[Damn it, Husk. You're supposed to be the smart one here. That's what part of Angel had been counting on -- the constant push-pull they'd established, where one is too much and the other too little. That's what had kept them at a distance all this time, after all. But then -- that night on the street, when Angel's last wall had crumbled and Husk had seen him. Seen him like nobody else in Hell had, not for nearly a goddamn century.
Husk still sees him, turning and nuzzling his palm with another of those soft sound, his voice like the best whiskey burn, his smile unflinching. Fearless. Like there isn't the threat of Alastor or Valention lurking in the background of every move they make. Like this could actually be something. Angel knows better. He knows. He -- knows, and yet --]
Fuck it. [It's soft, in that space between them, in that moment before he leans forward and kisses Husk, firm and honest and unflinching. Like it's the end of some long, pleasant date, like Husk had taken his coat and listened to him ramble and walked him up to his front door. Like they're just two people, two normal, living, average guys who are allowed to do whatever they want, whenever they want.
[Husk doesn't want to be the smart one this time. He wants to do something stupid and reckless that will inevitably get them into a lot of fucking trouble. He wants to be happy, for once in his miserable existence and more importantly, he wants Angel to be happy.
Because they do know each other, quite possibly more than anyone has ever known either of them before. The push and pull was good for a time. Smart. Kept the distance. But has the months rolled on from that fateful night the distance became harder and harder to maintain. It wasn't so easy to push or pull when you desperately wanted to go in the same direction as the other.
Because Husk did see Angel. He saw every part of him, good and bad, and he wanted so much more of that in his life. The thought of not having that, him, in his miserable existence felt... wrong, now. He wanted everything that Angel was willing to give him- wanted to be there for the moments of mirth when one of the residents did something stupid they could openly laugh at together, and for the moments when Angel came home, bruised and exhausted and needing someone to lean on, to make the weight of what he has to go through less. Husk wants all of it.
So Husk is happy to return that kiss, reckless and stupid as it might be. He presses carefully into it, not pushing or demanding- not trying to make it more than what it is. He knows that's important- to tread the careful tightrope between letting Angel know he wants this while also being sure the ball was very much in the other's court. Angel gets used and commanded too fuckin' much, it was about time he got to choose something. Besides... this was nice. Simple. Already comfortable and familiar, like jigsaw pieces slotting into place- like they belonged like this. Together. ]
[It had seemed so insurmountable in his mind, the possibility of this -- of kissing someone not for the camera, not because he had to, not because he was high out of his mind on Love Potion, but because he wanted to -- that Angel's a little surprised when the afterlife doesn't come to a screeching halt. Nothing happens. Nothing breaks. Nothing falls apart because he did something for himself, for someone else, someone who wasn't Val.
It's enough that he actually laughs a little when he pulls away to breathe, just enough for that, forehead resting against Husk's, wanting to stay in that fuzzy, whiskey-flavored warmth as long as he can. Somehow one of his hands had drifted to Husk's shoulder, another still on his face, another still curled around one of his suspenders. The benefits of having so many limbs.
One more is still pressing the ice in place, and when Angel leans forward, it twinges his bad shoulder and he winces a little, gritting his teeth, brought back to the real world.] Fuck, I -- sorry. Sorry. [He looks up, clarity seeping in, fear and unease and anxiety building like a roiling storm. Angel remembers where they are, who they are, how -- impossible this is. Part of him is waiting for Husk to realize it, to shove him away.]
[The world doesn't fall apart- the stupid hotel doesn't even fall apart. It's just them, standing there, after doing something reckless and stupid and impossible. There's no crackle of radio static, no sudden appearance of chains around either of them. They flew under the radar and Husk is stupid enough to let a tiny sliver of hope into his chest that maybe they can keep flying under it.
A smile tugs at his lips when he hears Angel laugh. Oh, the things he would do to hear that again- a proper, genuine laugh. Not the shit he puts on when he's flirting with people or acting. It feels wonderful to hear it- pools somewhere in his chest and stays there. He's happy to help his forehead against Angel's soft and comfortable- a mutual safe haven. He's lost track of the fucking arms, but that's fine. He can live with that.
He only pulls back a little when Angel winces, his ears slowly pulling back as he sees the anxiety and fear settling into the other's expression. This is stupidly dangerous and it will probably get them both killed, but Husk is finding it desperately hard to care about that. Instead, his hand moves up to brush against the soft fluff of Angel's cheek, his thumb just against the corner of his mouth.]
Why? I'm not.
[Sorry. Not even for a fucking second. There are outside forces that will absolutely and categorically not tolerate this- who will make their lives ever harder for daring to step out of line here. Chase something they should not be allowed to have. But even then, he can't be sorry for this. He won't be. ]
[It's smooth enough that Angel wheezes out another laugh, tilting his head into Husk's hand like he's never been touched before, like he's starved for it. Maybe he is. Maybe it hasn't counted, until now. It's so much to think about, how one kiss, one gentle touch to his cheek can completely blot out decades of performative, drug-induced physical contact of every possible variety.
So instead he just thinks about his answer, about how the world -- such as it is -- continues to turn, how neither Alastor or Valentino are appearing out of the shadows to crash cataclysmic against the two of them. He nuzzles into Husk's hand, closes his eyes.]
Nah, I ain't. Just sorry for...for not doin' that sooner? For makin' ya wait so long? [A shrug, a kiss to the pad of Husks's palm.] For bein' such a damn mess all the time.
[Angel's laugh pulls one of his own out of Husk- deep and rumbling. His hand curls in a little at the kiss to his pad, the claws brushing carefully through the fuzz on his cheek. The world didn't end, neither of them are double dead for this, it's... fine. Dangerous, he allows a tiny sliver of hope into his chest that maybe, just maybe they'll be allowed to be happy. Just this fuckin' once. ]
S'okay. I didn't mind the wait- it was about damn time you got to decide when you wanted to do something.
[Honestly, Husk understands what a big deal it is that Angel did choose to do this. He could have just as easily not- and Husk would have understood that. He'd have been disappointed, to be certain- but he'd take a little heartbreak over Angel feeling obligated to take that final step any day. He snorts in amusement at the mess comment, reaching up with his free hand to flip up that ridiculous mess of hair on top of Angel's head.]
I told you, I like the mess. It's part of your charm. 'Sides, ain't like I'm much better. We can both be damn messes together. That's the deal, right?
[Being losers. Together. Speaking of... Husk is too much of a realist to ignore the giant, fucking elephant in the room. His feathery brows furrow, the smile fading into his usual despondent tiredness. The hand that had been messing with Angel's hair moves to take a hand, lacing their fingers together in one fluid motion. ]
...They'll fuckin' kill us if they catch us.
[If. Suggesting he isn't planning to just... drop this. He doesn't want to do that. He categorically doesn't do that. ]
We're gonna have to be real fuckin' careful, Legs.
Yeah. Yeah, that's the deal. [Angel's had the biggest, most powerful movers and shakers in Hell itself telling him how gorgeous he is, how sexy and hot and irresistible, and he's taken it all in stride -- but when Husk says it, when this cranky old-timey catbird bartender calls him charming, says he likes Angel, it's like a bolt right to the hot. He's blushing for fuck's sake, laughing in that genuine, warm way he hasn't in fucking decades.
And when Husk moves a hand, takes Angel's own, and says the truth, the fact that they both need to be aware of, Angel's first instinct is to say who the fuck cares? Let them. Let anyone try to stop this thing that's already soaring free like some kinda goddamn bird. Angel hadn't been able to, nobody in Hell is gonna either.
But Husk is practical, he's a gambler, but he's a good one. He knows all about odds. So Angel has to be smart too, has to be careful. Val would probably just lose his shit and throw a temper tantrum and that'll be that. Angel's dealt with that before. But Alastor could take Husk's entire soul apart, bit by bit, marrow and sinew shredded with deadly precision.] Yeah, you're tellin' me. This is really damn dangerous, Whiskers.
[Then he leans forward, rests his forehead against Husk's again, feeling like he's going to jump out of his skin if he doesn't stay as close as possible.] So, yaknow. We should prolly get behind closed doors. Like...my room or somethin'. [So smooth.]
[Husk means every word, naturally. He's one for brutal honesty regardless, but he says these things to Angel with no expectation they will lead him anywhere. They're not a prelude to get him into bed, unlike those other slimy fuckers - it's enough for Husk that he gets to tell Angel this at all. He clocks the blush and his nose wrinkles in amusement- fuckin' adorable.
He wishes he could throw caution completely to the wind. He wishes they could just... fuck off and never look back. But their respective owners will always find them. Hell, Alastor can summon Husk to his side with a snap of his fuckin' fingers. Just doing whatever the fuck they want is so enticing, but ultimately impossible. Husk can only let so much optimism into his crusty old heart and he's about hit his limit letting Angel kiss him.
Truth be told, he's not even that worried about what Alastor would to do him. He's been threatened with the total destruction of his soul more times than he care count. He knows one day Alastor will tire of whatever made him spare Husk's life above the other Overlords he toppled and that will be the end of it. It's painfully inevitable. But god, if he isn't terrified about what Alastor might do to Angel. What lengths the Radio Demon would go to, to snuff out the one spark of happiness Husk has dared to find.
Angel rests his head against Husk's again and it honestly feels so nice, like being enveloped in a comfortable blanket. His chest rumbles for a brief moment as a few purrs escape- something he tries to cover up with a cleared throat and a snort of laughter at Angel's words. ]
Fuckin' smooth. [Yes he will call it out. He gives Angel's hand a squeeze- a few months ago such an invitation would have been cause for an immediate rebuttal. Not now though.] ...Yeah, that's prolly a good idea. Don't need no one gawking at us.
[Similarly, Angel's fears are more for Husk -- and he knows damn well that if Charlie knew about this, about them, she'd first be over-the-moon delighted (look at Pentious and Cherri), but then she'd definitely point out how him being more worried for Husk is some sort of sign of redemption. Wouldn't that be something, having his actual redemption be something that might ruin his afterlife?
Still, looking at Husk, trying to hide the (incredibly obvious) purring, Angel thinks: what kinda afterlife doesn't have this? Doesn't have him?
So he smiles, standing up slowly, still gingerly. Even if he wasn't trying to be cautious, trying to give this thing between them time, Angel doesn't think the aches and pains in his body would let him get too frisky. But curling up under the covers with Husk, cuddling up to him, talking in hushed voices so nobody passing by could overhear...that sounds pretty damn nice.]
Yeah, had enough'a bein' watched for today. [He doesn't let go of Husk's hand, not for an intstant, like part of him's worried he might vanish.] I'm the smoothest bitch in Hell, Kittycat, thought ya knew that.
[Husk would be lying if he hadn't thought about it. After all, the whole point of Angel being here was to get him redeemed and sent back to Heaven. Hell, Angel is the reason Husk thinks it's even possible- that a soul can change and do better because he has been doing so much better. Angel has been coming on leaps and bounds since they arrived in this stupid fuckin' passion project of Charlie's. Husk has been glad to see it- he's encouraged it.
As time has gone on, Husk has felt an unsettling ache in his chest. He has no delusions that he would ever be redeemed and get to Heaven. He's trodden a dark and nasty road- especially as an Overlord. He's pretty sure he's stuck here. He can work out the math there. It means one day Angel will get up to Heaven and he'll just be here. Stuck with Alastor. Forever. It's a miserable thought, really- but he tries to push it to the back of his mind whenever it rears its ugly head. Angel deserves to get out of here and have a fuckin' shot at happiness. He can't let his own feelings on the matter muddy those waters.
So, here he stays. Encouraging Angel on the path he's on so he can get out of the literal Hellhole. His own feelings on the matter be damned.
Honestly, even if Angel was in the mood, Husk would likely turn him down- at least tonight. They got time. Probably. Curling up under the covers and cuddling up honestly sounds... so much nicer than he's used to. Something nicer than he's had in a damn long time. He doesn't mind the hand-holding and makes no move to break the contact as he walks with Angel towards the spider-demon's room. He doesn't even pick up a bottle of booze to take with him. ]
You keep telling yourself that. [His tone is definitely teasing, no venom.] Maybe one day I might believe it.
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Date: 2024-04-13 12:14 am (UTC)Husk still sees him, turning and nuzzling his palm with another of those soft sound, his voice like the best whiskey burn, his smile unflinching. Fearless. Like there isn't the threat of Alastor or Valention lurking in the background of every move they make. Like this could actually be something. Angel knows better. He knows. He -- knows, and yet --]
Fuck it. [It's soft, in that space between them, in that moment before he leans forward and kisses Husk, firm and honest and unflinching. Like it's the end of some long, pleasant date, like Husk had taken his coat and listened to him ramble and walked him up to his front door. Like they're just two people, two normal, living, average guys who are allowed to do whatever they want, whenever they want.
Angel kisses Husk like Anthony would.]
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Date: 2024-04-13 04:57 pm (UTC)Because they do know each other, quite possibly more than anyone has ever known either of them before. The push and pull was good for a time. Smart. Kept the distance. But has the months rolled on from that fateful night the distance became harder and harder to maintain. It wasn't so easy to push or pull when you desperately wanted to go in the same direction as the other.
Because Husk did see Angel. He saw every part of him, good and bad, and he wanted so much more of that in his life. The thought of not having that, him, in his miserable existence felt... wrong, now. He wanted everything that Angel was willing to give him- wanted to be there for the moments of mirth when one of the residents did something stupid they could openly laugh at together, and for the moments when Angel came home, bruised and exhausted and needing someone to lean on, to make the weight of what he has to go through less. Husk wants all of it.
So Husk is happy to return that kiss, reckless and stupid as it might be. He presses carefully into it, not pushing or demanding- not trying to make it more than what it is. He knows that's important- to tread the careful tightrope between letting Angel know he wants this while also being sure the ball was very much in the other's court. Angel gets used and commanded too fuckin' much, it was about time he got to choose something. Besides... this was nice. Simple. Already comfortable and familiar, like jigsaw pieces slotting into place- like they belonged like this. Together. ]
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Date: 2024-04-15 12:37 am (UTC)It's enough that he actually laughs a little when he pulls away to breathe, just enough for that, forehead resting against Husk's, wanting to stay in that fuzzy, whiskey-flavored warmth as long as he can. Somehow one of his hands had drifted to Husk's shoulder, another still on his face, another still curled around one of his suspenders. The benefits of having so many limbs.
One more is still pressing the ice in place, and when Angel leans forward, it twinges his bad shoulder and he winces a little, gritting his teeth, brought back to the real world.] Fuck, I -- sorry. Sorry. [He looks up, clarity seeping in, fear and unease and anxiety building like a roiling storm. Angel remembers where they are, who they are, how -- impossible this is. Part of him is waiting for Husk to realize it, to shove him away.]
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Date: 2024-04-15 07:53 pm (UTC)A smile tugs at his lips when he hears Angel laugh. Oh, the things he would do to hear that again- a proper, genuine laugh. Not the shit he puts on when he's flirting with people or acting. It feels wonderful to hear it- pools somewhere in his chest and stays there. He's happy to help his forehead against Angel's soft and comfortable- a mutual safe haven. He's lost track of the fucking arms, but that's fine. He can live with that.
He only pulls back a little when Angel winces, his ears slowly pulling back as he sees the anxiety and fear settling into the other's expression. This is stupidly dangerous and it will probably get them both killed, but Husk is finding it desperately hard to care about that. Instead, his hand moves up to brush against the soft fluff of Angel's cheek, his thumb just against the corner of his mouth.]
Why? I'm not.
[Sorry. Not even for a fucking second. There are outside forces that will absolutely and categorically not tolerate this- who will make their lives ever harder for daring to step out of line here. Chase something they should not be allowed to have. But even then, he can't be sorry for this. He won't be. ]
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Date: 2024-04-18 01:02 am (UTC)So instead he just thinks about his answer, about how the world -- such as it is -- continues to turn, how neither Alastor or Valentino are appearing out of the shadows to crash cataclysmic against the two of them. He nuzzles into Husk's hand, closes his eyes.]
Nah, I ain't. Just sorry for...for not doin' that sooner? For makin' ya wait so long? [A shrug, a kiss to the pad of Husks's palm.] For bein' such a damn mess all the time.
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Date: 2024-04-19 11:15 pm (UTC)S'okay. I didn't mind the wait- it was about damn time you got to decide when you wanted to do something.
[Honestly, Husk understands what a big deal it is that Angel did choose to do this. He could have just as easily not- and Husk would have understood that. He'd have been disappointed, to be certain- but he'd take a little heartbreak over Angel feeling obligated to take that final step any day. He snorts in amusement at the mess comment, reaching up with his free hand to flip up that ridiculous mess of hair on top of Angel's head.]
I told you, I like the mess. It's part of your charm. 'Sides, ain't like I'm much better. We can both be damn messes together. That's the deal, right?
[Being losers. Together. Speaking of... Husk is too much of a realist to ignore the giant, fucking elephant in the room. His feathery brows furrow, the smile fading into his usual despondent tiredness. The hand that had been messing with Angel's hair moves to take a hand, lacing their fingers together in one fluid motion. ]
...They'll fuckin' kill us if they catch us.
[If. Suggesting he isn't planning to just... drop this. He doesn't want to do that. He categorically doesn't do that. ]
We're gonna have to be real fuckin' careful, Legs.
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Date: 2024-04-21 01:15 am (UTC)And when Husk moves a hand, takes Angel's own, and says the truth, the fact that they both need to be aware of, Angel's first instinct is to say who the fuck cares? Let them. Let anyone try to stop this thing that's already soaring free like some kinda goddamn bird. Angel hadn't been able to, nobody in Hell is gonna either.
But Husk is practical, he's a gambler, but he's a good one. He knows all about odds. So Angel has to be smart too, has to be careful. Val would probably just lose his shit and throw a temper tantrum and that'll be that. Angel's dealt with that before. But Alastor could take Husk's entire soul apart, bit by bit, marrow and sinew shredded with deadly precision.] Yeah, you're tellin' me. This is really damn dangerous, Whiskers.
[Then he leans forward, rests his forehead against Husk's again, feeling like he's going to jump out of his skin if he doesn't stay as close as possible.] So, yaknow. We should prolly get behind closed doors. Like...my room or somethin'. [So smooth.]
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Date: 2024-04-21 06:59 pm (UTC)He wishes he could throw caution completely to the wind. He wishes they could just... fuck off and never look back. But their respective owners will always find them. Hell, Alastor can summon Husk to his side with a snap of his fuckin' fingers. Just doing whatever the fuck they want is so enticing, but ultimately impossible. Husk can only let so much optimism into his crusty old heart and he's about hit his limit letting Angel kiss him.
Truth be told, he's not even that worried about what Alastor would to do him. He's been threatened with the total destruction of his soul more times than he care count. He knows one day Alastor will tire of whatever made him spare Husk's life above the other Overlords he toppled and that will be the end of it. It's painfully inevitable. But god, if he isn't terrified about what Alastor might do to Angel. What lengths the Radio Demon would go to, to snuff out the one spark of happiness Husk has dared to find.
Angel rests his head against Husk's again and it honestly feels so nice, like being enveloped in a comfortable blanket. His chest rumbles for a brief moment as a few purrs escape- something he tries to cover up with a cleared throat and a snort of laughter at Angel's words. ]
Fuckin' smooth. [Yes he will call it out. He gives Angel's hand a squeeze- a few months ago such an invitation would have been cause for an immediate rebuttal. Not now though.] ...Yeah, that's prolly a good idea. Don't need no one gawking at us.
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Date: 2024-04-22 01:23 am (UTC)Still, looking at Husk, trying to hide the (incredibly obvious) purring, Angel thinks: what kinda afterlife doesn't have this? Doesn't have him?
So he smiles, standing up slowly, still gingerly. Even if he wasn't trying to be cautious, trying to give this thing between them time, Angel doesn't think the aches and pains in his body would let him get too frisky. But curling up under the covers with Husk, cuddling up to him, talking in hushed voices so nobody passing by could overhear...that sounds pretty damn nice.]
Yeah, had enough'a bein' watched for today. [He doesn't let go of Husk's hand, not for an intstant, like part of him's worried he might vanish.] I'm the smoothest bitch in Hell, Kittycat, thought ya knew that.
no subject
Date: 2024-04-22 09:44 pm (UTC)As time has gone on, Husk has felt an unsettling ache in his chest. He has no delusions that he would ever be redeemed and get to Heaven. He's trodden a dark and nasty road- especially as an Overlord. He's pretty sure he's stuck here. He can work out the math there. It means one day Angel will get up to Heaven and he'll just be here. Stuck with Alastor. Forever. It's a miserable thought, really- but he tries to push it to the back of his mind whenever it rears its ugly head. Angel deserves to get out of here and have a fuckin' shot at happiness. He can't let his own feelings on the matter muddy those waters.
So, here he stays. Encouraging Angel on the path he's on so he can get out of the literal Hellhole. His own feelings on the matter be damned.
Honestly, even if Angel was in the mood, Husk would likely turn him down- at least tonight. They got time. Probably. Curling up under the covers and cuddling up honestly sounds... so much nicer than he's used to. Something nicer than he's had in a damn long time. He doesn't mind the hand-holding and makes no move to break the contact as he walks with Angel towards the spider-demon's room. He doesn't even pick up a bottle of booze to take with him. ]
You keep telling yourself that. [His tone is definitely teasing, no venom.] Maybe one day I might believe it.