Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Husk watched from the bar as the normal chaos in the hotel carried on. Niffty running around trying to kill bugs, Vaggie yelling at Alastor for something, Charlie trying to de-escalate the argument before Vaggie tried to kill him. Yep. Chaos, sweet chaos. Just then, Angel Dust burst through the hotel’s door. Without a word, Angel walked over to the couch, shoulders slouching, before dramatically flopping on it and groaning.

Alastor looked over at Angel and chuckled. “Rough day at work, I assume?” It was hard to tell whether Alastor actually cared or was just asking to feed his amusement.

Either way Angel groaned, holding the bridge of his nose. “Tell me about it…”

Husk took a glass someone had left on the table and started cleaning it, tuning out most of the conversation, half listening to him. From what he had seen, Angel didn’t look hurt or in any form of distress. Valentino was probably just being his usual self. Which is to say, annoying. Very annoying. And weird. And sadistic. And-

Okay, maybe Valentino was being a slightly toned down version of himself today.

It’s not that he didn’t think Angel was being overdramatic; Husk was willing to believe anything about Valentino at this point. Husk also knew from experience the very mention of Valentino (especially when Angel talks about what he puts up with) made him angry. Angry enough to punch a wall, or throw a glass, or a table, or a chair, or-

“Well, he’s a V, all three of them suck.” Husk overheard Vaggie say.

Alastor nodded in agreement. “Ah, yes. I can agree on that, my dear. The annoying picture box isn’t much better personality wise, at least.”

Husk froze for a moment at the last two statements. Valentino? Yes. Terrible. Absolutely, you don’t have to convince Husk. Vox? If Vox is as bad as Alastor describes, then yes. Him too. But Velvette? No. The way she presents herself as an overlord? Maybe. Not the actual Velvette, though. Sure, she’s not the nicest person he knows, but this is Hell. The only one who might be  truly nice is Charlie. But Velvette’s also not Valentino bad. She falls somewhere in the upper-middle to middle-middle.

Then again, it had been at least four years since he last talked to her. It’s possible she changed for the worst. Hell and the overlord life will do that to you.

Husk shrugged and went back to cleaning the glass. He grumbled quietly under breath, “Velvette isn't that bad…”

Husk continued cleaning the glass for a few moments. Eventually, he examined it and held it up to the light just to make sure he got everything. That’s when he realized that the hotel residents had gone quiet, all their eyes on him.

“What the Hell are you all staring at?” Husk asked, glaring right back at them.

Eventually, Charlie spoke up. “Sorry, Husk. It’s just… you make it sound like you knew her at some point.”

Oh. ‘Husk, speak quieter next time, damn it!’ He thought to himself. He sighed, putting the cup down before he leaned on the table. “I did. What’s it to you?”

Silence fell over the hotel again. Angel spoke, clearly curious. “What’s she like? Neva’ see her around much.”

Husk shrugged, responding gruffly. “Whatever. Probably doesn’t matter what she was like when I knew her. It’s been years. She probably changed.”

Everyone was quiet but they all seemed to accept that answer. For now, anyway. Alastor would probably be on him about it later, but he couldn’t bring himself to care right now. Angel, too. He’d probably tell the damn spider immediately (because he’s a simp- WHO SAID THAT?!). Eventually, one by one the residents called it a night, returning to their rooms until it was just Husk left. Husk poured himself a drink before taking out a rag to clean the bar.

With the usual clashing of voices gone, Husk had time to think. Whether that was a good or bad thing? It depended on the day. Today, however, it seemed good. For the most part.

____

Husk was busy making a drink for a customer at the bar. The bar was really busy and he seemed to be the only bartender to be doing anything (apparently the others forgot they have legs). When he was finished, he handed the drink to a demon. The demon was about to walk off when Husk cleared his throat, hand out and eyebrows raised, clearly unamused.

The demon groaned and handed over five dollars to Husk before walking away. Husk nodded a thanks and counted the bills. The stupid demon gave him a joke-of-a tip. Ugh, whatever. He grumbled and looked up as a female demon (maybe based off of a doll?) walked through the bar’s door. She had reddish-pink hair with white streaks and the underside was navy blue. Her sclera was red and her irises were white. Based on how twitchy she was and how she jumped every time someone bumped into her, she was newer to Hell. 

Husk rolled his eyes. She’d barely survive five seconds down here. Ultimately deciding to be helpful for once, he called out to her, grudgingly. “Hey, kid!”

The new demon seemed to hear him over all the noise in the bar. She looked around before her eyes landed on Husker. She pointed at herself and tilted her head. Husk sighed and nodded, waving her over. After a lot of stumbling and weaving through the crowd, the demon finally made it over to the bar and took a seat. Now up close, he could see the demon was basically a kid compared to most in Hell. Even in demon form, she clearly was at least nineteen or twenty. 

Husk sighed and debated whether or not to give her a drink. In some places she was old enough to drink but- oh who was he kidding, it’s fine. If she’s at least nineteen it’ll be okay. Plus it’s literally Hell, and the girl looked like she needed it. Husk grabbed a cup from below the bar and picked the weakest liquor he had, just to be safe.

“So, you new in Hell?” Husk finally asked, pushing the drink forward.

The demon flinched at H-E-Double hockey sticks. Right. Newcomers are usually sensitive to that kind of thing. With a sigh, he grabbed a rag and cleaned the bar. “I’ll take that as a yes, then.”

She sighed and picked up the drink, seeming more interested in staring at it than anything else. “That obvious, huh?” She was British. Husk didn’t know whether he was surprised or not.

Husk shrugged and glanced up at her. “Well, you’re not making it hard to guess.”

She nodded. “Yeah, I guess. I’m just kind of getting used to… all this…” she said, gesturing with her hand vaguely around her.

Husk let out something between a scoff and a bitter laugh. “Yeah, it takes a while. It’s a nice place once ya get past the- oh why sugarcoat it, it’s not a nice place at all.” 

They both went silent for a moment. Husk cleaning the bar, the sinner sipping her drink. Husk spoke again without looking up, “Before I forget, you gotta name?” He held up a hand before she could speak, “And, for f***’s sake, don’t give me your real name. Using your real name down here’s dangerous. Come up with a fake one.”

The sinner went quiet for a bit, finally speaking. “Let’s go with… Velvette, for now, I guess. Yours?”

Husk couldn’t help but let out a quick, dry laugh. “Velvette? Seriously?” He shook his head. “The name’s Husk. Remember it or not, I don’t care.”

The sinner – Velvette rolled her eyes with a surprising amount of sass and confidence for a newcomer. “You think my name’s ridiculous? You named yourself after the green part of corn.”

Husk rolled his eyes, successfully hiding his surprise at the newfound-sass Velvette had. “Yeah, well you named yourself after a type of fabric.”

Velvette scoffed and took another sip of her drink. She was quiet in thought for a minute. After taking another sip of her drink, she spoke, “So… I’ve, uh- only been down here for, what, a few days? Do you have… I don’t know, tips or tricks for surviving or something?”

Husk paused his cleaning and thought for a moment. Did he have tips and tricks? Yes. You don’t survive in Hell if you don’t pick up at least a few things. Did he want to share them? Not really. Of course he didn’t. It’s Hell, everyone for themselves. But maybe… he could spare a tip or two, right? Just the necessary ones.

Husk sighed and picked up a glass that was unnecessarily dirty and started cleaning it. “Alright, fine. Only a few basic ones. And listen closely ‘cus I ain’t gonna repeat myself-”

After that day, Velvette came back a few times a week to get tips and tricks, sometimes just to talk or for company. While she wasn’t exactly the nicest (then again, no one really was), Husk decided she was tolerable at the least. Sure, she was a lot, but there was much worse. 

Over time, it got to the point where she came nearly everyday. More than half the days she came just to report gossip, Hell’s latest fashion, etc.. Husk would never admit it, but he began to enjoy her company. And maybe be a bit protective of her. There had been some real creepy ass demons that had come up to Velvette during her gossip session that Husk had to shoo off (did no one know what ‘not interested’ and ‘lesbian’ meant anymore?).

Eventually, though, Velvette abruptly stopped coming, like a switch flipped. It wasn’t a gradual change, just here one minute, gone the next. While Husk was confused because Velvette didn’t mention anything about stopping visiting, he didn’t question it nor let it bother him. People (especially down there) move on fast once they find a better way to spend their time. 

Later he was proved right. Next time he heard Velvette’s name, she was an overlord. A part of the Vees. Meanwhile he was still where he was; in a soul contract that had a death hold on him.

Of course, that’s how it would always be.

____

Husk snapped out of thoughts when he heard a knock on the hotel door.

He looked over and muttered, “The fuck…?” Was someone actually here to be redeemed?

The thought seemed near ridiculous. If someone really did come to the hotel, they had to be concerningly desperate. 

Or it was an attack. That had to be it.

Cautiously, Husk picked up an empty vodka bottle and held it over his head as he approached the door. He was more irritated than anything, honestly. Why the fuck did someone have to interrupt his shitty thought session during his already shitty day?

His cat ears pressed low on his head, he crept closer to the door, resting his hand on the handle. He took a deep breath before swinging the door open, ready to hit the potential enemy.

He froze mid motion. 

Because the sinner at the door wasn’t an enemy. At least it didn’t seem like she was at the moment.

At the door - bruised and bleeding a little - was none other than Velvette.

Chapter Text

Husk stared for a moment, his thoughts trying to catch up with what he was seeing. 

Velvette looked terrible. Her hair - probably once in a high ponytail - was a mess. It was knotted and becoming loose. Her usually put together outfit was wrinkled and disheveled. Not to mention bruises were forming, especially on her right cheek. Her arm had deep cuts, like someone had clawed her arm. Her legs were also scraped.

She didn’t look like the usual all-powerful overlord.

She looked more like the frightened sinner that had walked into the bar all those years ago.

Husk looked behind him just to make sure no one was around. Once he was sure, he slipped outside and closed the door behind him before turning to face her. Husk crossed his arms, “Velvette.”

Despite the state she was in, Velvette met his gaze head on. “Husk.” She gave him a onceover, “Your fashion is shitty, per usual.” Of course Velvette can look like she walked through all seven rings of Hell and back yet still find enough sass to criticize his clothes. Some things never change.

Husk decided to ignore the insult for now. “The Hell happened to you?” 

Velvette didn’t respond. She stared at her feet and crossed her arms.

“Velvette, now is not the time to act tough.” Husk’s gaze sharpened, “What. Happened.”

“Look, things got out of hand with Vox and Val-” She started, only to be immediately cut off by Husk.

“Hold on, those bitches were involved?” Husk asked.

The doll demon groaned, “Ugh, yes, those bitches were involved. Now can I finish, or are you just going to interrupt me again?”

Husk thought for a moment. Surely Charlie wouldn’t mind if he brought Velvette in for a few minutes, right? She was always going on about how he needed to be ‘nicer’ and whatnot. “Finish telling me inside.”

Velvette’s expression morphed to one of confusion. “Really?”

“Wait. You don’t have a VoxTek watch, do you?” Husk asked, raising an eyebrow. After the entire Sir Pentious incident, he couldn’t just let one of the Vees in without a proper check.

“Oh, Hell no! You’d really think I’d walk around with that absolute eyesore on my wrist?!” Velvette exclaimed, mortified.

Well, guess that wasn't something Husk had to worry about.

He grunted and opened the door, “Come on, get inside.” He held open the door for her and scoffed when she hesitated, “For fuck’s sake, the hotel won’t eat you.” He paused. “Probably.”

“Wow. Thank you, Husk. I feel so reassured.” Velvette deadpanned. Despite her remark, she walked in, albeit hesitant. Husk noted how she walked with a slight limp.

Husk sighed and walked in after her. He gestured to the couch by the fireplace, “Sit down. I’ll go get bandages.”

She stared daggers at the couch like it owed her money (or it wore crocs in 2025). And then - probably due to a decision out of spite - she chose to sit by the fireplace. Husk grunted. Close enough. He walked off and a few minutes later came back with bandages and gauze. 

To his numbed surprise, he realised Niffty was not asleep. How did he find this out? He found it out because the little tike was pestering Velvette when he came back.

Well, more like trying to stab her.

The overlord somehow managed to pull herself entirely up onto the fireplace’s mantle, just keeping out of Niffty’s reach. That being said, it wouldn’t be long before she remembered stools existed. Or maybe it would. Either way, Husk wasn’t going to let that happen. For now, anyway.

“Niffty.” Husk called out. “What in Lucifer’s name are you doing?”

Niffty turned to him with a manic grin. “Hi Husk!!! I’m just dealing with an intruder! I’ll be done soon-”

“Go.” Husk said.

The maid pouted, “But Boss said to-”

“I don’t give a damn right now!” Husk exclaimed. He took a quick breath to get his emotions under control and pinched the bridge of his nose. He really needed a drink… “Look, if Alastor gets mad at you, blame me. I’ll deal with him but for the love of bourbon, go to bed.”

Her pout was instantly replaced with a grin. “Okay!” And off she went.

Velvette let out a breath she’d been holding as she climbed down the mantel. Husk managed get a glimpse of a wince she tried to hide, probably due to the pain from her injuries. “Ugh, thank Lucifer, I thought that brat would never leave…” She sat down and pulled out her phone. 

“Yeah, that’s Niffty.” Husk remarked, rolling his eyes. He sat down next to her and just let the quiet take over for a moment. Apparently Velvette’s social media was like a normal person’s cigarette, or maybe she was just trying to find an excuse not to talk. Or maybe it was both. Either way, she didn’t tear her eyes away from that thing.

Husk sighed, “Kid-”

“Not a kid.” Velvette stated, not even bothering to look up at him.

He rolled his eyes, “Velvette, put down the goddamn phone and tell me what happened.”

That only seemed to make her more engrossed in her phone. Eventually, Husk got fed up with her. He reached over and grabbed her phone, turning it off and keeping it out of her reach. 

“Hey-!” Velvette tried to reach for the phone, but Husk held it out of her grasp with one hand and used his free arm to push her back. Apparently, she also craved her phone like a normal person craved a cigarette. 

Husk set the phone down and grabbed Velvette by her shoulders. “Calm down, damnit!” He took a breath and gently(ish) took her arm to bandage, pushing up her sleeve. “Just tell me what happened while I bandage your injured ass.”

Velvette glared in a last attempt but gave up when Husk only glared back. She scoffed and looked away, refusing to meet his gaze. “It started with Vox-”

“That’s a surprise…” Husk mumbled. He knew Vox was bitch, but usually Valentino was the one causing the problems.

“As I was saying,” she continued, “he went batshit crazy.”

Husk scoffed, “So? He’s always batshit crazy. I don’t think-”

Velvette glared. “You don’t think I know that?” She snapped. After a deep breath, she continued. “He did the old man ‘reliving-the-glory-days’ thing.”

Husk couldn’t help but chuckle. The TV was basically a walking midlife crisis on steroids. “Let me guess, he got one of those cybertrucks the new sinners are talking about? Dyed his pixels green?”

“He’s planning to turn all of Hell into a cult.”

…

“The fuck you mean ‘reliving the glory days?’” Husk asked, thoroughly shocked.

Velvette gave a one shoulder shrug. “Vox used to be a cult leader. He wants to use sinners to start some sort of uprising and take over Heaven.”

Alastor failed to mention that during those few times when Husk would ask about his history Vox. Or maybe he did say it and Husk just forgot because hardly two seconds after the question left his mouth, the chain closed around his neck. Either way, he was surprised about Vox being an ex-cult leader, of course, but the more he thought about it, the more it made sense.

There was also, of course, the second part of Velvette’s statement to think about. “He’s planning on doing what with the sinners of Hell?” Husk asked gruffly, more to confirm he heard her correctly.

Velvette rolled her eyes and talked slower like he was a five-year-old. “He wants to use sinners to start some sort of uprising against Heaven. Can you tell me what ‘uprising’ means?”

Husk glared. “This is serious, Velvette.” He sighed as he finished bandaging her right arm. Then she started on her left. “I’ll have to tell Charlie about that later. But for now, tell me how you ended up like- well, this.” He motioned to her less than put together appearance. “A big power grab seems right up your alley.”

She looked off to the side again, a mix of slight sadness and maybe wistfullness. Like she was remembering the event. “At first, it seemed amazing. Ruling Heaven and Hell, angel wings I could tear off and make dresses, it seemed to good to be true.”

“Then what the hell-” He started to ask.

“Listen, Husk. I’m the overlord of social media. Out of everyone, I should know best that if something seems too good to be true, it probably is.” Velvette stated. It was was probably the most reasonable thing she’s ever said. “The more I thought about it, the more fucking insane it sounded. And the more insane the idea sounded, the more insane those two bitches sounded for believing it.”

It made sense. Velvette was much smarter than she seemed. Husk learned that within his first few conversations with her. Her pride and desire for power could easily cloud over her vision (evidence of this: she joined the Vees), but she was level headed enough to know when something was absolutely crazy. 

“What happened next?” Husk asked.

“Well, me being me, obviously I told them that they sounded fucking stupid.” Then Velvette got quiet. “They… well, neither liked that very much-” she vaguely motioned to her injuries, “-as you can clearly see.”

“Kid…”

Velvette shrugged, “It’s fine, honestly. I was knocked out for most of it anyway. I think Val threw a chair at my back at some point.”

Husk choked on his air. “What?” Oh, when he got his hands on that damn moth…

“What, you think I would just lay down and take it otherwise?” Velvette looked half offended. She would’ve probably smacked if she had the energy. “I would’ve skinned the bitches!”

“That’s true,” Husk agreed. He tied off her other arm.

Velvette flexed both her arms. Then she took the bandages out of his hand, “I think I can handle the rest, thank you very much.”

He crossed his arms. “A ‘thank you’ would be nice.”

“I didn’t ask for your help.” Velvette retorted, bandaging one of her legs. “Hell, you could’ve very well left me to rot outside and I wouldn’t give a damn.”

She was probably lying. Velvette would’ve acted like she didn’t care. The hotel was a last resort for her. There was no way she would’ve come either wise. Who knows where she would’ve gone if Husk hadn’t let her in. 

She’s lucky he did. Husk still had mixed feelings about her.

Before either of them could say anything more, the static sound of a radio filled the air. Shadows twisted and familiar green symbols appeared, and soon after them, the Radio Demon.

Alastor’s ever present grin seemed even sharper than usual. “Now isn’t this interesting?”