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Angel could do this. He didn’t understand why he was so nervous… well he did know why. Sure, he was a performer, had every guy in hell under his spell. But this... this was different, his goals couldn’t be accomplished with his normal façade. It wasn’t like he was at one of Val’s clubs working the pole or in the studio taking five guys before lunch. This was a performance that could make or break the rest of his afterlife and Angel Dust wasn’t sure if he, or Anthony, could take that.
This whole predicament started when Charlies had the bright idea for a karaoke night involving all the residents, that being just himself, as well as the majority of the staff. It was a bonding exercise she said, and she promised she’d pay for their drinks to ensure Husk and himself didn’t flake. At first Angel had been excited, after all when did he really get to show off to the rest of the hotel? Sure, he showed them a porno here or there, maybe invited them to a peepshow, but they didn’t see those things in the same light he did. This, this would really be his time to shine.
Well it had been his time to shine, that is until the search for the perfect song began. Angel Dust searched and searched, wanting a song that would wow the rest of the group, mainly Husk, but that was beside the point. Nothing felt right, everything was either not his style or too sexy, and I mean he could do sexy he had the chest fluff and legs for days, but he knew that everyone already knew that. No, what Angel Dust wanted was a song that would keep the cat demons’ eyes on him, and him alone. So, his search had changed, instead of trying to impress the everyone else he decided to let his feelings out through a song. Those thoughts made him snort out a laugh, Charlie sure had rubbed off on him
His thoughts once again turned to the bartender of the Hazbin Hotel, Husk. Just the thought of his name sent shivers down Angels’ spine and he had to take a deep, calming, breath. If someone asked him, Angel couldn’t really tell you when the grumpy bar cat had wormed his way into Angels’ heart. Maybe it had been when he saved him from the loan sharks, or it could be how he stayed up every night waiting for Angel to come home if he didn’t text first. Husk always had a drink and first aid kit ready whenever Angel stumbled back into the hotel safe from Val’s’ claws for the night. He made Angel feel safe, allowed for that wall to come down and for Angel to be Anthony if only for a few hours.
Those few hours were something Angel truly cherished. The spider demon would think about those few hours spent together with a smile as he drifted off to sleep, snuggled up with Fat Nuggets. He truly wanted the other man to understand his feelings, that this wasn’t just another game or conquest for him. With his search having changed, Angel became even pickier. Every song felt too sappy, he didn’t want sappy he needed something that conveyed his feelings but also embodied him.
Shuffling his playlist, the spider stumbled upon a long-forgotten song. It was called High Enough, and he had half a mind to press skip until the first few lyrics had finally sunk in. Eyes widening, a dopey grin split across his face. His smile was so wide it almost looked like he was copying Alastor. The song was perfect, it conveyed his message without being too sappy, or sexy. It was the perfect mix! Now all he had to do was practice.
Practicing in secret had been hard, between redemption lessons with Charlie and Val working him to the bone at the studio, but he managed to do it. Of course, it helped that the hotel was mainly uninhabited. All he had to do was find a room far away from everyone else and he was good to go. So, Angel split his limited free time the week before karaoke night at the bar with Husk and in one of the abandoned rooms practicing. He didn’t have a routine, feeling that it would be best to go with the moment, but he put all his effort into making sure he knew the song inside and out.
Finally, Friday night had come around. Angel Dust had dressed up, but for once it wasn’t anything too flashy. He wore a soft pink, off the shoulder sweater dress with a heart cutout for his chest fluff. It surprisingly wasn’t as short as his usual clothing, ending a few inches above his knees. He had paired it with his usual black boots and soft pink makeup. Most of the crew was surprised that Charlie had managed to find an actual karaoke bar but were excited none the less. They all settled into the private room Charlie had reserved for the group. Her and Nifty practically vibrating in their seats, Vaggie throwing the former a fond look. Alastor hadn’t joined the group, leaving the moth demon more relaxed than she usually was. Husk had settled in the open seat next to Angel, making the spider demon tense up before forcing himself to relax.
Husk casted a glance a in Angels direction as he felt the other tense, his ears twitching in a sign that the other recognized as concern.
“You ok kid?” The cat demon asked lowly, eyes roaming Angels face in search of any sign of distress, no matter how small. A nervous smile broke out across Angel Dusts face, his mask unconsciously slipping into place.
“Never been better daddy~” The words were said before Angel even had the chance to think about them. One of his many hands came up, slapping over his mouth as his eyes widened in shock and embarrassment. He was silent for a beat before speaking, not wanting Husk to be upset with him. “I am so sorry Whiskers, I have no idea why –“
His apology was cut off as the other man began to chuckle. Husk waved a hand in Angels direction, dismissing his apology. “It’s alright Legs, I know you didn’t mean it. Now, are you gonna tell me why you’re nervous? I’ve never seen you shy away from the spotlight?” The question was followed by a look of both amusement and concern as Husk stared the other down.
“Promise me you won’t laugh?” Looking away, Angels lower set of arms crossed over his stomach to hug himself; his upper moving to rub the opposite shoulder nervously.
Husk looked a bit surprised at the request but nodded his assent, “Of course Angie, if you don’t want me to laugh I won’t laugh.”
Taking a quick glance around the room, Angel smiles softly seeing Charlie try to drag Vaggie into a duet. Her girlfriend quickly relenting, a blush covering her cheeks as she and Charlie sang to each other. It was sappy, but sweet just like the couple in front of him. Turning back to Husk, he keeps that same soft look on his face as he meets the others eyes.
“Well the song I chose has quite a bit of meaning… I want it to convey my feelings ya know? I guess I’m a bit worried that it won’t go the way I want it to, I don’t know what I’ll do if that happens…” Angel Dust trails off, breaking eye contact with Husk. His face flushes and pink markings glow a soft pink at his embarrassment. Before he can curl into himself, he feels the warm weight of a paw on his shoulder, one that he recognizes well. The weight is comforting but causes him to gasp in surprise as he looks back down at Husk.
The older man has a small, kind, smile on his face. It’s so sweet that Angel almost shies away, not wanting Husk to see how just a small look affects him. However, he stays in place knowing that it would only cause the cat demon more concern. Angel reaches up and grasps Husks paw, taking it into one of his hands and squeezing it in thanks.
“If you’re nervous, why not save the song for last? Get into the groove, have some fun, then pull out the showstopper. That way if it doesn’t go the way you want, we’ll already be heading out.” Husk suggests as he smiles up at Angel. The spiders grin grows wider, his eyes lighting up in happiness.
“Ya know Whiskers that’s not such a bad idea,” Angel winked at Husk before turning his attention back to the rest of the group. Noticing that Charlie had finished her song, he released Husks hand and stood up. It only took him a few steps to cross the room, a blessing of having such long legs.
Grabbing Charlies attention, the spider demon dragged her into a laughter filled rendition of Prince Ali. The mood became lighter, Angel locking eyes with Husk as the bartender joined in on the laughter. By the time Charlie and Angel had finished, the whole room had to catch their breath from laughing at all the voices the two had put on while singing.
The night continued like that, drinks and laughter flowed. Conversation was light and kept spirits high. If anyone were to look a bit closer, they might catch the way Angel and Husks’ eyes light up each time they look at each other, their smiles getting a bit softer before they break away. There was no longer any tension in Angels’ body, he lounged in his seat, legs thrown casually across Husks’. At this point the group was a little tipsy, making it easier to explain away the blush both men had across their cheeks.
More laughter spilled from their lips as Charlie tried to coral Nifty. The smaller demon having sung a slightly disturbing song about being covered in blood and how it’s meant to show love. It was made even more disturbing with the use of her roach puppets. After that the small cyclops was cut off from having any more alcohol which she accepted with a pout. By this point Husk and Angel were doubled over in laughter, each using the other as support. No one knew how the small demon had managed to evade Charlie in such a small room for so long.
Wistfully, Angel hoped that the moment wouldn’t end, feeling as though he was high on happiness; and if he were honest it was the best high he ever had. That all changed when they received a knock on the door from one of the demons working at the karaoke bar signaling that they only had ten minutes left. At this Angel felt himself tense up again. Not giving himself another moment to worry, the spider demon stood up, squaring his shoulders as he did so.
“Hey toots,” Angel called out to Charlie. “Can I get the last song? Ya always say I should express myself in a healthier way and honestly, what better way than song?” Charlies eyes shined with happiness, clasping her hands together in front of her chest.
“Oh my gosh! Really? Of course you can Angel! I’m so proud of you!” Charlies’ words came out a mile a minute causing Angel Dust to chuckle.
“Yeah, yeah, the whole redemption thing is rubbin’ off on me or whateva.” Angel said with a wave of his hand and a teasing lilt of his voice. As he moved to the front of the room, he leaned down to whisper something in Charlies’ ear, her eyes going even wider. Taking a deep breath, he grabbed the mic that was left on the table and pulled up the song he had prepared. Looking over his shoulder he saw Charlie giving him a thumbs before locking eyes with Husk. Giving him a flirty smile Angel turned to face the rest of the group, hitting play before he could chicken out. The spider demon kept his eyes on Husk as the first few notes filled the room, his body swaying to the beat. He could do this. He was Angel Dust after all. Sashaying around the room, he ruffles Charlies’ hair fondly, eyes never leaving Husk.
“I don’t like anyone better than you, it’s true.” Slowly he makes his way over to Husk as he sings, the cat demons eyes widening as he registers the lyrics. “I used to like liquor to get me inspired, but you look so beautiful my new supplier.”
Angel continues to sing, behind him Charlie quietly ushers Nifty and Vaggie out of the room to give the other two privacy. Husk gulps, his pupils blown so wide that only a thin ring of gold is left. Angel Dust slides into his lap, there’s a distant squeal to be heard before both men hear the door latch shut leaving them alone. A hand reaches under the cats’ chin caressing his cheek as Angel continues to sing.
“I only got eyes for you. Do you see any others than me?” Angel brings another hand up, cupping the other side of Husks’ face and scratching softly. This causes a soft rumbling purr to leave Husk, his hands moving to hold Angels hip. Angel continues to sing the song, putting the mic down so he can sing directly into Husks’ ears. Pressing his chest against the cat demons, a soft sigh leaves his lips as the song comes to an end.
“Whiskers… I always thought the only way I could be happy or have fun was with drugs.” A laugh leaves Angels lips and he presses his nose against Husk’s their breaths intermingling. “But you, you give me a new kind of high, one I never want to lose. I wanna be with you Husk, do you think you might wanna be with me too?” At this point Angel has begun to lose his confidence and breaks eye contact with Husk. The spider demon looks down bashfully, a look that the bartender didn’t think he’d ever seen on the others face before. A dark blush covers his face, his pink marks glowing as he feels a hand release his hip and move to cup his face instead. Glancing up, he pressed his cheek into the cats’ soft paw.
Husks’ face was just as red as Angels’ at this point. He gripped the others hip a bit tighter before closing the very short distance between the two. A soft, sweet kiss was pressed against Angels’ lips making him gasp in surprise and happiness. Two of his arms moving to loop around Husks’ neck. The two melted into each other all previous tension being released as they pulled away. The purr that had been coming from Husk getting louder as they bask in the realization that their feelings are returned. Husks gaze is half-lidded as he rubs his thumb across Angels cheek just under his cheek spots. A deep croon leaves the old cats’ lips as he leans close to whisper in Angels’ ear, repeating the previously sung lyrics to the spider.
“Legs, I only got eyes for you~” With that Husk presses their lips together once again. Nipping at Angels’ lip, he pulls away leaving the other breathless. Nothing could ruin this moment for them. They were each other’s drug, one that neither would grow tired or could ever overdose from. Neither would ever come down from this high and they couldn’t ask for anything more. After all, love as sweet as this, truly has no side effects.