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The only sound that could be heard in the silence of the night was the creaking of some floorboards as Husk wandered around the room, breathing heavily. The nightmare from which he had recently awakened had been so vivid, so frightening, that even as the seconds passed when he was lucid and conscious, he could not shake the feeling of terror. He had had his fair share of adventures and dangers, but the feeling of being trapped, helpless, while a menacing darkness crept closer with malicious intent, still made his heart pound and his mouth go dry.
Unable to find comfort in his room, Husk decided to look for it at the bar, hoping a drink would calm his nerves. He still had the feeling of being watched, but he tried to ignore it.
In his room, which was on the same floor, meanwhile, Angel was lying on the bed, still awake, thinking with relief that at least only a photo shoot was planned for the next day. The sound of footsteps outside the door caught his attention. Intrigued, he went to peek through the peephole.
He saw Husk, who was hurrying towards the stairs. On impulse he decided to follow him, watching him arrive at the bar and pour himself a drink.
He hesitated for a moment. Like everyone, Husk had a past made of unpleasant memories and a present in which peace was short, and he had the right to have some time alone. But looking closely, he seemed very distressed, he had never seen him so shaken. A protective instinct kicked in and Angel approached.
He saw Husk’s paw tremble as he raised his glass to his lips, taking large gulps to drown out whatever was bothering him. His usual stoic expression was replaced by a wild, frightened look. Angel’s heart sank, and he slowly went to sit on his usual stool.
“Hey, Husk,” he said softly, worried, “what’s going on?”
Husk flinched, then attempted a small smile, which was far from convincing. “I had a bad dream. Nothing some whiskey can’t fix.”
Angel peered at him, his hands still shaking and his gaze distant. “It seems to have upset you quite a bit.”
Husk sighed, staring at his glass. “It’s just a nightmare, Angel. You don’t have to stay up in the middle of the night because of this.”
“You’ve always listened to me, pretty much at all hours,” Angel replied gently, “I can do that too”
Husk finally looked him in the eyes. As was often the case, Angel made him want to let his guard down. “It was… awful,” he admitted, “I was trapped, with no solution.”
Angel put a hand on his shoulder. “You’re safe, Husk. You can talk to me.”
Husk took a deep breath. “It was all dark and… something was coming. It was blocking me, I couldn’t run or fight. My body was paralyzed.”
His voice broke and tears filled his eyes. Angel was surprised by so much emotion, he had never seen that side of Husk.
He squeezed his shoulder gently, urging him to continue.
But Husk brought his hands to his face, his shoulders beginning to shake with sobs. Angel, stunned and a little embarrassed, realized that further words would be completely useless, so he pulled him into a tight embrace. Husk let go completely, bursting into tears, and Angel cradled him gently, offering him all the comfort he could.
After an eternity, Husk calmed down, pulled back, wiping his eyes. “Sorry. Shit, I don’t know what’s wrong with me tonight.”
Angel smiled, understanding. “You don’t have to apologize. I’m happy to be around you…as you always are to me.”
Husk managed to smile back. “Thanks…but I don’t want to bother you.”
“Hey, we’re losers, but at least we’re not alone, right?”
Husk nodded.
“If you don’t want to be alone…I can stay with you tonight,” Angel added, lowering his voice to a whisper, blushing.
Husk was surprised, but regained his composure shortly after. “If you want, yes…but nothing will happen,” he pointed out.
“I know, of course,” Angel assured, still a little flushed.
Returning upstairs, Angel felt extremely protective of Husk. He always seemed so strong, tough, watching his vulnerability was both strange and special.
Husk collapsed on the bed, exhausted. Angel settled next to him, gently stroking his hair and ears.
“Thank you,” Husk whispered, “I’m better.”
“Just rest. I’m here if you need me.”
Husk’s eyelids lowered, sleep welcoming him back. Angel lay down beside him, watching him, feeling at peace. As the minutes passed, Angel found no desire to leave, he somehow enjoyed this role of guardian of Husk’s peaceful dreams. He took his hand in his, moved a little closer, until he fell asleep.