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Husk flew through the hallways of V Tower, quiet yet quick.
The plan was simple. Charlie distracts Vox by acting defeated. Cherri and Vaggie try to destroy the device- with Vaggie’s skill and Cherri’s explosives, that seems easy enough, if a bit loud. Nifty and whats-his-face hack into the servers- honestly Husk didn’t care about him enough to remember his name. He had other things to worry about, mainly his task: Husk finds and saves Angel Dust.
Based on what Cherri told him, Angel should be in Valentino’s private suite. Just thinking about that name made him involuntarily growl. Just what was he doing to Angel while he was lost in this place? What all has Val done to him?
He flew quicker and quicker, before stopping in front of a fancy door, already ajar. He peeked in, careful not to make a noise.
Angel Dust was sitting perfectly straight, facing towards the door. His eyes were shut.
It was uncanny, the sight of him perfectly poised. It almost reminded Husk of one of Valentino’s robots, made solely for pleasing him.
“I know you’re there.” Angel said pointedly.
It took a second to realize he was talking to Husk.
Husk snuck into the room and walked unsteadily towards him.
“Angel, are you… okay?” He tried. Clearly he wasn’t, looking closer. He had some pink liquid going down his mouth, and his clothes were ragged. He was still wearing his outfit from Vox’s TV special yesterday. How long has he been in here?
“I’m alright.” Angel said. Something was off. His voice didn't sound right. He hasn’t moved, his eyes are still shut. Why are they still shut? Husk took a step back, as much as he wanted to come closer.
“Angel, open your eyes.”
Angel complied.
His eyes were a bright red, a black spiral still spinning as he stared at Husk.
He’s still being controlled.
“Oh, Angel…” Husk whispered. Is Angel even conscious in there? Will he try to attack if Husk tried to help? His ears dropped, before flicking straight up with a realization.
Husk didn't know how Vox’s hypnosis worked. Does this mean that Vox knew where he was?
Did this ruin the plan?
“Angel, does Vox know where I am?” Husk asked. He didn’t know if Angel was violent right now, but he hasn’t moved once. He hasn’t made any threats. If anything, he seemed… complacent.
Why did that make Husk feel worse?
Angel gave a soft smile. “Vox doesn’t know. He doesn’t have to know.” With that, Angel stood up.
Husk instinctively pulled three rings out of his pocket. He really didn’t want to use his powers on Angel, but if he needed to fight him, he would-
Angel bent down in front of him and softly kissed his head. He couldn’t control the sudden red his fur turned into. At least Angel’s pink lipstick stain matched the blush on his face.
“I- uh, Angel?”
Angel leaned forward, one of his arms caressing Husk’s face.
“I know you want this.” Angel whispered.
Husk gulped. He knew he was right. He didn’t want to admit it, but god, he was right. Husk had wanted this for a long time. Sweat ran down his face. He couldn’t help but think about that night in the casino, Angel’s beautiful song as he graciously walked across the room. He thought about that night outside the bar, shooting up those gangsters. He looked back at those memories fondly.
This is the only shame he truly had, something he’d never share with anyone besides the local sex shop’s pornography section and God. He truly loved Angel, and he wanted Angel to love him the same. Maybe even harder, deeper…
But…
“Not like this.” Husk leaned away.
God, he wanted Angel Dust so bad. The things he’s thought about him would send him deeper into hell.
But this isn’t Angel. This version of him wasn’t, anyway. This version was robotic, made to please people.
Husk could see the real Angel underneath all of this.
The new bags under his eyes. The way his legs shook as he stood. The way his clothes were torn, the bruises around his lips, the scratch on his cheek from a sharp claw.
That version of him, the real him, was tired.
The real Angel doesn’t want this. Not like this. So Husk didn't either.
“Come on, furball. Why the tough guy act? This is what I’m here for.” Angel said, still smiling that horribly perfect smile.
Husk sighed hearing that nickname. He loved hearing it, but not here.
“Sorry in advance.” He said.
He lifted up his hat, facing the inside towards Angel.
A blast of water shot out of it. The pressure threw Angel into the couch with a loud shriek.
Husk walked slowly towards him as more water shot out. The water slowed until it ended with a couple drips, Husk standing over Angel.
Angel looked up at him nauseously.
Husk finally recognized his eyes. Milky white, with a bright pink pupil.
“There’s my Angel.” He whispered, kneeling down to him.
“Ugh… what-“ Angel, the real Angel, started to say. Husk shushed him.
“Don’t speak, you’ll throw up. Let’s get out of here.”
Husk heaved Angel onto his shoulder and quickly sped out of the suite.