Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

It felt like a new world had been unleashed ten years ago. The break in everyone's lives was so expected, yet once it hit, it seemed like it had come from nowhere. Bonds formed were snapped, friendships were over, and hospitality was spent. A dagger could have cut the tension; everything was so quiet that it was painfully loud. They had sat for hours in silence, waiting for anything to break it and prove that reality wasn’t actually something. A figment of the imagination. Something that could crash down, and nothing would have ever been known or remembered. However, there was nothing to interrupt it. So when shit hit the fan, it hit hard.

Husk doesn’t exactly remember it too well. It was so long ago, and he was absolutely shitfaced from drinking bottles while waiting for the silence to break. He was practically slumped on the bar counter when Charlie yelled at everyone. She called Angel Dust a “nothing for good whore” and then called Vaggie a “fake bitch.” She took a long pause before calling Alastor a “psychopath that she hopes she never sees again.” Alastor laughed at that, but once she looked at Nifty and said the same exact thing, Husk was sure the Radio Demon was going to kill her. Husk was eventually called an “old drunk with no personality,” which happened to be amusing to Alastor and him.

Most had got their feelings hurt. Angel Dust yelled at Charlie while Vaggie held him back so he wouldn’t lunge at her. Husk doesn’t really remember much else, he was too shitfaced, and the rest was too boring to remember to his drunk mind. So he’s not sure what happened, but everyone got kicked out of the hotel and went their separate ways.

Husk only misses it sometimes. But he knows Nifty misses it; she talks about it a lot when Alastor calls upon them to have a meal together. He would always wonder if Alastor missed it when the meals shared got more frequent. He would rest his head in his hand and listen to Nifty talk, only adding a few comments. The demon always had this special bond with Nifty; it confused Husk sometimes. But Nifty loved Alastor, and when Rosie would show up for a meal with them, Nifty seemed like she’d explode from excitement. And yes, Husk enjoyed the meals they’d all share together, even if it was weird. Alastor would just give him alcohol, and Husk would sit and listen until they’d be let go again to do what they wanted if Alastor didn’t call a favor.

Alastor had slowly stopped calling favors as if he’d found something else to do. He got closer to Rosie, and whenever Husk saw him, he’d either be with Rosie or talking about her. So, it was safe to assume that Alastor got close to her and became more concerned with her than random favors. But don’t get Husk wrong because Alastor still called some favors, which were always assassination journeys. Husk did as told, killing whomever Alastor asked the head of. 

Overall, things had returned to how they were before the hotel had started, with the exception of dinners, fewer favors, and a little more kindness than usual. But it was basically the same, and Husk sometimes missed the hotel, but only when Nifty would talk about it. He’d moved on from that because he knew it wouldn’t last forever. Little miss bleeding heart couldn’t keep it up forever; most demons couldn’t give two shits about redemption. Husk isn’t even sure if redemption is possible. But it didn’t seem to be due to her expression and body language after meetings with heaven.

So, Husk let it go easily. He forced away the good and bad memories, keeping his mind on the task at hand, whatever that might be. He didn’t care about any of it falling apart, even if he did miss some of the companionships he had made. But that was fleeting; it had never been meant to last forever. He just stopped caring and eventually stopped missing it, even when Nifty would talk about it. 

Husk would let her hang around when he wasn’t gambling or drinking at a bar. She’d always find her way back to him, though, and hang out for a few days before they went their separate ways for another few weeks. It wasn’t a stable schedule by any means, but it was stable enough to survive. It was rather easy sinking back into it; he had missed it while working at the hotel. So, there was no problem with enjoying the familiarity.

He didn’t hear much about Charlie, which made him assume she’d run home to Lucifer since she’d broken it off with Vaggie. He did hear that Vaggie is still going on with redemption bullshit somewhere. Not surprising. He also wasn’t surprised to hear Angel Dust had run back to Valentino full force. He could have figured that out on his own due to how much more Angel Dust started to be advertised after the hotel fell to ruins. And, of course, Sir Pentious returned to his war machine with his eggs to wreak havoc in turf wars. None of it was surprising. It was expected.

Everyone had fallen back into their old routines– if you could even call Vaggie’s old– just the same, if not worse than before. But Husk didn’t care; he never could have. He liked not being responsible for tending the bar and listening to everyone's withered or lost souls. It had become tedious, something he despised at times. Most of them had problems he didn’t care about nor did he want to listen to. Angel Dust’s ranting was sometimes interesting, adding amusing comments to the downright evil shit that was going on about the Vee’s tower. 

The hotel breaking up was like a damn godsend, he didn’t have to deal with that shit, and he didn’t have to deal with the extensive favor to tend the bar that Alastor called. Husk prefers the assassination and weird stalking favors because those are usually short, and he always gets to return to his old bullshit “life” after. But that was only up to a certain point.

Seven years after the hotel fell down into nothingness, Husk was unexpectedly called for a favor. Alastor brought him to the mafia district, where Rosie was on her knees in a ruined dress, leaning over the Radio Demon. Nifty was summoned next to Husk, but they didn’t pay attention to each other; they had looked at where Rosie was leaning over Alastor, shaking slightly.

After a long moment, Rosie looked at the two, waving them over quickly. Nifty wasted no time, but Husk had frozen for a moment, suddenly too sober. But he forced his legs to carry him over to the three. Nifty sat down next to Alastor, mumbling about him being fine while Rosie was silent, eyes glossy but no tears shed.

Husk stood, hovering behind Nifty as Alastor stared at the sky, blood pouring off of him from indistinguishable wounds. The demon still wore a smile, which was probably the worst part. Husk didn’t like Alastor by any means, but the demon hadn’t been horrible. Out of most Overlords, Husk was glad the Radio Demon owned his because Alastor had liked Husk’s horrible anger issues enough that it led the demon to keep Husk around. Any other Overlord would have killed Husk for that. But just like the hotel, all things come to an end in hell. And he watched Alastor, wondering what his soul meant now.

Alastors' eyes flickered to look at Husk, the green chain extending from the staff and wrapping around his throat to pull him closer. He stared at Husk, wheezing for air, as he spoke words to Husk that would forever haunt him: “ You can keep your soul .”

With those words, the chain broke and faded. Husk felt lighter, and he could see in Nifty’s expression that she did, too. They’d both been set free, released, and souls returned when it had seemed impossible. Nifty looked at Husk, her eye holding a broken gaze. Husk had known for a long time that Nifty had a special spot in her heart for Alastor. The two had bonded, just as Alastor had bonded with Rosie. Husk had watched the two wither away a bit, staring down at Alastor as any detected life that he had faded away, and his wheezes and gasps for air went to nothing.

Everything seemed still and quiet. Even explosions were drowned out by the reality of this situation. Husk doesn’t know how long he stood there, staring down at Alastor as Nifty and Rosie crouched down beside him. That was the first and last time he had seen Rosie cry, her hand over her usually smiling mouth as she stared down at Alastor. They’d been close, closer than ever. She was probably the only demon Alastor had seen as an actual friend, and that day had made Husk think it was the same with Rosie.

They might have stood there for hours or maybe even days. Time seemed to slip away and become nonexistent in those moments. Eventually, Rosie stood up, wiping her tears and wearing an unsteady smile. “Thank you, Husker and Nifty.” She said, her voice broken and scratchy from crying. It’s okay; you can go now.”

Nifty latched onto Husk like a leech, and he let her. He walked with her clinging to his wings and shoulder fur. Silence had become usual for the next few days. They sat in Husk’s trashy apartment, trying to figure out what to do. Husk let Nifty clean the apartment because it distracted the demon, and she could do what she wanted. He watched her clean, sipping from whatever bottle of alcohol he’d chosen.

Three weeks after Alastors death, Rosie had told them she wanted to see them for dinner. They obliged, guessing the cannibal Overlord needed some comfort. And that was only part of the reason. They arrived, and she sat them down and gave them food. Most of the time, Husk didn’t eat what she gave them because it was meat from demons, but he did that day for her sake.

They only sat silently for a minute before Rosie told them important information. She explained that Husk’s soul being returned renders him an Overlord again. He was speechless, unsure if he wanted to be the Overlord of Gambling again. But what choice does he have? Carmilla Carmine is already expecting him at Overlord meetings, and she is not patient.

So he agreed. He started attending meetings and trying to remember what it’s like to be an Overlord. It took him a year to fit back into the status. Nifty stuck by his side, helping him stay away from day drinking and stopping him from getting shitfaced. It was torturous, but it slowly worked out.

He got a casino again, found staff, and returned to popular status. Nifty decided she wanted to lead the cleaners, so he let her. She became “queen bee” of the casino, and Husk had never seen the girl happier. Staff feared her, and she got to clean as much as she wanted because the casino was rather large. 

Husk gained more souls, treating most of them as fairly as he could. But as the owner of a casino and the Overlord of Gambling, he had to make a reputation for himself. So, any demon that clearly disobeyed casino rules in front of other demons was not spared. They were claimed souls and sent to a realm much like Alastor used, where the souls would die and remain as shadows. 

Over the next three years, Husk gained power and representation. He owned casinos in several locations, spreading them out and finding himself drowned in finances. He paid his employees well and treated them well. He may own all of his employees’ souls—besides Nifty—but he still treats them as employees. Finances were probably the easy part, though, because dealing with the slum or hell that walked into this casino was the worst.

He moved his primary staff and himself to a larger casino, finding that this one was most important. It was easy enough; it was almost like when he had been an Overlord before. Which has never been ideal, but he survives. 

However, there’s one thing left unfinished. Alastor was killed, and Rosie still refuses to give Husk information on how Alastor died. Husk keeps it in the back of his mind, wanting to finish it. He would have finished it sooner, but becoming an Orverlord again wasn’t part of the plan. He has to be rational because anything stupid he does will make him a target for someone.

It’s been three years since Alastor died, three years since Husk became an Overlord again, and ten years since the hotel fell apart. But everything seems so much quicker than that. It feels as though the past three years don’t exist. It doesn’t feel right that Husk’s an Overlord again. He hates it just as much as he’s hated the thought of it over the past years. But he’s told himself to be a better demon. Despite being an Overlord, he can be a bit kinder. Only to his staff, though. But he isn’t all “rainbows and sunshine,” and he still has to show that he has power over them. Sometimes, he doesn’t mean to snap, but he does. Since he’s not always shit-faced anymore, it seems that his temper has been running a bit short for the past three years. He accepts it, though, and it carries through his power. It keeps his staff slightly afraid, but not afraid enough that they don’t come crying to him asking for a raise. He thinks that they know they can use emotion against him.

He doesn’t exactly understand how emotions affect him, but he thinks it's because of the hotel and Nifty. It makes sense.

“Husk!” Nifty calls as she walks into the office. Husk is standing, staring out the window from the penthouse at the city below. He glances over to see Nifty. “Drink?” She asks. Husk huffs slightly and motions his head towards the personal bar.

She sits down as Husk rounds the counter to make her a drink, and she sighs loudly. “I need to beat your staff into shape. They have no clue how to clean!” She complains, and Husk smiles a bit. He’s never minded when Nifty walks in here to complain; she never asks for a raise.

“What’s stopping you?” He prompts, mixing a few liquors in the shaker before he shakes it. Nifty frowns while Husk pours the drink into a glass with ice.

“Because you told me not to.” She groans, causing Husk to chuckle as he slides the drink across the counter to her.

“When has my word ever stopped you?” He asks, pouring whiskey into a glass for himself. Nifty glares at him as she takes a sip from her drink, pointing at him with a finger. Husk raises an eyebrow as he waits for a response

.

“It stopped me since you told me that we treat your souls kindly.” She growls. “Who treats their souls with kindness?”

Husk rolls his eyes. “We do.” He shakes his head at her. “But, if you truly think they’re stupid, you can… beat them into shape. I guess.” He responds. He’s always been lenient with Nifty, even if his staff has claimed once or twice that he treats her too kindly, and he gives her special treatment. They stopped doing that after he lost his temper over it.

She claps her hands. “Oh, Husk, you will not regret this.” She says with a widening grin, seeming to think about what she will do with the staff. Husk shakes his head, grabs a cigar from under the bar, and lights it. 

“If you keep staring at your drink like that, I think I might regret it.” He says, taking a drag off the cigar. Nifty just rolls her eye and waves her hand dismissively at him. She sips from her drink, turning in her chair to look at the window.

“I need to spend more time up here,” she says, hopping off the stool, walking over to the window, and staring out of it. Husk walks over, standing next to her and staring as well. He feels surrounded by demons but still feels alone. It’s an issue he’s always had, but it's something he can easily brush off when he’s around Nifty. They’ve bonded since Alastor died, and they still sometimes attend dinners with Rosie. They’re family to him; even if Alastor was the glue holding it together, they’re still figuring out how to make it work in their favor.

“I wonder how the others are doing.” Nifty hums, motioning out to a billboard advertising one of Angel Dust’s new porn films. “Do you ever think about them still?” She asks, glancing at Husk.

Husk looks down at her, shrugging. “There’s not a reason to. Everyone found something to do with their afterlives, so I don’t think about things I don’t know anything about.” He tells her, and she nods.

“You and your stupid words of wisdom,” she mumbles, now glaring at the billboard in the distance.

Husk’s ears twitch, hearing footsteps coming down the hall. He turns and looks at the door, listening to someone knock on it. “Come in.” He says, watching a staff member come in. A Hellhound that works for security, Kat. Weird name for a Hellhound, but a name.

“Sir, someone is asking for you.” She says as she opens the door, her eyes turning to Nifty for a split second.

“Tell them I’m busy.” He replies, waving a hand at her.

She sighs softly. “Sir, I’m sorry, but it’s Valentino again,” Valentino has come here almost every night for the past month, asking to gamble against Husk. And Husk is sick of it; it’s getting rather annoying.

Husk glares at Nifty. “Way to jinx it.” He mumbles before turning back to Kat. “Tell him I’ll be down momentarily.” Kat nods and turns away, closing the door behind herself.

Nifty crosses her arms, frowning. “Really? He just had to come back? Didn’t we put him on the denied guest list?” She asks.

Husk sighs, lowering a wing to push her along with him as he walks. “Let's go find out what he wants.” He mumbles as they walk to the door, open it, and walk down the hall to the elevator.

They set in and watch the numbers descend. The silence feels too familiar to tension as they watch the numbers. But that’s expected. They both hate Valentino with a burning passion. The Overlord thinks he can walk about like he owns the casino and ask for Husk so they can gamble. Husk has never gone down to even look at Valentino or hear what he has to offer. He does know Vox comes with him every time though, so he can only imagine it’s something to deal with the TV.

When the elevator doors open, they see Kat waiting for them at the doorway to the casino floor. They walk down the hallways and stop in front of Kat. “Is Valentino’s bitch here again?” Husk asks, displeased.

Kat grabs the door handle, sighing. “It’s not the bitch boy, but it’s one of them.” She responds as she pushes the door open. “He wants to make a deal with you, one involving your power. He wants all of your casinos.” She explains.

Husk scoffs and shakes his head. “He better be willing to give his soul up then.” He mumbles as Nifty walks beside him. They enter the casino floor. 

It’s loud. Voices and machines all overlap into a noise of mess. But Husk doesn’t exactly hate it; how could he? He is the Gambling Overlord, after all. Kat steps in front of them, leading them towards the bar.

Nifty has a grin on her face, her hand on the hilt of her dagger. “We will not be stabbing him unless I say so, Nifty,” Husk tells her as they walk. Husk can feel stares from random demons while they walk, but he ignores it.

Kat glances back at them, sending a warning look to Nifty as she pauses at the bar. She steps aside, and Husk takes her place, watching Valentino spin on the bar stool to grin at Husk. “Oh! Husker, what a pleasure.” He grins, holding out a hand.

Husk carefully shakes the Overlord's hand. “What can I do for you, Valentino.” He asks, not in the mood to fuck around. Valentino smiles, laughing a bit as he inhales his cigarette laced with pink pheromones. Husk attempts not to cringe at the smell.

“I would love to gamble against you,” Valentino says, but before Husk can say anything, the moth continues. “If I win, I get all of your wealth and your soul. If you win, you get one of my souls.” Valentino says, a grin on his face.

Just hearing what Husk would owe peaks his interest. He hadn’t heard he would owe his soul; that was new. But what he would get if he won wounds displeasing. “I don’t think that's a fair bet,” Husk says, about to turn away.

“It may not sound fair while I’m saying it, but I promise you it is worth it.” Valentino grins, whistling momentarily. Husk can only assume the moth is calling who he would be betting.

A flash of pink and white fur emerges from the crowd. He glares at Nifty, silently telling her to be quiet. He looks back at Valentino as Angel Dust stalks over. They only share a quick glance, not paying attention to each other. Does Valentino know that they knew each other once upon a time?

Husk clicks his tongue. “Let me speak with my assistant manager.” He says, motioning to Nifty. He leads her away to an empty hallway, and she instantly explodes into words.

“We need to, Husker! We have to try! We can help him, please; he looks horrible!” She exclaims. Husk growls, setting a paw on his face. “Please.” She says again.

“Nifty,” he says, pausing a moment. The small demon looks fearful. “Tell Kat she's dealing for me. This game is risky,” he says, and Nifty jumps in excitement, running off to get Kat.

Husk growls, shaking his head at himself. He’s doing this for Nifty. The demon needs something to lighten up her life, and what better way than getting one of her friends back in her life? It might not be ideal to win Angel Dust’s soul to help Nifty. But he might also be helping Angel Dust anyway. This could be better for the demon.

He takes a breath, exits the hallway, and makes the short trip back to the bar. Valentino whispers to Angel Dust, blowing pink smoke into his face while grinning. Husk rolls his eyes, stopping in front of them. “It’s a deal,” he says.

Valentino’s eyes light up in excitement. “Oh, good!” The moth replies, grabbing Angel Dust’s wrist tightly as Husk motions for them to follow. They walk to an empty table, and Nifty and Kat are already waiting for them. Kat sends Husk a glare, but he ignores it.

They sit down as Kat shuffles the cards. Valentino grins like he’s better at poker, but Husk knows it's quite the opposite. He’d seen Valentino gamble before, but he always advised his dealers to let Valentino win some in case the moth came about with a better deal.

And yeah, this is a better deal. “If I lose, you get everything. If I win, I get the pornstar.” He says, not looking at Angel Dust.

Valentino laughs, grinning. “Best two out of three.”

Chapter Text

Texas Hold’em is not a nightmare—far from it, actually. Husk found many years ago that Texas Hold’em is his favorite poker variation. Valentino suggested it long ago, so he’s making sure the moth keeps to his word because when Husk plays Texas Hold’em, he wins. Husk needs that advantage; he’d rather keep his soul. He really shouldn’t be putting on the line, but if Nifty wants him to get Angel Dust’s soul, he will. He’d do anything for that small demon if she said “please,” which is a problem. But he’s not only doing it for Nifty, he’s doing it for Angel Dust as well. The demon truly does look tired, worn out, and almost broke. But Husk doesn’t look at Angel Dust while Kat shuffles the cards; he must keep his head straight.

As Kat finishes shuffling, Nifty leans up and slides a glass of Whiskey for Husk on the table. He takes it, nodding thanks to the girl as Kat stops and looks up. Husk slides a poker chip in and so does Valentino. Kat deals them their cards and places three in the middle of the table.

Husk flips his cards towards himself, only looking for a second before he sets them face down on the table and slides in another chip. Once Valentino sets his in, Kat flips the three cards in the middle—Queen of Spades, Five of Clubs, Eight of Hearts. 

Valentino flips his cards over. “Fold.” His cards are Eight of Clubs and Three of Clubs. Husk only had Five of Clubs and Ace of Hearts. Valentino was better set off. 

“Why are you folding?” Husk snaps, narrowing his eyes on the moth. “Don’t fold.” He growls, watching Kat collect the cards and shuffle them. They repeat the same thing over again, only for Valentino to fold again. “Don’t fold,” Husk tells him once more.

“I just didn’t like my hand. I don’t trust your dealer.” Valentino responds, seemingly pouting before kissing Angel Dust. Husk cringes at the disgusting display of Valentino’s tongue down the spider's throat. 

“Do not kiss at this table. If we are dealing with souls, you best be respectful in front of me.” Husk tells him, narrowing his eyes on the glass of Whiskey. Kat hums in annoyance, crossing her arms.

“Please pay attention. And be fair. There will be no more folding on either of your parts.” She says, receiving a thankful nod from Husk. Valentino glares at Kat, but she grabs the cards and shuffles again.

Husk pays mind to his drink until Kat is finished. He tosses a chip before him, and she deals with the cards. Husk lifts his cards to the side. An Ace of Spades and a King of Clubs. It’s not a good hand, but it isn’t the worst. 

He tosses another chip in, and once Valentino does the same, she flips the three cards in the center—a Nine of Clubs, Two of Hearts, and Seven of Diamonds. Okay, now Husk has a bad hand. But when Valentino raises; Husk matches it. 

Kat nods, setting a card to the side before setting another down. An Ace of Clubs, meaning Husk, remains with a two-of-a-kind. Not horrible, but he’s just hoping Valentino has worse—neither raise.

Kat discards another card before the final card is placed. Ten of Hearts. Fuck, this is a shitty hand. Both Valentino and Husk lays their cards out. Valentino has a Four of Spades and a King of Hearts. Husk still won. 

He sips his Whiskey, watching Valentino’s displeased expression. Kat grabs the cards and shuffles again. “Are you sure you aren’t cheating?” The moth asks, eyes narrowing on Husk. 

“Can you tell me how we are cheating?” Husk asks, getting a murderous look from Valentino, but no response. He whispers something to Angel Dust, and the spider simply nods. Husk ignores it, not caring. Nifty is stalking around, trying to stab bugs, and weaving around guests. Husk clears his throat, gaining the demon's attention. She runs over and stares at him. “Go upstairs, Nifty,” He tells her. She grins and nods quickly before scampering off.

Kat begins dealing the cards again, prompting Valentino and Husk to throw their chips in. There are three cards in the middle, two cards in front of each of them. They both look at their cards before tossing another chip in. Kat leans over, flipping the three middle cards—King of Spades, Three of Diamonds, Six of Clubs. Husk has a shit hand, Four of Hearts, and Nine of Spades.

Valentino has a grin on his face as he raises. Husk raises to match. Another card, Three of Spades. The last card, Eight of Spades. When the cards are laid out, Valentino wins, which does not look good; Husk got a shit hand; Valentino won with Six of Diamonds and Jack of Diamonds. 

“Oh, Amore Mio, it looks like we will win against the Gambling Overlord.” Valentino chuckles, kissing Angel Dust. Angel Dust hums in agreement and allows himself to be kissed as Kat collects and shuffles the cards.

Valentino won’t win. Husk knows the moth is too stupid and will give himself away. Husk still has the upper hand because he knows exactly what he’s doing. He keeps a poker face as he sips from the glass of Whiskey. He doesn’t give Valentino the grace of any expression.

Kat deals the cards. “Final round and tiebreaker.” She states, glaring at Husk. He ignores the hellhound's gaze, throwing in two chips before even looking at his cards. He pulls up his two cards at the corner. 

Six of Clubs and Seven of Diamonds. Not too bad; this might just keep him afloat. He watches Valentino grin. The Overlord has no poker face at all, especially when the three cards in the middle are lifted—Four of Clubs, Five of Clubs, and Two of Diamonds. The moth's grin grows wider.

Valentino raises. Husk still might have a chance. He raises to match, not breaking his poker face when Valentino looks a bit shocked but glares back down at his cards as Kat deals another—Seven of Clubs. This could be good; it truly could. Husk is going to chase the Straight Flush. It’s his best chance, with Valentino acting like his cards are gold.

Husk raises Valentino matches. Husk tries not to bite his tongue, watching Kat place the last card—Eight of Clubs.

Husk has never been more relieved. Straight Flush.

Valentino slams his card on the table as if he won. He has a Five of Spades and a Seven of Hearts. Two pairs. Sevens and fives. He grins at Husk, but when Husk grins back, Valentino’s expression fades to fear.

Husk drops his hands, and Kat looks down. “A Straight Flush!” She exclaims, looking at Husk with bright eyes and a grin. 

“No!” Valentino yells. “You cheating cunt! You’re nothing compared to me; you cheated!” Valentino screams, gaining the attention of all staff and guests on the floor. Husk just leans back in his chair with a grin.

“I believe you have something to give me,” Husk says, keeping his tone cool. Valentino is enraged, though. He throws Angel Dust off of him and sends the spider to the floor with a yelp. But Valentino doesn’t care. He flips the table and walks over to Husk.

Kat steps forward, placing a gun against Valentino’s temple. “I suggest you complete your end and leave the premises.” The hellhound says, tail lashing with excitement. Valentino is practically shaking with rage. 

“It is just a suggestion.” Husk muses, crossing his legs and tapping his claws on the armrest. “However, if you think you can fight me in my own casino, I’m not stopping you.” Valentino looks conflicted before gritting his teeth.

“I will take back what is rightful mine.” He says in a tense tone, Angel Dust’s contract appearing in Valentino’s hand. Husk grabs in, looking over it quietly before humming. He can hear Valentino’s pained gasp as he rips the contract in half.

“It needs some changes,” He shrugs. Valentino reaches out to grab Husk but pauses as Kat presses the gun harder against the moth's temple.

“Oh! A bad boy in need of punishment,” Husk hears Nifty say from beside him. The small demon buzzes in excitement, staring at Valentino with a grin and wide eye. “Please, Husk, he needs punishment.” She begs, looking at Husk now.

Husk raises an eyebrow. “You can help Kat walk him out, but return to my office immediately.” He tells the demon, who instantly runs over to pull at Valention’s wing cloak. Husk rolls his eyes, waving at Kat to dismiss her. She nods, grabbing Valentino to turn him around and begin shoving him towards the door.

When Husk stands up, all guests and staff return to what they had been doing. He groans, looking down at the broken cup that held his Whiskey. He shrugs it off, focusing on Angel Dust.

The demon is on the floor, staring at Husk with pure fear. Husk rolls his eyes and holds out a paw to Angel Dust. “Come on, let's get a new contract in place.” He says, receiving a glare from Angel Dust. It takes a long moment for the spider to take Husk’s paw.

Husk pulls him off the floor and waves a dealer over. “Tell door staff to blacklist Valentino and get someone to clean up this mess.” He says, motioning to the flipped table. She nods and runs off to do as told. Husk trunks back to Angel Dust. “Come on.” He says, weaving around demons to get to the doors leading to the hallway.

Angel Dust follows and steps into the elevator with Husk. The silence is filled with tension as the elevator rises. Husk pays attention to the numbers atop the doors. “Do I know you?” Angel Dust asks.

Husk is a bit surprised at the question, turning to look at Angel Dust. “Do you?” Husk prompts. He’s sure Angel Dust probably forgot most about the hotel. It has been ten years, and there is no telling what the spider has been through since then. 

Angel Dust narrows his eyes on Husk for a long moment, only looking away when the elevator doors open. Husk steps out, walking down the hallway to the doors leading into his office.

Angel Dust looks nervous as he walks in, glancing around the office quickly. Husk doesn’t pay attention; he just walks to his personal bar and gets himself a new glass of Whiskey. “Can I get you anything?” He asks Angel Dust doesn’t say anything. So Husk just shrugs it off and makes the drink the spider used to get daily at the hotel.

When he finishes, Angel Dust is sitting on one of the couches while staring at the floor. Husk rolls his eyes as he walks over, placing the drink in front of Angel Dust before sitting down with his own drink on the opposite couch.

Angel Dust glances at the drink. “Thanks,” He says but doesn’t touch it. Husk doesn’t care much; he summons a new contract and sets it on the table.

“Each one of my employees has signed this contract. Take your time and look it over; just sign it soon, please.” Husk says, leaning back on the sofa. Angel Dust carefully takes the contract and reads it.

Husk sips from his glass, eyes cast to the large windows. He watches the city's lights paired with the red and black sky. He doesn’t mind how Hell looks, though sometimes he’d rather have sunsets and sunrises as they did on Earth.

“There isn’t any mention of… what I’ll be doing while I’m here. It just says I’m a staff member. What does that mean?” Angel Dust asks. Husk looks over, shrugging.

“What are you good at?” He asks, which, in hindsight, was a bad idea. It’s as though Angel Dust’s personality switches up.

“I can suck your dick.” He winks; Husk cringes and shakes his head.

“No. What are you good at? Staff members here cook, deal cards, manage security or doors, stabilize outside finances, and more.” He specifies, watching Angel’s face twist in confusion.

“You own my soul. You own the soul of the most famous porn actor, and you don’t want anything to do with what I’m made for?” He sounds hurt, eyebrows furrowed as he looks at Husk.

Husk shakes his head. “I want nothing to do with that. We do not extort our staff… mostly. I wouldn’t suggest cleaning; Nift gets rough with them.” Angel Dust’s eyes light up.

“Nifty? Like, Alastor’s Nifty?” He asks excitement in his gaze. Husk laughs a bit, nodding.

“Yes. Nifty.” He confirms. Angel Dust looks delighted, shaking his head.

“She’s actually here? When will I see her? How is she even alive? Alastor died years ago.” Angel Dust asks quickly.

“She will be up soon. For now, you need to sign the contract. I will give you a few days to adjust and determine what position you’ll take in the casino.” Husk replies, motioning to the contract. 

The spider recognizes Nifty by name, but he wonders if Angel Dust will recognize him by name. He’s not sure Angel was listening to Valentino before everything went down, so Angel Dust probably hasn’t heard Husk’s name. It would make sense for Angel Dust to recognize names instead of faces. It has been ten years.

“Free housing?” Angel Dust asks softly.

Husk nods. “Yes. Once Nifty arrives, she’ll take you to your room. She will get your measurements, and the clothes will be delivered to you tonight. Only things required. Tomorrow, you can ask Nifty and our stylist what clothes you’d like besides what is given to you.” Husk replies. 

Angel Dust’s expression lights up before it all fades away. He sets the contract down and grabs a pen from the table with a shaking hand. Husk watches Angel Dust carefully apply the pen to the paper, signing it carefully.

Once finished, Husk snaps the contract out of existence, startling Angel Dust. He twists his paw, watching a chain collar form around Angel Dust’s neck, the chain reaching to Husk’s paw. 

The chain is heavy, glistening gold. It’s decorated with gems and carvings on playing cards and dice. Angel Dust stares at Husk in fear. “I do not use my staff's contract against them unless necessary. I can be a gracious Overlord compared to others, which tends to make some staff cross me. I will not be crossed, and if I am, there will be consequences. Understand?” Husk asks, staring at Angel Dust.

“Understood.” Angel Dust says quietly. The chain disappears, and Husk leans back and grabs his cup. He sips the Whiskey as Nifty barrels into the room.

She takes one look at Angel Dust before glaring at Husk. “You were just telling me to treat our staff with kindness! You scared the poor spider.” She says, glaring before turning to Angel Dust. “Oh! It’s so good to see you; you’ve always been my favorite bad boy.” Nifty grins.

“Nifty,” Husk warns. “Don’t be overwhelming,” He tells her, causing the demon to pout. But Angel Dust jumps up and grabs Nifty, spinning her around.

“Oh! Nift’, I’ve missed you, you evil little creature!” He exclaims as Nifty laughs. Angel Dust hugs Nifty tightly, and the demon reciprocates. “What happened to you?” He asks as he sets her down, kneeling to match her level.

“You will not believe all the bad boys I’ve been able to punish.” She smiles, shaking with excitement. Angel Dust laughs, seeming to have forgotten about Husk.

“I’m glad, but that’s not what I mean.” He smiles. “I meant with Alastor.” He adds softly. She frowns, crossing her arms.

“He gave us our souls back. Only Rosie knows what actually happened, but no matter how many dinners we have with her, she never tells us. We could try to squeeze it out of her, but she’ll never give up.” Nifty sighs dramatically. 

Angel Dust pauses. “We?” He asks, getting a confused look from Nifty.

She scoffs. “I think there's nothing wrong with your head, Angel. Do I need to stab it out of you?” She asks with a widening grin.

Angel Dust quickly shakes his head. “No, no. I’m just confused, Nift’. Who is we ?” He asks carefully, seeming concerned.

Nifty rolls her eye. “Husk. Duh. Did you bump your head or something?” She asks. Husk watches as Angel Dust freezes up, standing up and turning slowly to look at Husk.

Husk raises a paw in greeting. “Husk. Like Whiskers?” he asks, staring at Husk with surprise.

“Of course, silly. Did you seriously just ignore who was gambling his soul for you?” Nifty laughs, jumping up onto the table. Husk quickly grabs Angel Dust’s untouched drink and lifts it into the air.

“Stop tryin’ to spill shit,” Husk tells her, receiving a laugh from her.

“We’re almost all back together!” She cheers, but Angel Dust stares at Husk with fear and confusion. Husk sighs, holding the drink towards Nifty.

“Take him to his room, and do not harass any staff on your way there. Including Angel Dust. Just show him to his room, take his measurements, and call Feather to get him clothes.” Husk tells Nifty, pointing at her. “Please, and thank you.” Please and thank you go far with Nifty, which has always been an advantage for the demon. She’s a handful, for sure, but Husk does appreciate her company, and she always has a way of making all of this easier.

She nods quickly. “Okay!” She exclaims, taking the drink from Husk’s paws and rushing over to grab Angel Dust’s hand to lead him away.

“The drink is not for you, Nifty. Come back after for your own.” He tells the demon who is dragging Angel Dust away. 

Angel Dust stares at Husk wordlessly until the door closes. Husk sighs, grabbing a cigar from the side table and lighting it. He has yet to find out where his other one went; probably placed it somewhere after he got the news about Valentino.

He stands up, cigar in one paw and his half-empty glass of Whiskey in the other. He stands at the windows, staring down at the city below. He has yet to process what actually happened in the last hour or so, and it’ll probably take a few days to dawn on him. But for now, he wonders what Angel Dust will think of this new arrangement. He might find it easier with Nifty by his side, and maybe the demon can even help him a bit. She sure does know her way around and somehow has every single demon's name memorized if they’ve stepped inside the casino at least twice. So maybe Angel Dust will adjust decently well, but there is no way of telling. And there's no way of telling how Angel Dust will get along with Husk if he does at all.

 It’s turned into a guessing game now. And Husk isn’t sure he made the right choice. But there's no going back now, and they must learn a new format. Time will tell.

Angel Dust might be a handful. But it won’t be worse than Nifty. Right?

Chapter Text

Husk didn’t sleep. He spent the hours of the night sitting at his desk, trying to figure out where to place Angel Dust. He attempted to make plans for Angel Dust to be a dealer, but that wouldn’t work. The spider would endlessly complain if he’s still the way he used to be, and Lucifer knows that Angel Dust never changes. Husk spent too long tending the bar and listening to Angel Dust talk. Even if it’s been ten years, he knows that changes nothing about the spider's attitude.

He thought about having Angel Dust as a bartender, which might work, but who is to tell Angel Dust would even like that? Angel Dust wouldn’t be a good assistant. He couldn’t be a bodyguard due to… everything. He couldn’t manage the floor or the door because who is to say Valentino won’t attempt to return? It was all a mess.

Husk did hours of paperwork, which didn’t look like hours due to how focused his mind was on what Angel Dust would work as. He drank half a bottle of whiskey, and is starting to regret it. He doesn’t drink heavily too much anymore, and usually, he sleeps most of it off. But he’d have to deal with the consequences since he didn't sleep.

The phone on his desk rings. He sighs, looking up from the half-finished paperwork and grabbing the phone. His eyes linger on it for a moment. It’s an old phone, something Alastor would have loved. He shakes his head and answers it. “Hello?” He mumbles.

“Sir, I’m about to head to Angel Dust’s room. Nifty got most of his measurements, but I still need more. Then, I can ask what clothing he would like. I suggest you meet me there.” He hears Feather say through the phone.

Husk glances at the time, which reads 7 in the morning on the dot, just as Husk wanted. “Thank you, Feather. I’ll be down.” He replies, setting the phone down on the hook and staring at it for a moment longer. 

His eyes wander to a picture on the desk. It’s a picture of Rosie, Alastor, Nifty, and himself at one of Rosie’s dinners. Rosie gave it to Husk not too long after Alastor died. It’s one of few pictures that aren’t corrupted due to Alastor’s distaste for photography. 

He hates missing Alastor. The demon had owned his soul, for fuck sake. He hated Alastor for a long time; he hated him the most at the hotel. But after everything fell apart and Rosie kept inviting Husk and Nifty for dinner, Husk found that they were something symbolic to a family. He has vivid memories of Alastor and Rosie talking and laughing, holding glasses of blood lemonade that Nifty had made. They all sat in Rosie’s garden, talking about anything. Each time, it was a new topic, something Husk could smile and laugh about. But each time, Alastor would eventually get up and tend to the Hell-Roses Rosie adored. It was oddly peaceful watching the Radio Demon relax. He would give a flower to Nifty and Rosie before joking about Husk being too hard for such pleasantries. Now, he wishes he could have seen Alastor at peace a few more times. 

Seeing the demon at peace had always been a bit unnerving, but now, as he looks back, he wishes he had enjoyed those moments more. He wishes he could have found a way to like the demon a bit more when the son-of-a-bitch had been alive. Because it was obvious Alastor had become a bit soft. He seemed almost free with Rosie, and he’d even returned Husk’s and Nifty’s souls. Something about Rosie had worn down Alastor’s evil bidding.

Alastor and Rosie were something of a platonic couple. They laughed and sometimes even danced together. The time’s that Husk and Nifty arrived at dinners early, Rosie and Alastor would be singing along to some old song playing from a record player or old radio. Husk would sit in the corner chair, and Nifty would weave around their legs, trying to sing along to songs she didn’t know. Alastor and Rosie always moved around her easily, never seeming to mind. 

Husk realized about a year ago that he had seen Alastor’s real smile. The demon always wore a smile, but sometimes it seemed relaxed. It was only around Rosie; when everyone relaxed and talked. But Husk dared to admit he missed it.

Meals with Rosie haven’t been the same since. The same chair Alastor had sat in next to her has a red coat draped over it, and a deer skull sits in its spot on the table. Before each meal, she looks at it with desolation. Songs Alastor used to sing are always playing, and conversations don’t carry like they used to.

“I miss him too.” Nifty suddenly says, having found her way onto the desk while Husk wasn’t paying attention. He looks over, seeing the girl sitting down and staring at the picture as well.

Husk reaches over, patting Nifty’s head. “ We’ll figure it out.” He tells her, and she smiles creepily wide. A month after Alastor died, and Rosie was firm on keeping Alastors reason for death a secret, they’d promised they figure it out together and did what they had to avenge it. It’s stupid. Avenging the very soul that tortured them and held their souls captive. But seven years was more than enough for them to take a liking to Alastor despite his pure evil.

“Come on, you sack of fur, Feather sent me to get you. It’s been 20 minutes since she called.” Nifty says, rolling her eye and jumping off the desk. Husk scoffs but gets up to follow either way. 

Nifty and Husk take the stairs, which is their morning routine. The first thing they have to do they always take the stairs to do it because it gives them a moment longer of silence. Nifty has changed a lot since Alastor’s death. Her entire personality calmed down, probably because she didn’t have an evil “partner in crime” to match her demeanor. 

Nifty is sliding down the railing of the stairwell, and Husk is watching in amusement. “Don’t fall.” He warns loudly since she’s far enough down that she’s sliding down the open railing to the base floor. She laughs manically, and Husk rolls his eyes, tail lashing in amusement. Nifty has made him soft, that’s for sure. But he thinks Rosie and a bit of Alastor did, too. He thinks those dinners play a major role in it.

Nifty makes it safely to the bottom of the stairs, standing there impatiently waiting. Husk gets to the bottom step and watches her sprint down the hallway to Feather’s studio. “Nifty, people still sleep at this time.” He calls after her. Which is true; his employees start working at 8, meaning most sleep as long as they can. Though most of them wake up in 10 minutes or less, he still has to warn the girl not to laugh too manically loudly.

She doesn’t wait for him this time, but when she reaches Feather’s studio door, she opens it and walks in. Husk rolls his eyes but won’t nag her about knocking before entering because it’s no use; she won’t listen. And besides, Nifty’s the last demon you have to worry about walking in on you while changing.

He walks through the door and sees Nifty always talking with Feather. The demon is a raven, staring down at Nifty with a smile. Angel Dust is sitting in a corner chair, half asleep. 

When Feather sees Husk, she walks over, with Nifty following closely. “Ah, you fite. I called you 30 minutes ago now. You should have been here 5 minutes after my call.” She says, hitting Husk with a wing. Husk extends his wing to hit her as well. “Ah, don’t you test me, sir.” She says with a glare.

Husk chuckles lowly, shaking his head. Angel Dust is wide awake now, watching them. “Feather, are you finished with measurements?” He asks, momentarily taking his eyes off Angel Dust.

“Yes. What do you take me for? A lazy slob?” She asks, glaring. Husk shakes his head at her in amusement. He doesn’t own Feather’s soul, but he was introduced to her long ago because she worked at the fashion shop where Alastor went for his own clothing. He hired her instantly as soon as this casino became his main location. 

“I could never, Feather.” He mumbles, rolling his eyes before looking back at Angel Dust. “You’ve been given basics. What you needed last night and what you’ll be working in. I have not expected you to decide what you will be working as yet, but we will discuss that after this. At the moment, you may decide what you would like for relaxing, fancy, and whatever else.” He tells Angel Dust, who stares at him in confusion.

“Aren’t you going to assign me clothes?” He asks, receiving a head shake from Husk.

“No. The only thing I choose for my employees is their work clothes. Otherwise, Feather will make whatever you need.” He tells Angel Dust, whose eyes light up in joy.

Feather claps her hands together. “Oh! Please, Kjærlighet, do not be afraid; Husker hasn’t had any new employees in years!” She exclaims.

Husk glances at her. “It’s been a week, Feather.” He tells her, only to receive a dramatic sigh.

“As I said, Angel Dust, a year in my time. And his employees are so stingy, they never want me to make them clothes! I fear I may die from their lack of fashion. But I have seen you around, and I trust you know exactly what you’re doing. So please, do not be afraid.” She says, playing her hand over her chest as she walks over. She holds out a hand towards Angel Dust, who carefully places his hand in hers, avoiding her claws.

“Oh, I think I love you.” He grins, seemingly having forgotten he was ever tired. Angel Dust starts listing things off, but Husk doesn’t pay much attention. He’s never really been too into fashion. Feather just makes him things, and he wears them.

Nifty bounds around them happily as Angel Dust and Feather talk. They discuss fashion, Angel Dust asks for things, and Feather recommends things. Husk leans against the wall until someone knocks on the door. 

Husk opens it, seeing Kat. “Kitchen is calling,” She says, receiving a glare from Husk.

“It’s eight in the morning. What the fuck do they want?” He asks, receiving a shrug from Kat.

“Something about a… rumor.” She specifies, glancing at Angel Dust. “The head chef wants you due to a staff member acting up .” She explains carefully. Husk stares at the hellhound, taking a deep breath of composure.

“Kat,” Husk says before pausing. “I told you to get him off my staff. Did I not?” He asks, receiving a slow nod from the hellhound. “And did you do that?” He asks, now receiving a slow head shake.

Husk sets a paw against the doorframe, using it to dig his claws into it. “Husker, bad idea,” Feather says as Nifty giggles. “We have a guest .” She snaps.

“Feather, shut it.” Husk snaps, not looking back at her. “Kat, I told you to get him off my staff. We have spoken about this countless times before. I do not care how much you like my staff; when I ask you something, you do it. I know this is not a mere rumor, Kat, because the last time you told me about a rumor, I had more souls dead than I had claimed in a month. And it was due to this exact soul. I said get rid of him because I trusted you to do that for me, Kat.” He growls, tail lashing. 

He opens his mouth to continue, but claws are placed on his shoulder. “Husker, let it go this time. Kat is a good asset, and despite the loss of souls in the past and possibly at this moment, we have other business at hand.” Feather says, digging her claws into his shoulder.

Husk doesn’t look at Feather, staring at Kat, unmoving. Her ears are back, and her tail is between her legs. “Take care of it, Kat. I don’t care what you must do; you will take care of it, and I will not notice a difference. And take care of that fucking cannibal .” He snaps, Feather slamming the door for him.

She takes her claws off his shoulder and brushes at it, where the claws have drawn a small bit of blood. “Now that we have finished that, and I need to make another dress shirt for you, allow myself and Angel Dust to continue. 

Nifty groans. “Oh, Feather, that was boring.” She sighs. Husk glances over to see Nifty standing next to the seat Angel Dust is in. Angel Dust stares at Husk with something akin to disgust, but Husk ignores it.

Feather laughs a bit. “Oh, Nif’. I know you think we can do without staff, but we do need Kat, even if Husker doesn’t think so.” She muses, glancing back at Husk with an amused expression. “Our sincere apologies, Angel Dust. Staff can act up sometimes; I’m sure you know that.” She says with a smile.

“It’s fine,” Angel Dust says through his teeth, glaring at Husk. Husk looks away, now looking at Nifty. She is smiling widely, seemingly unaware of the tension.

“I have paperwork; send Angel Dust to my office once you finish,” He says, motioning for Nifty to follow him. She follows easily, walking out the door with him and stepping into the elevator.

She stays silent, staring at the door. Husk doesn’t look at her; he watches the numbers rise on the elevator until the door opens. He steps off with Nifty and walks to his office. Once the door closes, she looks at him. “Make me a drink.”

Husk scoffs but walks over and pours Nifty and himself a drink. They sit at the bar in silence, nursing their respective drinks. She finishes hers a bit quicker than usual, jumping down from her stool. “Good luck,” Husk tells her as she walks away.

She laughs manically, and Husk can still hear her even when the door to his office closes. He hopes she doesn’t kill any of the cleaning staff today; he can’t deal with the mess right now.

He tosses back the rest of his whiskey, getting up and stretching his wings. He will need a few more drinks before Angel Dust gets here. Feather did right not to let Husk kill Kat on the spot, but that means that the anger from that situation has no place to go.

He sits at his desk, staring down at the unfinished paperwork and making sure he doesn’t look at the picture on his desk. He casually sips from the half-empty bottle on his desk, ears twitching at every sound while her tail swishes back and forth around his paws.

He sets the bottle down when the door to his office opens. He looks up to see Angel Dust staring at him with something akin to annoyance. “You.” Angel Dust growls. “You’re supposed to be dead.” He snaps.

Husk leans back into his chair and raises an eyebrow. “Am I?” He asks, glancing around for emphasis. Angel Dust growls, shaking his head.

“Alastor is dead. You and Nifty are supposed to be dead,” He says, pointing at Husk accusatorily. “Wh yare you alive? How are you alive? And how dare you treat your staff that way. You’re treating them the same way Alastor treated you; how dare you.”

Husk pauses a moment, realizing this will be much harder than he could have ever thought. Angel Dust is more of a ticking time bomb than he was before. “I treat my staff how I need to. I respect them unless they disrespect me. I do not snap at my staff ofter, Angel Dust. And just so you remember, you are on my staff. I would suggest sitting down.” Husk says, pointing to the couches. 

Angel Dust scoffs, glaring at Husk. He sits down, though, never once looking away from Husk. Husk hums, standing up and walking to the bar. He pours a drink for Angel Dust, walking back to the couches. He sets the drin kdown. “What is that?” Angel Dust snaps.

Husk rolls his eyes. “Alcohol.” He replies. “Now, we need to talk.” Husk sits on the opposite couch, staring at Angel Dust as the spider sips the drink cautiously. “I need you to figure out what job you are willing to do before closing tonight. You can explore the floor, sit in your room, find Nifty, or do anything. I do not care what you do today. I want you to situate yourself and figure out what won’t kill you to do.” Husk explains, watching Angel Dust’s face twist into confusion.

“Okay?” He mumbles. “Can I get like… Drugs or something? When I was delivered breakfast, weird, by the way, I asked for drugs but was told to ask you.” Angel Dust says, seeming hopeful.

Husk pauses, narrowing his eyes. The spider has changed a lot since the hotel, and it seems he fell back down the drug route. “You’ve changed,” Husk says. 

“I’ve changed? I’ve changed?! You’re the one sitting in this god-awful casino when the last time I saw you, you were a washed-up sorry fuck that drank more than his own body weight in 3 hours! So I’m sorry that I changed, but I think you’re a lot worse than me now.” Angel Dust yells at him, throwing the half-empty glass of liquor at Husk. It narrowly misses him.

“No need to be defensive. It was an observation.” Husk says, leaning back into the couch, watching Ange lDust’s expression dissolve into exhaustion. “If you can tell me what you will comfortably work as before closing, I’ll get you what you want.” Husk finally says.

Angel Dust gets up, obviously taking that as a sign of dismissal. Husk leans back, groaning in frustration. 

Okay, so this is going to be much worse than Nifty.

Chapter Text

Husk wanders the casino, carefully doing his rounds. It hasn’t been a full day since Angel Dust became part of Husk’s staff, and it’s already getting tedious. But not in the way that Angel Dust is tedious, though he can be. It’s more of guests. After Valentino was spotted at the casino by guests and lost Angel Dust’s soul in front of countless demons, news spread fast. Husk was prepared for that, however. He already assigned extra door staff and security before the casino opened. There’s no way of telling if Valentino will pull anything or not, and guests are always on Husk’s last nerve, so tonight is basically a test of his patience.

There are many new demons at the casino tonight, demons who have never set foot in this casino and disregard the set rules. Most of the time, staff are able to keep demons out who are here purely to see the newest member of Husk’s staff. But the ones who still manage to slip through are either escorted out or behave when Husk is in view. Husk has yet to snap at anyone, which is a good sign on nights like these.

He’s slightly monitored what Angel chooses to do through the night. He’s seen the spider working the bar, dealing cards, and attempting to help with security so far. Staff around him continuously helped, but after a mere 30 minutes, Angel Dust gave up on the security team and wandered around for something new.

It was rumored that before the casino opened, Angel Dust had been wandering around with Nifty to help with cleaning. Husk doesn’t think Angel Dust would like cleaning, but maybe Nifty will change the spider's mind. It wouldn’t be so bad to have Angel Dust on the cleaning crew; it would keep him out of the public eye a bit more than any other job. But it would help if he were in the public eye. It’d make it easier to get people at his table or the bar, and they’ll spend more money. Yet, Husk won’t force the spider to do anything; it’s Angel Dust’s choice.

But there's tension between Husk and Angel Dust. Husk isn’t blind to it. Whenever Angel Dust and he make eye contact, Husk can feel the spider mentally scoff before turning away and resuming his actions.

Soft, quick footsteps distract Husk from his inner dialogue. He turns and sees Nifty rushing over. He sets a paw on his hip as he watches the demon carefully dodging around guests. She stops in front of Husk. “Rosie.” She says. Husk raises an eyebrow.

“What about her?” He replies. Nifty points into the crowd. Husk looks but only sees guests. “What am I looking at?” Husk asks as he looks back at Nifty.

Nifty looks annoyed, crossing her arms. “Rosie.” She repeats. Husk shakes his head and scans the crowd carefully. Over a few demons’ heads, he can see Rosie’s hat. Husk clicks his tongue.

“What’s she doing here?” He asks. They’re not scheduled for another dinner for a week or so. 

“I don’t know; I saw her enter the door,” Nifty says, jumping as high as she can to see Rosie, but she’s too short. “I came to tell you before anything,” Nifty says, still jumping up.

Husk rolls his eyes. “Come on.” He tells Nifty as he starts walking through the crowd. Nifty follows closely. He weaves around sinners, finding Rosie standing with a drink from the bar, watching a table game.

She smiles at Husk and Nifty when she sees them. “Oh, I was wondering when you two were going to find me.” She says, waving her hand in the air.

Husk stands next to Rosie, watching the game as well. “What are you doing out here?” Husk asks, Nifty jumping up on an empty table behind them.

“I just came out to see you and little Nift’. It was getting rather lonely in Cannibal Town. I think the nearing extermination has dampened their moods. They still think about that one time at the hotel.” She says softly, a frown on her lips.

Husk sighs softly, tail flicking next to him. “I think everyone thinks about that time more than we all should.” He replies. “Any sign of bleeding heart lately?” He then asks.

Rosie shakes her head, sipping her drink. “Nothing. I haven’t seen the fallen one either, Vaggie. They’ve disappeared off the face of the Earth, all of them apart from you two.” She responds.

Husk stays silent for a moment. “Well, that’s what we thought until Valentino walked into the casino.” Husk mumbles; Rosie glances over with a confused expression. “We played a game and Nift’ and I won a soul.” He says, Rosie gasps.

“Is that why you’re so busy tonight?” she asks in amusement, waving her hand in the air, something she always does. “Oh, I should have known, Husker. You’re a collector,” she muses. Husk rolls his eyes and glares at her.

“I’m not a collector .” He says defensively, tail lashing under him. Rosie just grins at him.

“You are Husker. There’s no reason to deny it; it isn’t anything bad. You treat your souls so well, dare I say, with more hospitality than me.” She muses.

Husk doesn’t respond, but Nifty does. “Oh, oh, oh! I love collecting them; that’s my favorite.” She says, vibrating with excitement. Rosie glances between her and Husk to look at the demon.

“Oh, don’t worry, dear. I know. You always had a thing for Alastor collecting souls. I wouldn’t think it’d be any different than with Husk.” She muses. “I’m guessing that’s why you’re here, living the glorious life.” She smiles. Nifty is still vibrating with excitement, continuing the conversation, but Husk isn’t listening.

Sinners are glancing at them, watching the three stand there. It’s not usual for Rosie to come to the casino; she’s a known overlord who is almost always hanging around her cannibals. Husk glares at a few before turning to Rosie and Nifty. “Let’s get some drinks upstairs,” Husk says. The two stop their conversation to agree. Husk turns away, weaving through the sinners standing around drunk, losing their money.

Husk finds the hallway and enters the elevator, Nifty and Rosie following. It’s quiet as the elevator rises, and their eyes are focused on the rising numbers displayed. Once it opens, they step out and make their way to Husk’s office.

“I know you’re not just here because you felt like it, Rosie,” Husk says as he opens the door, letting Rosie and Nifty enter the office. Rosie sighs softly as she walks to the bar in the corner of the room. Husk follows, rounding the bar and making Rosie’s drink. Nifty sits on the counter, staring at Rosie. 

“That’s true, Husker.” She says as Husk hands her a drink. “I cannot help but worry for you, Husker. I have been having these terrible dreams of you dying just as Alastor did.” She says. Both Husk and Nifty turn to Rosie, confused.

“How did he die?” Husk asks, tone flat as his tail lashes under hit, hitting the floor softly every few seconds.

Rosie shakes her head, sipping her drink. “It’s not time for you to know yet. You’re both too… sporadic.” She says. Husk huffs at that, pouring himself a glass of whiskey.

“If you think I'll die the same way Alastor did, isn’t it better that I know how he died?” He asks, narrowing his eyes on Rosie. Rosie looms up from her glass to meet Husk’s eyes.

“Husker, you know I cannot tell you. You and Nifty had stopped at nothing to figure it out. I am not blind; I know what you’re both doing.” She says, eyes narrowing on Husk.

“You’re keeping something from us that we need to know. It’s been years, Rosie. We deserve to know at least who killed him.” Husk growls, sipping his glass of whiskey.

Rosie shakes her head. “Husker, I will not send you to the same fate as Alastor.” She says. Husk opens his mouth to reply, but she continues. “You two are the only thing I have left from Alastor, and I refuse to lose either of you.” She snaps at him.

Husk sighs. “Rosie, you want revenge just as much as we do. We have to know what were dealing with. We will not be blindsided when this cames back.”

“It won’t come back. And if it does, we will figure it out from there. I will not risk everything just for something as silly as revenge.” She snaps again, causing Husk to pause for a long moment in thought.

Rosie isn’t wrong. Revenge is stupid, yet it’s needed. Husk never realized how much he liked Alastor as a person. Sure, the demon wasn’t exactly the best, but after the hotel disbanded and Alastor got closer to Rosie again, the demon calmed down a bit. It was nice to think that could have lasted forever, as did the dinners and awkward talks in the garden. But now that they’re gone, and Husk has realized he’d rather have Alastor here than not.

“We can’t—" Husk begins, only to cut himself off when someone knocks on the office door. He signs, taking a sip from his glass. “Come in,” he says, watching the door creak open. Angel Dust pops his head in, looking at the three of them with uncertainty. Husk realizes uncertainty doesn’t look good on Angel. 

“Sorry, I just needed to ask what a winning hand in poker is.” He says, walking into the room and shutting the door quietly as if to consume the four of them in secrecy. Angel Dust could probably hear Husk and Rosie arguing from down the hall, causing his uncertainty.

“It depends on what everyone has,” Husk says, watching the spider stand awkwardly next to the closed door. Are you thinking about being a dealer?” he then asks.

Angel Dust seems to perk up at the question. “I guess. It seems interesting despite all the… demons.” He shrugs.

Husk hums in consideration. “We can figure that out. I can get one of the dealers to train you if that's what you want to do.” Husk shrugs, sipping from his glass, and Rosie smiles at Angel Dust.

“Oh, hello, Angel! You look wonderful. Though I can tell you don’t like the uniforms Husk has assigned.” Rosie muses, smiling kindly.

Angel Dust pauses for a long moment, seeming to search his head for who Rosie is before smiling. “Rosie. It’s been a long time.” He notes, which it has. The last time the two interacted was at extermination all those years ago.

“Come now, we can teach you poker,” Rosie muses, waving him over to the bar. Angel Dust smiles at that and walks over, sitting next to Rosie. Nifty, still sitting on the counter, leans over and grabs a deck of cards behind the counter.

Husk glares at Rosie, and she glares back, mentally telling each other that they’ll continue their conversation later. Angel Dust doesn’t seem to notice; he watches Nifty shuffle the cards. “Why doesn’t Nifty deal?” He asks.

Husk huffs in amusement. “We tried that. We ended up with four dead sinners, though, and then she went psychotic about the mess she’d created on her own. It was a mutual decision that she shouldn’t be a dealer,” Husk says, watching Nifty grin widely.

“They deserved it.” She muses, staring down at the cards. Husk chuckles, shaking his head.

“I’m sure they did, Nift’.” He replies, turning and making a drink for Angel Dust and Nifty. He listens to Nifty explaining how to shuffle the cards without bending them, explaining that bending the cards results in warped cards that sinners can use to cheat with because if they’re bent, you can possibly see which card it is even while it’s face down. 

Husk feels proud of Nifty. She has always seemed like a psychotic demon with no moral compass. Which she is. But she’s more than that, and Husk has had the honor to witness that for years.

Husk sets the drinks down, watching Angel Dust attempt to shuffle the cards. He’d be good at it, though he seems confused. When he finishes shuffling, he passes the cards back to Nifty. She begins setting the cards out, glancing at Husk. He shakes his head. “I’ll help Angel Dust,” he says, motioning for her to continue.

Angel Dust glances at Husk with a grin, and it seems all past tension has dispersed. He’d be glad for that; he doesn’t like losing his temper, but he can’t handle tension. So now that it’s been confirmed to be gone, the air feels a bit lighter.

Nifty passes out the cards, handing the deck to Husk. “I don’t know why you didn’t let me just deal with them from the start,” he says, and Nifty glares at him.

“I wanted to deal with them,” she claims. Husk raises his hands and shakes his head.

“Sorry.” He says in amusement as everyone picks up their own cards. Husk leans over, glancing at Angel Dust’s cards, nodding to himself. He reaches for the cards in the middle, receiving a glare from Rosie.

“No cheating. Not in favor of Nifty or Angel Dust,” she says, glaring at him. Husk glances at Angel Dust, who is looking at the cards confused. Then he glances at Nifty, who is staring at Husk with an evil grin.

“So, I can cheat in favor of you then?” He muses, and Rosie laughs. She waves him off. Husk stares down at the cards. “We’re going to…” He pauses, figuring out how to teach Angel Dust. It’s been a while since he’s had to teach someone any card game. “We’re going to do this,” Husk says as he flips the three cards in the middle, discarding one from the deck, placing another card down, discarding another, and placing the final card down. “We’re just going to do a run-through. Everyone set their cards down.” He says.

Everyone places their cards down, and Rosie has the winning hand. He quickly goes over why she won and why the other two lost before collecting the cards and shuffling them. 

Over the next hour, they play again and again. Angel Dust quickly grasps the game, and Husk feels proud, though he’s confused about why. Maybe it’s because he knows Angel Dust, and Angel Dust knows him—at least they used to.

After a few more games, Angel Dust wins, having kept a good poker face the entire game. Nifty and Rosie cheer quickly for him, and Husk smiles. It’s nice to have a bonding moment with the demons he’s held dearest to him in the past and present. It’s a sense of familiarity that was lost for a long time.

Everyone decides it’s time to wrap it up. The casino closes in the next hour, and everyone has things to do. So, they congratulate Angel Dust and finish their drinks. Nifty is furiously wiping down the counter; Angel Dust is watching her with a concerned expression as Husk walks over to Rosie.

“Thank you for coming here tonight. It was nice to see you outside of Cannibal Town,” Husk says, setting a paw on Rosie’s back as he starts beside her at the windows, staring at the city below.

“I got a few good games in as well. It was good seeing you in your environment, Husker. Alastor would be proud.” She smiles at Husk. Husk feels like he’s been shot through the heart with those few words. He looks at Rosie, unsure of what to say for a long moment.

He eventually sighs. “He’d be proud of you too, Rosie. And especially of Nifty.” He says, glancing back at the demo, who is still cleaning the bar counter. Angel Dust points out spots with an evil grin.

Husk wishes Alastor could see Nifty and Rosie now. Both demons have grown outside of themselves, seeming to have found peace within their situations, though it’s painfully obvious they both miss Alastor as well. It’s a moment when reality feels much more real than it should be.

“I’ll see you in a week,” Rosie says, breaking the silence. “We can talk more about Alastor then. But for now, I’ll see you later, Husker. Good luck with those two; I see you’ve got your paws full.” She muses as she steps away.

Nifty senses Rosie walking towards the door and jumps up. “Let me walk you out!” she says, rushing over. Rosie giggles, motioning for Nifty to follow her. It seems that Nifty isn’t the one walking Rosie out but the other way around. Husk smiles slightly as he watches them leave, leaving the door open behind them.

Angel Dust is still standing next to the bar, seemingly lost. Husk glances at him. “I should probably go,” Angel Dust says, motioning towards the door. Husk nods, watching Angel Dsu for a moment. Perhaps Husk has been too hard on Angel Dust lately, exposing him to so much that Spider isn’t comfortable with.

“You don’t have to decide what to do until you want to. Take your time; you just got here. This isn’t your usual environment,” Husk suddenly said, surprising Angel Dust. The spider turned around to look at Husk, and Husk began to wonder if those weren’t the right words.

But Angel Dust smiles. “Thanks. I’ll figure it out soon.” He says, turning away again and walking to the door. He grabs the door as he walks out but pauses halfway through. He glances back. “Thanks for tonight; it was nice hanging out with you and Nifty the way we used to, doing stupid, random shit.” Angel Dust laughs a bit.

Husk’s tail lashes in amusement, and he nods. “Thank you,” Husk says, finding the words weird. He’s not exactly the polite type.

Angel Dust nods. “Sober looks good on you!” he calls as he shuts the door. Husk rolls his eyes, focusing back on the city below through the windows.

So, this is getting easier. Rosie showing up helped the tension and stress in the air between Husk and Angel. Husk is thankful for that, but there's so much more to come and so much to know. But he ignores that for now, staring at the city below and crossing his arms. “Alastor would be proud.” He repeats Rosie’s words. And maybe it’s true, maybe it’s not. He’ll never know.