Work Text:
Daylight filtered through the windows of the bar, casting a warm glow on the polished counter. It was morning, fairly early, and the bar was quiet. Husk was wiping it down automatically, his usual seraphic expression on his face. He was usually used to seeing Angel’s bright, smiling face appear, but maybe today he would sleep a little longer. Angel had gotten home late the night before, after long hours on the set, and he had just as many hours to go today. Husk knew how hard it was for Angel, no matter how indestructible he seemed, especially in front of the rest of the world. He sighed, hoping that at least he would get some proper rest.
Lost in thought, he was called back by a voice he hadn't heard in a long time. "Good morning, Husker. You're an early riser."
It was Carmilla Carmine, who occasionally dropped by the hotel when she had time, having struck up a sort of friendship - if you could call it that - with Vaggie and consequently with Charlie.
"Carmilla. How are you?" Husk said.
Carmilla’s lips quirked, and Husk wondered if there was a hint of nostalgia in her gaze. “I’m fine, thank you. I was just stopping by to say hello.”
As they chatted, Angel appeared, hoping to have some time with Husk, at least to have breakfast together. His cheerful smile faded, however, when he noticed Carmilla, whose beauty and charisma made him feel instantly insignificant. Her presence naturally commanded attention, her confidence filling the space.
His heart tightened painfully as he watched the two of them talk freely, punctuated by some genuine laughter. He couldn’t help but feel a pang of jealousy, an emotion he wasn’t used to. Except when he saw Carmilla talking to Husk, and then he usually slunk away. He could never compete with someone as powerful and charming as her. Even Alastor seemed more docile in her presence, or disappeared altogether, only reappearing when he was sure she wasn’t there. Carmilla showed no signs of intimidation towards the radio demon, nor did she pay him much attention, something a narcissist like Alastor certainly couldn’t appreciate.
Carmilla noticed him and smiled. "There's our star. Good morning, Angel."
Angel replied with a curt nod. Having missed the chance for a romantic breakfast with his boyfriend, he sat down on a stool - Carmilla had taken HIS - and said nothing when Husk handed him a cup of coffee, already brewed and sweetened just the way he liked it. Husk noticed the tension in him and looked at him questioningly, but Angel ignored him.
As he sipped his coffee, his jealousy grew, witnessing the connection that was clearly not a recent one between Husk and Carmilla, they made jokes that only they could understand, and they exchanged amused glances of complicity, which obviously excluded him.
"It's good to hear you're okay, Husk, I'm really glad" Carmilla said.
"He's got a chain around his neck from Alastor, how is that 'okay'?" Angel hissed, not holding back.
Carmilla pursed her lips, taken aback by the spider demon's hostility. "Yes, I did use the wrong words. I'm sorry for-"
"Yeah, yeah, I think he's grateful for your sympathy, but unless you can actually do something about it, it's pointless," Angel snapped.
Carmilla's eyes widened in shock. "Well, I'll stop by another time, Vaggie and Charlie might still be asleep...it's getting late and I have work to do. Have a nice day."
Angel didn't look at Husk and didn't see his brow furrow.
"Angel, what's wrong with you?"
"What's wrong with me seeing someone openly flirting with my boyfriend?"
"What the hell are you talking about? Carmilla is a friend."
"Of course, a very special friend, beautiful, rich, powerful..."
Husk shook his head. "That's not the case at all. We had a great relationship in the past and she's said several times that she's mortified that she can't intervene to help me with Alastor, it's beyond her capabilities... she's still a good person, among the most decent in this shit" then he frowned, getting nervous. "And even if she flirted with me, I wouldn't do anything and you know it"
"Pfff, sure, who wouldn't want an idiot who has to sell himself to strangers every day, when there's someone like Carmilla Carmine around?"
"With that job of yours, you're the last person who has the right to throw jealous scenes!"
Angel's eyes widened. "There's a big difference between fucking with people I mostly don't know and don't give a damn about, and flirting with an old 'friend' you're so close to and whose name is Carmilla Carmine!"
Husk opened his mouth to retort, then thought better of it, closing it again. "I'd rather not say anything else, because I might really regret it," he said in an angry and hurt tone. "Think what you want, unlike you, I trust you," he grunted, disappearing out the back.
Angel walked away just as quickly, knowing that the day at work would be one of the worst ever. In fact, when he returned - which wasn't excessively late, Valentino at least had the 'decency' not to ruin the merchandise too much - he was devastated, and also full of remorse, now that the cloud of jealousy had dissipated.
In the evening he expected Husk to show up in his room, as usual, but it didn't happen. Angel tried to hold on to his pride, but he was aware that he had exaggerated. Because of the tiredness, because of the bullying suffered by Valentino that he couldn't rebel against, because of the insecurity of losing Husk... but he missed Husk. His smile, the comfort he brought with him, the security he felt in his arms.
Angel sighed deeply and a few moments later he was in front of Husk's door. He knocked, hoping not to be chased away.
Husk opened it, sulking. Angel, who had thought of so many things to say, couldn't get a word out and preferred to throw himself forward to hold him in a tight hug. Husk was surprised.
"I'm sorry" he whispered into his shoulder. "I was upset, I... I didn't think. I saw her, so perfect, flawless... it just reminded me how afraid I am of losing you"
Husk hugged him with equal force, his heart melting at the sincerity with which Angel spoke to him. "I'm sorry too"
"You didn't do anything wrong."
"You talked about wanting to have breakfast together... I saw how devastated you were. I didn't want to make you feel left out... or unwanted. And I was wrong with the comment about your job, it had nothing to do with it."
Angel sniffed, Husk stroked his hair. "I'm the one who's terrified of losing you..."
Angel pulled away, tears filling his eyes. "I love you."
Husk smiled. "I love you too. You are wonderful and please, please, don't let anyone, especially yourself, convince you otherwise."
Angel gave a tearful giggle, leaned down, kissed him tenderly, holding him tightly. They settled into bed, held each other, whispering sweet nothings to each other until they fell asleep.