Chapter Text
*Husk's POV*
-Pre episode 5-
Husk loathed working the night shift.
He was used to the ringing silence and heavy weight of the desolate hotel lobby. He expected Alastor to leave him to his own devices and then make him get right back up again in the morning to stand behind that bar for even longer. He knew all that was coming. That didn't make is absolutely suck any less.
Charlie installed the new policy shortly after her incident with Valentino, and memorized Angel Dust's flighty work schedule. She figured the bar was a "good place for sinners to go to relax, both day and night". And apparently, Husk was the perfect, welcoming face to fit that slot.
So that's how he got in this position- legs aching, tail lashing in annoyance, leaned over watered down booze.
Look what's become of me, he thought bitterly, looking down at his drink. Something weird was happening to Husk. Something that hadn't happened in pretty much his entire life. He just wasn't...feeling like being drunk. He just didn't want to. It's always been such a hassle, waking up hungover every day, his body stuttering when he'd black out as a reminder of how he had died with liquid fire running through his veins. He simply felt tired by it.
Husk's ears flicked in annoyance. This redemption thing is getting to his head. It'll go back to normal soon, he's sure.
He glanced at the clock on the wall. 2:46 a.m. His chest heaved as he thought, Make it until three. You can do this.
He looked around at the hotel, which was seemingly falling apart around him. It smelled like rotting wood, the furniture was patched up with several different colors, and the overhead lights annoyingly buzzed when they were on. Of course it wasn't perfect, but then again it wasn't awful. It was better than the places Husk had stayed while Alastor disappeared for seven years, which mostly consisted of roach infested hotel rooms and alleyways full of other grumbling drunks.
To be honest, he was kind of grateful for this change. Sure he was forced to be here and put on the show of a tender-hearted bartender to these freaks, but the beds were warm and the food was above mediocre. He had something to count on, something he could always come home to, whether he had a choice or not, and that was comforting.
When Husk got to Hell, he was terrified. He had no security, no idea what was going on, and no place to go. Every alleyway he found solace in became swarmed by other drunkards, the rug constantly being pulled out from under him. He knew why he was there, of course, but the guilt that he wasn't good enough to get into Heaven was too strong. So he gave it all up for gambling, more booze, and greed. It had gotten him somewhere.
Until it didn't.
2:49.
Husk hit his fist against the bar, his glass jumping up only to fall over sideways. The noise echoed throughout the room, breaking the fragile silence. Too many thoughts were filling his head, and it stung. He didn't want to think, he just wanted to feel nothing. All the feelings were too complicated.
The grand entrance door to the hotel flew open, making Husk leap up, fur bristling. His claws dug into the wood of the bar until he saw a familiar figure waltz in. He could practically hear the cheesy jazz music play from how he strutted, making his presence known. Angel Dust- all limbs, all sex appeal, practically drenched in an obnoxious bright pink. His hands were on his hips and he smiled widely, but he wasn't even trying to hide that limp that clung onto him when he walked.
Husk had been seeing Angel in a different light since their recent encounter with those loan sharks, even before that, during his breakdown outside the bar. Husk felt a little regret for how bluntly he had told the kid that he wasn't special and that everyone fucks up, that's why they're here. But nonetheless, it worked. There was a side of him that wasn't new, just neglected to be embraced, that Husk had never seen before. He felt that he could finally respect him, at least just a little bit. But there was still just a pang of empathy for the situation.
"Hiya Husky~" Angel purred, hopping up on a stool and leaning forward, wincing slightly. "Whatcha doin up this late?"
Husk sighed and fixed his tilted Whisky glass, grabbing a rag to wipe it down. "You don't have to put on the act, kid. Remember what we talked about."
Angel let out a sigh and reluctantly deflated like a whole weight had been lifted off his shoulders. His sultry grin faded and the glint of sadness in his eyes swallowed them up. His head fell into his propped up hand. "I think ya know me a little too well now. Shouldn'a said all that to ya."
"After the shit we encountered together," Husk shrugged, putting the glass back in the cupboard. "I can read you like a book by now."
Angel scoffed, sideways grin returning. "If that's so true, get me a drink. Strong, if ya don't mind." Husk nodded and got him his usual Amaretto Sour. Angel chugged it back, eyes shut tightly. Once he slammed the glass back on the table, his eyes looked more hazy than before. "So, what's got ya up in time to catch me?"
"Charlie's got me workin the night shift now."
"The night shift, oh," Angel said teasingly. "How special. Didn't know we had one of those."
Angel looked so hopeless in this light, which was an awful thought and Husk knew he was a bad person for thinking it. But his smile didn't reach his eyes, something he noticed the week before last, but was so much more obvious now. Husk needed to fill the silence.
"Kind of counterproductive considering the new curfew she tried to instill, but she'll figure it out," He said as smooth as he could muster. He was still trying to shake off those thoughts from earlier, but they lingered stubbornly. "How have you and her been?"
Angel rolled his eyes. "She's been trying to butter me up- sayin' she respects my work schedule now n' won't get involved again." He motioned towards the empty glass and Husk took it as a sign to make him another. Back turned to Angel, he couldn't resist making this one a bit more watered down than the last one. He was sure the spider would notice it, but he didn't complain, just knocked it back so quickly even Husk would feel his stomach rolling over. He's doing this on purpose.
Husk quirked an eyebrow, leaning over the counter. "Rough night?"
Something flashed in Angel's eyes, like a memory was trapped inside and wanted to get out. Angel shook his head and leaned forward more, looking through his eyelashes. "You want it to be?"
Husk stiffened. It honestly made him nauseous how quickly Angel could switch from relatively normal to borderline harassing him. "Can't you be normal for five goddam minutes? We were having a normal conversation- I thought we were past this!"
Angel only looked mildly wounded. Husk could tell from his lazy blinking that there was something in his system, and the alcohol only worsened it. "You're always so pissy, why'dya hate me so much? Can't a guy just have some fun after work?" He lazily reached toward the end of the bar were some wine sat. Husk batted him away with his tail.
"If that fun doesn't involve bothering me at three in the morning, that's fine by me-" He cut himself off as Angel stood up, wobbling slightly. Husk lurched forward but Angel caught himself, smirking Husk's way at his quick reaction. Husk pinched the bridge of his nose and shooed Angel away. "I'm too tired for this. This bar's closed for the night, take your bullshit somewhere else."
Angel held his gaze, a mix of frustration and sass staring at him. Eventually he scoffed and strutted past the bar and up the stairs to his room. "Fine, but call me if you need me, kitty~!"
"I really thought you'd change." Husk regretted the words as soon as he spit them out, ears pinning to his head. Angel stopped in his tracks, the echo of his heels stopping abruptly. He slowly turned around, smiling coldly.
"You're a fuckin' hypocrite, y'know that?" He stepped closer, pointing accusingly. "You whine all day bout how awful I am, when you should take a look at yourself. You're an alcohalic who's just as stuck somewhere as I am." He came forward even more, making Husk lash his tail.
"It's nothing like that, you have a choice-"
"Do I?" Angel hissed, softer than Husk would have expected. Angel's brows furrowed and kept hold of his gaze so intensely, Husk felt goosebumps form under his fur. "You really think I have any more choice than you do?"
Does Angel really have a choice? Husk didn't realize how long he was silent for until Angel scoffed, smirking proudly. "That's what I thought. Nighty night, whiskers."
Husk's hair stood on it's end as the demon went away, stumbling due to downing the alcohol. He rubbed his eyes. I'm too damn tired for this. Regret panged in his heart. Of course he had to fuck this up. He should've just kept his mouth shut and let it go. No matter how hard he tries, we won't ever know the real Angel Dust, and it's partially his fault.
At least it's 3 a.m. now.
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Husk's eyes felt like he had been punched in the eyes a dozen times on each. He can't remember the last time he felt so drained of so much energy. He could barely stomach breakfast, and every mere presence of another person irked him so badly that his tail swished irritably.
Husk hated the morning after the night shift.
He was back at the bar four three hours after he had closed it up, dozing off on his feet. Wings closed around him, he nursed a bottle of whatever he could grab to keep his eyes open a bit longer. Princess wasn't exactly helping (how does one physically have a voice that high pitched?).
"I know it's an adjustment, but it's just until we get another bartender!" Charlie reassured, bringing Husk a plate which he pushed off to the side. She pursed her lips, deep in thought. Husk rolled his eyes, yet his heart tugged a bit. It wasn't like the princess to be somber.
"Havin' thoughts, princess?" He offered, sighing. Charlie tilted her head and sat on a barstool.
""I know you think this night shift thing is stupid," She said, resting her elbows on the bar. "But I just need someone awake to make sure Angel comes home."
Husk felt his heart tug. Her eyes filled with so much remorse, most likely for whatever the hell happened at the V's studio. Husk didn't know all of the details, just that Charlie had never been more sorry about anything else.
"I know you're tired, and I'm so sorry. I would do it myself if Vaggie would let me," Her voice broke slightly, dipping her head down. "I just need to make sure he comes home."
How can she care about him so much? If Husk was a privileged hellborn royal and didn't have a heart that bled through his chest, he wouldn't give a lick about the saftey of sinners. Hell, he wouldn't blame Charlie if this redemption bullshit was just a phase. No one really knew why she even wanted to do this in the first place.
But she cares. And I may not believe in what she has to offer, but I can support her until she realizes it's a lost cause.
"Alright, princess," Husk sighed. "I'll continue to do it on one condition-"
Charlie cut him off with a squeal. "Oh thank you, Husk! Absolutely anything you want!" She leaned over the counter, not far away from Husk's nose. He smiled fondly, pushing her shoulders back gently.
"I get naps throughout the day, whenever I want. But I'll be up at night to make sure he gets home."
"Deal!" Charlie said, sticking out her hand, and Husk shook it.
Just for the princess. And to make sure he's okay.
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The naps made things better, but staying up later than he was meant to was not on the agenda.
Husk had watched Angel leave soon after their daily trust fall exercise, which Husk, thankfully, got out of. The spider had blown him a kiss and left around 11 in the morning.
It's 4 a.m. Should I go out and find him? Will Charlie be mad that I didn't look for him? Should I get the boss? Husk threaded his claws through his fur. The urge to pick up the bottle and silene the thoughts itched throughout his whole body, but he shook it off. He had to be sober in case he had to go find the dumb kid.
The doors to the hotel flew open, just like the previous night. But something was different this time. Instead of Husk imagining cheesy ragtime-esque music, he just heard the blood rushing into his ears. In the doorway, Angel clung to the frame, knees buckled and face buried into his shoulder. The haunting, hollow sound of acid rain flooded the hotel. Holes were burnt into Angel's classic pink suit and, from what Husk could see, some singes in his fur.
Angel immediately slumped in the doorway, blinking rapidly. Husk felt his body move before his brain, racing across the parlor to support Angel before he fell. As soon as Husk gripped his arm, he could feel the aggressive trembling and the sickening smell of booze and an oddly sweet aroma. Angel tried to focus on Husk's face, eyes dazed and crossed.
"Wha-" Angel tried to speak, but his teeth were chattering so loud Husk could hear them.
"Don't talk, kid," He grumbled, trying to mask any hint of frustration in his voice. He wrapped Angel's arm over his shoulder, slowly yet surely dragging him to the couch. Angel kept spluttering nonsensical half-sentences, mostly questions about what was going on. Husk propped him on the couch, tilting his head up, but it pathetically lolled to the side. He's on drugs, Husk cringed. "What the fuck did they do to you?" He whispered, mostly to himself.
And he couldn't just leave him there.
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*Angel's POV*
Angel had a pretty good idea of what happened before he blacked out. He remembered the high from the drugs wearing off, the pain becoming a bit too real for his liking during today's (or yesterday's?) shoot. He knew he complained and was dozing off. He remembered a bottle filled with pink that Val said would be "Good for his energy."
Fuckin idiot, he thought now. Love potion mixed with some kind of pill. So stupid for falling for that again.
The shoot itself was a blur of flashing lights and random actors he wasn't familiar with. Or maybe he was, he just couldn't recognize them. Had Val given them love potion too? Probably not, but he wouldn't put it past the overlord. He also remembered when the shoot was finally done- his body ached something fierce and he didn't have the energy to even pretend to enjoy the haze he was going through. The trip quickly turned sour as he got into a car, the sizzling sounds of acid rain falling on the car roof and windows. The ride back to the hotel was a blur of red smoke, but he vaguely remembers Val's words as he pushed him out of the car into the burning rain.
"Take this as a message to your pretty princess, amorcito~"
The next thing Angel knew, he was in his bed. The stench of last night still clung to him and all of the shapes around him were fuzzy, but he felt pretty alright given the circumstance. Fat Nuggets, the innocent little pig, was even snuggled up to his side. The coat of his suit was laied on the fuzzy rug, and Angel winced at the holes burnt into it. That shit ain't cheap! Angel thought bitterly. A glass of water was on his bedside table, and a small maroon pill. He chugged it down, falling back onto his pillow.
This was Angel's favorite part. The pleasure in the pain, the method in the madness. He was reckless, sure. He didn't ask for it, but he can't say he didn't expect it. It was a loss of control, and Angel loved not only the freefall, but the consequences. It made him feel something. It was routine.
But God did it fucking hurt sometimes.
He heard his door creak open, and in peaked those amber eyes he knew all too well. Of course it was Husk who saved me.
"Well whadya know," Angel slurred, draping his arm over his eyes to avoid the bright light. "Is that my knight in shining armor?" When Husk didn't respond, he moved his arm. Nuggets hopped off the bed and was sniffing Husk's legs, most likely looking for food. Husk kept his eyes on the pig, but lashed his tail.
"That was reckless, kid." Husk grumbled, standing over Angel. The spider laughed, sounding a bit hollow even to himself.
"If you think I went out in that acid rain recovering from a love potion in my good suit on purpose, you're severely mistaken."
Husk looked down at his feet. "You're right, it wasn't your fault." He sat on the bed, not meeting Angel's eyes. "S' it that Valentino guy?" Angel just scoffed and sat up, back against a giant, fluffy pink pillow.
"What do you think? I'm an addict porn star, he's the most famous pimp in Pentagram City, and he owns my soul," Angel spat a bit more bitterly. He brought his knees to his chest and rested his chin on top of them. "'Course it was him." Husk's eyes met him and softened, just like they did when Angel had yelled about being Valentino's favorite toy.
Angel didn't like the feeling of his heart breaking. He didn't like the idea of his wall's splitting down the middle. He didn't like Husk's gentle voice as he asked, "What happened?"
"I got high and accepted whatever he gave me, tale as old as time," Angel felt a slight panic in his heart, like he needed Husk to believe it. He dug himself too deep, revealing all of those things to him outside that bar. Combined with the fact that he saw him turn up kicked out of a car with acid burns all over his body? He was doomed. At Husk's silence, he tried his same old excuses. "Y'know, I probably deserve it. I never told him no."
Husk deadpanned, ears twitching annoyedly. "Angel, you told me you never wanted or asked for this shit to happen to you. Don't pretend like it's your fault now."
"It was my choice to get high on set, Husk," The barcat's name sounded weird coming out of his mouth in replacement of "kitty" or "whiskers". Angel could so easily go back to that, but it was exhausting. "I said yes."
"But you don't remember saying yes?"
"Yeah, cause I was high."
Husk shifted himself, seemingly becoming more aware of his surroundings. At this point, Angel just wanted him to leave. And the best way to do that?
"Finally realizing you're in the Angel Dust's bed?" He purred, as sultry as he could muster. Husk's didn't even look surpsied.
"Don't even try that shit right now, Angel." He grumbled sternly. Angel felt another layer of brick from his walls crumble. It was too much. He really isn't gonna let it go.
Husk sighed, taking off his hat. Nuggets hopped back onto the bed and curled into Angel's lap. "Remember what I told you? You aren't alone, kid. This...this isn't the end of the road. Last night, when you showed up with all those singes-" Husk breathed deep, claws flexing in and out. "You coulda turned out a loss worse than ya did."
Another layer of brick fell. It was all so exposing, the fact that Husk had seen him like that, and he didn't even remember it.
"You ever double died before?"
Angel felt a dozen pins physically stab into his heart. The flood of thoughts was so intense he thought he might be sick.
Of course he'd double died before. Only four times, but each was more excruciating than the last. Overdoses were particularly mentally taxing to pull yourself back together from. Angel felt trembles overtake his hands, so he stuffed them under the covers to hide from Husk. He didn't even have to say it, Husk already knew. Damn cat, readin me like a book.
"I have," Husk admitted, tense shoulders falling a bit. "Twice. It ain't pretty."
Angel scoffed. "No shit, Einstein." Husk looked a bit amused, but still flexed his claws.
"Angel," He spoke after a moment. The name sounded weird coming from him, too. He said it so delicately, like he didn't want to fuck up the pronounciation. Like he wasn't sure that's what he really should be saying. "This ain't me saying all this redemption stuff is the answer," Husk paused, eyes meeting Angel's. "but I think you should try and get clean. Maybe give it a shot."
"Oh, I ain't never thought a that before," Angel chuckled, picking up Nuggets and holding him close to his chest. The pig nuzzled into him, looking up with those void eyes Angel immediately fell in love with. Husk's tail spiked up in frustration.
"You could at least try it! This is dangerous-"
"Husk- it ain't gonna change anything," Angel snapped. The tension was thick, and Angel felt his heart break even more.
Angel's not stupid, he's been here before. Someone trying so desperately to get him to stop. But he can't- he doesn't want to stop. He gave up on it a long time ago. Old habits don't die at all, that's all he's ever known.
Husk flexed out his claws one final time, sighing deeply. "When you change your mind, you let me know." He stood up, only barely towering over Angel. "You know where I'll be."
And with that, he opened the door and left.
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Angel didn't like silence. It was suffocating, it was lonely. Being alone was the worst possible thing. Angel was dangerous when he was alone, left to his own devices. So he really didn't understand why we neglected to go straight to the hotel after work. It was only 11 p.m, so early for Angel to be done with a shoot. Val had let him go early due to the previous night- they had gotten all the footage they needed. He had given Angel something before he left that made his head feel transparent, like things could enter at will.
Instead of hailing a cab to take him up the hill, he sat on the sidewalk, staring down into his phone. Everytime a sinner passed by, he would cover his face so no one would recognize him.
He stared at his recently sent texts.
Cherri!<3- how've you been ???
It's been so long since he's texted Cherri. He missed her, but- you'd just be pissin her off, always talking about Val. Makes her feel bad cause she owns some souls.
It'd been three weeks since their last phone call, nothing ever since. Angel scrolled through his other contacts- all the ones from Charlie asking where he is, the one from Sir Pentious confirming he got the right number. Vaggie and Husk were there, but no texts ever sent, just a saved contact. Angel kept scrolling until he hit the bottom. And once he hit it, he just kept scrolling. Maybe if he willed it to happen, more would just appear.
Now that he thought about it, who were his friends? Cherri, but he hasn't talked to her in ages. Charlie? Of course not. That random guy he picked up a week ago? Angel looked at the little stop sign over the guy's contact picture. He blocked Angel. He took what he wanted from Angel, then blocked him.
Of course he fuckin' did. Why would he stick around? What reason did he have to stay?
Angel didn't register the tears, only saw that they splattered on his phone screen, right over his short list of contacts. He deleted the guys number, resisting the urge to throw his phone as hard as he could at the ground. HIs head felt even lighter, like it was gonna fly away. Angel felt along his neck- just to make sure it was still attatched. Why doesn't he ever ask what the pill's called? He is he so goddamn reckless?!
The trip was getting bad, if it was ever good. He stood up, swaying. It felt nice, it felt like dancing. That's all I ever really wanted to do. Why is it like this now?
He raised his arm weekly at the next cab. "Where'y headed to?" The driver asked gruffly, not bothering to look back at the spider.
"The hotel on the hill," Angel didn't hear his voice- why couldn't he hear his voice? That couldn't be his voice, it sounded nothing like him.
He focused on the air conditioner above him in the cab. It didn't feel real, like there's no way I'm actually here right now. This isn't happening- he felt like he was looking at his body from above it. It was a wispy, neauseating feeling. The world was glitching around him, swallowing him whole and leaving him trapped. Angel- no, that's not his name. What's his name?
"You okay, Angel Dust?" The cab driver asked. Angel shook the fuzziness from his brain and vision. Of course this guy knew who he was. I should ask him. The driver looked expectantly at him. "We're at the hotel," He offered, pointing a claw-like nail at the building. The guy looked like a dinosaur.
"Mhm, gotcha. Thanks, pal," Angel said, stumbling out of the cab. He slammed the door shut and looked at the front door. It matched the sky so well- like it's drenched in blood. Angel shook his head and pressed a hand against the door. He looked down at his phone, still clutched in his palm. 12:15. Does it always take that long to get to the hotel?
Angel felt something along his back- thin and cold. It sent a sharp sting throughout his body was he tensed up, fingers curling in on themselves. "What?" He asked to the person behind him. There was a cold chuckle. He knew that chuckle, and that there was no humor behind it. When did I get back in the studio?
"I own you. Or have you forgotten that?" The voice asked him, close and raspy in his right ear. Angel didn't realize how tensed up his shoulders were until they began to cramp.
"No, Val," He whispered. He felt Val right there, holding his waist in place.
"Angel, baby~" Val crooned in his sing-song voice. Angel once loved that voice, it sounded like a song. Now it felt like a threat, no matter how sweet it appeared. "Come home! I miss you-"
"Go away," Angel growled. He immediately gasped, realizing what was about to happen. He screwed up his eyes and flipped around, burrying his face in his arms so he couldn't see it happen. "Val- I'm sorry that was stupid of me, I'm sorry it won't happen again- I promise-" His back hit the door as he stepped back. He slid down the door, preparing for impact, embracing the freefall-
But it never came. It was only silence. No impact came. Angel opened his eyes, head a bit clearer. No one was there. He was all alone, again.
I can't do this anymore. I can't fucking do this anymore. I'm done.
He sucked in a breath, chest heaving. Steadying himself, he stood up.
Angel threw open the door, the lines around his vision still blurry. It was so quiet- he hated the quiet. He needed someone, he can't be alone- is anyone here?
Husk.
"'S that you, Angel?" The deep voice called from around the corner. Angel stumbled toward it, arms out. It seemed so physical, the idea of that voice. He wanted to grab onto it and never let it go. As soon as Angel locked eyes with the barcat, an intense wave of panic washed over him. He's gonna hate seeing me like this. Angel felt himself falling, mentally and physically, he hit the ground, but the rabbit hole was still open, sucking him in. He felt arms and a tail around him. It was so soft, he reached out to feel more.
"What are you on, kid? Angel. What are you on-"
"I need to quit, Husk," Angel snapped his eyes up and met those worried golden eyes. The eyes softened, examining all over him. "I dunno. I'll quit, I'll try it."
Husk smiled fully for the first time since he talked with Angel truthfully for the first time. He swished his tail around Angel, sitting beside him on the floor. "That's good, kid. You're not alone."
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