A/N:

Hi everyone! Yay, new update! We're getting closer to the bachelor/bachelorette party night, and everyone is excited : ) There's some fluffy moments here and a bit of drama as well. I hope you enjoy, and thanks for reading!

Partners

Chapter 119:

Turn Me On, Turn On Me

Niss found himself scaling the rope ladder up to the air ship this morning for a breakfast date with Sir Pentious. Part of him worried that lately he might be crowding his partner by coming over so often (especially since Niss was the one who had said he wasn't ready to live together yet), but Pen had assured him that the frequent company was more than welcome. They had fun together, and the airship was often a more convenient and private place to meet than the hotel.

For example, the hotel didn't have a huge indoor heated pond where two repressed guys could press their half-naked bodies together and groan each other's names in affection and need far into the night.

Niss swallowed and tried to will away the sudden flush of heat in his features at that recent memory.

He and Pen hadn't talked about it much ever since then, and they hadn't done anything else sexy yet. But, last they'd left things, they were both clearly open to more intimacy. For now, Niss just found himself wanting to be near Pen even more often…and Pen wanted to be near him more too. They weren't just an item — they were deeply committed partners now.

Niss grinned to himself as he opened the airship hatch. "Maybe today I'll officially ask to escort him to Abel and Louise's wedding. I know he's probably assumin' we'll go together, but he deserves a formal invite. And I can ask him to be my date for the bachelor party too." He climbed into the ship and closed the hatch behind him. "Pen? Bongiorno!" He called out, moving into the main control room — some of the Eggs were minding the controls and playing games together, but otherwise the ship was on autopilot and Pen wasn't up there. The Egg Bois waved, and Niss waved back then put a hand to his chin. "Hmm, maybe he's in the kitchen cooking, or the solarium setting up a table?" He sniffed the air and smiled more. "Oh, definitely the kitchen." He headed in that direction, still enamored with the scent of cooking in the air. "Wow… Is he making pancakes? No, wait…crepes!" He reached the kitchen and saw Pen, wearing a frilly white apron as he indeed flipped the delicate pastries in a pan.

Niss swallowed and ignored the little jolt of heat that went through himself at the sight of his cute boyfriend in a cute apron whipping up something cute and sweet to eat.

The snake turned to him with a big smile. "Nissy!" Sir Pentious slipped the crepes onto a platter and dashed over. "Oh, darling, you're just in time! Everything is ready for our date. I may have gone a little overboard though and done more of a brunch than a breakfast." He gestured to the table behind him, which was laden with fruits and jams and breads and sausages and eggs and other platters containing various delights, as well as carafes of coffee and juice.

"You went overboard in the most beautiful way possible, it all looks and smells great!" Niss assured with an eager smile.

Pen giggled. "Cooking for others helps me think, and I've just had so much to sort out today. The bachelor party announcement reminded me of how close Abel and Louise's wedding is. I simply must purchase their gift right away, but I can't decide what to get!" He gazed skyward, numbering off the reset of his tasks. "And then I have to order a new suit for myself and decide on a color and cut, and I have to hope for accessories and perhaps a fancy hat, and then I need to decide how to occupy the Eggs that evening because everyone who could babysit will be at the wedding, and then I have to find a lovely card for the happy couple and compose an encouraging message for their beautiful future together. Oh and then I have to practice my dancing for the reception!" He clasped his hands together, eyes bright. "Do you know what colors they've chosen for the decor? What flowers? What theme? I'd love to match!" He giggled. "It's all just so romantic, don't you think?"

"Yeah, it is." Niss raised an eyebrow, smiling more at all of Pen's passion. "You're really into this wedding, huh?"

"Weddings in general," Sir Pentious explained with a happy nod. "I've always adored them, actually. Why, for my own, even if the marriage was a platonic one of convenience, we went all out to make sure we had an unforgettable party! Exotic flowers from every greenhouse in the English countryside, a ten tier cake studded with roses, elaborate ice sculptures by the dozen, and the finest and oldest champagne in the county. The neighbors were scandalized with jealousy, I loved it!" He chuckled.

"Nice to know weddings make ya so happy." Niss blushed and his heartbeat quickened. "I'd be happy to help ya sort out everything you wanna do. I can ask Abel and Louise details about the ceremony later and let ya know what they say. And speaking of the wedding…" He cleared his throat then took off his hat and bowed a bit at the waist. "I wanted to formally ask if I can escort ya to it, if I may, Pendleton?"
Pen's eyes sparkled as his hood flaps flared open in delight. "Nissy! Yes, of course! Oh my, aren't you charming today."

"Grazie, il mio serpente." Niss straightened up and took Pen's hand and kissed it. "I'll pick ya up in style and give ya a night to remember, promise." He winked.

Pen's eyes hazed and his tail swirled on the floor a bit. "I'll have the best night possible just by being with you, Archie." He brought his arms behind himself and lowered his voice coyly. "And, if I may be a bit bold as to let you know, weddings don't just make me happy — they drive me wild." He blushed and smirked a little. "I apologize in advance if I get a bit frisky. I will try to behave myself."

Niss's eyes widened and the color in his features increased. "They…oh! Oh… All that commitment and romance and celebration do it for ya, huh?"

"Unspeakably, I'm afraid, yes…" Pen cleared his throat and glanced away, regaining his composure for a moment. "Not that anything has to happen of course," he assured. "I'd prefer to wait for any further developments in our intimacy until we're both ready, regardless of when a friend's wedding might be. But, well…I just wanted you to know." He gave a humble shrug.

Niss furrowed his brow in deep thought for a moment.

Sir Pentious bit his lip. "Nissy?"

Niss blinked and smiled as an idea came into his head. "How about you and me plan to do something private together after the wedding? Just a small thing, no pressure, but still something to look forward to." He swallowed. "I, uh…bought more special things from the store than just my bathing suit." He knees wanted to buckle, but he kept himself steady. "Maybe I could try some stuff on for ya. Maybe you could let me know which ones you like. Maybe I'll even…pick up one more piece I had my eye on but was too shy to get…until now?"

Pen's practically looked hypnotized. "Oh, Archie, I would just…Yes, let's do that!" A faint groan left him, and he brought a hand to his forehead. "Drat, where's a fainting couch when you need one?"

Niss chuckled, coming out of his shyness. "I guess a seat at the breakfast table will have to do for now, hmm?" He gallantly took Pen's arm and lead him over, pulling out the snake's chair.

Pen giggled as he sat. "Thank you, Archie. I'll look forward to our time together after the wedding very much." He gracefully used his tail to pull out Niss's chair as well and watched with rapt attention as the spider took a seat. "Since you asked me out to the wedding so chivalrously, could I prevail upon you to officially go with me to Abel's bachelor party?"

Niss beamed. "Of course! I was gonna ask you about that too." He started serving them crepes from the platter. "I think it'll be fun. Just a nice cozy guys night in."

"Indeed!" Pen nodded, pouring coffee for himself and Niss. "And it'll give me a chance to get to know Baxter better since it sounds like we'll be in his lab. It's amazing that we're both scientists yet haven't compared notes on our fields. I always wanted lab friends, you know."

"I'm sure Baxter would love to talk shop with ya," Niss assured. "I'm looking forward to getting closer with some of the other guys myself. And I hope the ladies'll have a good time too."

"That hotel has hosted some rather successful events — I'm sure these will be no different!" Pen beamed again as he added, "Especially the wedding!"

Niss chuckled. "You're real cute about weddings…"

"I really did enjoy having one." Pen had a faraway look in his eye. "I wish you could have come."

Niss resisted a deep urge to ask Pen if the idea of having another wedding someday could ever appeal to him. It would be too suggestive though, too fast, and maybe way too much for both of them. It could wait. They had eternity.

Before he could forget, Niss made a quick note for himself in his phone, regarding the fun he and Pen would have after Abel and Louise's wedding. 'Buy yourself a corset, ask Tony how to size it, and maybe how to tie it up and get it off.' He sipped his coffee and crossed his legs and tried not to think about being done up tight in one of those things, putting what there was of his figure on stark display, followed by Pen slowly loosening the ties in the dark of his bedroom.

It was going to be a fun wedding night for more than just the bride and groom.

Looking the best she could manage on the final bit of her savings (pressed red dress, black high heels, decent makeup, perfectly pinned hair, and no more booze on her breath), Katie Killjoy strolled curiously between warehouse buildings around the docs of the Pentagram. "For fucks sake, a warehouse by the harbor — this guy just screams cliches, doesn't he? Probably expects I'll kiss his ring on top of everything else. Fat fucking chance." Despite her mumbled words of annoyance, she kept her award-winning reporter smile on her face. Henroin was her last shot at gaining an ally and sorting out what to do next in her screwed over life, and she had already talked a big threatening game to Vox and Tom in her messages, so basically she NEEDED the spider's cooperation.

If this fell through, she was so fucked that she might as well hurl herself onto an angel spear in a few months. At least that act might make the news and give her a last hurrah in the limelight.

She passed by a few more buildings and finally found the one indicated on the map Henroin had sent her. She checked her latest burner phone — she was right on time for their little lunch and chat. She straightened her hair, adjusted her boobs, put on another coat of red lipstick from her purse, then rapped on the door impatiently.

A slot opened up, and a pair of glowing eyes stared out at her.

"I'm here." She said flatly. " 'Don Henroin' is expecting me — I'm sure he wouldn't want a lady kept waiting."

The slot closed, and a moment later the door opened. The entrance was all shadows as far as she could see. Normally, she would not have gone into a place like this. If a story ever required some investigating, Tom always took care of the dangerous stuff. But, again, she was desperate and alone, so she huffed then strolled inside like the dark could get fucked.

The door predictably closed with a heavy thud behind her. She refused to flinch. "Well," she said over her shoulder, "which way is your boss? Oh!" She gasped as a few other men in suits came out of the shadows and surrounded her. One nabbed her purse and turned it over. "Son of a bitch!" Her cosmetics and phone clattered to the floor…and so did a small gun. Another henchman grabbed it, emptied out the bullets, then put it back in her purse with the rest of the contents. One of them shoved the bag back into her hands. "What the fuck?"

"Scusi, Donna Katie," a rough yet amused voice said from down a hall. As he approached, other demons lit lamps on the wall, finally providing enough illumination to reveal Henroin himself. "We're particular about not allowing loaded weapons at a sit down. They can't kill in the same way they could during life, but I'm not in the mood to let one of the doctors on my payroll spend a day ripping lead out of my chest. You'll get those bullets back on your way out."

Katie glared at him, gripping her purse close. "You're the one who invited me here, you'd think you'd waive the gun check as a courtesy."

"The courtesy is that none of these guys are gonna give you a full pat down," Henroin replied easily. "I try to avoid those with ladies unless they've crossed me before. Things'll go much more smoothly with us if you continue cooperating." He pulled a cigar out of his jacket. One of the men lit it for him. "Now, come along — the carbonara is getting cold." He took off his hat and bowed slightly, gesturing down the hall.

Katie bristled and clenched her jaw to maintain her nearly manic smile. She strolled past him, stamping her heels firmly into the floor and imagining stamping them into a few of these demons. She heard Henroin follow behind her as the men scurried away.

They passed several doors until they reached a large ornate set of double doors. Henroin pushed them open for her. "Welcome to my office, Donna Katie."

Katie almost lost her 'I don't give a fuck' composure for a moment at the sight before her. The place was opulent, and not just for a warehouse. It was like he'd attached a room from a mansion to the building. There were high ceilings, paneled walls, high-end leather and wood furniture, a gold chandelier, paintings of Italian landscapes, plush rugs, and a large table set for a meal with a ritzy table cloth and a bunch of covered silver platters… And, holy fuck, her eyes found the ice bucket where two bottles of wine sat, and the labels told her immediately that they were worth a small fortune. Her mouth fell open for exactly one moment before she resumed her standard scowl of annoyance barely concealed by a tight smile. She strolled in as Henroin shut the door behind them.

Before she could turn to him and take charge of the conversation, he was over at the table. He pulled out a chair and gestured for her to sit.

Katie raised an eyebrow. Men did not do that anymore. Oh, this had to be a trap. A really pathetic trap. Well, she could fuck with the best of them. She decided to keep playing along.

Katie daintily took her seat. Henroin pushed in her chair then took a seat across from her. He uncorked a bottle of the wine. "So, instead of stopping your efforts to find me like I strongly suggested, you showed up here to discuss matters. You have moxie. It's a quality I've always had mixed feelings about in women, but at least today it's providing us both with an interesting experience." He poured for both of them then corked the bottle. He held up his glass. "Saluti."

She snatched up her glass. "Saluti, yeah, whatever." Henroin took a sip. Katie downed her whole glass in a few gulps. She set the empty glass down, her eyes never leaving his.

Henroin tilted his head in interest. He poured her a fresh glass. "Why don't we eat?"

"Why don't we talk first?" Katie suggested dryly, barely maintaining her smile.

"I told you. The carbonara will get cold. Eat and talk. My place of business, my rules." He used his many hands to uncover the dishes.

The food was stunning. Fresh pasta covered in thick red sauce full of meat and cheese, golden bread teeming with garlic and oil, platters of fresh olives and stuffed pimento peppers and thick salami slices, greens sautéed in oil, and fried zucchini coated in butter.

Her stomach audibly growled, and she hated herself for it. The reaction couldn't be helped though — the only solid food she'd had lately were beer nuts and discount hot wings at whatever bars she stumbled into.

Henroin definitely heard her stomach because he grinned. "Please, enjoy — buon appetito. All homemade with the best ingredients."

Katie blushed and looked away from him as she served herself. "You must have a pretty nice racket to afford all this. I get it, you've got resources."

"What I have is a group of gangsters who know their place and who know how to get jobs done," Henroin replied, serving himself as well. "Running an efficient ship always brings in revenue, even when times are challenging."

Here was an opening. Katie crossed her legs and casually segued things. "You mean like the challenge of reasserting your authority after an unpleasantly public ass-kicking?"

Henroin went still for a moment. He set aside his cigar. "I suppose." He held up a knife. "Speaking of, I know you broadcasted some of that incident, making it even more public. Frankly, I'd be well within my rights to teach you a lesson." He sliced harshly into a hunk of salami.
Katie didn't flinch. "Yet you invited me to lunch."

"I was curious why someone who obviously sees the risk I pose to them would still go out of their way to find me. And I was curious about what you could possibly want." Henroin's eyes met hers, his gaze steely. "As I said in my note, I do not like reporters." He chomped the meat with his fangs.

Katie idly twirled pasta with her fork. "Well fortunately I'm not a reporter at the moment. Got fired. I smacked around some little bitch, he went crying to our bitch boss — it was a whole thing. And it's left me in a bit of a delicate position. And you were the last person I remembered being in such a delicate position. Yet here you are, back to work and regaining your status. So I thought you and I could help each other out."

"Donna Katie…" Henroin broke off a slab of garlic bread for himself, "However prone I am to make some exceptions for ladies, I'm still running a business here. Which means I need details. What do you need help doing exactly? And if I provide services, what's in it for me?"

She smiled more and leaned across the table. "Bringing down an uppity overlord — one who was at that fight and who witnessed your disgrace. One who helped a certain Overlord Valentino escape your clutches, because they're business partners and friends. One who definitely could have made that whole fight go another way for you but didn't. And one whose loss would devastate that pathetic porn moth since it was his asinine plan that got you into that messy showdown with your kids in the first place."

"Do NOT speak of those three to me!" Henroin bellowed, slamming the blunt end of a bottle of olive oil into the table, making it shake.

Katie didn't have to resist flinching — she had expressed anger just as (and more) severely in the past. But, annoyingly, she did have to ignore how that sudden slip of masculine rage made her insides squirm with some heat. She bit her lip and reminded herself that any hate-fucking would just get in the way of the matter at hand. She gave a nod to Henroin, waving him off. "Oh, yeah, sure, fine — they're off the table, ex-reporter's honor." She tilted her head, still making her smile enticing as pasta twirled tightly around her fork. "There are still plenty of other great reasons for you to help me kill Vox. And we don't have to stop there. Frankly, all my troubles started when that shitty princess began plugging her shitty hotel, and it ended with her parents using me for that news segment then blowing me off. So maybe it's time you took a shot against someone big, let hell know that you're still here and dangerous. And besides…" she stabbed a piece of meat onto the end of her fork, "…a side effect of a move like that might be a certain 'three people who shall not be named' getting put back in their place, if you were interested." She let the offer hang in the air.

Henroin was quiet for a long moment, thinking, tapping his fingers on the table. Finally he leaned back in his chair and took another puff of his cigar. "And what will you risk to pull off any of those big ideas? Right now, you're asking me to wager the little power I have left for the long-shot reward of getting more. You'd just be watching me do it and raking in the benefits. Hardly seems fair…"

"Are you kidding? I'll organize all the details and pull a trigger myself! I need to kill that little bitch who ratted on me anyway, the one I mentioned earlier. I'll also break into the tv studio and steal reporting equipment and a broadcast van. I'll even provide live coverage of your success, complete with colorful commentary about how much of a bad ass you are. Hell will eat it up! And people will never forget your name or the fact that it should be respected." She grinned. "Plus, I know the best ways to get to Vox AND the best ways to fuck with the princess to make public opinion turns against her. Manipulating demon audiences is a snap for me." She snapped her fangs around her fork and swallowed the food in one gulp. "And so is building up a demon's reputation," she finished. "If I'm the new Media Overlord, I can make singing your praises a constant priority."

Henroin eyed her…and finally a little smile came to his features. "Interesting. I will…consider your offer. Spend the rest of the meal convincing me you have the spine for such a risky gamble, and maybe you'll have a yes from me by dessert."

Katie sighed. Men, always needing their egos stroked. "Keep feeding me like this and you've got a deal. What's for dessert anyway?" She shoved more pasta into her mouth, finally free to eat instead of just schmooze.

"Ricotta cheesecake, gelato affogato, and tiramisu," he replied, tearing into a hunk of meat covered in sauce. "Oh and your bullets back, of course, to put with your gun…and to add to that knife you've got strapped to your leg. The one I told my men not to take, as another courtesy."

Katie coughed on her pasta, eyes wide. "I…I don't…What the hell?"

Henroin sighed. "My eyes are pretty well trained, Donna Katie — all eight of them. It's a thin blade, but I could just see the shape against your thigh under your dress."

Katie recrossed her legs, unsure if she wanted to punch this guy or fantasize about domming him in bed until he shut the hell up. "What a marketable skill…" She managed dryly. "Relax, every woman in the Pentagram keeps something on her. The misogyny in hell is just as bad as earth — surprise surprise."

"Very fair." Henroin nodded. "So many unnatural things here, yet the most unnatural of all to me is taking liberties with ladies. As long as they're not getting out of line, a gentleman should have some manners."

Katie sighed. "Fair warning — I don't know what your macho definition of 'out of line' is, but I'm probably going to get out of line pretty quickly if we work together. I'm kind of a relentless bitch. But I do get the job done." She grinned tightly again, eyes narrowed.

"Hmm…" A small laugh left Henroin. "Fair enough. We'll figure it out."

"Good. I like agreeability in a man," she purred. If this jerk was thinking of charming her to get his way, she was prepared to give as good as she got. No one duped Katie Killjoy. She noticed him smile more to himself now and was satisfied.

Katie sat back and smirked to herself as she ate her fill and basked in the comfort of their new partnership and her own salvation secured. She really was dreaming big this time. 'Katie: The Media Demon.' She would dominate this whole damn town and have a mob of spiders to help do her bidding. She'd officially never be burdened by Tom ever again. In fact, she'd kill the guy as an afterthought once Vox and the princess were squared away, because that was all he was worthy of being anyway.

Katie chugged more of the expensive wine and spent the rest of the afternoon buttering up Don Henroin just right.

Interesting new experiences were happening in the hotel today as well. Specifically between a familiar deer and spider demon as they chose to casually enjoy their afternoon by having a special date together upstairs to try something new.

However tense Alastor had previously been about letting Angel finally see and touch his bare hands, their recent intimate weekend away had utterly mellowed him on the subject. And after a chat this morning, they had decided to explore the idea in a special way.

Angel had offered to give him a manicure once ages ago in their courtship and had repeated the offer during their weekend away. Now, with the bachelor party and wedding coming up, Alastor was finally inclined to take him up on the beautifying offer.
As Alastor entered Angel's room this afternoon, he found the spider sitting on one side a small writing desk that held a towel, several nail files, a few bottles of polish, a small lamp, and a little dish of warm water. Angel smiled and gestured to the seat on the opposite side of the desk.
Alastor smiled and approached, took off his jacket and sat down. He gripped his gloved hands for a moment, biting his lip. Angel sensed his slight hesitation. The spider just smiled more and started chatting with him. They talked about the upcoming bachelor party and the wedding and how nice it would be to go together to both hotel events and not have to hide their relationship. They talked about presents for Abel and Louise (Alastor hinting that he had a very special surprise already set up for the couple). They talked about how nice the upcoming San Gennaro celebration at the hotel would be.

Eventually Alastor's nerves eased and his hands unclasped. He laid them gently on the table.

Angel noticed. "You ready to start, Smiles?"

Alastor nodded. He took a breath and pulled off his gloves and set them aside.

Angel's eyes didn't travel downward yet. "Is it okay for me to look? Just checking."

Alastor smiled so much at the considerate question and nodded again.

Angel finally eyed his hands with interest.

Alastor couldn't help flexing his fingers in some shyness. His wrists were the same color as his the rest of his flesh, but his hands gradually transitioned to a dark brown through his palms and fingers, made darker by stains of old blood against the pads of the appendages. His claws were long and pale and jagged, with blackened blood hiding underneath them as well. "As I told you once before, keeping some blood under my nails and on my hands aids my powers. But it also doesn't make for a pretty picture, ha…" He shrugged.

"I wish you wouldn't judge yourself so much, Al. Your body is beautiful," Angel offered.

Alastor blinked and glowed. "Thank you. I'm beginning to believe so, you know." He looked at Angel again. "But I still want my hands to look nicer and be gentler for touching you directly." His eyes hazed. "I wouldn't mar you with blood or risk scratching your beautiful form for anything."

Angel grinned and blushed. "I think we can come up with a good compromise for your powers and for our private time." He rested his elbow on the desk and held out a hand.

Alastor swallowed and set his hand in Angel's. He let out a deep sigh, almost like a hiss, at the direct contact, but then smiled and swiveled his ears. Touching the spider was beginning to make him instantly crave more touch, and it wasn't an unpleasant experience.

Angel gently rubbed a thumb over Alastor's palm. "Oh…" his eyes widened. "Al, your fingers almost feel…fuzzy…"

Alastor nodded. "There's very fine down of fur on them, like the spots on my hips." He glowed rosy, and a record scratch left his ears as he remembered what had happened when Angel had seen those spots recently. The touching and aching and bellowing of names, all that heat shared together, and the trembling of his beau's pleasure.

"I see…" Angel's eyes narrowed playfully. "Any other places on your body have the downy fur?"

Alastor swallowed. "Maybe…" His eyes darted around. "Er…my feet, for example, have it, near my hooves."

"Ooo… They must be so soft," Angel replied gently. "I'd like to see your hooves again soon, if that's okay."
"Very okay, yes," Alastor offered, pressing his feet primly together. He took a deep breath that helped diminish some of the excess heat building in his features. "Do you really like the hooves?"

"Aw they're stunning," Angel assured. He raised an eyebrow. "You shy about 'em?"

Alastor considered then shook his head. "No. Not nearly as shy as I am about my hands."

Angel held both of Alastor's hands fully in both of his own. "Your hands are so warm. I like 'em."

Alastor nodded with a giddy smile. "Yes, I…I've always run a little hot, ha…"

"It's nice…They're nice." Angel assured. "So, how about I'll tell ya what I'm gonna do for giving these nice hands of yours a manicure, and you tell me if it sounds good to you. Okay?" Alastor nodded. Angel went on. "First I'm gonna dip a towel in this warm water and just pat down your hands. That'll soften the cuticles and clean the dried blood off your down. I think that'll be better for your skin, Smiles. We'll still leave the blood under your claws for your powers, okay?"

"Yes, I…I think that would be sufficient," Alastor agreed with a thoughtful look.

Angel smiled more. "Great! Then as for the claws, I'll keep 'em long for you, but I'll file them so they're not jagged — but still sharp. I know they get a little damaged from kills, but a few good coats of polish will help 'em hold up better. And with the polish, the blood underneath won't even be visible." He smirked. "I was thinking black polish with red tips, like a really lethal version of a French manicure for my French-speaking cutie." He winked.

"Splendid." Alastor gazed at him so lovingly. "My hands are in your hands, my dear. Let's begin."

Angel chuckled and started tenderly washing Alastor's hands with the towel. "Hey, Al?" His voice was a little softer now. "We're gonna be here for a bit, so I was wondering…could we talk a little about that experience we had in bed together last week? In bed here at the hotel, I mean. The one we shared." He blushed. "No pressure. I just…had some questions for the future."

Alastor froze for a moment but then cleared his throat. "I…yes. I think I'd like to talk about it too." He felt Angel rubbing a finger against his palm and sighed in pleasure.

Angel's smile grew. "Mostly I just wanna confirm some intimate things that'll help me make sure you have a really good time in the future. That okay?" A light hum came from Alastor. Angel proceeded. "You asked me to compliment your voice and your powers and to say you were mine and that you looked good enough to eat… and then you had me pull your tail. Was all that like a…speed run of your main erotic turn ons?"

"Y-Yes, I suppose…The ones I've learned so far, at least…" Alastor managed, glowing hotly and crossing his legs as Angel finished with the towel and moved on to gently trimming and filing the claws of one hand, caressing the deer's fingers with each movement.
"Good. Real good to know." Angel worked diligently with a serene expression. "And we already talked about the stuff that came afterward — how the antler growth and shedding a few tears are both normal for ya. Oh, and we covered why you like to have the tentacle holding you, so you feel grounded."

"We did…" Alastor glowed warmly but at the same time his ears swiveled in pleasant relaxation as Angel's bare fingers nestled in the spaces between his own.

"I also noticed that after your big release you had some…little ones. That regular for ya too?"

Alastor trembled, trying not to squirm his hips in his seat. "I…That is also usual. I think it's related to the deer aspect of myself. I tried to…research the biology once. It made me a bit embarrassed though." He shrugged. "Such a to-do. And then that bleating sound too…" One ear went down in a cringe.

"Aw, Smiles…" Angel patted his hand as he deftly transitioned to trimming and filing the other one now. "It's okay, we all go through awkwardness with the demon bodies. Remember my webs, heh?" He used a third hand to reach into his chest fluff and pull out a thin string of pearly silk, then tucked it back away. "Besides, a little to-do never hurt anyone. Same goes for a bleat. Was that the little yell ya did? Figured it was kinda like a happy deer sound. Nothing wrong with expressing yourself." Angel blushed, smiling sweetly. "I'm just glad it seems like those things mean you get a little extra pleasure."

Alastor glowed so much. "I do. It's been distressing in the past but…much less so now that I have you here for me." He breathed deeply, trying not to focus too much on the fact that Angel had now made a second set of arms appear all the way and was using them to engage both of his hands at once in a gentle massage. "What are your turn ons besides your feet?" the deer blurted out. And then of course he glowed so brightly.

Angel blinked, blushing now too. "I…oh, uh…well…" He grinned sheepishly. "I like being a little dominated. Like, not pushed around, just…being told what someone wants so I can give it to them. I like having my chest kissed and touched. I like trying new positions. I like when stuff gets a little rough. I like sexy talk. And I like being told I'm loved…a lot." He smiled more, shaking a bottle of polish. "And I like tentacles too now, I guess…ya know, for tying me up or for touching 'em if you're not in the room."

"Or for…giving you the full experience of a partner, anatomically, perhaps?" Alastor managed with an understanding tone. Angel crossed his legs under the table and gave a little nod. Alastor smiled shyly. "I'm still fine tuning. I promise you I'll have them ready for that soon. I don't want to deny you any experience you crave…"

"Mostly I crave anything that involves you…" Angel replied. "Cuz my biggest turn on is when you find what makes you happy and comfortable intimately and just let yourself have it with me. Gets me weak in the knees, Smiles." He bit his lip, voice a whisper. "When you held me while I… Al, no one has ever made me feel that good."

Alastor's ears stood up straight. "I…really?"

Angel nodded.

Alastor sat up a little straighter, a hint of pride present throughout his features. "I'm glad to be capable of providing such…satisfaction." As Angel began tenderly painting his claws he almost whined at the back of his throat. "I…I like to feel sexy with you."

Angel beamed.

Alastor swallowed, eyes wide at the admission.

"Well, I like helping you feel sexy, so doesn't that just work out great for us both?" Angel soothed.

The deer couldn't help smiling more. And he almost couldn't help slumping in his chair as Angel's dexterous hands continued to ravish his own. "And I…I think I might be developing one more turn on, Anthony. You touching my hands…just my hands while the rest of me is covered. Especially you doing it with so many of your own beautiful hands."

"I can tell, you beautiful stag," Angel replied softly, easing the ministrations a little, having mercy on him. "You look blissful, ya know. I love all the different smiles you let me see on you, Smiles…"

"I don't have to hide myself with you. I like that very much too," Alastor shyly replied with another special little smile that made Angel grin all the more.

Double hands made quick work. The base layers were nearly complete. Angel shrugged. "Kinda ironic, ya know — I was insecure about my feet but now they're a turn on, you were insecure about your hands but now they're a turn on."

"I want to keep exploring the turn ons…" Alastor was flushed completely. "I want to know every good thing we can have together. I never let myself understand these aspects if myself or another person. It feels good to address that neglect. It feels good to touch and be touched by someone who cares and who I care for."

"I know the feeling." Angel grinned dreamily. "We got eternity, Al. We can explore everything together. All our needs met. Touching anytime." He was already applying the red layer to the tips of Alastor's claws. "We just can't do it right now though cuz your nails need time to dry, heh."

"Rain check, in that case? Perhaps you'll spend the night in my bed this evening, cher?" Alastor managed shyly.

Angel giggled. "You got it. We can hold hands and everything — no gloves at all." A finishing clear coat was now upon each of Alastor's fingers. Angel and set the final bottle aside. "By the way, all done with your first manicure — what do you think?"

Alastor looked down at his hands and beamed. They were fierce and shiny and stunning. "I think I feel beautiful. Thank you, mon ange." He kissed Angel's cheek. "Hmm…if you're ever inclined, perhaps I could return the favor and do your own nails? I'll admit I'm not as skilled as you, but I at least have some experience applying a coat of polish." He shrugged sheepishly. "Whenever Niffty was lonely in the past, she'd request a slumber with myself and Husker. We'd give her a makeover and share snacks before turning in. I was in charge of nails and makeup. And Husker, well…let's just say he can manage quite the impressive hair braid, ha!"

Angel chuckled. "Aww, aren't you two sweet, giving her some fun nights. You can paint my nails any time, Smiles. Maybe for Abel and Louise's wedding, huh?"

Alastor nodded eagerly. "It's a date!"

Angel beamed. Then he grinned playfully. "Now, as for how to fill the time until your own manicure is dry…I did have an entertaining idea." Alastor leaned forward with an intent smile, all ears. "How about I practice some of my pole dancing for ya?"

The deer beamed and nodded eagerly.

Angel chuckled. "Okay then, let's get you all set up." In a flash he was beside Alastor's chair and scooping up the deer demon. Alastor giggled as Angel carried him over to the sofa and set him down gently. "There, perfect view for the perfect audience."

"…An audience who is very eager to see such a perfect performer as you," Alastor assured with a wink.

Angel laughed and took off his shirt. He pulled his pole forward from a corner of the room, climbed onto the stage, and grinned. "I'd love to teach you more moves some time, if you're up for it."

"I'd enjoy that a great deal, Anthony."

"Good. For now, here's a preview of what you might learn." Angel wrapped his legs deftly around the pole and held on with his hands as he threw back his head and spun down the length gracefully into a split. Alastor (carefully) clapped and cheered him on, truly feeling just as beautiful as his beautiful beau.

Meanwhile, later, across the Pentagram…

"Okay, just so I, like, have a full understanding of the situation…" Helsa started, cocking her hip to the side as she picked up a bowling ball, "Angel and Alastor met at the hotel when Alastor showed up to be a sponsor and maybe trick Lottie with some evil magic — a plan that is off the table now of course, because otherwise I'd have to kill him — right?" She glanced at Cherri.

Cherri, resting in a seat near their bowling lane, nodded. "Yup."

Helsa aimed her ball. "And Alastor and Angel had nothing in common until they realized it was less of a 'you're not worth my time' thing and more of an 'opposites attract' thing, right?"

"Oh yeah." Steve agreed, sipping his soda and stealing a nacho from the platter on Sev's lap with a wink.

Helsa approached the throwing line. "Then they went into epic dramatic gay denial for months until their mutual pining reached critical mass…"

"That actually sounds really romantic," Sev couldn't help interjecting, using a napkin to gently wipe a dot of cheese from Steve's cheek.

Helsa threw her ball hard and fast, letting out a satisfied sigh. "And ever since then, they've been not-so-secretly dating and falling for each other and basically living a daily love fest." The ball struck true, knocking down all the pins. She grinned proudly and turned back to the group. "Also, put me down for another strike, babe." She trotted back over to her seat.

"You've got it, hun," Cherri replied, typing in the score. "And, yeah, that pretty much sums up Alastor and Angel. And the reason I didn't want you to make any jokes before you knew the truth is cuz, for both of them, this is the most caring and serious relationship they've ever had. So they really need to share it with others in their own time and their own way, no pressure."

"Fair enough." Helsa plopped down and grabbed her soda. "You sure we shouldn't start calling that place the horny hotel though? Seriously, everyone's coupling off like we need to desperately repopulate hell or something, and last I checked over population was the problem that started this whole mess with heaven."

"Helsa, come on, it's not only lust — it's love." Sev blushed, smiling more. "Everyone's just letting themselves open up to new experiences and people. If anything, that's a selling point for demons to check into the new branches."

"Hmm, that actually could work as a slogan…find true love, or at least get laid." Helsa smirked.

"Or both," Steve remarked, eyeing Sev, who blushed fully.

Cherri rolled her eye with a grin. "Speaking of the new branches, is there a timeline on those opening? I can use my explosives to help with any demo. And Pen could probably rig his air ship to lift any beams. And Alastor could do the same thing with tentacles. And Husk could help with any carpentry."

"Actually we're already good to go," Helsa explained.

"Yeah," Sev agreed, "I talked to Char about opening them up, but she wants to wait until after Abel and Louise's wedding and that San Gennaro festival she's planning. I think she's hoping to use that event as another open house, but this time to focus on the new branches and sign up new guests right away. In the meantime, Helsa and I have another month to put on some finishing touches and vet the staff."

"And plan a killer simultaneous grand opening for all of the locations." She turned her grin to Cherri, crossing her legs. "Any chance I could count on you for some fireworks?"

"Just tell me how wild you want 'em, and I'm there," Cherri assured, nudging her.

The group shared a laugh then looked up as the scoreboard above them dinged. Helsa sat up tall and pointed with a grin. "Ha, me and Sev's team wins! I have always been bitching at bowling. I mean, lobbing something heavy and deadly out into the void to knock down a target — it's basically a metaphor for living in elite society."

"Plus we've gotten a lot of practice of the years," Sev explained. "Whenever we wanted some time away from our parents growing up, we knew they'd look for us in all the usual ritzy locations. So instead we always went for stuff they'd think was more common. Bowling gave us a good distraction and a chance for Helsa to work off some aggression."

"Me playing this game has saved countless lives, guaranteed," Helsa chugged more of her soda and let out a burp. "Plus it's such a relief not to be around a bunch of stuck up, backstabbing, social climbing leeches."

Cherri considered, biting her lip. "If it's okay to ask, are you two…worried at all that your parents might show up at the hotel at some point?"

Helsa and Sev shared a look then burst into laughter.

"Ha! Oh my god, no…" Helsa assured. "They talk a big game, but our parents are socially scared shitless of the royal family. I mean, technically if Lucifer felt like it he could strip them of all their royal titles and funds and send them packing to some other circle of hell. With the king and queen on our side, they wouldn't dare interfering."

"If there's a chance they might get desperate enough to try something though, maybe we should at least make a plan for how we'll deal with them…" Sev considered.

"We'll introduce them to our hot partners and then tell them both to fuck off," Helsa offered.

"If you aren't down with talking to your parents for now, it's cool," Steve assured. "Charlie took some time away from her parents, and it helped them both."

Cherri took Helsa's hand. "If you do run into them and it stresses you out, call me. I'll come stand by your side, okay?"

Helsa blinked and blushed then finally nodded. "Yeah, sure. Whatever works." She squeezed Cherri's hand. "Thanks."

"And I'll come for you if you just whistle, Scales," Steve assured, stroking a finger up the side of Sev's face.

Sev grinned giddily. "Steve! We're in public…" He giggled. "But thanks." They held hands too.

Helsa sighed, coming out of a bit of a daze. "Well, on that sappy note, should we head back to the hotel now? Or maybe you and me should just go to your place, Cherri?" She glanced at her brother. "Sev, why don't you take Steve back to our penthouse, show him around for the night, hmm?" She winked.

Sev blushed. "Oh my god, Helsa…"

"I'd like to see the place," Steve offered politely. "No pressure." He stood, helping up Sev.

The fish swallowed. "I…maybe just for a little while if you want." His smile returned.

Cherri grinned at Helsa. "And I guess that leaves us heading to my place." She helped up Helsa.

"God I love your place, yeah, let's go." Helsa grinned.

Arm in arm the four couples headed through the bowling alley and out the door.

However good of a mood Cherri was in as they left to continue their nights, she couldn't help wincing once they stepped outside. The bowling alley just happened to be near Valentino's porn studio. She hated the sight of that place, hated thinking of how much pain Angel had endured there, hated not just giving in and using the C-4 she had strategically planted around the site long ago to blow the whole thing sky high one night when it was cleared out. But she had promised Angel never to do that without his consent. It would only enrage Valentino, and then he would come for her, and Angel had never been able to bear the thought…even if her counter-argument had always been that the moth couldn't come after anyone if he himself was also blown into a million pieces.

Cherri was about to turn away from the place and put it out of her mind when a sign out front caught her eye and her jaw dropped. "What the hell…"

The boys stopped and turned to her. Helsa raised an eyebrow. "What's up?"

"I, uh…it's…another long story. It's just…that sign says 'Returning to the Stage for the First and Last Time — Valentino'," Cherri managed. "I am so confused."

"You and me both," another voice suddenly piped up from her opposite side.

Cherri jumped and ended up clinging against Helsa. "Velvet?! What the fuck?"

Helsa held Cherri close and glared at Velvet. "Cherri, who is this sneaky bitch, and do I have to shove a high heel down her throat?"

"Oh shut up or I'll off you with a pastry bag," Velvet waved her off, not even looking away from the sign.

"Wait, you're…Velvet, the Baking Overlord, right?" Sev asked.

"Yeah, yeah, be impressed later," Velvet rubbed her temple. "I've got a situation apparently."

"No shit." Cherri let go of Helsa and looked at Velvet, scowling. "Velvet, Valentino hasn't shaken his ass for tips ever since he became the lust overlord. Is this some desperate attempt to lure back Angie or did someone finally kick the shit out of that abusive moth and take his job?"

Velvet rolled her eyes. "Oh, you're very aware that Vox already told Angel to stay away from the studio for good — for his own safety and for Valentino's sanity. And the only person kicking Valentino's ass these days is himself." She smiled sharply. "You know how overlords sometimes go a little…over the top?" Her fangs flashed, and her head cocked wildly to one side.

Cherri just stared back at her dryly. "Yeah. So, what, this is a cry for attention?"

"More of a cry for help. And I'm the only one who can answer it right now unfortunately. Vox is busy and will return after these brief messages." She chuckled then blinked and finally paid some attention to the others in the group. "Ooo…Seviathan and Helsa Von Eldritch. And…that musician cat hotel guest? Huh — did someone bag some royalty?" She teased.

"I am not bagged, I'm earned," Helsa replied with a sneer.

"And I'm just honored to be dating a real swell guy," Steve offered, lacing his fingers with Sev's.

"That's nice. Congratulations!" Velvet reached into her dress pocket, and Cherri was already reaching for a bomb when the baker produced a small brown package. "Here, cupcakes for the happy couples! No knives or drugs in them, promise. I've been baking from a very sentimental place lately." She shoved the bag into Cherri's hands.

"Uh…" Cherri's brow raised up at one end. "Thanks…?"

"Don't mention it!" She leaned in close. "Seriously, don't. If people think I'm going soft just because I'm in a good mood, then I'll be dealing with attacks on my holdings AND the emotional crises of two overlords, along with my own personal affairs, and I'm kinda at my limit — kay?!" Her eye twitched.

"Okay, okay…" Cherri held up her free hand.

Velvet pulled back and dusted off her dress. "Well, have a pleasant evening, you four! I'm gonna try to fix some hearts!" And then she was skipping across the street to the studio.

"Huh…" Sev scratched his head, "is she always so…"

"Erratic? Random? Unhinged?" Cherri shrugged. "Yeah, except she's usually much more intense about it. But…also, she does make fucking amazing desserts." She took out one of the cupcakes and sniffed it. "Yeah, no drugs. I've gotten a whiff of enough of her stuff to know." She bit into it. "Oh my god, it's filled with chocolate fudge and cream cheese…"

"Okay, lemme try one," Helsa grabbed a cupcake and bit into it. "Oh this one's full of vanilla custard and lemon, fuck yes!"

Sev and Steve each grabbed one…and then adorably fed each other while the girls chuckled.

The group headed away from the studio together….though Cherri did sneak a final glance over her shoulder between cupcake bites as they departed. This whole thing was just too weird.

"Val, hun, what are you doing?" Velvet asked in a patient singsong voice as she entered the backstage area of the studio a few minutes later and found Valentino, wearing leather pants, spiked heel boots and no shirt as he stretched on a pole.

The moth paused and then sighed, not looking at her. "Trying to figure something out."

Velvet clenched her teeth. "Can you elaborate? I'm running out of patience and sanity to figure it out for myself…"

"Trying to figure out…where it all went wrong. Where I went wrong…"

"Val, you're being really cryptic, and I am really tired — please give me a coherent sentence!"

He turned to her. There was no scowl, just a simple sad frown on his features. His eyes were covered by round dark glasses. "The last time I wasn't a complete piece of shit, the last time I believed in love, I was still just a dancer trying to make it big. Maybe if I go back to that for a bit, I can understand how I became the way I am and what I have to do next." He took a long drag on a cigarette. For a moment some of his familiar stoniness returned. "Besides, this place is bleeding. We need a main stage show that'll pull in a crowd since Angel is gone for good. And everyone likes a comeback. And I used to be pretty fucking great at this, if I do say so myself."

Velvet took a deep breath and approached him. "Val?" She beckoned him to lean down with her finger. He complied. She took his face in her hands and looked into his eyes. "Promise me that this isn't the start of you shaking your ass to sleep with everyone who'll have you so you can pretend it's love and avoid Vox forever?"

Val put his hands over Velvet's not looking away from her. "I promise it's not. And I'm gonna talk to Vox very soon. And it'll be okay." He smiled a little.

Velvet hesitated for a moment then nodded and let him go. "By the way, Vox finally heard from Katie — she's threatening a bunch of bullshit as usual, against him and against Tom. He's tracking her down, and I told him I'd keep an eye out here to make sure Tom's safe. You keep an eye out too. That bitch isn't worthy enough to take any of us down."

Val blinked as he straightened up again and nodded. "I won't let her hurt anyone."

"Good, at least that's something…" Velvet bit her lip, rocking on her heels, eye twitching.

Val tilted his head. "What else is bothering you?"

"Remember those partners I talked to you about having my eye on? Well, I'm trying to make them fall madly in love with me so we can all get throughly laid and live happily ever after, but all of this is…distracting." She pouted. "I'm happy to keep you and Voxxy from ruining your lives, but it takes a lot out of me to be this lucid for this long."

Val smiled a little, something genuine. Something she hadn't seen for days. "I'll make sure you have all the time you need soon. I promise." He swallowed, looking down. "Thanks for everything lately, by the way. I…wouldn't be okay with you, you know."

"I know…" She sighed and put her hand on his shoulder. "Now go out there and knock 'em dead, and if anyone gets handsy, bury a heel in their gut. It'll set good boundaries, and the rejection will just make 'em desperate to come back for more."

Valentino chuckled a little. "Good advice, thanks, Vel."

"Anytime. Have a good show, Val."

They shared a smile and then Velvet departed. As she exited the back stage area, she heard the music start and the curtain go up and the crowd cheer as Valentino began his show.

A/N:

That's all for now! The bachelor/bachelorette party night starts next chapter and has a lot of sweet bonding time for everyone (and a little more drama from Katie and Henroin). Thank you for reading!

Take care!

-Azure129