupt with you and I behaved with childish frustration despite your kindness and your own hospitality. I'd like to explain myself."

Sir Pentious frowned, his hood flaps falling. "Oh, Alastor, you don't have to… Just your apology is more than enough." Husk leaned toward Pen. "Him admitting he was wrong is kind of rare. You might want to keep hearing him out."

Alastor rolled his eyes. He felt himself glow as he swallowed and continued speaking. "I won't linger on the bad times, but I do want to explain myself so that you don't think I don't care for your presence. You are dear to my Angel's brother, and you helped save Angel and other people who I value deeply. You are respectable and I do not look down on you, and no one else should either." Sir Pentious smiled, sniffling at the praise. Alastor continued, gripping his cane and doing his best to press on through the words. "You are better than me at friendship and love, and so I was jealous. You strolled in here and charmed everyone immediately, whereas it took me weeks just to convince them I could have a civil conversation and not literally bite someone's head off. You delighted the spider siblings right away while I felt lost at how to win their approval. And you swept Niss off his feet and into your arms in a whirlwind after barely any time together, whereas I needed months of living in close quarters with Angel to even begin to court him, and even then I made so many mistakes along the way." He furrowed his brow, ears down. "I felt my failures magnified by your presence. But I was being selfish and silly. We all have our own faults and talents and our own relationship paths to tread. You are not a threat to me, you are just a new part of our family here. And I am glad we are becoming more than just political acquaintances now… And I hope we can be good friends as time goes on." He made himself raise his head and look Pentious in the eye.

Pentious was a smiling and sniffling mess of a snake who suddenly burst into happy tears. Husk looked around awkwardly then hesitantly reached out and patted him on the back. "Uh, it's okay, Pen. Feelings are a lot, right, heh…" He gave Alastor a dry look, clearly waiting for the deer to do something to help fix this emotional scene.

However, Alastor had tears at the edge's of his own eyes as well. "I…" he started, "Pardon, I'm not very good at telling the difference sometimes, but are these tears of hurt or happiness?"

"Oh, a little bit of both!" Sir Pentious pulled out a hanky and blew into it loudly. "I just… Oh Alastor, do you know how long I'VE been the one jealous of YOU? You're popular and powerful and so put together! I'm overlooked all the time and no one thinks I'm cool or hip — but when I came to this hotel everyone was so nice. It's the first chance I've had to socialize in years!"

"It's been my first chance too!" Alastor quickly replied, stepping closer. "Do you know how often people run and flee at the mere sight of me? I'm 'popular' in the Cannibal Colony, but everywhere else I'm just feared — and it's exhausting. Sometimes I don't want to threaten every random demon on the street, I just want to say hello to them and have it said back!"

"I know exactly how you feel!" Pentious replied, nodding and smiling.

"Uh…" Husk cut in, "Are…you both okay? Do I need to call your spiders and have them come back here for emotional support? Cuz I'll do my best, but there's two of you and my capacity's limited since I've been drinking a lot less lately."

Alastor and Pentious blinked and looked to Husk who was watching them with a grin.

Alastor shook his head and wiped at his eyes, coming out of the emotional moment. "Ha, no! No need to interrupt the spiders, we're…we're fine. We're just…men having an emotional outburst. And now we're much calmer, ha!"

"Oh yes, I do feel better now after talking all of that over!" Sir Pentious finished wiping his eyes and smiled. "It's so good to know you like me, Alastor! I like you too!" He opened his arms, inviting Alastor in for a hug.

Alastor's ears flicked and he looked at the snake dryly. "Er…hugs are not my speciality, ha! Perhaps a handshake and that ice breaker drink that Husker suggested instead?" He held out his hand. "Only if you wish," he added, self-conscious about people's usual hesitation about shaking with him.

Sir Pentious, however, immediately took the deer's hand in both of his own and shook so hard that he nearly lifted Alastor off the ground while Husk snickered.

Alastor rolled his eyes, unable to help beaming a little as Sir Pentious released him. "Thoroughly amused, Husker?"

"Hey, some amusement is the least I deserve. I don't have anyone being jealous over ME," he chided, heading over to the bar and stretching his wings.

"Oh but I was jealous of you for a little while!" Pentious insisted, taking a seat at the bar as Husk walked around the counter to grab some glasses. "When Molly stayed on the ship with me, she would talk about you so often. You had her whole heart. I wished I could be half as captivating to Nissy."

"Really?" Husk blushed a little but smiled. "Yeah, well…I was jealous of you too. When she was staying with you and I didn't know about you and Niss, I thought…she might fall for you instead of me. Bartender versus overlord with a big pretty airship — didn't feel like I had a leg to stand on."

"Oh Husk, really!" Sir Pentious laughed and waved him off as Husk set the glasses and some bottles on the counter. "No one could charm her away from you, I knew that from the start. And besides, I've never fancied the ladies…" He grinned, eyes dreamy. "Give me a firm waist and a broad flat chest and some exceptional muscles any day…"

Glowing at the turn of the conversation, Alastor suddenly sputtered out, "I was jealous of you too, Husker! Ha!"

Husk blinked as he poured the drinks. "Seriously?"

Alastor nodded, ears flicking. "You and Molly seemed to fall together so easily. Angel and I had a rougher time of it at first. And you don't have my ghoulish reputation to hamper your relations with the other spiders. And of course, well…what was the phrase Angel used… 'hot dad bod Husk'?" He gritted his teeth and rolled his eyes.

Sir Pentious eyed Husk up and down. "Oh yes, I could see that. You are quite strong and solid in a very alluring way."

Husk sighed deeply, shaking his head, trying not to smile too much. "Oh my god, can we not do this again. We're all sexy in our own ways, problem solved."

"I'll cheers to that!" Sir Pentious held up his glass.

Husk grinned and lifted his glass. He looked to Alastor.

Glowing immensely (but not without some enjoyment at the concept of being sexy for Angel), Alastor held up his glass as well. "Cheers!"

They clinked glasses and drank.

Pentious grinned. "So, what boyfriend shenanigans shall we get into while our significant others are out, hmm?"

"Well, setting the table should be pretty quick. After that…" Husk grinned and looked to Alastor. "Alastor…you thinking what I'm thinking? The tower? I told you, it really is a three man job."

Alastor's eyes brightened and he nodded. "Only if all three of us are inclined." He looked to a curious Sir Pentious. "Pentious, we have to do some construction on my tower upstairs for the radio show. We thought you would be perfect to help with the wiring and carpentry. Would you be interested?"

"Oh a project! Yes!" The snake beamed. "I'll have the Egg Bois send down some tools and supples. Ooo, I haven't gotten to work on something new in ages. We'll have it looking lovely in no time!"

"Splendid!" Alastor smiled and snapped to produce the blueprints on the counter. As Husk and Sir Pentious started going over them, the deer sipped his drink and beamed, tail wagging under his jacket. He had friends and they were going to work on a project together and they all had plans for this evening. This kind of new kinship was not something he would have thought possible not more than six months ago. But now here he was, and so much had changed.

He sipped his drink and joined the other two fellows in going over the plans, so excited to get started and to surprise the spiders with their progress when they returned. XXXX

Upstairs in the hotel, Charlie paced her room in thought. She had cleared away most of the furniture from the main area of the suite she shared with Vaggie to create a large space for working, and she had moved their writing desk front and center. There were some diagrams laid out on the floor and and papers with lists scattered on the desk and some hand-drawn colorful motivational posters tacked on the walls. Vaggie walked in, a couple bottles of soda in hand. "Hey! Niffty and Baxter are watching Razzle and Dazzle in the lab while Baxter builds that anti-signal-jammer thing for the radio show. And I think all the spiders went out together, and Alastor and Husk and Pentious are downstairs doing…something. Wanna take a break?"

Charlie paused in her pacing and turned to Vaggie. "Huh? I thought Angel and the others weren't leaving until noon. But it's only…" She pulled her phone out of her pocket and blinked. "Already past noon. Maybe I do need a break…"

She sat on the edge of the bed. Vaggie sat beside her and handed her a bottle. "It's root beer," she explained. "Baxter's brewing his own in his lab. He said we could print up labels and make it a signature non-alcoholic drink at the bar if we wanted."

Charlie sipped deeply and giggled, the bubbles ticking her nose. "It tastes great. We should do that… Maybe we can even get a small freezer and put some ice cream back there, make floats for people."

"Ice cream floats in hell — I like it," Vaggie agreed with a smile, sipping deeply.

Charlie sighed as she set down her bottle on the floor. She gazed out at all of her plans but she was sort of looking past them, through them, and her phone was in her hand.

Vaggie shifted closer. "Everything okay?"

Charlie hesitated then gave a slow nod. "I think so. I mean, I was worried about trying to fit everything I want to say about the hotel and heaven and hell and our people into the radio show without overwhelming the listeners. But I think I'm getting the main points organized and worked out well. And Alastor and the others are on top of getting the tower ready. And Helsa and Sev are already securing buildings for the expansion according to Cherri. So everything's all working out. I feel a lot better. And I've got a lot more hope, I think, even if I'm nervous." She swallowed. "Last time I went on air to talk about the hotel was kind of a disaster after all, heh…"

Vaggie squeezed her hand. "Last time you went on air we didn't have all of our supportive guests or Alastor's help or much of a plan. This time it's all gonna go right. And even if there are mistakes, we'll make them better together."

Charlie squeezed her hand back and turned her smile Vaggie's way, their dark eyes meeting. Then Charlie sighed though, her smile weakening a little.

Vaggie raised an eyebrow. "There's something else…"

Charlie bit her lip. "I feel like I should…warn my parents that we're doing this. I know that's a mistake, but I can't help it. Just because they didn't warn me doesn't mean that I…" She blinked back some tears.

Vaggie moved closer. "Charlie, it is not the same situation. They ATTACKED your livelihood on air without warning. This radio show isn't an attack against them or their reign, it's about promoting the hotel and celebrating all of our guests and supporters. Your parents don't deserve a chance to stop what we're doing. There's no need for them to stop it because it's not about them. You're doing nothing wrong."

Charlie nodded. "I know. I think I just needed a reminder heh." She smiled and wiped away a tear. "But I was thinking about messaging them after the show at least, to let them know it happened in case they didn't hear it, and to remind them that I'm here if they decide to start being better about being my parents."

"Of course. I think that sounds like a good idea." Vaggie nodded, lightly rubbing the back of Charlie's hand with her thumb. "I know you miss them. I know you want to work out things between you, if you can. I think they learned a lot from you standing up to them. And any reminders you can give them that you love them but have boundaries is good."

"Thanks." Charlie smiled more and moved in to give Vaggie a little hug. Then a burp left her. She pulled back, laughing as Vaggie snickered.

Suddenly they heard footsteps and happy voices walking past their room. They shared a glance then walked over and peeked out the door. They found Alastor, Husk, and Sir Pentious strolling down the hall together, heading toward the stairs to the third floor, each of them holding tools and blueprints and boxes of supplies as they chatted and smiled together.

Charlie shut the door and turned to Vaggie, beaming. "Aww, they're getting along! Angel and Niss and Molly would be so proud! It looks like they're gonna head upstairs to work on the radio tower." She rubbed her cheeks.

Vaggie chuckled. "Let's give 'them privacy. Come on, we'll head to the kitchen and turn these sodas into floats." Holding hands again, and grabbed their sodas.

As they headed down the hall together, Charlie considered. "You know, one of my conditions for seeing my parents again is them getting along with you. They have to. Because you're part of my life. A big part. A special part." She blushed.

Vaggie raised an eyebrow, blushing too. "I…That means a lot Charlie, but I don't want to come between—"

"You don't." Charlie squeezed her hand. "This is my life, and I want you in it with me for…for a really, really long time." She swallowed. "I know we haven't really talked about the future. We've been so focused on the hotel. But, um…"

Vaggie was glowing even more, eye darting around. "Charlie, I…What are you…?"

Charlie turned to her girlfriend and pressed them close, their gazes meeting. "One day I'm going to be queen. And you're the only queen I want by my side." There were tears in her eyes. "Anything can happen, and the next extermination feels like it'll be here before we know it. Everyone is changing and moving forward, and so am I. And I want to move forward with you."

Vaggie was stunned speechless.

Charlie blinked a few times and stepped back, suddenly shy and unsure. "I-I'm sorry, I didn't mean to spring that on you. And I'm not…asking yet. I wouldn't surprise you like that. I'd like us to sit down and talk about it first and come to a mutual decision. I just wanted you to know how I feel. And if you…need a different kind of commitment instead, that's fine too." She blushed and swallowed. "Thanks for letting me say all of that, heh. I…" Charlie stopped talking.

Vaggie took a slow step forward. Then she set her lips to Charlies for a gentle, lingering kiss.

When she pulled back they were both breathless.

Vaggie swallowed, looking down shyly, eye wide. "You're the only queen for me…and the only woman for me. And I'm honored to be the only one for you. I want to move forward together too…forever."

Charlie was trembling.

Vaggie smiled gently, whispering. "But we don't have to make it official right now. We can talk about it, like you said. I'd like that a lot. We could even…talk about it today?"

Charlie nodded, eyes so bright and happy.

Side by side, leaning against each other a little, they headed downstairs for root beer floats and so much more, ready to make their own a happy future in hell together.

A/N:

Yay spider date is coming! And some other romantic moments for other couples too :) I should have up through chapter 100 posted this week (100 will be extra long and very special). Thank you all for reading!

Take care!

-Azure129