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It had been exactly a year since Angel had agreed to move into the Hazbin Hotel, which had gone from being just a rent-free place to his refuge. And it was there that he had met Husk, the gruff cat demon who had captured his attention and, in time, his heart.
On that special day, Angel wanted to do something memorable. He decided to make a unique cocktail, with a flavor that would represent his journey. Angel was a creative type, but making a cocktail from scratch was a new challenge. He figured it shouldn't be too difficult, especially after watching Husk maneuver behind the bar countless times.
Retrieving a few bottles from the bar, colorful syrups, and exotic garnishes, Angel’s fingers danced as his mind whirled with ideas. He wanted the result to impress his friends and especially Husk. But as he began measuring and mixing, he realized it wasn’t as easy as he’d thought. His first attempt was a disaster—a sour concoction that made him wrinkle his nose in disgust.
Frustration began to creep into his usually casual demeanor. He huffed, ran a hand through his hair. Returning to studying the bottles, he saw Husk make his entrance out of the corner of his eye.
"Something wrong, baby?" he asked, seeing him pouting, softly, placing a paw around his thin waist.
Angel's pout deepened, rather childishly, Husk barely held back a laugh. "I wanted to do something special for today. But it's not going as I expected"
Husk chuckled. "Creating the perfect cocktail is an art. It takes patience. If you want I can help you"
Angel moved aside, allowing him to take the lead. Husk went to work, sharing his knowledge, revealing some of the secrets of the trade. He explained how a precise balance was needed to create a symphony for the palate, and how a splash of this or a drop of that could make all the difference. Angel listened intently, admiring Husk and hanging on his every word.
"A cocktail is like a lover," Husk whispered, "you have to seduce them, understand their essence, and mix it with your touch."
Angel’s cheeks warmed at his sensual tone. He watched as Husk poured a bright blue liqueur, adding orange essence and sparkling soda. With a deft flick of his wrist, Husk twirled the shaker, creating an electrifying display.
“Now, the timing of the pour is very important,” Husk explained. He tilted the shaker and the multicolored liquid flowed into a martini glass, creating a layered effect. He finished by placing a sugar-coated cherry on top.
Angel blinked dramatically. It was amazing, a little masterpiece. Husk had caught a rainbow and collected it in a glass.
"It's beautiful."
"Yes, but what matters most is the taste."
Angel nodded, looked Husk in the eyes; raised the glass and sipped slowly. It was sweet, a little sour and pleasantly fizzy.
"Wow," he exclaimed, "fantastic!"
Husk's smile was triumphant.
"Can you help me make more? I'd like to make some for the others to drink tonight!"
"Of course," Husk replied warmly.
When the evening came, Angel attracted everyone's attention, who gathered at the bar, intrigued by the chatter about his new cocktail, Angel's Special. The bright colors and delicious taste earned everyone's approval, compliments flowing copiously. Even Alastor went out of his way to praise it.
"Not bad," he remarked, "it's refreshing and different from the usual."
Angel filled with pride, grateful to Husk, whose role had been significant in this little success. As night fell, he joined Husk at the bar, busy rinsing and drying glasses.
"Thank you so much, Husk. It was a small occasion, but it was special to me..."
Husk's gaze softened, he took his hand, brought it to his lips. "You're welcome, gorgeous. I'm sure you'll find a great way to show how much you appreciate my help."
Angel's heartbeat quickened, he lowered, brushing his lips with his. "I will show you my gratitude without reservation," he murmured.