A/N:

Hello everyone! Yes, it's finally time for Chapter 100 ^w^ Ahh I can't believe we're here lol. I hope you enjoy this mega-long installment and all the fluff it involves lol. Thank you for reading!

Partners

Chapter 100:

Partners (aka Blooming in Red and Pink)

The door leading to the pending hotel radio tower was open to allow the three men inside to run electric cords down the hall and to promote air circulation and to provide some extra light while they worked. As a result, Alastor, Angel and Husk had a perfect eye view when Vaggie and Charlie suddenly dashed down the hall late in the day, smiling and crying and giggling and nearly tripping as they flew to their room.

"Ooo what do you think that's about?" Sir Pentious asked, about to don his welding mask.

"Something sappy and sweet," Husk offered from his place perched on a beam in the ceiling, holding wires in his hands. "Good for them." He grinned.

Alastor only managed a nod, but even that simple action made him a bit dizzy. He blinked heavy sweat away from his eyes and felt his ears sag.

Alastor and Husk and Sir Pentious had been up in the new radio tower for several hours now, and they were having a grand time as they cut wood and laid down wiring and installed insulation. The task gave them each something to focus on, which helped prevent awkward silences actually made talking and getting to know each other easier. They had found a nice rhythm, and Alastor had found himself grateful for the new trustworthy male presence of Sir Pentious in his life…except for one small yet pressing issue.

The deer huffed, trying to ignore all the heat and brewing sweat trapped under his suit jacket as attempted to return to upholstering his new desk chair.

Head down as he checked the settings on his blowtorch, Sir Pentious addressed Alastor. "This really is a lovely location for your hotel radio tower, Alastor. Your blueprints fit the room to a tee. Might I ask about the marquee over the door? The two A's intertwined?"

"Oh, er…" Alastor swallowed hard to regain his bearings then managed to snatch up his water glass and down the last few sips. Normally he would have been a bit more coy about admitting the truth of the marquee, but he trusted Pen decently enough and he was too overwhelmed by the temperature and close quarters of the room for much hemming and hawing. "Yes, er…the official story is that it's two A's for me since this is my second radio tower. The real story is that one A is for me and one A is for Angel. He's my cohost in this new part of my life after all, ha."

"Ohhh how sweet!" Sir Pentious mused in a way that would have made Alastor glow if not for the fact that all of his circuits were currently overheated by the temperature of this room and how insulting his suit was. "Does he know? I'll bet he loved the idea!"

"Ha…That was complicated." Alastor shook his head, trying to carefully focus on using the upholstery gun in his hand. "What I mean is, he did love it but… he would have loved it more if I had told him I loved him first. He was waiting, and I quite botched the order of how to confess to him. But in the end I told him my feelings and he told me he was pleased as punch about the tower and now we're all squared up — smooth sailing through calm seas, ha."

"Oh, it's like a fairytale!" Pen mused. "Thank you for telling me." He pulled the welding mask over his face and lit his torch, turning his attention to some pipes.

Husk blinked and leaned over the ceiling beam toward Alastor. "You finally told Angel you love him?"

Alastor blinked. "Oh, yes! I… I suppose I just hadn't gotten around to mentioning it. That was the same night the news show happened, and what with Charlie's distress and planning our response, it was a bit of a whirlwind. But it did go well…telling Angel I love him." And now somehow Alastor blushing and overheating even more as he remembered joining Angel in bed after Charlie had been helped and saying 'I love you' to each other again and then Angel kissing his throat and complimenting his voice and Alastor's entire body lighting up like a live wire until he had nearly physically come undone.

The deer instantly swayed on his feet, and his knees buckled.

"Whoa!" Husk flew down and caught him just in time. Pentious didn't notice, the sound of his blowtorch and his focus on welding keeping him fully engrossed.

Husk kept his voice low as he spoke to Alastor now, an admonishing look on his face. "Alastor — first, congrats, I'm really glad you told Angel how you feel and that things are going great between you two. Second, I've been trying to let it slide for the last half hour but no more. You are suffering heat exhaustion, and you are going to keel over unless you do something about it now."

Alastor sighed deeply and swallowed, fanning himself with his hand. "Oh, Husker! Really? Ha, I'll be fine. I'm a southern boy, after all! I can manage heat. I just need to keep drinking water." He snapped his fingers to refill his glass but his hands were so sweaty that his fingers slipped twice. He slumped in defeat and dizziness and then nearly stumbled to the floor again.

Husk kept his gaze and his grip on Alastor firm. "HEAT you can manage — OVERHEATING not so much. We are doing a lot of manual labor here — you can't keep wearing the full jacket and tie and long sleeves. I know you don't like new people seeing you with less clothes, but either we need to ask Pen to work on his stuff out in the hall so you can be comfortable being more casual in here or you need to stop helping now."

"But I WANT to help," Alastor nearly whined, ears going down, "And I DON'T want Sir Pentious to leave." He pouted. "I'm…making a new friend. It feels nice."

Husk smiled a little. "Well, then, maybe you need to talk to your friend and tell him what you need so you two can become even better friends. Part of friendship is learning about each other and respecting each other's boundaries and figuring out how to trust each other, right?"

Alastor considered. Finally he nodded. "I'm just grateful that spending so much time casually clad around Angel has made me less sensitive to the exposure and experience. As long as there is no imminent risk of touch, I should be fine." His brow wrinkled, and static built up around his ears as he added, "but if he teases me about my tail…"

"Pen's not gonna tease you about your tail. The guy is two thirds tail!" Husk grinned. "And I got one too, ya dramatic deer." Husk brought his tail forward and nudged Alastor's shoulder with it.

Alastor snorted with a small chuckle. "Yes, I suppose. Just another thing we all have in common." They shared a small smile.

Sir Pentious stopped welding now and lifted up his mask with a sigh and a stretch. "My, it certainly gets warm under this mask!" He turned to his companions. "The egg bois should be sending us some fresh lemonade and a platter of Niss's pastries from the ship — they'll lower down a basket with everything to the window here." He gestured to the window behind Alastor's desk. But then he blinked and tilted his head at the deer in question. "Shall I have them sound down some extra ice as well? You look a tad overwrought, Alastor."

"Ha, yes, well…some ice would be appreciated," Alastor managed, glowing a bit, ears up straight. "But speaking of my appearance, I…you're right, in point of fact, I am practically near heat exhaustion. Husker was just remarking on the same situation." He rubbed one arm then took a breath and made himself stand tall. "I need to ask you a favor!" Suddenly burst out of him, perhaps a little too loudly.

Pen blinked then beamed. "Of course, new 'boyfriend-friend', Alastor! What is it?"

Alastor's eye twitched at that title. Husk gave him a reassuring nod. Alastor sighed and finally pushed past the anxiety. He spoke to Pen in a sincere tone. "It's gotten quite close in here, and we are doing a great deal of physical work. So I need to remove my jacket and tie and possibly roll up my sleeves to help cool myself off."

The snake tilted his head more. "Logical…but I'm afraid I'm not following what the favor is…"

Alastor rolled his hand through the air. "I'm a bit persnickety about not being in my Sunday Best around all but a few close people. The favor is that I need you to not remark much on my change in appearance and any new aspects of my appearance you notice…And I need you to not stare at the scars I have on my arms…or touch me, even casually. I don't like having my body fussed over. I'm…" He bit his lip. He was still getting used to that word Husker had taught him — Asexual. He took a breath. "I need my physical space in order to be comfortable. Can you respect that for me…as my new 'boyfriend-friend'?"

Sir Pentious lit up like a firework. He grabbed Husk's shoulder, shaking him a little. "Oh Husk, he really does like me and trust me! I'm so happy!"

Husk chuckled. "Hey, you should have known that fact the second he invited you up here to work on his radio tower. This is like inner sanctum stuff."

"Oh I love being part of a group!" Pen clapped. Then he held up his hand. "I solemnly swear not to make a fuss over your casual attire or physical appearance — including any scars. And to make sure I don't touch you."

"Thank you," Alastor managed, smile awkward as he nodded. He grabbed his jacket sleeve to start taking it off but then hesitated, feeling eyes upon him.

Sir Pentious's smile softened. "You can be yourself around me. And I'd like to be myself around you too." He considered, then he casually looked away from Alastor, cleaning the visor in his mask with a rag. "Speaking of outfit changes…I don't believe I ever told you two — or anybody except Niss — why I was laid up for quite a while after the mob battle." He brought his attention to his unlit welding torch, eyes still averted from Alastor. "I was, er…well, it's a tad embarrassing, but I was shedding my skin. Absolute annoyance, but the process does invigorate me. I'd…prefer if that habit of mine can stay between us though. It makes me a tad self-conscious."

Alastor's eyes were so wide — he almost could have hugged Pen, or at the very least shaken his hand.

Husker watched Pen and nodded with an approving smile. "Understood. No worries, that can definitely stay between us guys."

"Of course, Sir Pentious. You have my word!" Alastor assured. "My, that sounds like a difficult ordeal. I'm glad you had Niss to help you through." Face no longer glowing in anxiety, Alastor took off his jacket and tie…and rolled up his sleeves to the elbows. "I'm glad you're better now and here helping us today. You're a fine new member of our happy hotel — and the Radio Demon team."

Sir Pentious beamed again and turned his head back only slightly to nod. "Thank you, Alastor!"

"Oh this is too precious. Fuck, I gotta think of something embarrassing to share now so we can all bond — wait a minute." Husk considered. "Ah, okay, I've got it — I don't swim."

"Really?" Alastor scoffed, picking up his upholstery gun again and heading back over to his chair. "Oh, posh, Husker, that's not embarrassing. Plenty of souls can't swim."

"I didn't say CAN'T — I said DON'T." Husk corrected. "I was a damn amazing swimmer in life and probably still am. But now if I get completely submerged in water, I come out looking like a drowned, winged rat for at least two days. These feathers weren't made to get wet, and my wings make it impossible for the rest of my body to dry quickly. So, if I go swimming, no more fluffy and plush Husk. And, damn, I'll admit it — part of me likes being fluffy and plush! There, that's another secret!" He laughed, flying back up to the ceiling.

Sir Pentious chuckled too, glancing his way. "Oh, what a pity you don't get to swim, Husk. I do have a nice little pond in my solarium. I could have invited you boys over for a pool party. But if Alastor prefers to be as clothed as possible and if you don't like water, I suppose I'll just have to content myself with a private party with Nissy." He grinned to himself, tail curling happily..

A flustered but happy laugh escaped Alastor, and the sound made Husk chuckle again.

There was a little tap on the window now, and Pen's eyes lit up. "Ahh the basket of lemonade and pastries!" He dashed over, took the basket, and then tugged on the rope to signal for the eggs to pull it up. He turned and set down the basket in the center of the room.

Now he was facing Alastor fully and Alastor was facing him, and Husk was watching them both with a smile.

Without a word about Alastor's forearms or scars or the little fluffy tail sticking out the back of his pants, Pentious grabbed a thermos of lemonade and handed it off to the Radio Demon who took it with a grateful nod. Husk swooped down to grab a thermos for himself, and Pentious dove into the pastries with a joyful grin. It was a well deserved moment of rest and comfort shared together by these sweet boys in the middle of their delightfully busy day.

On the main floor of a certain quiet and deserted lounge, Sev and Steve had spent a very nice afternoon talking about the hotel and the radio show and good ways to advertise the upcoming expansion of Charlie's project (like by writing jingles for commercials and live-streaming little fundraising concerts and offering different theme nights to attract new guests including a battle of the bands, a musical, and a karaoke bar. They were both musically inclined so their ideas built off of each other very well, and the time passed so easily. When a delivery guy showed up with food and drinks not too long after their meeting had begun, Sev was just so grateful to his sister (she was much better at planning stuff out and taking care of details — he probably would have just sat here with Steve all evening, awkward and hungry, too anxious to disrupt their brainstorming by suggesting food which might suggest this was a date…)

Now, as evening came on, the fish and cat demon were both full of Italian takeout and completely content. They hadn't even opened the bottle of wine that had come with everything — Sev was thinking of sending Steve home with it as a little gift to Char.

The fish demon suddenly bit his lip, brow furrowed. Every time he started to enjoy himself more with Steve, he'd remember Char and pull back a little. He really didn't want to hurt her or disrespect her boundaries. But he liked this guy, and he hadn't done much successful dating in years (not since his breakup with the princess, in fact) because he had always been so busy trying to keep up with his parents demands'; there just hadn't been any time for fun. The only reason their parents had let him and Helsa drop everything for this hotel stuff was because Helsa had lied and said they were scheming to push the princess out of power. Helsa was better at lying than he was. But he would be the one to proudly tell their parents the truth once the radio show happened and the expansion was set and the ink was dry on a bunch of contracts and there was nothing to be done about it. No more politics, no more schemes, no more trying to hurt their friend — he and Helsa were going out on their own (with their trust funds, of course) and didn't care how much their choice might upset the delicate hierarchy of hell. It was about time the brother and sister took a stand and lived their own damn lives for once. And Sev was hoping very much that some time with Steve could be part of his new life.

"Sev? Steve to Sev — you okay?"

Sev blinked and snapped out of his thoughts, looking over at Steve. They were seated on the stage together, notebooks and diagrams scattered everywhere and empty takeout dishes between them. Sev did his best to smile as he nodded. "Yeah, sorry, I…guess I'm just getting tired. I always get sleepy after I eat. Helsa says it's childish." He rolled his eyes.

Steve chuckled. "Hey, it's okay — a good meal should make anyone feel cozy enough to take a little nap." He stretched up with a yawn.

Sev tried not to get distracted by the pretty color of his fur and the arch of his back and the way his figure had the same curves as his saxophone. Helsa had always said that his attraction to musicians was a repressed rebellion against their upper-crust upbringing, and his attraction to sinners was a result of Charlie's active influence on his life, and his attraction to cat demons was some kind of sub-conscious death wish kink since he was a fish demon. Sev said he couldn't help the fact that music was a passion of his and that sinners were fascinating and that cat demons were exceptionally graceful and soft and had cute whiskers. Steve was all three combined plus he was so laidback and cool. Sev felt relaxed around him. He hoped Steve felt relaxed around him too.

"You seemed kinda distracted all evening though? Anything on your mind besides the hotel?" Steve raised an eyebrow, tail swishing curiously.

Sev leaned back to relax a little more, biting his lip, pushing thoughts of his past relationship with Char away. "Just…other things I have to take care of. Sorry, I didn't mean to get distracted. I daydream sometimes. You're easy to get lost in thought around." He blushed thoroughly, realizing the words he had just let slip out of his mouth while trying to find a way to not bring up Charlie's name.

"Hmm…glad to be," Steve merely replied in a smooth tone. "We need more daydreamers in hell." He laid back on the stage, grabbed his sax, and started playing some gently haunting notes.

"That's a beautiful thought." Sev really could have curled up now, closed his eyes, and drifted off next to this guy and his lullabies. Damn, why had he let his parents distract him from dating anyone else these last few years (they were always just pushing him to 'get back with Charlie'). This was so nice. Not that it was officially a date, but it was close enough. His eyes hazed. "I don't know how a dreamer like you got down here. Your music sounds heavenly, heh."

Steve paused in playing and raised an eyebrow. Sev considered then blinked and quickly added, "Not that I'm asking how you got damned! I-I'm hellborn, but I know that question is a very personal thing for sinners. Sorry." He shrugged, rambling a bit. "You know, my parents never let me around sinners until I was almost an adult, and as a kid I figured they'd all be mean and scary. But so many of them aren't. So many of them are good people. And I like getting to know them."

Steve propped himself up on his elbows and smiled faintly. "It's okay. It's…kind of trippy for all of us when we end up down here. Can't imagine being born here. But then again maybe it would make the place easier to get used to." He sighed. "Me — I feel like I'm down here for some kind of gluttony. I was so wrapped up in my music and my plans that I neglected some other people's needs and my own too. Didn't find balance in life in time. Then I died young and left a beautiful corpse but a lot of unfinished business." He considered, gazing up at the ceiling. "I miss the stars the most. Nothing like that here. Night sky on earth is a thing of beauty."

"I wish I could help you finish your business there. And I wish I could visit earth." Sev smiled. "I used to imagine doing it all the time. Char and I would dream up plans—" He stopped himself, eyes wide in panic at bringing up his ex, and cleared his throat. "Silly, maybe. And besides it's…really hard to access ways to get to earth from here. Just a nice thought though."

Sev felt his heart race as Steve blushed slightly. "Well, I'm glad you and Charlie can at least help sinners down here, maybe help make hell a little more like earth even if we can't make the leap all the way to getting to heaven." He managed a half smile as he added. "You and the princess seem sweet together. Saw the pictures around the hotel…"

"That was a long time ago. And it was complicated," Sev said flatly, looking down. "I just hope we can be friends again now. Good friends, like we all were." He sighed, smiling a little again. "Vaggie is so great for Char. I'm so happy for them. You know, Char's parents…weren't thrilled when they started dating. When I found out, I sort of snuck out one night and tossed rotten caviar at her Dad's limo." He snorted. "I was so young and stupid."

Steve snorted in some laughter too. "Nah, it just sounds like you were a good friend with limited options."

Sev's smile grew. "Thanks. I'm just glad we're both grown up now, and Helsa too. Moving on, trying new things, able to try and make up for the mistakes we made. It's nice."

"Well, I'm glad you decided to give all that a shot and come by the hotel," Steve mused, leaning on his side to look at Sev. "It really is nice."

Feeling all tingly inside and a little bold, Sev leaned to rest on his side also. "It feels like the best decision I made in a while. I'm so glad Helsa was finally ready to see Char again."

"Why wouldn't she be?" Steve asked curiously.

Sev swallowed, eyes wide. It was too easy to talk to this guy. "I…I can't say. It's private."

"That's cool, that's cool," Steve assured. "But if you ever wanna share more, I can keep a secret."

Sev could swear he heard a faint purring from the cat demon. He REALLY liked purrs. His fins stood on edge. "I'll think about it." Right now he was actually thinking about gently pinning this big guy on his back and tasting the inside of his mouth with his tongue… or, more realistically and politely, holding Steve's hand asking if he'd do Sev the honor of accompanying him to this lounge tomorrow night when it was open for some drinks and dancing and food and a walk home and maybe a kiss goodnight.

Then suddenly Steve was leaning just a bit closer, and Sev realized the guy was about to make a move. His eyes widened, and doubt and anxiety and attraction raged within him…

Meanwhile, upstairs in the office, Helsa and Cherri had spent their evening in a rousing but productive discussion about how best to advertise hotel, what to add to each of the hotel's new locations to make them unique but still on brand, and how to strike a balance during the radio show between advertising the hotel and promoting the Von Eldritch's generous support. They'd consumed all the takeout and downed nearly two bottles of wine each, but everything had gotten done and was ready to put into action.

Helsa was currently lying with the upper half of her body sprawled on her desk, hair decidedly mussed, though she was far too tired and buzzed to care about it. Cherri was flat on her back on the desk, legs hanging off into the air, likewise disheveled and plastered.

Helsa was humming a tune — humming was a habit of hers that she couldn't suppress at all when she was drunk. The glanced at her companion for the evening and was struck with the annoying thought that she liked Cherri's blond hair. It reminded her of…fuck, it reminded her of something she didn't want to think about anymore. Helsa stopped humming with a sigh and rolled to lie on her face, trying not to care that her makeup must be smudging like crazy.

"Are you thinking what I'm thinking?" Cherri asked lazily.

Helsa snorted and shifted so she could see Cherri slightly again. "I'm thinking about a dumb but embarrassing secret from when I was a kid so, I sincerely hope not."

Cherri snorted. "Well, I was thinking that we definitely should have stopped at two cannolis a piece…and maybe at two glasses wind instead of two bottles." She hiccuped.

Helsa sighed. "Maybe. But fuck, I need food and alcohol in order to get shit done. Planning a Pentagram Popularity Conquest burns a lot of energy, and I'm always on fire inside to begin with."

"Same… That's why I…with the bombs… You know." Cherri waved her off and rubbed her temple. "Ugh, I am gonna feel like such crap in the morning. And I was doing so good at being responsible lately."

"Hey…we worked out an entire advertising campaign to help sinners. That is responsible as fuck!" Helsa chimed in, unable to help belching at the end or the blush at came to her features. Despite Cherri's snickers, she cleared her throat and quickly went on. "Besides, why would you want to be responsible anyway? I thought you were Cherri Bomb — renegade mistress of pyrotechnics or whatever."

Cherri chuckled. "Yeah, but…I don't know… I wanna be something else now too. I'm just not sure what. I wanna…take care of myself and help people, and help people take care of themselves. I know, it's all vague as fuck. Alastor's cannibal friends have been helping me try to figure it out. But I still don't know who I want to help… Maybe sex workers like Angel or down on their luck demons like Husk or…lost kid demons like Crymini? I don't know, I'm worried about picking someone and sucking at it." "Oh, you won't suck." Helsa waved her off. "And I vote for helping the kid — hell is hell for teenagers. There's nothing to do here that isn't violent or pornographic except going to king Lucifer's fucking self-indulgent theme park." She rolled her eyes. "Whole place is creepy as shit. You should open your own resource for kids and give that judgmental prick a run for his money!"

"Hmm… well, it WOULD serve Lucifer right," Cherri laughed. "Yeah… hadn't even thought about that — something for the young sinners and demons to do. Crymini said there's not even anything on tv for them, you know. I'm not great with kids, but maybe… I'll see what my Cannibal Colony friends think."

"It's bitchin' that you're getting help from the cannibals, by the way." Helsa closed her eyes and groaned a little, trying not to think about how the room was spinning a bit. "Don't tell Alastor, but I think Cannibal Colony is so cool. They do what they want and don't give a shit what anyone thinks. More power to 'em."

"Yeah! If we had any more wine left I'd raise a glass." Cherri lifted an empty bottle in the air. When it slipped from her grasp and rolled over the table she laughed. "You'd like my cannibal friends…Rosie and Mimzy. They don't take shit… That's…That's most of the women at the hotel too. No shit from anyone. It's nice. Welcome to our happy crew of badass chicks."

Helsa sighed. "Thanks…but I don't think I count. I'm just HELPING with the hotel. I'm not PART of the hotel. Lottie…ugh, it's complicated…" She whined out the last part.

"Cuz of your brother and Charlie?" Cherri asked, eye hazed, voice groggy.

"Half right…" Helsa mumbled, barely realizing she had spoken the words. Her eyes blinked open, and she felt her features flushing with heat from alcohol and memories. "Besides, you…you got Lottie and Vaggie, that's all you need — they are powerhouses of estrogen."

"Tell me about it," Cherri mused. "Heh, you know, I flirted with them so bad when I first showed up at the hotel to check on Angel. Offered a three way, but they didn't bite. Seriously committed to each other, and I respect it."

Helsa instantly choked on air, blinking, fully red in her face.

Cherri sat up, winced at the sudden movement, then settled for only half sitting up. "Whoa. You okay?"

"Fuck…I don't…yes…" Helsa was shaking a little. She squeezed her legs together and put a hand to her heart, clearing her throat.

She realized Cherri was watching her with interest. Then the one-eyed demon's eye widened. "Uh…what, do three-ways get you off?"

"No! I mean…oh my god, shut up, I'm too drunk for this." Helsa curled up on the desk, wishing her stupid blushing would go away.

Cherri crawled toward her. "Wait…if it's not three-ways… Is it Vaggie and Charlie…or—"

Helsa pushed herself up despite her pounding headache and put a hand over Cherri's mouth, her voice a harsh whisper. "Whatever you think you just realized is wrong. And it's complicated. And I'm not talking about it with someone I barely know, okay? I'm happy for Lottie, and I'll be damned if I'm gonna mess with her life by bringing up ancient history. I'm here to get in, help with the hotel, and get out…and maybe help her and Sev be friends again. Got it?"

Cherri nodded. Helsa reluctantly drew back her hand. Cherri smiled softly. "You're alright, you know. If you ever wanna talk about anything, we can. No pressure." She frowned a little, eye down. "Fuck we could even swap stories. I can tell you about my last ex — piece of shit from earth who tried to date me here too. Didn't last long with that. Bastard."

Helsa hesitated then tilted her head. "But…if you were together since earth, you must have broken up down here a while ago. You never tried seeing anyone since then? No other sinners?"

Cherri shrugged and smirked. "I'm a tough fit. No relationships…but plenty of exceptionally hot hookups though. Good times." She grinned.

Helsa flushed a little, sinking back down to the desk's surface. "Guess I don't really get around much for relationships or anything else. It's…busy being me."

"You should let yourself have some fun and see what's out there. Hell is a beautiful place when you've got the right attitude, and you've definitely got the right attitude." Cherri gave her a thumbs up before her arm flopped back down to the desk.

Helsa swallowed hard, her eyes wide. "Thanks…I think."

Cherri just shrugged and yawned, stretching out more on the table.

Helsa watched and bit her lip. How long had it been since sunken against a soft, warm, caring body let herself go… A while. How long since she'd actually liked it? Barely ever. She blinked back tears and shifted closer to Cherri, just to feel her warmth.

The one-eyed demon turned to face her. They were so close now. "Hey…" Cherri swallowed, eye wide, cheeks fully flushed. "Uh…just so you know, I don't, uh…do hookups with people when we're drunk unless we planned it that way in advance."

Helsa blinked and went scarlet at the implication…and yet her heart hammered at the chivalry. "I…I don't…" She huffed. "You—" Her cellphone suddenly buzzed and flashed on the desk, making them both flinch back. Helsa could see on the screen that it was a message from Sev. She grabbed the phone and read quickly then sighed. "Ugh…come on, I need you to tell Steve you're ready to go home and that he has to walk you — you're drunk, so perfect excuse."

"Wait, what…why?" Cherri managed to sit up, rubbing her head.

Helsa slowly pushed herself up again too. "Cuz my brother's an awkward dork, that's why." She looked to Cherri with a desperate frown. "Can you just do this for him — for us — please?"

Cherri looked back at her then nodded.

They got off the desk and made their way carefully down the hall to the elevator, holding onto the walls for support rather than each other.

When they got down to the main floor, Sev was just finishing up anxiously cleaning up all the takeout containers and stacking their notebooks of ideas in a nice, neat pile while Steve sat on the stage, ears down and wearing a confused frown.

Relief flooded Sev's gaze as he caught sight of the girls. "Hey! Hope you two had a productive time, I know we did!" He swung a fist through the air, one eye twitching.

Helsa nodded and quickly led Cherri over to Steve. "Steve, thanks for coming. Sev and I will be in touch tomorrow. Cherri?" She looked to Cherri.

Cherri blinked then straightened up as best she could. "Yeah, uh…Steve, could you walk me back to the hotel now? I'm a little wasted, heh."

"Of course, Cherri." Steve smiled and nodded and held out his arm. Cherri took it. He glanced at Helsa and nodded to her. "Have a nice night, Helsa." He looked beyond her to where Sev was still keeping himself busy. "Sev…a pleasure."

Sev nodded shakily. "Yeah, it was. Goodnight!" He turned away.

Helsa watched Steve sigh and head toward the exit with Cherri. Cherri glanced over her shoulder and gave Helsa a wave with a concerned look.

Helsa just put on her usual aloof front but did give her a small wave back.

Once they were out the door, she sighed. "Sev, you're jumpy. Sit down."

Sev stopped cleaning and trudged over to the stage. He sat, head hanging. "I'm sorry, Helsa it… Something almost happened, and I was not ready for it and I panicked."

"It's okay." She sat on the stage beside him and put an arm around her brother…then almost fell off the stage but quickly righted herself.

Sev cracked a smile, eyeing her. "Hel, you're sloshed."

"And damn proud of it," Helsa affirmed.

He laughed. "You and Cherri have a nice time?"

She shrugged. "Yeah. She's…whatever. I…think I got sloppy toward the end though. She might have realized some things about about me…about Lottie." She shook her head, pouting. "But I told her not to push it, and she said she won't tell. I guess we're okay." She hesitated then bit her lip. Her eyes were shining a little. "Maybe I should just 'go away' for a while after the hotel expansion happens. Live in another ring for a bit. Let you and Lottie get close again. I don't know…" Her lip wobbled and suddenly she buried her face in her hands, trying not to cry.

Sev blinked then patted her on the back. "It's okay, it's okay… For what it's worth, I want you here. And I think Char would rather just know the truth than lose you forever. She'll understand. She forgives, and you didn't do anything wrong. You just had feelings. That's not a bad thing."

Helsa leaned against him. "You just have feelings too — for the cat guy. That's not a bad thing either." She managed to glare at him, wiping at her eyes. "Remember that too and don't fuck this up for yourself just cuz of guilt or whatever. You deserve a partner!"

Sev smiled, holding back his own tears, and met his sister's gaze. "Only if you remember you also deserve a partner."

Helsa sighed and gave him a quick, tight hug and a firm nod. Then she released him and hopped off the stage, wobbling on her feet.

"Whoa, hold on," Sev got down and took her arm. "Come on, we'll set up the cots and spend the night in the office here. I'll get you back upstairs."

"Whatever…thanks…" Helsa mumbled as they went back to the elevator and headed upstairs again, both lost in thoughts of the future and the past and love.

The spider siblings arrived home to find the hotel lobby surprisingly empty of activity. They wondered if their fellas had maybe decided to spend their afternoon together by heading out for an activity somewhere. The spiders quickly checked the kitchen and ballroom and knocked on Alastor's office door and Husk's room door but got no answer. While searching, Molly caught sight of Niffty and Baxter sitting together on the patio, watching Razzle and Dazzle play in the garden. The two demons were seated close, holding hands and smiling and caught up in conversation. The spiders quickly snuck away to leave them to their privacy. They could drop off their shopping bags upstairs first and then figure out where their men had gone. Maybe Charlie and Vaggie had seen them?

The spiders put their parcels in their rooms and then headed one floor higher to hopefully find the princess and Vaggie. They paused though when they were met by the sound of tools and the smell of fresh paint and the light echoes of a jazzy tune… It was all coming from the room that was to be Alastor's new radio tower, and the door was open. The spiders crept forward and curiously peeked around the door frame.

All three of their jaws fell. Alastor, in his shirtsleeves and with his collar slightly open and tail on full display, was playing some music through his microphone and painting the crown molding of the room while his shadow took care of the floor molding, Sir Pentious was wearing a striking metal mask and a leather apron as he welded an 'On Air' sign to the wall, and Husk was bent over a shiny new desk to affix Alastor's soundboard to the surface.

"Oh hot damn, they're doing manual labor…" Angel couldn't help but whisper, blushing.

"And they're all overheated and sweaty, flexin' their muscles…" Molly turned scarlet and swallowed.

"They're just…building stuff…" Niss tried to sound casual, but a blush colored his features too as he watched Pen expertly wielded the blowtorch in his hands, working it up and down, up and down… Niss pressed his legs together and looked away, desperate for a distraction. His eyes found Alastor's shadow as it presented its work to the deer then winked out of existence. Now Niss's attention fell to Alastor, and he blinked in concern. "Hey, Tony, is Alastor okay? His arms have scars and…"

"And he's got a little fluffy tail!" Molly squeaked, eyes starry as her attention went to the deer too. But then she frowned as well. "Tony, did you know about the scars?"

"Yeah." Angel held up a hand, explaining quickly. "I know, I know, they worried me too at first. But Al's fine — the scars are just part of his demon form, they don't hurt him at all. But he doesn't like people pointing 'em out. Or the tail either. Capiche?"

Molly nodded. "Of course! Not a word about any of it. I'm just glad he's okay." Her smile went a bit dreamy again as her eyes drifted back to Husk. "And besides, I got my own fella's tail to check out."

"Yeah…say nothing to Alastor…got it…" Niss agreed in a daze, his attention back on his snake boyfriend as Pen stretched up and wiped sweat from his brow, grasping long blowtorch firmly, red and blue tip burning so bright. He HAD to convince the snake to weld on the ship more often. Or maybe there were some things around his hotel room that Niss could ask Pen to weld. If there weren't, he would FIND things.

Angel, meanwhile, dug his claws into the door frame, eyes a bit hazed as he took in Alastor some more. "Speaking of tails, you know the only thing that would make this scene even better?" He grinned. "Getting 'em in jeans."

Molly's eyes lit up and she couldn't help but focus her burning stare on Husk's backside as he leaned even more over the desk. "Oh…Oh yeah, that would…whew." She fanned herself.

"Niss, what do ya think?" Angel asked.

Niss was still just staring at Pen though with wide eyes; in his head, he imagined learning to weld by having Pen come up behind him, press close, and guide his hand with the torch. "Huh…?"

Angel snickered, looking at his brother. "You who, earth to Archie. We were talking about how good our guys would look in jeans right now."

Niss blinked and blushed. "Oh! Uh…yeah. I…I don't know if jeans would be comfortable for Pen — no legs. But, um…that leather apron he's got on is…working pretty nice." His voice cracked and he heated up as his brother and sister stifled giggles while he just tried not to picture Pen wearing that apron and ONLY that apron. A little shaky smile came to his lips — maybe some of these fantasies could be made into realities one day when he was ready.

Angel just shook his head and sighed. "Come on, let's go say hi — this place looks nearly done and they deserve compliments and the nice meal we're gonna make for them." Molly and Niss nodded to him, and then Angel knocked on the door frame. "Pardon us, is this a closed construction site or can three lonely spiders come in and cat call the crew?"

Alastor jumped then beamed then put his bare arms behind his back shyly. "Angel!"

"Molly!" Husk stood up and turned around with a smile, wings wide.

"Ahhh! Nissy!" Pen turned off his blowtorch and took off his mask with a big grin. The snake dashed over and barely resisted scooping up his boyfriend. "Oh I would hug you and twirl you around, but I'm afraid I'm just a mess from all this construction. I'll need at least an hour to get all gussied up before our dinner and dancing."

Niss chuckled. "It's okay — messy looks real good on ya…and so does that apron." He winked, feeling bold.

Sir Pentious turned red then burst into happy giggles.

Husk rolled his eyes and grinned as he approached Molly. "Same here, I've got sawdust all in my wings and grease in my claws."

Molly's heart raced, eyes hazed in fluster. "Ya look like ya did a lot of good, hard work today. You rest and get ready, gatto mio, I want to have a wonderful night together." She blushed more. Husk noticed and smiled and blushed more too.

Alastor shuffled toward Angel. "I'll have to get cleaned up as well, ha. Worked up a bit of a sweat and had to attire myself accordingly. I…must look quite the debauched fright, I'm sure."

Angel smiled tenderly. "Nah, you look happy and strong, and there's good color in your cheeks. I'm glad you got to have some fun today and felt comfortable doing it with the other guys."

Alastor smiled proudly. "Yes, we…we thought doing a project together might help us break the ice. It was rather successful, ha! And look, my tower is nearly done. The paint just needs to dry, a few final items need to be put into place, and then Niffty will be through for one of her usual thorough cleanings to finish things off." He glowed. "And if you have any decor you'd like to add, I'd love your personal touch, Angel."

Angel giggled. "You got it, Smiles." He brushed a bit of sawdust from the end of Alastor's hair. "You finish up in here and then relax all you want and prepare for a big Italian feast, okay? We're so excited to have a fun night all together with you fellas."

Alastor's eyes brightened and he nodded. "I take it your sibling shopping trip went as well as our afternoon here, then?"

"Oh yeah." Angel assured with a wink. "We'll have some surprises to show each of you later." Molly blushed thoroughly and felt her smile wobble, and Niss went red and looked absolutely anywhere that didn't involve eye contact with anyone.

Angel chuckled and rounded up his siblings. "Come on, let's get to the kitchen and leave our men to finish all their hard work." The spiders waved to their fellas who waved back and then headed downstairs for the kitchen, whispering and giggling and so excited for the evening ahead.

Husk returned to his room, Alastor went upstairs to his own quarters, and Sir Pentious had himself transported back to the airship. Quickly, all three men got busy cleaning up and resting and preparing to finely attire themselves for their date with their lovely spiders.

Husk reclined on his bed and rested his wings for a bit, then he put on a fresh pair of black suspenders and managed to work a grey vest around his torso and wings. He finished the outfit off with a red bowtie and brushed out all of his fur. He had this giddy, warm feeling inside of him that he would never have admitted to anyone else (except maybe Molly).

Sir Pentious flopped onto a fainting couch with delighted giggles for a bit as he mused about his sweet Archie. Then he busied himself buffing his scales and digging through his large closet of exquisite outfits until he procured a lovely black coat with red accents and tails. He spruced up his hat with a new red and yellow band and even added a touch of cologne to his hood flaps. He was positively ecstatic and would have practically sung about his feelings but didn't want to steal the spotlight tonight. His new friends liked him and his boyfriend liked him and he was happy to just accept these wonderful new developments in his life.

Tucked away upstairs in the hotel, Alastor drew himself a bath and did one of his rare hair washings with shampoo and water (he always had to be so careful not to let the water mess up the electronics connected to his head, which meant such a cleaning was a lengthy process, but it did add a bit of bounce to his hair that Angel seemed to like). He did his best to lie down for a rest while his hair finished drying but only succeeded in listening to jazz music while mercilessly tapping his foot. Finally he and his Shadow picked out a charming dark red jacket and a snazzy black bowtie and slacks for his ensemble. Alastor dressed and, in a small moment of bravery, allowed his shadow to tie back the ends of his hair at the nape of his neck. He hoped it would look sophisticated and not silly. At least he knew Angel would be amused by the change and that the others who would view his hair style were people he could trust not to tease him.

The three men all headed to the lobby at the hour the spiders had appointed for them (Husk coming from the back hallway on the bottom floor and Sir Pentious coming in through the front door and Alastor coming down from upstairs). And all three of them immediately paused and inhaled deeply at the delectable scents filling the air.

"Oh man, that smells good." Husk's wings extended and his shoulders relaxed…and his stomach growled. He put a hand there. "Sheesh, I didn't realize how hungry I was from all that work we did til just now."

Sir Pentious nodded, practically gliding across the floor, led by the aroma. "Indeed. I've been so giddy about getting to have a date with Nissy that I barely even remembered my stomach, but now I'm famished." His stomach made a small sound too.

"Indeed!" Alastor added brightly. And then his own stomach grumbled in a very loud and off-putting way as his eyes turned to darkness for a moment. Alastor quickly blinked them back to normal…and immediately realized Husk was looking at him with some concern and Pentious was looking at him with a fair amount of curiosity. "Er…yes, so much was happening today that I almost forgot to properly nourish myself. Failing to do so can…make my appetite a little insatiable." He smiled and knew his fangs were gleaming. "But I do believe I detect the scent of venison amongst all these wonderful smells so I should be fine, ha! No need to drag in a fresh corpse off the street as an appetizer." His eyes darted around nervously. He hadn't broached the cannibal subject with Pentious yet exactly, after all. Hesitantly his eyes finally settled on Pen, and he waited.

The snake blinked at first but then nodded with a nervous yet understanding smile. "Ah, well, you are a powerful magic user after all, so you must require a lot of refueling. And I know you have a code about these things for choosing your, er…food." His smile relaxed a little. "But I am happy that venison helps fill you up as well. It would be dreadful to have no alternative to all the bother of hunting down a suitable target for every meal, after all."

Alastor's smile relaxed too. "Yes…yes, exactly! Though I take a certain amount of pleasure in the cannibalistic parts of my livelihood, it's nice not to be bound to them without recourse, ha! And I love cooking dishes that all sinners can eat!"

Husk smiled and crossed his arms. "You should show Pen what a good cook you are sometime — make your jambalaya and beignets." He looked to Pen seriously. "They are worth going to hell for, they are that amazing."

Alastor glowed while Sir Pentious beamed. "Oh yes, I'd love that, Alastor!"

Alastor nodded. "Perhaps I'll make a big pot the night before radio show day for all of us to share along with all the other provisions we've set aside."

Sir Pentious nodded eagerly and Husk tried not to chuckle at how happy Alastor looked at the approval.

And then the kitchen doors opened and all eyes went in that direction as the spiders stepped out and smiled at their men.

Niss was wearing a dark blue suit with a black shirt and silver tie, his hair slicked back and eyes strikingly accented with dark wingtip mascara. Molly was wearing a yellow sleeveless dress with a flowing short skirt, accented with pink trim and a pink belt, and she had her hair in curls and ruby lipstick on her mouth. And Angel was wearing tight black slacks and a black halter top covered by a sheer pink blouse, his hair slicked back except for his bangs that had a light curl, and his cheeks were dusted with rose-colored blush. "Hey fellas!" He spoke for the siblings, smirking playfully. "You three clean up real nice."

Husk, Alastor, and Sir Pentious all blushed and smiled shyly. They shared a glance then approached their spiders.

"Molly, you're so pretty tonight," Husk murmured. She giggled and kissed his cheek.

"Archie, you're a vision," Sir Pentious announced, bowing gracefully then kissing Niss's hand.

"Angel…Anthony…" Alastor glowed so brightly, eyes wide. "I love you." He blinked. "I love YOUR OUTFIT!" He stammered to correct himself but Angel just chuckled and took his hands.

"Love you…and your outfit too, Smiles." Angel gently pressed their foreheads together. "And ooo…look at your hair — love the ponytail." Alastor giggled and felt better.

Then everyone's stomachs started rumbling all at once. They all laughed and separated. The spiders lead their men to their seats around the set dining room table complete with candles and bottles of chianti.

"Now, you three just stay here, and we'll use our many arms to bring out all the dishes we made," Angel explained sweetly.

Molly nodded. "Caprese salad, fried rice balls, antipasto platters, sausage bread…"

"Osso Bucco, Risotto with porcini mushrooms, frittatas, and chicken parm…" Niss added.

"And Venison parm too! And Zeppolis, Cannolis, Ricotta Cheesecake…" Angel finished almost sinfully. Then he added, with a shy look Alastor's way, "But first we'll start with the wedding soup, hmm?"

Molly and Niss barely stifled giggles as Angel blushed and nudged them sheepishly. The three siblings dashed off to the kitchen together.

An absolutely glowing Alastor was left behind with a curious Husk and Pentious. Husk gave Alastor a meaningful raise of his eye brows and Alastor gave an imperceptible shrug of his shoulders in return.

Pentious looked on with interest. "Something I should know about? What is wedding soup?"

"Ha!" Alastor's voice cracked. "Just, erm… a dish Angel made me once when I was unwell. It's called that term because all the different flavors marry together as it simmers. Quite excellent."

"Ah, I see…" Pen replied easily. Yet the snake eyed him with a little smirk that made Husk snicker. Alastor just sighed and smiled because part of his life now was going to involve being flirted with in front of others which was okay as long as they were people he trusted, and he did indeed trust these two.

The spiders all returned soon enough with tremendous platters of food — an utter feast in hell. They sat across from their boyfriends, and everyone served themselves and poured wine and laughed and ate and drank (and a couple times the spiders slipped into a giggly Italian, gesturing to their fellas). The evening felt like an ideal chance to really get to know these three siblings that had brought love and light into Alastor and Husk's and Pen's lives. Alastor was especially interested at one point when he heard Angel remark that eating like this reminded him of something called the San Gennaro Feast back on earth. Niss and Molly agreed and described a yearly fall event that had been the source of some of their happiest times together. Very interesting information… It gave the Radio Demon ideas (and the timing would be perfect too). For now though, he was just happy to continue experiencing this glorious evening, especially when the meal finished, and the giddy spiders, lead their men to the ballroom.

The siblings had set up an old phonograph on the stage, currently playing swing music. Overhead the chandelier was lit, and down below they had cleared a space for dancing.

Angel stood in front of Alastor and bowed, offering his hand. Alastor felt pleasant static run up his spine as he swiftly took the spider's hand in one of his own and set his other hand on Angel's hip. And then they were swaying — in front of others — and the Radio Demon…was managing. He was actually enjoying himself. He felt nervous but still happy, and it was a nice change of pace.

Molly pulled Husk in close, and he chuckled and dipped her back, using his wings to balance them before pulling her up again and leading her around the floor. Niss turned to Pen awkwardly and tried to match their heights and to figure out where his arms should go who should lead. But then the spider stopped and sighed. "I…I'm not such a good dancer." He blushed. "I'm better at, um…singing."

Sir Pentious lit up as Molly and Angel looked on encouragingly. "Then sing, my dear Archie! I'd love to hear you! What sorts of numbers do you usually perform?"

"Uh…well, it might sound kind of corny but Tony and Molly really like it so, uh…"

"Opera," Angel offered helpfully. "In Italian," Molly also offered helpfully.

Niss rolled his eyes with a bashful grin. "Yeah, that."

Pen clapped his hands together. "Delightful!" He lead Niss over to the stage, helped him up, then leaned on the stage, gazing up at his boyfriend as his tail swayed in anticipation.

Niss smiled more and switched the record out on the phonograph. He cleared his throat and stood tall. And then he began singing a charming little number from a comedy opera. Pen clapped to the beat and Husk twirled Molly around, and Alastor lead Angel over the floor in a waltz. When the song was done, Pen yelled "Bravo!" and cheered as Niss replaced the record with some big band music and climbed off the stage, taking a shy bow.

Eventually he and Pen settled on dancing together by having Pen hold Niss in his tail while Niss put his hands on Pen's shoulders and the snake moved for both of them.

A slow song came on now. Each of the spiders drifted off in their own little world in their own little corner of the dance floor, holding close to their partners, voices low.

Niss sighed dreamily. "Thanks for helping me dance with you."

"Any time, darling," Sir Pentious assured. "Thank you for the operatic delight. I've never been serenaded before."

"Oh. Glad to be your first, heh…" Niss blushed and grinned and swallowed. "I was thinking I might sleep over at your place tonight? Ta rest and cuddle?"

"Oh yes, that sounds like a plan," Sir Pentious murmured mischievously.

Niss resisted the urge to giggle. "And I was thinking, since I did so much shopping today and got lots of new clothes, maybe I could…leave some at your place. Just to make things easier for going back and forth. What do ya think?"

Pen bit his lip and just nodded vigorously as his tail squeezed around Niss like he was about to burst in happiness. "That sounds like an even better plan," he managed to stammer. "Could I…leave some things here with you?"

Niss nodded. "I was hoping you'd ask, il mio serpente."

Pen's hood flaps flared in delight. Then the snake dipped Niss back with a saucy look in his eye, and they both laughed, just gazing at each other. Eventually they straightened up and continued swaying.

Husk and Molly, meanwhile, held each other close as they danced. Molly was trying to use all four of her legs for swaying with Husk. She was getting better on them and…she liked how much liked her legs. "Husky…" she whispered, "Can I sleepover in your room tonight?"

Husk grinned. "Hmm, why do I get the feeling the three of you planned in advance to try and have sleepovers with each of us tonight?"

"Cuz we're just crafty when we get together — and cuz you three are just that irresistible," she assured, chuckling with him. Then she blushed and quieted her voice. "Ya know, I…I've been thinkin' and… I'm ready to do more than 'sleep' when we sleepover. More than even make out. Not tonight but very soon. I…might have bought some stuff today for the occasion. What do you think?"

Husk nearly stopped swaying with her. His wings stiffened and his hold on her waist tightened slightly. His eyes met hers, searching, and when all he saw reflected there was sincerity and love and a gleam of desire he swallowed and gave a small nod. "Yeah, I…I think I'm ready. Nervous but ready. And I want to."

Molly's smile grew. "I'm so happy, il mio gatto… I want to be with you. You're my fella."

"And you're my girl. I want to be with you too," he purred back shyly.

They settled in extra close, blushing and happy.

Alastor and Angel were slow dancing with a few inches between their chests (Alastor could handle dancing in front of others but not touching excessively, and Angel understood so well). "This was a marvelous idea," Alastor remarked. "Thank you for this magical evening, mon amour."

Angel's grin grew. "Ya really had a good time? Bonding with Husk and getting to know Pen and trying a date in front of other people?"

Alastor nodded. "It was new and different and made me a little unsure at times but…oh yes, I love the results. I feel so much closer to all of you, and so much less anxious. And I made a new friend! Sir Pentious and I are all squared away now, ha…"

"That's great! I knew you'd hit it off," Angel looked so happy.

Alastor considered. "Anthony… do you recall how we once discussed making our relationship public some day? I think…I think me being able to handle this experience tonight is a sign that it's something we can do sooner rather than later."

Angel's eyes widened. "Really? I…I mean, yeah…that makes sense. I'm not involved with Val anymore, so I don't have to worry about getting in trouble for seeing anyone. And you're still an overlord but you got more supporters than ever now, so there's less risk of anyone using me to get to you. And so many other people already know about us and are okay with it. And…it'd be nice to just…be ourselves wherever and whenever we want."

Alastor nodded, gaze dreamy. "I could take you out to dance any night, out to dine any evening, out to hold hands and walk in the park any afternoon, and I could wake up with you each morning without a care…" He chuckled. "And Nuggets could acknowledge both his papas in public instead of just the one, ha."

Angel snorted and wiped away a tear. "Oh that would be…everything." He swallowed. "Do you know when you wanna do this?"

"Not until at least after Abel and Louise's wedding," Alastor replied. "I don't want us to steal any of their thunder. We could try going public before the preparations for the extermination kick up at the end of the year…but the scheduling might be too tight depending on how things play out." He frowned. "I must talk to Charlie. I'm not certain if she'd like to treat the extermination as business as usual and just have us hide out here or if she wants to work up a plan for attempting to parlay with the angels again or…if she might like to make full preparations to fight back." He shook his head to clear his thoughts and then looked into Angel's eyes. "But whatever happens, by the new year, no more secrets. I want us to acknowledge each other for all we mean to each other, for all to hear."

Angel stared back at him with wide, shining eyes. Then he moved forward and gave Alastor a tight hug. He pulled back quickly, wiping his eyes and smiling. "Sorry, I…I know you don't want to touch too much in front of other people, but I just…"

Alastor took Angel's hand and kissed the back of it. "It's all right, Anthony."

Angel smiled and nodded. Then he laughed and added, "But hey, if we do have some kind of anti-angel war, I'm gonna be right beside you the entire time. No more risking our necks apart. We're in all of this together."

"Forever…?" Alastor asked, just a touch of charm in his tone.

Angel flushed so pink. And then he gave a shy nod.

They smiled gently at each other and resumed dancing, no words needed. They had everything they could ever want and more.

The spiders and their fellas all danced til the late hours then departed with their dates for their beds and the peaceful night ahead.

As the night grew late, so many happy couples in hell settled in together, either cuddled close or sleeping apart but still thinking tenderly of one another.

Niffty and Baxter each laid awake in their separate beds in the moonlight, blushing and smiling with bright eyes. After looking taking care of Razzle and Dazzle, they had ordered take out and eaten a cozy, private dinner up in Baxter's lab, and then they had talked and sat close and…suddenly Niffty had known that she was ready to kiss Baxter. So she had asked him if it was okay. And he, shy and full of wonder, had nodded eagerly and asked her if she was definitely okay with it too. When she reassured him she was, he smiled bashfully, told her she was the nicest girl he'd ever met, and called her by her real name — the one only she and him and Alastor knew — Maggie. Niffty had smiled so much and almost cried.

They had leaned in and gently set their mouths together. And though her heart raced, Niffty felt no fear or anxiety, just trust and curiosity and a spark of pleasure. Her hand found his and squeezed for support, and Baxter's other hand braced against a lab table because his legs seemed to be wobbling just like how Niffty's insides were fluttering happily. When they pulled back, eyes hazed and breaths shallow, they both noticed Baxter's lantern standing up straight and glowing bright as a small full moon. Baxter had swallowed softly, and Niffty had reached up, looking to his eyes for permission. When he nodded and lowered his head, she lightly touched the dancing, glowing ball. He nearly collapsed to the floor with trembles and a happy sigh, but thankfully Niffty caught him as they shared a smile. As Baxter walked Niffty to her room a few minutes later, they learned that tonight had been each other's first kisses in hell and that they were both hoping to share more. Niffty kissed Baxter goodnight on the cheek and he kissed her on the hand, and then they left each other, both so excited for new nights and memories that were to come for them.

Upstairs, Charlie and Vaggie laid sprawled out and smiling on their bed, heads facing opposite directions. Vaggie had her socks off and Charlie's shirt was half unbuttoned, like they had started to undress to change into nightclothes (and perhaps for some other more fun reasons) but had passed out before managing it. There was a folded, cream-colored piece of paper on the bed between their hands, adorned gilded edges and fresh black ink. It connected their sleeping bodies.

Across the Pentagram, Lucifer and Lilith likewise slept sprawled out on their bed in rumpled clothes, smiling facing opposite directions and holding hands. Around them were scattered many papers and maps and notebooks. They were making big plans, and it was so nice to pass out asleep from pursuing a dream instead of from crying tears of regret.

In Cannibal Colony, Mimzy slept on top of Rosie, both ladies with the blankets wrapped around their bear bodies. Their lives were so fulfilling these days, and they felt so fulfilled by each other. Cannibalistic love-making was an energetic process, and they would certainly sleep late in the morning.

In another district, Vox slept curled up in his bed with Vark snoring next to him. The television overlord had his phone in hand, screen showing final messages sent earlier between himself and a certain moth. Meanwhile, in his bed at the studio, Val held his own phone (showing the same messages) close to his chest as he slept, his face flushed red with longing as he dreamt of holding a much larger and more inviting screen in his arms.

In her own little penthouse full of decorations and throw pillows and pictures all patterned with cakes, Velvet cuddled up with a sheath of kitchen knives. She had a big smile on her sleeping face and was wearing a large nightshirt that said 'I like girls who bite' with a big fanged smile drawn on it. She yawned and nuzzled the knives in her sleep.

In another area of the Pentagram, Helsa and Sev slept restlessly on cots in their lounge office. Sev's brow was furrowed with anxiety…but a small smile came to his face as dreamtime thoughts of a certain cat demon entered his mind. Helsa, meanwhile, tossed and turned and bit her lip but then hugged a pillow close and sighed, her demeanor finally settling into something not happy but at least restful. Her hands clenched the pillow with care.

Back at the hotel, Steve slept in his room with his sax resting against his nightstand, a curious smile on his lips though his tail swished in some light anxiety as he dreamed.

In the lobby downstairs, Cherri was sprawled out on a couch — she'd felt too tipsy and tired to find a room upstairs and Crymini had seemed like she could use company (the dog demon was sleeping down here, curled up in an easy chair). The kid was all right. Cherri fell asleep thinking about what Helsa had said about helping younger demons…and then just thinking of Helsa. She passed out holding a pillow close just like Helsa was doing far away, her brow a little furrowed in drunkenness and thought.

Near her, (and under many blankets that Abel and Louise had provided) Crymini snuggled against her chair, her tail twitching but otherwise free of anxiety. Abel and Louise had suggested she pick out a room for herself, and she had been willing to look at a few but she wasn't ready to commit just yet. And she liked the lobby anyway — she felt like she was somehow close to all of her new safe friends by being in this room.

Upstairs, Abel and Louise snuggled together under their blankets, tired from work and very happy for a chance to just rest safely in each other's arms. They dreamed of weddings and honeymoons and a whole life together here in hell with their new dear friends.

In Husk's room, the cat held close to a sleeping Molly from behind, snuggling deeply into her golden hair while his wing wrapped them both up in warmth and safety. Molly clasped his hand in one of her own and held it to her heart over her old nightshirt (any new nighttime items she had purchased today would make their debut later in time). They were so good together.

In the airship directly overhead, Pen and Niss were snoozing in Pen's grand bed. The snake smiled serenely, sprawled out on pillow, and the spider grinned, arms wrapped around the end of Pen's tail which had curled upward between them. Pen wore a gold nightshirt and nightcap, and Niss had on a pair of his new pajama pants to go along with his undershirt. Pen had said they were pretty when the spider had tried them on, which had led to extra kisses and cuddles before passing out happily together.

And finally, back once again in the hotel, Alastor and Angel rested in Alastor's bed, asleep and facing each other and holding hands. Nuggets was cuddled between them and Alastor's shadow was wrapped around Nuggets. They were such a little perfect family in this moment, and all of their sleeping thoughts kept coming back to that same perfect notion…

It was a good time for partners to find love in hell.

A/N:

Yay, big spider triple date is over and everyone finally got a chance for some well-deserved peace and happiness ^w^ Thank you all so much for being here through 100 chapters 3 There should be about 30 more before this story wraps up. I have to take a little break from posting again while I draft the next parts of the fic, but I should have more to post in May. I appreciate your patience and support!

Take care!

-Azure129