Now that Arackniss was staying with Sir Pentious, for the first time in a long while, he felt free. Pentious had even helped him redecorate the guest room, now transformed into a cozy space that reflected Arackniss's personality—complete with dark, moody tones and just the right amount of vintage charm.

Pentious had grown unexpectedly fond of Arackniss. Though the spider demon could be gruff and sarcastic, there was something endearing about his honesty. Over the weeks, Pentious found himself stealing glances at Arackniss during quiet moments, wondering if there was more beneath the hardened exterior.
After much deliberation (and not-so-quiet self-debate), Pentious decided to take a bold step. A proper first date. But it had to be something unique—something that would impress Arackniss.

The museum seemed like the perfect choice. It offered culture, history, and a chance to showcase Pentious's intellectual flair. Of course, he worried incessantly that Arackniss might not share his enthusiasm, but the plan was already in motion.
The evening of the date arrived, and Pentious was pacing in the foyer, adjusting his hat for the fifth time in as many minutes. His usual flamboyance was dimmed by nervous energy, and his tail curled anxiously. Then he heard footsteps, and when he turned, he froze.

Arackniss stood at the top of the staircase, dressed in a sharp black suit with a blood-red tie that matched his eyes. His hair was neatly styled, and his usual cigarette was absent, leaving his face unguarded. He looked... striking. "So... how do I look?" Arackniss asked, tugging at his tie with an awkwardness Pentious hadn't seen before.

"You look... marvelous," Pentious stammered, trying to regain his composure.

Arackniss smirked, descending the stairs with his hands in his pockets. "Relax, snake-boy. You're the one who planned this whole thing. Don't tell me you're nervous."

"Me? Nervous?" Pentious scoffed, puffing out his chest. "Preposterous! This will be a flawless evening of intellectual stimulation and cultured conversation!"

"Yeah, sure. Let's get to it, Mr. Culture," Arackniss said, rolling his eyes but unable to hide his amusement.

The museum loomed ahead, its Gothic architecture bathed in Hell's crimson glow. Pentious led the way inside, his tail swishing with excitement as he began a lecture about the museum's significance. Arackniss trailed behind, his expression a mix of amusement and mild skepticism. "So... what's the big deal with this place?"

Pentious stopped dramatically in front of a plaque. "This, my dear spider, is a repository of knowledge and artifacts from both the living and damned worlds! Every piece here tells a story, and I—your most distinguished guide—shall reveal its secrets!"

"Sounds... thrilling," Arackniss said with a smirk.

Pentious ignored the sarcasm and dove headfirst into a passionate explanation about the first exhibit, a collection of ancient chalices. "This one," he said, pointing to a gilded goblet, "was once used by a Roman emperor! Imagine the history it has witnessed!"

Arackniss tilted his head. "Looks like a fancy wine glass to me."

Pentious groaned. "Must you reduce everything to its basest form?"

"Hey, I'm just saying," Arackniss said, grinning. "But... it is kinda cool. In a weird way."

Pentious blinked, momentarily caught off guard. "Well... I'm glad you think so."

They moved through the exhibits, Pentious growing more animated with each display. Arackniss found himself surprisingly entertained—not so much by the artifacts, but by Pentious's enthusiasm. There was a genuine passion in the way he spoke, a light in his eyes that was hard to ignore.

Things took a turn for the comical when they reached an interactive exhibit. Pentious insisted on demonstrating a model catapult, launching a wax apple straight into a docent's face.
Arackniss burst out laughing, clutching his sides as the poor demon spluttered. "You've got great aim, snake-boy."

"It was an accident!" Pentious snapped, his face flushed.

"Sure it was," Arackniss teased, his grin widening.

The chaos continued when Pentious attempted to operate a holographic map. Instead of displaying the stars, the device malfunctioned and projected a distorted image of Pentious's own face. "Well, at least it's accurate," Arackniss quipped, earning a glare from Pentious.

Despite the mishaps, the evening had a strange charm to it. By the time they reached the final exhibit—a breathtaking collection of celestial maps—the tension between them had melted into an easy camaraderie. Pentious stole a glance at Arackniss, who was studying a particularly intricate map. The soft glow of the exhibit lights reflected in his eyes, and for a moment, Pentious forgot how to speak.

"Thanks for this," Arackniss said suddenly, breaking the silence.

Pentious blinked. "For what?"

"For... tonight. For everything," Arackniss said, his voice quieter than usual. "I'm not used to people going out of their way for me. It's... nice."

Pentious felt his tail uncurl slightly, warmth spreading through his chest. "It was my pleasure. Though I must admit, I feared you wouldn't enjoy yourself."

Arackniss smirked, stepping closer. "It was... different. But in a good way." He reached out, straightening Pentious's bowtie. "You're not so bad, snake-boy."

Pentious froze at the touch, his mind racing. Then he chuckled softly, allowing himself to relax. "And you, my dear spider, are full of surprises."

As they left the museum, the sky above Pentagram City glowed its usual crimson hue. But for once, the world felt a little brighter.

As they walked back to the airship, the atmosphere between them was light and easy, the earlier laughter still echoing between them. Pentious's tail swayed with a relaxed rhythm, and Arackniss appeared more at ease than he had all evening.

When they reached the airship, Pentious stopped at the gangplank, turning toward Arackniss. "Well, I hope tonight has suitably impressed you," he said, his voice carrying an eager but uncertain edge.

Arackniss looked at him, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. "You did good, snake-boy," he said, stepping up the gangplank. "But there's still one more thing."

Pentious blinked. "One more thing?"

Arackniss didn't answer, just gestured for Pentious to follow. The two of them ascended the airship together, and as Pentious stepped into the main dining area, he froze. The table had been set with careful attention: candles flickered softly, casting a warm glow over a meal that smelled surprisingly delicious. It was a stark contrast to the usual chaos of Pentious's airship, and the atmosphere was intimate, cozy.

"You... made this?" Pentious asked, his voice caught somewhere between surprise and admiration.

Arackniss shrugged nonchalantly. "I figured you'd done enough for me tonight. I wanted to do the same for you. Besides, I know my way around a kitchen."

Pentious stood in stunned silence for a moment before he slowly walked toward the table. "I'm... I'm speechless, Arackniss. This looks wonderful."
Arackniss gave a soft chuckle, his eyes warm. "I didn't burn anything, if that's what you mean."

Pentious took a seat across from him, his heart beating a little faster. He had never imagined this moment—sitting at a candlelit dinner with the spider demon who had somehow found a way into his heart. They ate together, the conversation light, filled with jokes and shared stories. Arackniss leaned back in his chair, clearly more relaxed than before.

"You know," Pentious said, his voice softening, "I didn't expect any of this. I didn't expect to feel... this."

Arackniss raised an eyebrow. "Feel what, exactly?"

Pentious met his gaze, his words slower now. "I didn't expect to enjoy someone's company this much. To want to... share something more."

Arackniss held his gaze for a moment, his own expression softening. "I didn't expect this, either. But... here we are." He leaned forward slightly, lowering his voice. "I meant what I said earlier. You're not so bad, snake-boy."

Pentious's heart skipped a beat, and before he could respond, Arackniss's hand reached across the table, brushing against his. "Thank you for tonight," Arackniss said quietly. "For everything."

The simplicity of the moment hit Pentious hard, the soft warmth of Arackniss's hand on his sending a spark through him. He gently squeezed Arackniss's hand in return. "The pleasure's all mine."

As the evening wore on, the two of them stayed at the table, the conversation growing more intimate, the laughter more genuine. In that moment, surrounded by the soft flicker of candlelight and the quiet hum of the airship, Pentious felt something deep inside stir—a feeling he hadn't experienced in a long time. It was more than just companionship. It was something more, something real.