Even Mobsters Need Love

A Hellish Valentine

Happy Valentine's Day. So I was watching Season 2 of the Arackniss series by Axelgear and the episode where Arackniss sings this song to Pentious was so beautiful that I wanted to have it in my book. Only this time, Pentious will be the one serenading tonight.

The fires of Hell cast a deep crimson glow over Pentagram City, but within the heavily fortified mansion of Sir Pentious, the light was softer, warmer—a stark contrast to the infernal chaos outside. A collection of dimly lit candles lined the grand dining hall, their golden flickers dancing against the high, vaulted ceilings. The aroma of aged wine and exotic spices curled through the air, mingling with the faintest trace of oil and metal from Pentious's ever-present tinkering. The long, opulent table had been adorned with a black satin cloth, delicate crystal flutes, and a bottle of the finest hell-brewed champagne Pentious could find.

The snake demon had spared no expense for the evening. Arackniss stood at the entrance, momentarily caught off guard by the sheer effort that had gone into tonight. His many eyes flickered over the dimly glowing chandeliers and the velvet-draped chairs, lingering on the centerpiece of deep red roses and gilded cogs—a strange yet undeniably Pentious touch. He shifted slightly, adjusting the dark red tie around his neck, the color complementing his usual muted palette. "You look positively dashing, my dear Arackniss!" Pentious practically purred as he slithered forward, his red eyes gleaming with delight.

He was dressed in a sleek, well-tailored Victorian coat, the deep maroon fabric embroidered with delicate gold patterns. A matching cravat was neatly tucked into his collar, his usual eccentricity refined into something more elegant for the evening. Arackniss smirked, shaking his head as he let Pentious take his clawed hand. "You really went all out for this, huh? Didn't think Valentine's was your kinda thing."

"Nonsense!" Pentious scoffed, leading Arackniss toward the table. "Any excuse to celebrate with my beloved is an excuse worth indulging in!" He pulled out a chair with a dramatic flourish, motioning for Arackniss to sit.

Arackniss chuckled but took the seat, watching as Pentious grabbed the champagne bottle and expertly popped the cork. The fizzy, crimson liquid cascaded into the flutes, its bubbles catching the candlelight like tiny stars. Pentious slid one glass toward him before raising his own. Pentious's tail curled slightly around the leg of Arackniss's chair as he settled in his own seat, the flickering candlelight casting a warm glow across his sharp features. "Now, my dear, I do believe it's time for a little exchange," he said with a grin, reaching into his coat pocket and retrieving a small, elegantly wrapped box.

Arackniss's brow quirked, and he pulled out a gift of his own from beneath the table. His was simpler—wrapped in matte black paper with a crimson ribbon but no less significant. They exchanged their gifts, both hesitating for a second before peeling back the layers. Arackniss unwrapped his first. Inside was a pocket watch; golden, antique, and clearly handcrafted. The design was intricate, but what caught his attention most was the inside of the lid. Engraved in delicate cursive were the words, Time has no hold on us, my love. Arackniss swallowed thickly, running a finger over the engraving before looking up. "Pent..."

"I may be a villain, but I am a hopeless romantic first!" Pentious declared, though there was an undeniable tenderness in his expression.

Arackniss shook his head, huffing out a quiet laugh before nudging the other gift toward Pentious. "Alright, your turn, snake."

Pentious tore into the wrapping with theatrical enthusiasm, his eyes widening when he saw what lay inside. It was a set of deep-red gloves, finely stitched and reinforced with subtle metallic plating. They were practical yet elegant, a clear blend of thoughtfulness and utility. "I noticed your old ones were wearing out," Arackniss muttered, rubbing the back of his neck. "Figured you'd appreciate a new pair—something fancy but still useful."