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In the dead of night, all that could be heard was the hum of the neon sign and the faint melody of a jazz song playing in the background.
Behind the bar, Husk sat with his head resting on his arms, deep in sleep, offering a different view than his usually unshakeable composure.
Angel came back at the hotel in at that moment and was about to smile at Husk, who as always was waiting for him. However, he was surprised to come across his sleeping form.
Angel gently shook his shoulder. "Husk...hey, sweetie, wake up"
Husk stirred, his yellow eyes slowly opening. "Angel...you're back," he muttered, his words slurring slightly. "I've been waiting...for ages."
Angel helped him stand up. "Yes, I'm back. Are you okay? You had a little too much to drink tonight, maybe."
Husk let out a chuckle, his breath smelling of whiskey. "Maybe...I can handle my liquor, you know...but I had too many thoughts..."
Angel was curious, but let it go, thinking it was more important to help Husk. "Come on, I'll walk you to your room. You need to rest," he urged him off the stool, wrapping an arm around his waist to support him. Husk leaned against Angel.
Husk began to speak freely, without inhibitions. "I'm always waiting for you, Angel... always... I'm anxiously waiting to know if you're okay, if your beautiful face hasn't been ruined by that dickhead... you're the only one who lights up this hole..."
Angel felt himself blush. The compliments he usually received were of a different nature, there wasn't that sincerity, that sweetness...
"You're drunk, you're jabbering"
Husk stopped and turned to him, eyes shining with emotions he rarely showed. "No...I really care about you, Angel. You're...special and you deserve all the love in the world. I...I don't think you realize how incredible you are."
Angel's heart flipped, starting to beat faster again. He had felt a deep connection with Husk for a long time, but there had never been anything more than friendship until that moment.
Before he could respond, Husk leaned in and gently pressed his lips against his. It was soft, slow, and caught Angel off guard. The initial surprise faded and he closed his eyes, kissing back. But it didn't last long. Husk pulled away, his eyes wide.
"S...sorry"
Angel was about to reply that he didn't have to apologize, that he had enjoyed it, too much...
But Husk muttered more apologies, his face red, then opened and closed the door of his room in a flash, leaving Angel outside.
Angel stared at the closed door for a few seconds, unsure whether to knock or go to bed. He chose the latter, but as he reached his room he felt like humming, skipping... he giggled silly.
At mid-morning, Angel went down to the bar, in a good mood, to find Husk sulking and scrubbing already perfectly clean glasses.
"Good morning, Husky," he said with a wide smile, "how are you feeling?"
Husk's gaze wandered, unsure. "I'm...fine," he licked his lips, hesitantly. "Look, Angel...about last night...I mean, I apologize for what I said and did...I wasn't myself," when he woke up he had grunted for a long time, not wanting to get out of bed and face reality, remembering the words he had said and the kiss he had given Angel...on one hand he felt happy, on the other he felt terribly guilty.
He tried to think of something better to say to explain himself, hating his own awkwardness, but he had no time or way.
Angel leaned down and left him a soft, lingering kiss that shook him to the core.
Husk's heart was beating fast, for the first time in a long time he felt vulnerable...but incredibly alive. Speechless, he stared at Angel as he pulled away.
Angel winked at him.
"If you want to kiss me, you don't have to wait until you're drunk, my pretty kitten."