Welcome back everyone! This chapter involves self-harm! If you do not wish to be triggered, please turn back now! Other than that I hope you all enjoy this next chapter!

Arackniss arrives back home after another meeting with his father. Sir Pentious does what he can to help ease the pain.


Chapter 3: A Subtle Start

Sir Pentious was eager for Arackniss to arrive home. He had made sure that he made a nice Italian meal and his favorite wine to go along. He spent the entire time researching so he could make sure that he'd do everything correctly. He knew that Arackniss wouldn't look at his search history since the two respected each other's privacy. He hoped this would work. He made sure that the Egg Bois had eaten so that they wouldn't interrupt him and Niss. He perked up when he heard the door open. Perfect timing! He went to greet the little spider.

"Nissy! Welcome home!" The snake grinned as he slithered up.

The small spider grunted as he walked passed. Confused, he followed.

"Is everything alright dear? I made dinner!"

"Yea... 'M fine. Jus' a shitty day."

He gave a small nod.

"You will join me for dinner won't you? Everything is set and I made your favorite."

The spider paused for a moment. He gave a small nod. He just had something to do first.

"Y-yea... I'll... I'll be there. I just... need ta do somethin' real quick."

"Very well. Don't be too long. I don't want your dinner getting cold."

The small mobster grunted in response. It had been a horrible day. Sure he got the job done, but his father was still furious about yesterday. And who did he take his anger out on? Him. Nothing physical today. But the verbal abuse was enough to leave him shaken on the inside. He just needed to be alone right now. He made his way into the restroom and shut the door behind him. He locked the door behind him, not wanting to be interrupted on what he was about to do.

He knew he didn't have long as Pen was waiting for him. But still. He just needed to feel better for a short while. He went over an air vent was and pulled it off. Inside, he had placed a small knife into it. No one ever noticed it was inside. Or that the nails were loosed that he could easily pull it off. He grabbed a red towel and some gauze and bandages. He sat down next to the vent.

He knew this wasn't the best way to deal with his issues. But he didn't know how else to handle it. He couldn't... he couldn't talk to Pen about it. About everything his father did. How awful he felt. How much of a failure he was for not being born the ideal son that he wanted. And it wasn't for a lack of trying! He tired! He threw himself into the family business to try and please his father. Do everything Henroin asked without complaints. He did everything his father ever wanted, so why? Why did he continue to treat him like shit? He was the only kid that stayed by him! Even in the afterlife!

He pressed the edge of the knife against his skin. He avoided the main arteries. He didn't want to bleed out. He just wanted temporary release from the pain he was feeling on the inside. To distract him from the cruel words that plagued his thoughts. The first cut helped ease some of the tension he was feeling. This was good. This was what he needed. Redirect the pain. From internal to external. Even if it's just for a short while.

Another.

And another.

And another.

Each cut taking more of the tension away. Yes it hurt. But it averted the harsh onslaught that lingered in his mind. Giving him something else to focus on. He felt himself able to finally relax. Yes, he was in pain. Yes, tears had formed. But he didn't care. He knew that his boyfriend wouldn't understand why he did this. He knew that Pen would be asking him a lot of questions that he didn't know how to put into words. That he'd be horrified. But he didn't know how else to push away his father's comments. This was the only outlet he could find.

Now that he was feeling better, he bandaged himself up. If the snake found out, he'll just lie and claim that it was work. Make it short and to the point. Besides, he worried enough. He didn't need the aspiring Overlord to get into private matters that didn't concern him. Especially when it came to the Family business. Specifically, issues with Henroin. He just wasn't ready to deal with that complicated piece of his life at this moment. Now that he was patched up, it was time to join Pent for dinner.


Sir Pentious was patiently waiting for his small companion to come out of the restroom. He was making sure that everything would stay warm until he arrived at the table. He knew work always caused his little spider to be stressed. This is why he was doing this. He was pleased to see him finally arrive. The mobster sat down in his seat. His grin widen when he saw the surprised look on his face.

"You made Pestro Chicken Strata."

"Along with the Arugula Salad!"

The spider was touched at what he was doing for him. Though honestly, he felt like he didn't deserve Pentious' care and love a majority of the time. He knew that he did, but it just didn't feel like he should. He felt the edges of his mouth twitch to a small smile. The serpent always knew how to get him to smile even when he didn't feel like it. He looked down at his food, not trusting himself to look at his lover's eyes.

"It's great Pen. Looks delicious."

"Hopefully the taste matches up to it's appearance!" He chuckled. "Though why shouldn't it? I did make it after all!"

God damn it. Why was he so adorable when he was cocky? He really didn't want to cheered up and just focus on the pain and self-hatred. But fuck did his precious noodle just know what to do to change his mood. Even if he didn't know he was doing. Dinner normally went as it always did with them. The sniper would mostly sit in silence as his partner would go on about his day, his plans, or other bits that he felt like talking about. He chipped in every now an again to show that he was listening. As he was finishing up, the snake perked up noticing.

"Oh Nissy! I have a special surprise for you!"

"Dessert?" He asked.

"No. Something more permanent. I'll go get it!"

Arackniss didn't question what he got him. Pentious did basically every romantic thing he could think of to remind the spider that he loved him. Whether it be leaving little notes, buy new clothes, or planning a big romantic night that usually ended up with them in bed together, he had to admit that he did look forward to what his seemingly clueless yet intelligent noodle had gotten him. While Pent went to get his surprise, he took the time to put away the leftovers to take with him to work tomorrow. He placed the dishes in the sink to do them later.

"Oh Nissy, my darling little arachnid! I have your surprise!"

Said spider turned around to look at him. He went over to him, curious on what he was going to receive.

"Okay Noodle. What's the surprise?"

"Ta-da!" The snake chorused, holding out a baby blue plush elephant.

The elephant had darker blue inner felt inside it's large floppy ears, and the ends of its limps. A pale gray ribbon was tied around it's neck. Arackniss was unsure what to make of the toy. Or why his lover had decided to gift him with such an item.

"A... toy?"

"An elephant plush to be exact!"

"I... see that. But why a plush?"

The mobster was honestly confused by the gift. He hadn't had a stuff toy since before the twins were born. And he had no interest in such things since. He was an adult, a mafia boy. Cute little things like this weren't his thing. Though he had to admit, the elephant was his favorite animal. Yet he couldn't remember if he mentioned it to the older demon or not. Pentious looked at the toy then back to him.

"Why because it's your favorite animal!"

Oh. Okay he did mention it to him.

"And you told me that your father ruined your own favorite toy when you were very young."

He remembered that? Huh, he had forgotten about that conversation. He didn't think it was that important. But it apparently it was important enough for his boyfriend. He was surprised on how much it resonated with him. Pent went out of his way for him to get him a toy of his favorite animal in order to create a new good memory to replace the bad. He swallowed.

"Pen..."

His smile started to fall into a soft frown.

"Do you not like it?" He asked, doubt seeping into his voice.

He couldn't not like it! His made sure to make it his favorite animal in order to get him to accept it! This was to help kick start Arackniss into being open about Age-play! If he didn't accept the toy, would he deny the clothes as well? Would he get defensive when he started to use the pet names he planned on using? Oh, his plan couldn't fall through before he got started! This was vital to his small spider's well-being! If he didn't open up... he didn't know what to do.

Seeing the snake starting to be come disappointed caused him to feel a twinge of guilt. He stepped forward and placed his hand on his arm. Sure, it wasn't something that he normally cared about. But he couldn't say that it wasn't thoughtful. Especially that it showed that he was actually being listened to. Something he thought was just a stupid detail in his past ended up meaning something to the other. God he was turning into a sap.

"Hey, hey. I do like it. I do. I just... didn't think you'd remember something so insignificant."

"It's not insignificant, Arackniss. What your father did was horrible to do to such a young child. Especially since that child was his own son. I know it doesn't erase the pain he caused. But I want to give you something to show that I care about your happiness."

God fucking damn it, how did he end up with such a considerate and thoughtful boyfriend? He took the plush out his hands and looked it over. It was stupid, and pointless, but fuck did it cause a warm feeling in his chest. Just knowing that he went out and got him something just to make him smile. He looked up at the snake with a shy, unsure smile.

"Thanks Pent. For... caring. And listening."

The snake grinned and placed a kiss on his cheek.

"Naturally darling."

"I'm gonna go put this somewhere safe. Thanks again noodle."

Once the spider was out of sight and earshot, Pentious couldn't help but do a little fist pump. Yes! It worked! The first seed was in place! Now that he accepted the toy, he had grounds to pursue his plan. Now it was time to initiate step two. And hopefully soon, Arackniss would bring up what he was doing to instigate the conversation.


Oh our poor little spider. He's got a lot of problems that he's minimizing in order to cope. Thankfully he has a sweet thoughtful noodle that is his boyfriend!

Step one, getting Arackniss to accept the plushie, has been a success! Now Sir Pentious is ready to emerge step two into the spider's routine. Will it be a success like the first? And will he find out about his beloved's need to self-harm?

Thanks for reading and keep an eye out for the next chapter!