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Husk and Angel Dust had fallen into a pretty comfortable routine over the past few months. It had come so naturally that neither of them really noticed. With the influx of new guests, the hotel was busier than usual… But even then, Husk and Angel always found a way to focus on each other.
If Angel was at the hotel, you'd more than likely find him at the bar. He wasn't drinking constantly— not anymore, at least. He was just sitting there, keeping his favourite bartender company. Angel kept Husk distracted as he made drinks for the other guests, and Husk entertained his little jokes.
…When they didn't get a little too risqué.
Angel was still learning where the line was. But he had made great progress, keeping his hands mostly to himself unless he knew Husk was comfortable with the touch. And that didn't go only for Angel, Husk had improved as well. He knew his words could be a little too harsh at times and was fixing that. Without noticing, both of them were changing. In great part thanks to each other.
And their banter didn't end once the guests were in their rooms.
More often than not, Husk and Angel would lose themselves in their conversations late into the night. Sometimes, it was an accident for both of them. Other days, one was well aware of the time but simply did not want to stop talking. Most of the time, though? Both knew damn well. But of course, they didn't know that about the other.
This was their time. And they cherished it more than either of them wanted to admit.
“But that ain't all, whiskers. Shit got even worse,” Angel said, in the middle of telling Husk a story about his most recent shoot.
“Really now?” Husk asked, lifting up one of his large eyebrows. “What else did that dumb fuck do?”
“Fuckin’ ripped apart my co-star, that's what,” Angel sighed dramatically. "And worst thing is, I kinda liked the guy! Val finally finds a sucka that can keep up with me without being a fuckin’ weirdo and he decides this is the one he gotta take his anger out on,” Angel took a sip of the drink Husk had prepared for him a few minutes ago. “Then he stormed off. At least I got to leave the studio early.”
Husk chuckled. “Yeah. Was wonderin’ what you were doing here early. Guess that explains it pretty well. Can't believe you gotta take orders from a guy with the emotional intelligence of a two year old.”
Angel snorted slightly. “Right? Should have sold my soul to someone who didn't throw literal fuckin’ tantrums. But hey, I came outta this one unharmed. You won't find me complainin’ bout that.”
Husk paused his movements for the briefest of seconds, his glass not connecting with his lips as he processed Angel’s words for a moment. “Right,” He replied, before finally taking a sip. Angel had intended it as a joke, and Husk could tell. But the implication of those words hung heavy on the air.
Angel cleared his throat. “But, anyways— how bout you, kitty? Been busy lately, huh?”
“I guess,” He shrugged, choosing to go along with the change of subject. “Busier than I used to be for sure. But it ain't that bad. These fuckers are annoying as shit, but I've seen worse. Nothing that a bottle of cheap booze can't help me power through.”
“Awww, is that the only thing helping your days be a lil lighter? C’mon… I thought I was doing a real good job at keeping the sad, lonely bartender company,” Angel leaned over the counter, placing the elbows of his top arms on it and letting his head rest on his hands. He fluttered his eyelashes at the shorter man.
Husk couldn't help but grin. “Yeah, just the booze. Not like you do shit to help me ‘round here, legs. You could start helping me serve the drinks.”
“Fuck no! I'm here for emotional support, baby,” Angel changed positions quickly, striking a seductive pose that involved his legs crossing over the counter. “And a lil bit of eye candy, of course.”
“Get those off,” Husk said, rolling his eyes as Angel grinned at his words. This fucking guy… He always managed to twist whatever he said into an innuendo. “I mean your legs, Angel. For fuck’s sake…” He grumbled as Angel did what he was told. Husk immediately started wiping the counter with his trusty rag.
“Aw man, and here I was gettin’ all excited…” He fake pouted. “Aye, toots. You don't need to give that such a deep clean. I'm sure some of the people that have been comin’ here lately would kill to—”
“Whatever you're ‘bout to say, don't. I don't wanna hear it,” Husk cut him off.
Angel closed his mouth, but he couldn't help the laugh that rose from his throat. “Fiiiineeuh! I'll keep my pretty mouth shut for you, kitten.”
For once, Angel Dust shut up. For a few minutes, neither of them spoke. Angel watched curiously as Husk began humming contently, even turning around to sort the bottles in his bar at one point.
“You're a huge asshole,” Angel finally spoke again, his words not carrying any real bite to them.
“And why's that, kid?” Husk asked, nonchalantly but with an obvious hint of playfulness. “You're the one who said you'd be shutting the fuck up. I was enjoying it.”
“Ohoho, I see how it is. Very funny, whiskers. I was waitin’ for you to be like… Nooo Angie! I miss your sweet, sweet voice… Whisper into my ears just one last time…” He put his hand over his forehead, leaning back dramatically. But, before he could think—
THUMP!
The feathers of Husk's wings ruffled at the sound. He damn near dropped the bottle he was holding, managing to quickly leave it in place without it falling before he rushed to look over the counter.
“Ow…” Angel groaned from before, rubbing his head slightly. His eyes opened, seeing Husk's concerned face looking down at him. He quickly recovered from his fall, deciding to stretch into a sultry little pose. “Heeey handsome.”
Husk's expression shifted, concern turning into amusement. “Get your ass up.”
“Get my ass up yourself,” He made a paw motion with his hand, followed by his best attempt at a meow.
“Dumbass,” Husk chuckled softly, his eyes surprisingly soft as he looked down at Angel. He enjoyed the little stunts he pulled, even though he'd never admit it. When they didn't go too far, he found it fun to go along with them. “C’mon. You're gonna ruin the pretty little number you got on today if you stay on that dirty ass floor. Niff's got work to do tomorrow, that's for sure. Wonder where she's been today,” Husk extended Angel his paw.
Angel’s heart fluttered slightly at the combination of the tender gaze, and the worry over his clothes. He quite liked what he was wearing that day. After returning from the failed shoot, he had put on a comfortable sweater that showed off his shoulders, along with some shorts and thigh highs. Pretty standard for him, really. He liked wearing comfortable clothes in the hotel.
But something about Husk calling it a pretty little number did something to him.
“Thank you, whiskers,” Angel took Husk's hand. “Donno what I'd do without you,” He said, his words lacking his usual bravado for a moment before he adjusted his seat properly again. He took another sip of his drink. “Shoot, it's gettin’ late again, ain't it?”
“Oh, yeah. Suppose so,” Husk agreed. Even then… They both stayed quiet.
“We should prolly head to bed and shit. Get our beauty sleep,” Angel replied. Still… Silence again.
“Mhm, yeah. Our beauty sleep. Sure helps me,” He let out a small huff of laughter. “That's more of a you thing than an us thing, legs.”
“Whatever. Bed time is bed time,” Angel got up from his seat, but he was finding it really difficult to actually leave. Maybe if he just… “Hey, kitten?”
“Hm?” Husk replied, starting to put everything away. His ear twitched with interest. He should really stop him from calling him that nickname anymore, though. He wouldn't, but like… He should.
“You wanna, just… I donno. Come to my room? And before you say anythin’—” He lifted up one of his plenty index finders. “No funny stuff, promise. I mean, unless you wanted it. But, like— that's another thing. I'm sayin’ that's not what I want from yiu here.”
“What do you want, then? I'm hearin’,” Husk replied, amused. Why would Angel want him in his room for anything else?
“We couuuuld… Watch something together. I donno, movie… Documentary?... Somethin’ they got on the TV right now,” The spider shrugged. His words were a little more mumbled than usual.
Husk looked up at the taller man. He trusted him enough to know that he wouldn't try anything with him without his consent. He wasn't scared of that. But he still couldn't help but find the invitation peculiar. “Thought you wanted to sleep.”
“You thought wrong. You comin’ or not?” Angel asked directly.
Husk hummed as he looked at Angel. While the man seemed casual, he could tell there was some nervousness there. Husk understood it. Angel barely ever let anyone in his room besides Cherri, Fat Nuggets… And Nifty. But that's a problem for everyone in the hotel. You never know if she's in your room. Seriously, how does she do it? And where has she been today?
“Sure, why not. Haven't watched TV in a while. Let's go, legs,” Husk decided that whatever was out of order still would be a problem for future him. He followed Angel up the stairs and through the halls. He kept noticing a nervous energy from Angel, but he didn't want to overthink it. This was just their first hangout at either of their rooms. That's all.
“Oh, right. Should prolly warn you. It's bright in here,” Angel slowly opened the door.
“But you— holy shit,” Whatever Husk was going to say got interrupted by the violently neon pink room. Wow. It really did need the warning. Why were all of those lights on? “Legs… What's this shit? Turn 'em off while you're not in your room.”
Angel snorted. “Baby, this hotel is owned by the literal princess of hell. I don't think it matters if I keep 'em on or nah. She can pay the bills!” He chirped as he walked over to the bed, flopping onto it. “You like?”
“It's, uh. It's very you,” The shorter man replied.
“But do you like it?” Angel asked again, already expecting the answer.
“Not really, sorry kid. Not exactly my style,” He walked over to the bed, sitting down on the edge of it and looking at Angel expectantly.
… Oooh right. Silly Angel. Husk wouldn't just jump into cuddles, even if they're innocent. He has to go slow… And he most definitely will. Angel is a very affectionate guy— whenever he's not at the bar, he has Cherri on top of him as they snicker away. But he didn't know how much Husk enjoyed that sort of thing. And the last thing he wanted was to push him.
Even though he REALLY wants to touch those ears already. But he's come to accept he's gonna need more friendship points for that one.
“So… Any preferences on what we should watch?” Angel questioned, deciding to sit up.
“Ehh, nah. I couldn't care less 'bout TV. Everything on it is shit anyways,” Husk shrugged.
“Right, yeah. I pick then,” Angel couldn't help but feel a little awkward. And he could tell Husk felt it too. They both wanted to hang out, but they had never done it in such an intimate manner. Angel kept his composure as he reached for the remote, turning on the TV. “For your information, I love trash TV.”
“You would,” Husk chuckled. “What, you gon’ make me watch some kinda hellelenovela bullshit?” Husk asked sarcastically.
Angel dust grinned.
“Angel— no. I ain't watching that shit,” Husk pinched the bridge of his nose.
“You areeee! Thanks for the idea, babycakes,” The tall man giggled, knowing exactly what to put on now. He absolutely loved trashy hellelenovelas, especially catching random episodes he had no context for. They were always the funniest. Once he found what he was searching for, Angel whistled, making Husk's left ear twitch slightly. “C’mere baby, where are you?” Angel lifted himself up from the bed. Husk found himself confused for a moment, and then—
He heard a small snort. Ah, that makes sense. Angel was searching for Fat Nuggets. Husk took this as the chance to scoot over closer to where Angel was sitting earlier, instead of staying at the edge of the bed awkwardly.
“Nuggs! You under the bed again?” The snort was heard again. Angel reached out under the bed, pulling out the chubby little pig into his arms. “We got company tonight. Fun, eh?” Angel settled back on the bed, apparently not registering the fact Husk had changed where he was sitting. “Ain't he the cutest? C’mon, give him sum lovin’!” Angel basically forced Fat Nuggets into Husk's arms with a grin.
“Uh—” Husk blinked, now holding onto Fat Nuggets. “Hey. You,” Husk carefully moved his claw to Fat Nugget's head, petting him gently. The pig seemed to enjoy it.
“Awwwee, knew you two loved eachother!” Angel smiled, looking at Fat Nuggets. His gaze lifted up to Husk's face, who was still staring at the pig. Angel felt his heart beat slightly faster at the sight, finally realising how close he and Husk were now. He snapped his gaze away to the TV, and Husk did the same.
“You really gonna force me to cuddle your pig while we watch this garbage?” Husk grumbled.
“Yea. He loves you. And you can't say no to that lil face!” Angel giggled.
Husk stared back down at Fat Nuggets, scrunching up his nose slightly. He lifted his eyes up, ready to make some sort of snarky comment about his pig not being cute enough for that and—
Oh.
Angel was staring at him so… Warmly. Husk's words caught in his throat. Now that's a face you can't say no to, husk thought. He quickly cleared his throat and looked away. “Yeah yeah whatever, I'll hold your pig. But if he bothers me, you're takin’ him.”
“He's a good boy, he'd never!” Angel dust replied with a playfully defensive tone.
Husk rolled his eyes with a smile before turning his attention to the TV, deciding it was about time they actually watched the show Angel had put on. They started off quiet, stiffly staying in their positions while they watched the show. But as time passed, they would make small comments about it, laughing and easing the tension.
Husk continued to hold Fat Nuggets, the little pig falling asleep in his arms. Without realising, the two men slowly itched closer and closer until they were practically leaning on each other. Husk found a place for his head on Angel's shoulder, where Angel would rest his head in turn. They both became aware of their positions at some point, but neither wanted to pull away.
Not if the other didn't pull away first.
The later it became, the quieter they got. Their eyelids grew heavy as they stopped processing what was on the screen completely. There was a sense of warmth that neither of them had felt in a long time. Of course, Angel often cuddled with Cherri. But this felt different. And Husk, well… The bartender wasn't one for physical affection often. This was special.
“So…” Angel broke the silence. “It's uh, gettin’ real late now.”
“Mm?...” Husk replied, blinking a few times. “Oh. Yeah. Suppose so.”
Silence again. Angel had expected Husk would take that as his queue to leave. But he hadn't. Maybe… He wanted to stay. Maybe he was enjoying cuddling up together as much as Angel was. Angel tentatively reached out to gently put one of his hands on Husk's waist. Not pulling him closer, not holding onto him tightly— he just held it there.
And then, Husk stiffened.
“Shit— I'm sorry,” Angel immediately removed the hand. “I wasn't tryna make a move on you, promise. It's just— when I cuddle with Cherri I—”
“You can put it back,” Husk cut him off. “I don't mind it, just… Wasn't expecting it,” Husk mumbled, barely audible.
“Well. Not minding it is not the same as liking it. If you don't—”
“I like it,” Husk admitted, even more quietly than before. Angel's mouth shut at once.
Angel’s hand reached out once again, his touch feather light at first. But Husk didn't pull away— in fact, he seemed to be leaning on Angel's shoulder even more. Angel’s heart fluttered again, and he found himself smiling stupidly. He squeezed Husk's waist slightly.
“Did not take you for a cuddle bug, whiskers,” Angel teased softly.
“You're just warm, don't get any ideas,” Husk replied, matching Angel's smile.
They were both watching the TV again, but neither of them were paying attention. These gestures were small, but they were all they could think about and all they could feel. For once, both were perfectly aware that the other was enjoying the moment just as much. Husk even seemed to be falling asleep, his eyes falling shut, and his guard down for once.
And then… Angel began hearing a noise. His gaze slowly drifted away from the TV and to the man next to him. Husk was purring. And Angel was now fighting the need to make a squeal at the realisation. Angel wasn't sure if Husk was asleep or not, but just in case he reached out to the remote and turned the TV off. Husk swifted slightly, but ultimately retained his position. Still purring.
Angel smiled, leaning back and closing his own eyes. “Night, whiskers.”
“Night,” Husk unexpectedly replied. He wasn't asleep. Angel's heart fluttered slightly.
Both of them remained awake for a while, enjoying each other's warmth in silence as they finally drifted off to sleep.
Together.