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Husk couldn’t help his eyes from wandering, he tried to listen to the guy in front of him complaining about his ex-wife, but he kept getting distracted. If he didn’t own the bar he would never be put on shift when Angel performed, he could never take his eyes off of him when he sang and danced about on stage.
He was beautiful, decked out in a tight red dress that rode a little too short, his legs were covered in a pair of sheer red thigh highs, and he strutted about on a pair of sparkly gold heels. His preferred blonde wig was perfectly curled, and Husk wondered how he managed to make it look so natural, his eyes were what Angel described as ‘smokey’ and his lips were a rose red. Though it wasn’t what he was wearing that enticed Husk, it was the man’s overwhelming confidence as he went about his routine.
They first met just nearly two years ago, it was like any other night for Husk hearing guys bitch about their jobs and offering them a kind ear whilst handing them their preferred liquor. Some regular was belting out love songs on the tiny stage near the back, when he strolled in. He had plopped himself on the bar stool in front of Husk and asked for a strong drink, burying his face in his hands. He had simply nodded and placed the glass down in front of him, it was downed in a couple seconds before he had demanded another. With his second drink in hand the man swivelled in his chair, seemingly to look at who was singing before pulling a face.
“Yeesh the owner ever feel like putting on some real entertainment in here?”
Husk couldn’t stop help himself from smirking, leaning into the man’s space a little, “Well I don’t exactly pick and choose, if some ole sad sod wants to belt out a tune, I’m more than happy to let them. They usually end up drinking more too.”
His smirk grew as he saw realisation dawn on the mans face, as he turned back to look at him. Husk was expecting the usual blabber of apology and an embarrassed exit to another chair or out the door. What he wasn’t expecting was for this man to not so subtly look him up and down, lick his lips and lean in until he could feel the man’s breath on his cheek.
“Well handsome, I think you need to start being a bit pickier about which sad sods get the chance to sing. Trust me you’ll get more customer’s if an actual performer gave you and your regular’s a wee routine.” The man purred, taking a slow sip of his drink eyes never leaving Husk’s. Though there was a tiredness that laced his voice, as though he said that same thing to everyone he meets.
“What makes you so sure, you a performer yourself?” He questioned, raising an eyebrow as he leaned away to go fetch a beer for another customer. The man seemed to pause at the question, demeanour changing ever so slightly, Husk was observant and good at reading people, and now that he had his head up, he could get a good look at the guy.
He was pale, almost impossibly so with a scattering of freckles around his eyes and nose. His eyes were blue, though his left eye had a large brown splodge that almost covered the blue completely. His blazer was slightly too big but was buttoned all the way to his neck, and his trousers seemed a little too tight. As Husk looked on, he could make out bruising being covered up with make up around his right eye and his lips seemed a little swollen. To anyone but Husk he looked fine, but Husk could see through that, he looked tired and dishevelled. The only part of him that actually was put together was his hair, it was a beach blonde and sat perfectly curled and quaffed. One hand nursed his drink and the other wrapped around his waist, either to keep the jacket closed or to comfort himself Husk didn’t know. But he could see the man’s eyes shift ever so slightly to the door, a nervous frown present.
“You could say something like that.” It was quiet but Husk always had excellent hearing, and he didn’t miss the regret that laced the man’s voice.
“You alright man? I’ve got a good ear if you need to talk.” He said, already passing a new drink in front of him. A long sigh escaped the man, and he shook his head violently.
“Just a shitty boss, currently trying to get away from him and get a new job. Though it’s been harder than I thought, he tracks down everyone I get talking to and somehow convinces them to not hire me. “The man says sadly, and for a brief moment Husk fears that he’ll start crying.
“Shit man that’s fucked.”
The man only nodded in reply and although Husk wished he could give some form of advice another patron started yelling to get his attention. Husks attention was drawn from the man the rest of the night, still serving him drinks but not getting the chance to hear him open up. Two more people went up and sang their pieces, taking hold of the old shitty microphone and badly belting out their favourites, only earning a clap from the buddies that had joined them. It wasn’t as if Husk liked hearing bad singers, but it was familiar to him, the bar had the stage when he bought the place, so it didn’t take much to place an old microphone in front of it and tell customers to go mad.
He was uncorking a bottle when a faint “Fuck it,” was muttered by the blonde stranger. Husk looked up and watched as the man slammed his last drink down a little too hard and stalked towards the stage, he stumbled a little and that’s when Husk noticed the pair of black heels that adorned the man’s feet. That just raised more questions, but he remained silent as he saw him snatch the microphone from Stevie who was in the middle of a song. Even then he didn’t speak up, curious to see what the man would do after complaining about the earlier performance. The man coughed and ran a shaky hand through his hair before starting to sing.
He started out slow but as he seemingly got more into his performance the louder and more confident, he became. Everyone in the bar ceased their conversations to watch in awe of this oddly dressed man, belt out his entire soul into his song. Husk especially was taken aback; the man had a beautiful voice. It was rich yet effeminate, it suited him perfectly. He stopped trying to uncork the bottle and just stood there watching, he couldn’t take his eyes off of him, and as he belted out the last note everyone started to clap, even Husk. He watched as a genuine smile appeared on the man’s face and it seemed like a fire was lit inside him since immediately after he started another one.
This one was a lot more upbeat, and he danced around Husk’s tiny stage as though he was on Broadway. His heels clacked against the old wood as he swayed about, delicately leaping off stage and started strutting round the tables of customers. He never stopped singing as he made his way around, giving each patron a bit of attention. The guys were eating it up to, seemingly entranced with the energy the guy gave off as he playfully poked and winked at a couple. He sat back in the stool he was at moments ago and sang the last few lyrics giving his full attention to Husk. After he strolled back to the stage and plugged the microphone into the stand as he received claps and a few wolf whistles.
“Thank you, gentlemen. I’ve been your entertainer Angel Du- Angel! And you’ve been a wonderful audience. For all those wondering, yes, I do accept tips in drinks and any physical cash you have” he teased which got the entire bar to roar with laughter, Husk hadn’t heard such happiness since Rodney crashed into a table and somehow pulled his trousers down revealing his tighty whities. The man Angel? Walked back to the bar and to Husk’s surprise a patron asked to cover the man’s bill and to get him another drink.
The previous tiredness Angel held completely disappeared and he now seemed to walk taller, even his outfit seemed to make sense and look more expensive. He was laughing and blew a kiss at the man who had bought his drinks, he grinned wildly at Husk as he took a sip.
“So, you are a performer,” Husk said wiping a glass and smiling back at the glowing man in front of him, that got a laugh out of the other.
“I wish, nah I do a different type of performing.” He said sticking his tongue to his cheek and raised a closed hand, Husk caught on quick, and he frowned slightly, yet the other just laughed more.
“Yeah, it’s fucking shit but that? Singing and dancing without having to remove everything I’m wearing, that’s what I wish I could do. Though Val’s gone to every drag bar in the city and tells them shit so I don’t get hired,”
“If you sing like that you can work here, what was it you said I’d get more customer’s if I had a real entertainer?” He teased, picking up another glass to clean. The other just looked at him wide eyed, mouth slightly agape.
“I can’t pay you much, and you’d have to do some bar work too. But I have a spare room upstairs if you need a place to crash.” He offered with a shrug, still amused at the other’s expression.
“…I don’t want to have to fuck anybody.” He blurted out, face reddening as he did so.
“Don’t worry, you only get to fuck who you want. Though I’d suggest doing it elsewhere my walls are really thin, and I like my sleep.”
“Val will come…”
“Then I’d tell him to fuck off, you made a good impression here. These guys would mess someone up if they bugged me and by association you, just give them the odd classic song, learn how to pour a mean drink, and listen to them ramble and they won’t let anyone mess with you. I won’t let anyone mess with you.”
“You just met me but, how can I know you’re not a freak?” Husk just shrugged, setting the glass down.
“You don’t but I have a good feeling about you, you can deny the offer no force here.” Angel paused for a moment before giving a short nod.
“Fine, but I want to be in drag when I perform.”
“Done.” Husk said easily, half the guys here were already drooling over him (respectfully because Husk would fuck anyone up who dared anything) and they’d probably come more often if a pretty girl sang for them
“I have a pet pig. He’s only tiny, I swear.” Husk raised an eyebrow but just nodded and put his hand out.
“Fine but you clean up his shit. Name’s Husker, Welcome to the lucky cat.” Angel grabbed his hand and gave it a strong shake, a determined smile ghosting his lips.
“Call me Angel.”
From there the two became inseparable, Angel moved his stuff over the course of a week to make it less suspicious to his boss which Husk found out he lived with. The man inevitably came knocking down, trying to convince Husk to bring Angel back to him. Husk stood his ground and refused the man, barring him. He had tried to fight back, but the regular’s all had his back and the man scurried away.
Living together was pretty easy, Angel was skittish the first month, but they soon grew familiar with one another. Fat Nugget’s Angel’s beloved pet was surprisingly clean and cute, with Husk cuddling and playing with the guy much to Angel’s amusement. They bounced off each other, falling into a seamless routine together, with each tackling their individual chores. It turned out that Angel loved to cook and was more than happy to do so for Husk, they ate all their meals together with Husk raving about every meal he made. They grew closer and after six months their touches lingered ever so slightly, Angel would flirt with everyone, but it seemed more genuine when he did so to Husk. During his performances he would always seek out Husk’s gaze and by the ninth month they shared their first kiss and started sleeping cuddled up every night.
Husk smiled fondly; his Angel was always the happiest when on stage. Especially now that he was allowed to do his own thing and express himself creatively. He had even encouraged Husk to start experimenting with drinks and added a cocktail menu to the list. Although originally met with grumbles from his loyal customers, they soon became fans themselves and got hooked onto the fruity, bright coloured drinks Husk offered. The bar now had more regulars, with customers in their twenties and thirties regularly coming down to see Angel perform. It was amazing for business and every so often Angel would put on a burlesque show which would be ticketed (though their old regulars got in free and were essentially the bars security on those nights).
“Thank you, you’ve been such a good audience! Unfortunately, my time is up but you’ll still be entertained by our lovely regulars, Stevie you’re up.” Angel called, encouraging the bar to clap as Stevie ran up the stage and the playfully nudged each other. He helped Angel off of the short stage and then started belting out his own tunes, now surprisingly okay sounding after Angel gave him lessons.
“How was I tonight Husky,” Angel purred sitting on his favourite bar stool.
“Eh a little pitchy at the end sugar.” He teased, laughing as Angel gave him a playful punch and pouted.
“You’re such a dick,” he whined. Though his attitude changed as Husk handed him a vodka cranberry.
“You were amazing as always baby,” he praised leaning in and giving his partner a sweet kiss. Which got them a few cheers and wolf whistles, which made them both stick up their middle fingers, which was simply returned with more laughter. Husk forever grateful that laughter was now an ever-present sound in his little bar.
That night Angel and gone to bed early, leaving Husk to close up the bar alone. He had finished wiping the counter when Angel had padded back down. He had his fluffy pink robe that Husk gave him and pink slippers, his make up was still on and seemingly touched up. His wig was off, yet his natural hair still held its natural curl and volume.
“You okay darling?” He questioned, walking up to his partner’s side.
“I’m fine Husky just want to show you something, here.” He took Husk’s hand, leading him to one of the chairs at the front of the stage and shuffled back.
“Close your eyes for me babe,” he commanded, and Husk did so. He was wondering what the other was doing as he heard shuffling and switches being flicked. He heard the familiar sound of heels clacking and raised a perfectly groomed black eyebrow (Angel had put him on a very serious self-care routine).
“Okay you can open them!”
Husk blinked his eyes open; Angel was on stage spotlight shining down on him (another one of his ideas, cost a fortune but was so worth it) he was still wearing his robe, but Husk noted how his slippers were replaced by the same pair of black heels he first wore.
“I was getting ready for today and I had an epiphany, you’ve been working so hard, and you’ve put up with all my bullshit and crazy idea the past two years, that I think you’re long overdue your own private show from me.” He teased and Husk could already feel his heart racing and face turning red. He received only a sweet giggle in reply as Angel picked up the microphone and started singing. Mid-way through he shucked off the robe to reveal an intricate red and black lace set, that had Husk gripping the bars on the chair.
He danced around the stage sensually, kicking his long legs in the air and making sure Husk got a good look at all of him. He ran his hands up and down his body, moving off of the stage and sitting in Husk’s lap still continuing to Husk. Husk moved his hands to grip Angel’s thighs, as his eyes darkened. He finished singing and whispered breathlessly into Husk’s ear.
“Why don’t we continue our private show upstairs baby cakes?”
Husk scooping up angel and throwing him over his shoulder, giving a light smack to his ass.
“Husky this is the least romantic way to carry me!” He laughed.
“Would you rather I gave you a fucking piggyback?”
Though angel tried to come up with a comeback he was too taken back by the absurd idea and just continued laughing, Husk following with his own gruff laughter.