Warning suicide and abuse mentioned. Also very heavy angst. This one is gonna be different from the chapter in the book version. This is the version I wanted to do for the chapter. Enjoy and let me know what you think.
After the Halloween party, the Hazbin Hotel cast returned to their theater. Jack Skellington bid his goodbyes at the party and left. Monty tried to take a seat between Arackniss and Sir Pentious.
Arackniss: Don't even think about it.
Monty: Wha...?
Vaggie: So you two... used to date this clown?
Monty: Hey!
Arackniss: Mine was more of a partnership gone wrong.
Pentious: We did date for a year until he left me.
Aasha: Now that sounds like a dramatic soap opera.
Andy: Not funny.
Victoria: So... I'm going to guess I'm not the only one in this room with family issues.
Angel: Easy there Short King. It's not something my siblings and I talk about.
Kara: Maybe in your universe. But in ours, I might have helped get you three to stop being idiots.
Angel: Um, three?
Molly: Kara's met our Pops.
Angel: (sarcastically) Oh joy. A family reunion!
Kara: Oh stop. My method to get you and father to make up worked.
Lucifer came back into the theater.
Lucifer: Did I miss it?
Charlie: No. We were just waiting for you, Dad.
RavenDragon: Alright, let's get started.
Someone hidden in the back was also there to watch.
(The scene opens to the Hotel a few days after the Halloween Party. Since the Halloween party and finding out that Arackniss had a family, Angel barely left the hotel. He wouldn't even come out of his room for food; Niffty would just leave it outside the door. Angel stopped coming to Kara's club for work and he wouldn't even show up at the porn studio for Valentino. Kara was by his door and knocked on it.)
KARA: Angel? It's me. You wanna come out?
ANGEL: (Muffled behind the door.) Not in the mood!
KARA: Come on Angel. You can't keep hiding in your bedroom forever.
ANGEL: (Muffled behind the door) Watch me!
KARA: (Groans) Ok I'm coming in.
(Kara kicked the door open. But what she saw left her speechless; Angel's room looked like a hurricane had hit it from the inside. The bed had piles of clothing on it, some were even in Fat Nuggets' little bed.)
Molly: Angel!
Angel What?! It's how I like it!
Arackniss: Anthony Rago! You know better!
Angel: (stammered) Hey! Ex-nay on the ame-nay!
KARA: Yesh. Now I know why Niffty never comes in here.
(Kara found Angel buried in the blankets, mopping. Kara rolled her eyes then pushed Angel off the bed.)
ANGEL: OW!
KARA: Honestly, how can you live like this? It's like living in a pig sty.
(Fat Nuggets squealed.)
KARA: No offense Fat Nuggets.
Vaggie snickered.
Angel: Shut it, Vagina.
Vaggie growled.
ANGEL: (gets up from the floor) So what?
KARA: You've been stuck up in here, not coming to the club or even answering Valentino's calls. OK, that last one isn't so bad. But still! All this whining and mopping over your brother being married?
ANGEL: You don't get it! Me and my so-called family grew up in a time when being gay was frowned upon. I walked on thin ice every day in the mafia.
KARA: Don't you think you should, I don't know, talk to him?
ANGEL: (scoffs) Like my brother would give me the time of day. He's worse than our old man.
KARA: Come on Angel. He can't be that bad.
ANGEL: I'd rather take Don Henroin than Valentino.
(Kara nearly fell off the bed hearing that name.)
KARA: Henroin? The Mafia Overlord is your dad?
ANGEL: Sperm donors more like it.
Vaggie: Seriously?
Angel: Hey I'd say the same thing. Besides it's true.
Molly: Anthony!
Angel: Oh like you two weren't thinking it?
Molly was about to speak but she stopped.
Arackniss: I mean, he's kind of not wrong.
Pentious: Nissy!
Arackniss: Penn, trust me. The last person I want Jackie to be around is him.
Angel: Rub your happy marriage in my face, why don't you?
Arackniss: Shut it.
KARA: Angel...
ANGEL: Look I get you are looking out for me, but unless you can erase years of trauma, then out!
(Kara left the room.)
KARA: Now I know where he and Arackniss get that wonderful personality from. There's gotta be a way to get them to work it out.
Arackniss/Angel: Hey!
Kara: Please, you both are stubborn. Need I say more?
Angel pouts.
Victoria: It is kind of funny.
(Charlie suddenly came over.)
CHARLIE: Any luck?
KARA: Nope. Angel's pretty stubborn.
CHARLIE: I didn't think Angel had any family down here.
KARA: I've already met his siblings. Too bad I can't get him and Arackniss to talk it out. I mean, unless I lock them in a room together.
Angel: Yeah and there would be bloodshed.
Arackniss: For once, I agree with you.
(Charlie let out gasps.)
CHARLIE: That's it!
KARA: What's it?
CHARLIE: Get them in the same room together. They'll have to talk it out.
KARA: That's... Not a bad idea.
Alastor: Now this will be entertaining.
Kara: Oh really? In that case, I'll do the same with you and Vox next time.
Alastor made a radio screech.
Lucifer: (laughs) Oh now that would be comedy gold.
Alastor: Seriously?!
CHARLIE: Perfect. Now we just need to get Angel and his brother to come.
KARA: (Smirked) You let me worry about Arackniss. Just don't let Angel out of your sight.
Vaggie: Easy.
Molly: Uh, not really. Take it from two people who lived with him. He always finds a way to get out of grounding.
(The scene changed to Sir Pentious's manor with Kara pulling up in her car. She knocked on the door when she arrived at the manor, expecting Arackniss to answer it. But to her surprise, Pentious was the one who opened the door.)
PENTIOUS: Kara, what brings you to my home?
KARA: Is Arackniss here? I want to talk to him about what happened on Halloween.
PENTIOUS: Um, well, he is here.
KARA: Perfect. Can I come in?
PENTIOUS: I guess so. Come in.
(Kara walked inside.)
KARA: I do want to apologize for Angel's little outburst. Where is Arackniss?
PENTIOUS: In the living room.
(Kara walked into the living room. She found Arackniss sitting on the couch reading a book.)
ARACKNISS: (glancing at Kara, a bit surprised) Oh, you came. I wasn't expecting this.
KARA: (smiling) Well, I thought it was time for us to have a little chat.
ARACKNISS: (sighing, crossing his arms) About Halloween, I suppose?
KARA: Among other things. (pauses) And about Angel.
ARACKNISS: (grimacing) I knew this day would come. He's been a mess ever since.
KARA: (sitting down, serious) I need you two to talk. He's stuck in his head, Arackniss. If he doesn't talk to you, this will only worsen.
Angel: I can live with that.
Kara: Yeah no.
ARACKNISS: I'm not sure about that. Last time we spoke it didn't go so well.
KARA: Well, it might be better this time. Come on.
ARACKNISS: (sighs) Fine.
(Kara smiled. Then she texted Molly and Charlie to get the other two to her office.)
Angel: Molly was in on it?!
Molly: You two needed this. And I got dad to come.
Angel: How did you...?
Molly: Um, hello? I'm his little girl. He can't say no to me.
Arackniss: That's true. One look at her puppy eyes and Pops gives in.
Vaggie: I'm starting to wonder if Charlie did that to Lucifer.
Charlie: (embarressed) Vaggie!
Lucifer: Oh no, not with me. Mostly on her aunts and uncles. I still remember you got Satan to have a tea party with you when you were five.
Charlie: Dad...
(The scene changed back to the hotel with Angel in his room. Charlie and Vaggie were outside the door. Charlie knocked on the door.)
ANGEL: (groans) Got away!
CHARLIE: Angel, come on. Kara wants to see you.
ANGEL: I'm not coming.
VAGGIE: Angel if you don't get your ass out here, I'll drag you out myself!
(Molly came over. She had convinced Henroin to join this therapy session.)
MOLLY: Ladies. Allow me.
VAGGIE: Be my guest.
Angel looked scared.
Angel: I'm screwed.
(Molly sighs and knocks hard on the door.)
MOLLY: Anthony! Open up!
ANGEL: (muffled, behind the door) Go away, Molls!
MOLLY: Not a chance! I didn't come all the way here for you to keep hiding like a little brat. Open. The. Door.
ANGEL: (still muffled) What part of "not in the mood" don't you get?
(Molly growls, losing her patience. She tries the doorknob, but it's locked. Without missing a beat, she kicks the door open, just like Kara did earlier. Inside, the room is an absolute disaster: clothes strewn everywhere, food wrappers piling up, and Angel lying under a mountain of blankets. Molly wrinkles her nose.)
MOLLY: Ugh. What even is this? Did a tornado hit your room, or are you just living like this on purpose?
ANGEL: (groaning, sitting up) Molly, seriously, I don't need a lecture.
Arackniss: Just be grateful it's Molly and not Mom.
Angel looked even more worried.
Angel: Is it too late to wish for that?
Molly/Arackniss: Yes.
MOLLY: (putting her hands on her hips) No, what you need is a swift kick in the rear. Get up. You're coming with me.
ANGEL: (flopping back down) Not happening.
MOLLY: (grabbing the blankets and yanking them off him) Oh, it's happening. You think you're the only one dealing with crap? Snap out of it! Arackniss is at Kara's office, and you're gonna go talk to him. Right. Now.
ANGEL: (wide-eyed) Wait—what? Niss is here? Why?
MOLLY: (grinning) Oh, wouldn't you like to know. You'll find out soon enough. Now move it.
(Molly drags Angel out of the bed. He protests the whole way, but she's surprisingly strong and determined.)
Vaggie: Maybe we should get the Molly of our universe to come down from Heaven.
Angel: Please don't.
Cherri: I like her. Maybe she could be a part of the turf wars.
Angel: She wouldn't like that.
Molly: Why not? I deal with you and Niss.
(Arackniss and Henroin are already seated in Kara's office, on opposite sides of the room. The tension is palpable. Kara leans against her desk, her arms crossed, watching them like a hawk.)
KARA: (sighs) You two can't even sit in the same room without wanting to kill each other. This is going to be a long day.
(The door bursts open as Molly drags a reluctant Angel in. He stumbles into the room, looking around in confusion.)
ANGEL: (eyeing Arackniss and Henroin) Oh, hell no. What's he doing here?
ARACKNISS: (glaring) Nice to see you too, Anthony.
HENROIN: (smirking) This should be interesting.
ANGEL: Nope. Not staying. Not dealing with this crap.
(He turns to leave, but Molly blocks his path.)
MOLLY: Oh, no you don't! You're staying right here.
ANGEL: Molly, move! I'm not doing this!
MOLLY: (grinning) Too bad. You don't have a choice.
KARA: (smirking as she steps to the door) Neither do any of you.
ANGEL: (narrowing his eyes) Kara, what are you—
(Kara and Molly shove Angel into the room, stepping back into the hallway. Kara quickly slams the door shut and locks it.)
Angel: Oh come on! I can't believe I fell for that!
Kara: I can't believe how easy it was to get you three in my office.
(Angel rushes to the door, banging on it.)
ANGEL: Kara! Molls! Let me out!
MOLLY: (leaning against the door) Not until you three talk things out.
ARACKNISS: (getting up) What the hell is this? Kara, open the door.
KARA: (through the door) Nope. Not happening. You three are gonna sit in there and work out your issues, whether you like it or not.
The mystery figure in the back didn't say a word.
Arackniss: I knew I should have realized something was up.
HENROIN: (chuckling) Oh, this is rich. Locked in a room with my two least favorite kids. How cozy.
ANGEL: (furious) Least-favorite?! I'm sorry, least-favorite?! You've got some nerve...
ARACKNISS: (cutting him off) Can you not? I already have a headache.
Husk: Already?
Arackniss: Yes.
MOLLY: Think they'll kill each other before they figure it out?
KARA: (shrugging) Probably. But at least they'll die trying.
(The two women share a laugh as they settle in, ready to wait as long as it takes.)
Kara and Molly snickered.
Angel: Oh joy, I'm glad my misery is entertainment for you two.
Alastor: A family drama is always entertaining.
(The tension in the room is so thick it could be cut with a knife. Angel is pacing furiously near the door, occasionally pounding on it in frustration, while Arackniss sits stiffly in his chair, arms crossed. Henroin leans casually against the wall, observing them both with a smug smirk.)
ANGEL: (gritting his teeth, still banging on the door) Kara! Molly! Open the damn door! You can't keep me in here!
ARACKNISS: (sighing, pinching the bridge of his nose) For the love of—will you stop that? You're not helping.
ANGEL: (turning to glare at him) Oh, I'm sorry, Mr. Perfect. Didn't realize I needed your permission to be pissed off.
ARACKNISS: (snapping) Perfect? Really? You wanna go there? You're the one who walked out on the family and never looked back. Don't start pointing fingers now.
ANGEL: (stepping closer) Oh, give me a break. Like you were some shining example of loyalty. Do you think I don't know how you bailed too? Don't act like you're better than me, Niss.
HENROIN: (chuckling darkly) And there it is. The Anthony-Arackniss blame game. What a surprise.
(Angel and Arackniss both turn to glare at Henroin.)
ARACKNISS: (snapping) Don't you even start. You've got no right to say anything after what you did to us.
ANGEL: (pointing at Henroin) Yeah, you're the last person who should be judging. You were supposed to protect us, not... (his voice cracks) not make our lives hell.
HENROIN: (coldly) And I suppose you two were just perfect little angels, huh? Do you think I didn't have to clean up after your screw-ups? You don't know the half of what I went through.
ARACKNISS: (standing up, voice rising) What you went through?! Don't make me laugh. You shut us out! You abused Anthony to the point of death! You treated me and Molls like we didn't even exist! You've never been a father to us!
ANGEL: (seething) Oh, now he wants to play victim. That's rich.
HENROIN: (angrily) I told you I have eyes everywhere! I know what's going on with my kids. And when they're lying to me!
ARACKNISS: (shouting) Oh, here we go again! Acting like you're the all-knowing dad. Newsflash, you lost that title years ago. You haven't acted like a father in years. And now you're here, pretending like you've changed? Give me a break.
HENROIN: (desperate, but still defensive) I'm trying! I'm still your father, whether you like it or not!
ARACKNISS: (furious) Don't think I forgot!
Lucifer: Yeez. And I thought I had family issues.
Monty: Can I say something?
Arackniss/Pentious/Angel/Molly: NO!
Monty: Jesus. Alright fine.
(Angel stands to the side, fists clenched, his breathing heavy as he listens. The room falls into a brief silence after the explosion of shouting. Henroin runs a hand through his hair, looking frustrated but also strangely vulnerable.)
ANGEL: (quietly, but with venom) You're not a father. You're just the guy who made our lives miserable.
HENROIN: (sighing) And you think I don't regret it? You think I don't wake up every day wishing I could do things differently?
ARACKNISS: (coldly) Words are cheap. Actions are what matter. And you've never shown us anything but pain.
HENROIN: (voice breaking slightly) I know... I know I failed you. But damn it, I'm still here, trying to fix it. What do you want from me?
(The room falls into an uneasy silence. Angel glances at Arackniss, then back at Henroin. He opens his mouth to speak but hesitates, unsure of what to say. Arackniss looks down, his anger momentarily giving way to exhaustion.)
Monty: Yikes. He kind of reminds me of...
Arackniss: Say one more word and I'm getting you some concrete shoes.
Monty: Um, I can't wear shoes.
Arackniss groans.
(As Henroin and Angel continue trading sharp, bitter words, Arackniss grows quieter, his anger simmering but no longer erupting. Instead of engaging in the back-and-forth, he pulls out his phone and unlocks it, glancing at a photo. His tense expression softens slightly as he stares at the screen. The photo shows a happy moment: Arackniss and Sir Pentious smiling warmly at the camera. In Arackniss's arms are a little half snake half spider demon with bright eyes and a toothy grin, their five-year-old son, Jackie. The image feels out of place amidst the tension in the room, a snapshot of peace and joy Arackniss clearly holds onto.)
Charlie, Molly, Cherri, Victoria: Aww...
Monty looked a little jealous. His ex-partner Arackniss and his ex-boyfriend Sir Pentious had a child together.
Angel: That's your kid?
Arackniss: Do not say anything.
(Angel, mid-rant at Henroin, notices the subtle shift in Arackniss's demeanor. His gaze flickers to the phone.)
ANGEL: (frowning) What the hell are you looking at?
ARACKNISS: (not looking up) None of your business.
(Angel's curiosity gets the better of him. He moves closer and catches a glimpse of the photo. His eyes widen in surprise before narrowing in anger.)
ANGEL: (pointing at the screen) Wait a damn minute. Is that a kid? You've got a kid?!
ARACKNISS: (finally looking up, his voice sharp) Yeah. What of it?
ANGEL: (incredulous) You?! You have a kid, and you didn't think to tell me? Or, you know, anyone?
ARACKNISS: (shrugging, dismissive) Why would I? Not like you've ever cared about my life before.
ANGEL: (getting angrier) That's not the point, Niss! I'm your brother! Don't you think I deserved to know I had a nephew?
HENROIN: (interjecting, amused) Oh, this just keeps getting better. Grandkid, huh? Didn't see that coming.
ARACKNISS: (snapping at Henroin) Don't you dare make this about you. You're never meeting him. Ever.
Arackniss: And I'm keeping it that way.
The mystery figure in the back looked heartbroken.
Angel: And keeping it from me?
Arackniss: I didn't want Jackie involved with our drama. I want him to be a kid.
ANGEL: (ignoring Henroin, still fuming) You kept this a secret from me? From Molls? What the hell, Niss?
ARACKNISS: (defensive) Yeah, I did. And you know why? Because I didn't want you or anyone else dragging him into this mess. He doesn't need to be part of all this family drama.
ANGEL: (sarcastic) Oh, right. Like you're such a saint. You think hiding him makes you some kind of hero?
ARACKNISS: (standing up, his voice rising) I'm protecting my son! You think I want him to grow up with the same crap we did? With Henroin breathing down his neck or Val sniffing around for leverage? Forget it, Anthony. I'm doing what I have to do for my family.
(Angel steps back, momentarily taken aback by the intensity of Arackniss's words. He looks at the photo again, his anger mingling with something else, confusion, maybe even hurt.)
ANGEL: (quieter) Family, huh? Since when do you care about family?
ARACKNISS: (softly but firmly) Since I got one worth protecting.
(The words hit Angel harder than he expects. He clenches his fists, his anger bubbling up again but now mixed with frustration and sadness.)
Angel: You are so lucky I'm not from your universe because I would kick your ass for that!
Arackniss: The feelings mutual!
ANGEL: (bitterly) Guess I'm not part of that "family," huh?
ARACKNISS: (pausing, then sighing) You're my brother, Anthony. But I've got more to think about now than just you.
(Henroin watches the exchange, his expression unreadable. For once, he doesn't interject, instead observing as his sons clash, the weight of years of pain and misunderstanding playing out in front of him.)
ANGEL: (shaking his head) Unbelievable. You always act like you're so much better than me, but you're just as messed up as the rest of us.
ARACKNISS: (glaring) Believe what you want. But I'm not letting you or anyone else screw this up for me.
(The room falls into tense silence, the photo on Arackniss's phone still visible, a silent reminder of the life he's built and the chasm it's created between him and his family.)
Aasha: Awkward.
Andy: Seriously, Ash?!
Aasha: What?
(The tension in the room remains heavy. Angel glares at Henroin, his anger still raw from their argument. Henroin steps closer, his voice softer but still firm.)
HENROIN: Anthony...
ANGEL: (cutting him off, his tone icy) Don't. Just don't. I know you only came because Molly forced you. And don't call me Anthony. I haven't been Anthony in over seventy years.
HENROIN: (sincerely) I came because I wanted to talk to you.
ANGEL: (bitterly) Well, you can save your breath. I'm not interested in what you have to say.
HENROIN: (pleading) Anthony...
ANGEL: (shouting) It's Angel Dust now! Don't you get it?! You disowned me! I'm not your son!
HENROIN: (firmly) Yes, you are.
ANGEL: (voice cracking with emotion) Oh really?! Because last time I checked, you told me you didn't want a son who was a fa****! You never cared about me!
Angel looked away from the screen.
Molly comforted her twin.
The mystery figure in the back looked like he was gonna cry.
?: (whispered) I'm sorry.
HENROIN: (shaking his head) That's not true.
ANGEL: (bitterly) Keep telling yourself that! I bet all the slaps and belt whips you gave me were just for fun, huh? Some big joke to you?
(Bitter tears begin to form in Angel's eyes as he looks away, trying to hide his vulnerability. Henroin's voice breaks slightly as he responds.)
HENROIN: I regret all of it.
ANGEL: (snapping) Then why?! Why put me through all the abuse?!
HENROIN: (hesitating, voice trembling) Because... Because...
ANGEL: (yelling) What?! Because what?!
HENROIN: (finally breaking) Because I wanted you to hate me for getting your mother killed!
Angel was silent.
Arackniss was even speechless and covered his mouth with his hand.
(The words hit Angel like a punch to the gut. His anger falters, replaced by confusion and shock. He stares at Henroin, his voice quieter now, almost a whisper.)
ANGEL: (stammering) What are you talking about?
HENROIN: (taking a deep breath) Your mother... she got shot during a hit by a rival gang. It should've been me. I was the one they were after. But she... she got in the way. I blamed myself for her death every single day after that.
(Henroin's voice wavers as he continues, the weight of his guilt evident.)
HENROIN: You were so close to her. I knew how much you loved her. And when she was gone... I couldn't face you. I couldn't face any of you. So I became the man I thought you'd all hate because I thought I deserved it.
(Angel is silent, his emotions warring as he listens. Henroin presses on.)
HENROIN: I drank more, and lashed out at everyone, especially you. I thought if you hated me enough, it would make things easier for you. But it didn't. It just made everything worse. And when you came out... (voice breaking) I didn't know how to handle it. I was already drowning in guilt, and I lashed out at you instead of dealing with my own failures.
(Angel's fists clench, his body trembling. Henroin continues, his own tears starting to form.)
HENROIN: When I found out you'd overdosed... when I saw you lying there, gone... It broke me. I'd lost you forever. And it was my fault.
A lot of people minus Alastor were in tears.
Pentious was comforting Arackniss.
(Henroin swallows hard, trying to regain his composure.)
HENROIN: When I ended up here in Hell, I swore I'd do better. I found Molls and Arackniss and made things right with them. But you... you were tied to Valentino. I wanted to reach out to you so many times, but I was scared. I didn't think you'd listen. And now, I don't know how to fix what I've broken.
(Angel stares at him, his expression torn between anger and something deeper, something more fragile. He shakes his head, unwilling to let himself believe Henroin's words.)
ANGEL: (bitterly) That's just a nice sob story to make yourself feel better. Doesn't change anything.
(Henroin sighs, reaching into his pocket. He pulls out something and hands it to Angel. Angel hesitates but takes it, his brow furrowing as he looks at it. It's an old photo, worn but intact. The picture shows a younger Henroin with his wife, smiling warmly. Surrounding them are their three kids: Arackniss, Molly, and Anthony. Anthony's face is bright with laughter as he clings to his mother.)
Angel looked embarrassed seeing the old photo.
Angel: Why did it have to be that one?
Charlie: Aww you look adorable Angel!
Angel: Not one word about it.
(Angel's eyes well up with tears as he stares at the photo. He quickly wipes them away, trying to maintain his composure, but his hands tremble as he holds the picture.)
ANGEL: (quietly) Why are you showing me this?
HENROIN: (softly) Because no matter what I did... no matter how much I failed... I always loved you, Anthony. I never stopped. And I want you to know that.
(Angel grips the photo tightly, his tears finally breaking free. He looks away, trying to mask his vulnerability. The room falls silent, the weight of Henroin's confession hanging heavy in the air. The silence is heavy after Henroin's emotional confession. Angel wipes his eyes discreetly, his grip still firm on the old photo. Arackniss, who had stayed quiet during most of the exchange, finally speaks up, his voice steady but laced with guilt.)
ARACKNISS: Tony...
(Angel flinches slightly at the name but doesn't snap back. He glances at Arackniss.)
ANGEL: Nissy? Why are you here?
ARACKNISS: (taking a deep breath) I wanted to apologize for what happened on Halloween. I know I should've told you about Penn and Jackie, but... I was scared. Scared of how you'd react.
ANGEL: (bitterly) Yeah, well, it's not like I'm great at family reunions.
Arackniss: Seriously Anthony?
Angel: what? Sarcasm is my third language.
ARACKNISS: (earnestly) Anthony, you're my brother. I care about you. I should've trusted you enough to be honest with you. I didn't mean to hurt you.
ANGEL: (softly) Arackniss, my name is—
ARACKNISS: (cutting him off, firm) Tony, please. I don't want to call you Angel Dust. That's the horrible shit that took your life!
(Angel blinks, caught off guard by Arackniss's words. His anger flickers for a moment, replaced by a faint sadness.)
ANGEL: (defensively) It's just a name.
ARACKNISS: Not to me. To me, it's a reminder. A reminder of how you were taken from us.
(The room goes quiet again. Angel looks away, fiddling with the edge of the old photo in his hands. After a beat, he sighs.)
ANGEL: (reluctantly) You can still call me Anthony. You, Molly and Dad. But only when we're alone, got it? I've still got a reputation to keep as the best damn pornstar in Hell.
Arackniss: Of course you would.
Angel: Hey!
(Arackniss cracks a small, dry smile at Angel's attempt at humor. He nods, grateful for the concession.)
ANGEL: (grinning faintly, but with a warning tone) But just so you know, if Pentious ever breaks your heart, me and Cherri are gonna kick his ass right into the next Extermination Day.
Pentious: I would never!
Arackniss: I know Penn.
Angel: Bleh! You two are giving me a toothache.
Husk: Better than hearing your annoying sex jokes.
Angel: You know you love me Husky.
Husk groans.
(Arackniss chuckles lightly, a rare sound. Henroin watches the exchange silently, his eyes soft with a mix of guilt and pride. After a moment, Angel takes a deep breath and steps forward. He wraps his arms around Arackniss, who doesn't hesitate to hug him back. Henroin joins them, and for the first time in decades, the three spiders stand together, feeling like a family again. The embrace lingers as they each find a small piece of healing in the moment.)
ANGEL: (softly, almost joking) Don't think this means I've forgiven either of you completely. You're still assholes.
HENROIN: (chuckling) Wouldn't expect anything less, son.
ARACKNISS: (smirking) You wouldn't be you otherwise, Tony.
(The three pull away, their shared bond a little stronger now, even if the wounds will take time to fully heal. Kara and Molly stand by the door, Molly wiping a tear from her eye as she listens through the door.)
MOLLY: (sniffling) Damn it, they're actually making me cry.
KARA: (smirking) Told you my plan would work.
MOLLY: Yeah, yeah. Don't let it go to your head.
RavenDragon: Ok before we go on... (gestures to the mystery person in the back) You can reveal yourself now, Henroin.
Arackniss/Molly/Angel: Pops?!
Henroin came out of hiding.
Vaggie: Ok, did not see that coming.
Henroin took a seat closer to Molly.
(Angel is in his element, bustling around the kitchen with practiced ease. His four arms work in unison as he preps ingredients, hums a tune, and stirs a simmering pot of sauce. The aroma of garlic, tomatoes, and fresh herbs fills the air. He's so focused he doesn't notice the door creak open. A figure steps in quietly and approaches him. A tap on his shoulder snaps him out of his concentration.)
ANGEL: (startled) What the fu—?!
(His mafia instincts kick in. In one swift motion, he grabs the knife in his upper hand, grips the "attacker's" wrist with his lower arm, and spins to pin them against the counter. He freezes when he sees who it is.)
ANGEL: (exasperated) Al?! What the fuck?!
Molly: Glad that never changed.
Angel: Hey!
ALASTOR: (unfazed, with a smile) My deepest apologies, dear Angel. But I simply couldn't resist investigating the divine aroma wafting through the hotel.
ANGEL: (relaxing, lowering the knife) You ever heard of knocking? Jesus.
ALASTOR: (chuckling) Where's the fun in that?
(Angel sighs, shaking his head, and turns back to the counter. He gestures toward a tray of freshly baked rolls.)
ANGEL: Just an old family recipe. I already finished the side dish—Italian Meatball Buns. Now I'm working on the main course and a little something special for dessert.
ALASTOR: (eyes lighting up) How delightful! Perhaps I could be of assistance?
ANGEL: (shrugging) Sure, why not? Just don't screw it up.
ALASTOR: (grinning) I promise, my dear, you'll find me quite capable.
(Together, they work seamlessly in the kitchen. Alastor hums a cheerful tune while chopping vegetables, and Angel rolls his eyes but secretly enjoys the company. Pots clatter, sauce bubbles, and the two laugh occasionally as they banter. By the time they're done, the counter is filled with dishes.)
Everryone looked amazed.
ANGEL: Alright, let's get this to the dining room before the gremlins out there start tearing the place apart.
(Alastor helps Angel carry the dishes into the dining room, where the table is already set. Angel proudly sets down the main course: a steaming tray of lasagna made with three types of cheese. Next to it, he places the Meatball Buns. He saves the dessert—a plate of perfectly piped cannolis—for later. The smell draws everyone to the table like moths to a flame.)
CHARLIE: (beaming) Angel, this looks amazing!
KARA: (playfully) About time you used those four hands for something productive.
NIFFTY: (eyes glued to the cannolis) Dessert!
(Kara grabs Niffty by the back of her dress before she can swipe a cannoli.)
KARA: (smirking) Not until after dinner, you little sugar fiend.
HUSK: (grumbling) As long as he didn't put booze in it, I'll eat it.
Angel: Like I would stoop that low.
Arackniss: You put orange juice in my coffee once.
Angel: I was nine!
(Everyone sits down, with Arackniss and Henroin joining the table for the first time in years. Conversation flows as easily as the wine, and Angel watches quietly, a rare moment of peace crossing his face. Even Alastor seems unusually relaxed, sharing a sly joke that makes Charlie giggle.)
CHARLIE: (after tasting the lasagna) Angel, this is incredible! You should cook more often.
ANGEL: (smirking) Yeah, don't push your luck, princess.
(The dinner ends with everyone stuffed and content. When it's time for dessert, Kara finally lets Niffty have her cannoli, though the others have to stop her from taking more than her share. Angel sits back in his chair, watching his family and friends laughing and enjoying themselves. For the first time in what feels like forever, he feels a spark of belonging.)
ANGEL: (to himself, softly) Maybe this family thing ain't so bad.
RavenDragon: And that's the end of that episode.