Chapter Text
Husk wiped down the counter for the umpteenth time that night, his feline ears flicking at the sounds of the hotel around him. The place was unusually quiet, giving him an uneasy feeling in the pit of his stomach. He glanced at the clock hanging on the wall, its hands ticking closer to midnight.
"Hey there, kitty cat," came a familiar voice, breaking the silence.
Husk looked up to see Angel Dust sauntering over, his usual cocky grin plastered on his face. The spider demon slid onto a barstool, crossing his arms on the counter and leaning forward. "Gimme a martini, will ya?"
Husk grunted, rolling his eyes but reaching for the shaker and ingredients. "Shouldn't you be off causing trouble somewhere else, Angel?"
Angel Dust chuckled, the sound low and almost melodic. "What, you don't enjoy my company, Husk? I'm hurt."
"You wish," Husk muttered, mixing the drink with practiced ease. He slid the glass over to Angel, who caught it with one of his many hands and took a sip.
"Mmm, you make a mean martini, kitty cat," Angel purred, licking his lips.
Husk's ear twitched again, his tail flicking in mild irritation. "Don't call me that."
"Why not? It's cute. You're cute," Angel said, his voice dropping to a teasing whisper.
Husk felt his face heat up, a blush creeping under his fur. "Cut the crap, Angel. What do you really want?"
Angel Dust sighed, his playful demeanor fading slightly. He stared into his drink, swirling it around before taking another sip. "You ever get tired of all this, Husk?"
Husk's eyes narrowed. "What do you mean?"
"This place. The same old routine. Don't you ever wanna just... get outta here?" Angel asked, his gaze locking onto Husk's.
Husk snorted. "And go where? We're in Hell, Angel. Ain't exactly got a lot of options."
Angel leaned forward, his expression earnest now. "Maybe not, but we got each other, right? Ain't that worth something?"
Husk's heart skipped a beat, his mind racing. He wasn't used to this side of Angel Dust—the vulnerable, almost hopeful side. It was... disarming.
"Yeah, maybe," Husk said softly, surprising himself with his honesty.
Angel smiled, a genuine smile that lit up his face. "So what do you say we make the most of it? Together?"
Husk looked into Angel's eyes, seeing a glimmer of something he hadn't seen in a long time—hope. He sighed, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Alright, Angel. Let's see where this takes us."
Angel Dust's smile widened, and he raised his glass. "To us, then."
Husk picked up a glass of his own, clinking it against Angel's. "To us."
As they drank, Husk couldn't help but feel a flicker of warmth in his chest. Maybe, just maybe, there was something worth holding onto in this damn place. And maybe, just maybe, it was sitting right in front of him.