Chapter Text
It had been a few decades now since Husk had died and his old habits that had him end up in hell were ones that helped him rise up quickly to overlord status.
He was egotistical, he was ruthless. He would attend overlord meetings and while he rubbed elbows with everyone, he knew to hold that poker face in everyone’s presence to not let them know that he barely trusted anyone down here.
Sure, he knew how to work the rest of the overlords down here, play their games, but he wouldn’t let any of them get the upper hand on him like the assholes did up on earth.
And honestly? Husk’s human life would have been fine if he hadn’t gotten much more wasted than he meant to and slipped up a slight of hand. He had gotten beaten the fuck up and kicked out of that joint. However, the thugs that he had continuously fucked over found him and gave him a fatal stab, leaving him bleeding out alone in a dark alley for no one to find.
No matter, that wouldn’t happen here. His demon form gave him the upper hand with giving him powers that helped him tip the odds in his favor, among other things. Hell, no one would ever know about that.
So, as far as everyone knew he was just really good at gambling with his pure luck, and had a quick shot with angelic steel edged cards and a bunch of “magician” esque powers.
He was currently attending one of Vox’s parties at V-Tower, and he and the television demon got along well. They both ran a large portion of the entertainment districts and stayed out of each other's personal business, and Vox never fought for more territory for some odd reason. They both liked the even split and Husk wasn’t too greedy for more anyway. They owned the entire district. Maybe if Vox double-died he’d take it, but he liked not dealing with more than he was willing to right now.
He was enjoying a drink at the bar laughing at one of Alastor’s stories from when he was alive and frankly, somehow, he and Alastor had become closer “friends” in the last few years. He hadn’t even known when it happened but it also meant he would rather have him closer as a friend than an enemy but was always wary of him.
“And then he laughed after he spilled that damn wine on my sleeve. He looked at me from the corner of his eye and just kept going…”
Husk smirked almost knowing what the next part was.
“I just smiled at him and said, ‘oh my, how rude of me to bump into you’ and offered to refresh his drink.”
Vox just smirked next to Alastor as he swished his drink, looking at him all lovesick, obviously having heard the story already.
“As soon as I led him away, guess what? The asshole leaned into my space.”
Husker laughed, “fuck— no, he didn’t!”
“I said, ‘dear.. if you wanted to get my attention, you could have done so without getting me dirty.” Alastor’s already existing smile grew even more.
Vox just leaned, resting his chin in his palm. He looked a little annoyed but as Alastor continued, his lovesick expression came back.
“I brought him to a secluded area after telling him we couldn’t be seen alone like that in the public eye… as soon as we were far enough, I brought out my knife. The idiot’s face went even whiter than it was already and he fell back and begged for his sad life to be spared.”
Alastor let out a pleasant sigh, “his screams were wonderful.”
Vox also sighed out in content as the story went on and Husk just hid his smirk behind his glass as he took a long sip before asking something only a small group of them knew about as he whispered out, “So, what, was that like your 47th attempt to get a hold of Rosie?”
Alastor rolled his eyes and his drink thunked hard on the counter, "I know she just found amusement in the number of times I tried to summon her.”
As if she was currently being summoned, Rosie walked by with a martini that had an eyeball on a little sword in hand and laughed, “I actually would have shown the 13th time, but I did enjoy all the effort.”
Alastor growled at her as she patted him harshly on the back as she walked her continue over to another overlord to chat.
Vox just placed his arm around Alastor and rested his head on his shoulder, he obviously already had too many drinks but Al didn’t move to push him off.
“Aw, don’t be mad at Rosie, Al. It all worked out right?”
He growled, “for the millionth time, Vi–, I’m not divulging what I asked of Rosie.” And then he pinched the others hand off his shoulder to remove it.
“Don’t be too harsh on him Alastor, he might be in love with you.” Husk pulled his drink away and grinned widely as Vox sputtered out in embarrassment.
Husk had heard the two slip out their human names to each other before, and he never brought it up as they tried to always correct themselves. He mainly ignored it so he could enjoy their banter. It was actually interesting that Vox had two partners technically, but Alastor never cared to be around Valentino whenever he appeared. When that happened Vox looked a bit down but would perk back up when he was getting love and attention from Valentino. Husk didn’t need to, or rather, didn’t want to know the details of that weird relationship.
Relationships seemed like a waste of time. He would rather spend his time making more money, or watching someone pathetically beg for their soul when they realized they were in too deep, far beyond the point of return.
He just needed his casinos, his top shelf whiskey or scotch that he made sure all his bars kept on hand for him, as well as having his staff keeping his personal one in his penthouse restocked, and Lady Luck always on his side.
Nothing more.
Not friends.
And especially, not a relationship with anyone who could make him feel weak in some way.
He raised his hand for the bartender to refresh his drink, but Vox snapped his hand at his owned soul that was handling the bar and pointed to Husker’s drink.
“Top shelf scotch, Husker?” He tilted his head toward him.
Husk just slid his empty glass to the side as the bartender started a fresh glass with an orb of ice, “You always know what to keep me happy with, Vox.”
He pointed at the glass for the bartender to continue and also pointed at his own to be refreshed, but left Alastor’s alone as his was still full. His fourth one already, and the TV demon always wondered how he held his alcohol so well.
“Of course I do! It wouldn't be good to not know my buddy in entertainment tastes now would it?”
Alastor rolled his eyes but finally gave his attention to Vox, “speaking of, where is that partner of yours? How’s his…” he cleared his throat, “rather risqué venture going?”
“Val? Oh, it’s going good! He’s had a new soul for a few months now that has been making us a shit ton of money, even if the brat— I mean, the guy can be a little mouthy.”
“You mean just at you, dear.” Alastor chuckled as he poked Vox’s face as a glass thunk echoed to just the three.
The bartender slid the refreshed drinks over and Vox grabbed his refreshed drink, threw it back and slammed it hard on the table, “He’s fine— he just takes up a lot of Val’s time.”
Husk has his to his lips before he pulls it back down, “Oh? What’s his name?”
Both men look over at him in confusion before Vox motions at him with a hand, “Husker, how do you not know about Angel Dust?”
Golden eyes rolled, “You know I don’t care about watching trashy porn flicks— and Angel Dust, quite a name.”
Vox hums, “I forget you don’t like to put too much attention into anything but your casinos and the business’ around it. And yea,” he rolls his eyes as well before resting his chin in a palm again, “Val says ‘once you meet or see him, you’ll be hooked, like a—“
Another finger tapped at his screen, “Yes, yes, we understand dear, like a drug. My, Valentino is so original.” He chuckles before going to his own drink.
“Surprisingly, Val didn’t name him, that was his name when he met him. Anyway, Val is supposed to come here tonight with him. He wants to show him off—”
As if Valentino knew he was being talked about, a waft of smoke encircled the bar and Alastor’s ears instantly shivered as Valentino appeared behind Vox and wrapped his arms around his neck.
“Hey baby~ sorry I’m late, I wanted to make sure I look extra pretty for you tonight, papi.” He pushed his face into the top of his rigid head.
“Ugh, Val, you know Al hates your cigarette smoke—“
A scoff, “not my fault the deer can’t handle a little smoke.”
The bickering starts between the three but Husker can’t help but notice the almost as tall sinner standing to the side of Valentino. He looks like he’s mentally checked out but as soon as his eyes meet his golden ones, he slaps on the fakest smile Husk has ever seen appear on someone so instantly before sending the cat demon a wink.
Husker just gives him a blank stare, before his eyes do a quick glance at his attire. He isn’t surprised that Valentino would have one of his souls dressed in something so tight that it leaves no room for the imagination. The slinky dress on the kid is wrapped around him like shiny black liquid, the top of his dress having his fluff spilling out. His eyes scan back up to the others face, bringing his glass back up to his lips, not breaking eye contact.
He sees the smile falter, just slightly before Valentino grabs the pink sinner by his chin and forces him to look back at him.
“Angel! Baby… I was talking to you.” He hisses out.
“S-sorry Val, just… was making eyes at one of your friends.”
The mismatched eyes dart over to the cat demon and Valentino’s grip tightens and Husker almost feels bad for the kid.
“Husker! Nice to see you again,” he pushes the sinner back and lets go of his face. Husk can see him try and catch himself and not fall over as Valentino walks over to the cat demon.
“I actually wanted to talk some business with you—“
The cat demon growls, “no business talk during a party.”
Valentino’s grin fights to stay on as he grits out trying to sound not offended, “o-of course!”
“Val, make an appointment with one of Husker’s souls to discuss it, you know better.” Vox lets out in a dry tone.
Alastor just laughs out as he finishes his drink, “I’m not sure he does.”
Valentino blows smoke into Alastor’s face before the radio demon's eyes turn into dials and Valentino backs off instantly.
“Don’t get your dials all twisted up old man, you should try smoking sometime.”
Alastor waves the pink smoke away from his face, “cigarettes are fine— not that disgusting wrapped up obscenity."
Before the two can continue fighting Vox cuts in, “Val, why don’t you introduce your soul to Husker since he isn’t aware of his existence.”
Husk lets out a dry laugh, “sorry, I don’t watch your work, Val.”
Val’s attention turned back to Husker, “Come on, papí, you can’t tell me you haven’t ever…” he grins before swiping his tongue over his golden tooth and purrs out, “indulged…”
“Oh, I have sex. Just don't need the fake shit to get my rocks off.”
Alastor spits his drink out onto Vox’s screen while Vox is mid laugh and gets the spat out whiskey in his mouth, but honestly he doesn’t hate it. It just makes a shiver go down his spine.
He lets out a little whine, “oh fuck… yes…”
“Oh my god, Vox— do not get horny in front of me over him spitting in your mouth!” Val hisses out.
Angel during this all is feeling livid.
His work… fake?
Okay, he’s an actor but this fucker hasn’t even seen what he can do and he’s already writing him off. Fuck that. He tries to school his flirty smile as Valentino manifests his chain and tugs him over.
“Introduce yourself baby…” Val coos at him.
“Yes, daddy.” He flutters his eyelashes at his overlord before turning over to Husk and holds his hand out to him.
“Angel Dust, hell's number one porn star.”
Husker just stares at his hand and normally he wouldn’t bother with someone like this– but his body goes against his wishes when their eyes lock again. He pulls that hand to his lips to kiss it, not breaking eye contact.
He feels Angel’s body shiver as he pulls his lips away to whisper out, “Husker, gambling overlord.”
Angel feels his breath get caught after hearing his voice come out slightly deeper than he heard moments ago and it’s making his insides hot, as he whispers out, “charmed, kitty…”
Husk lets his hand drop and scowls. Before Angel realizes he messed up, Valentino is tugging him back.
“Angel! How dare you embarrass me! Your ass is working double tomorrow!”
Husker can see the fear in those eyes and holds his hand up to Valentino, “Tino, it’s fine, the kid didn’t know. I’ll let it slide— in fact…”
Internally Husker is yelling at himself, ‘what the fuck are you saying?!’
“Why don’t you come down tomorrow to talk business, Tino? We can chat in the high rollers room with some drinks.”
He sees Valentino’s demeanor instantly change as he lets Angel go.
That’s fine Husker, stop there…
“And bring Angel Dust with you.” He pulls his scotch back to his lips as he winks at them and he can see Angel’s face pinken.
You’re a fucking idiot. What are you doing…
“That sounds lovely, what time would be best for you, Husker?”
“Let’s do dinner time. We can have a bite and then enjoy a nice game. What do ya say?”
Vox’s eyes are squinting at the interaction but his view shifts quickly back to Valentino as he hears him happily agree to the meeting.
“Splended,” Husk whispers out before looking over at the other two gentlemen, “you two are welcomed to join.”
Alastor has just finished drying his face off with a black handkerchief as he hums out, “No, thank you. I rather spend as little time as possible around Valentino’s smoke.”
Val just scoffs out and pouts, “Whatever, I don’t want you to be there anyway!” He turns and glares at Vox, “what about you, papi?”
Vox’s eyes shift between them all, “Sure… what kind of business did you want to discuss with Husker, Val?”
Valentino just pushes a hand on Vox’s chest to push him back a little, making room for himself and sits down in his lap, “Husker said no business during the party, papi…” Vox rolls his eyes and sighs out, “Val…”
“Just join us, baby, it’ll be fun!”
“Fine… Just as long as you don’t cause me any trouble.”
“Of course not, baby.”
All the while this interaction is going on, Alastor sways his body slightly away from the two before getting up, “and with that, I’ll take my leave for the rest of the evening, gentlemen.”
Vox turns to look up at him as he gets up to take his leave and looks disappointed, but looks like he won’t press him. Valentino just looks smug about him leaving as Alastor gently tucks his vacant chair against the bar top and makes his way elsewhere.
Val’s voice comes out soft and sweet, “Why don’t you work the floor, amorcito, and make daddy some money tonight.”
Husker’s eyes scan over to the sinner as he sees a flash of something in his eyes before he puts on that persona he has probably trained into him, “Yes, Valentino…”
He can hear a glint of pain and sadness in that and before he can step away, Husk speaks up.
“Actually, Tino, why don’t you let him stay?”
Val bites back, “Excuse me?”
Angel’s eyes scan between the both of them, looking nervous as Val speaks again.
“And do what?” He growls but Vox pinches him under the table and gives him a look before he hisses and glares at him. They seem to have a silent conversation between their eyes and Valentino’s tone changes back into something sweeter, even if forced.
“I mean… why… not?” He seems to be struggling to keep his temper in check before looking over his shoulder at Angel.
Angel’s eyes look panicked before either of them can say anything else as Husk adds, “Look at that, there is an open seat between Vox and myself now that Alastor has taken leave.”
Husk nods to the vacant seat and his eyes scan back to Angel’s as he seems to be having an internal battle with himself. His eyes scan back to his overlord for approval before agreeing to another overlord’s words.
Val grits out, “You’re… so… right, sit down, amorcito…”
Angel just about jumps in place at that tone, and quickly moves to sit in the spot. As soon as he sits he can’t even look at Husker, in fact, the poor boy seems to be nervously fidgeting with his lower hands under the table, while his top hands rest on the topside like nothing is wrong.
Husker snaps his fingers at the bartender and then points to Angel, “Get him whatever he wants.”
“Um, I’m okay, thank you, Mister Huska…”
“It’s fine, it’s on my tab.” He grins as he shoots a look at Valentino who looks slightly disapproving of Angel being sat as equals at the table, “that isn’t a problem, is it, Tino?”
“It’s not my money, so I don’t care.” He rolls his eyes as he wraps his arms around Vox’s neck and Vox looks like he wants to not be in the middle of this. Damn he should have just followed after Alastor.
Cerise eyes carefully looked up at him before turning to the bartender, “Hey there, sweet thing, can ya get me a Mary Pickford?”
Husk’s eyes widened slightly at the drink choice but narrows when he heard Valentino barks out a laugh.
“What in the hell is a Mary Pickford– Angel, baby just get something you always get. I don’t think the bartender even knows what the hell you just asked for?”
The bartender did look a bit lost but was still blushing at the fact that the Angel Dust was talking to him. He cleared his throat, “Sorry, I don’t know what that is, but I can make you something fruity?”
“...Sure, that works.” He puts that smile back on and gives him a wink and is quickly handed something pink with sugar on the rim. Angel plucks it from where he placed it and gives it a small sip before humming happily, “That’s delicious, baby.”
The bartender just blushed and went back to tending to others, but Husk was now intrigued.
He leaned over as Angel was taking another sip, “So, a Mary Pickford, huh?”
Angel’s eyes lit up for a moment before leaning toward him, resting a hand on his chin, “That’s right, baby cakes, know it?”
“Of course I do, I could make it for you sometime. What else do you like, a Side Car?”
For the first time that evening, Angel’s eyes lit up and his smile morphed into a genuine one, but not before Val leaned over and wrapped his hand around his chin to pull him over at him. '
“Aww, look at that, Husker knows about your drink, baby.”
Angel nervously laughs, “Yeah… kind of… neat.”
Valentino growls as he looks over at Husker and smiles, “Since Angel Dust can’t make me any money tonight and you’re paying for his drinks– why not pay for his company the rest of the night, Husker?”
Vox snapped, “Val–”
He stood up off his lap and growled out, “Vox, shut up! This little whore could be making me money right now. He came to be my arm candy and work! Not sit around and drink and waste a damn evening!”
“I.. I can work, no problem, daddy! I’ll just throw this drink back and it’s no problem…”
“I wasn’t talking to you, whore! Shut up.” He growled out and Vox stood up and grabbed Valentino by the shoulders.
“Val… you’re making a scene. Calm down–”
“You did not just tell me to calm down!” He shoves a finger in his chest and while the other sighs out loud.
Husk’s voice comes out loud and smooth, “How much do you want for the evening.”
Valentino was in the middle of grabbing Vox’s lapels to get in his face when they both turned to look at the feline.
Vox’s tone was skeptical, “Husker… I thought you didn’t–”
“I don’t,” he rolled his eyes, “but I can still pay for spending an evening with the kid, right? I don’t gotta fuck anyone.”
Angel fluttered his eyes at him, slipping into his persona again thinking that he couldn’t let Valentino get more upset if he didn’t side with him.
He cooed out, “Aww, don’t wanna let me take care of ya, daddy?”
Valentino leaned back with a smug grin, “If you’re not into men, gatito, I can send you home with one of my girls instead.”
A low growl came from him as he spat back, “Not interested. So, do we have a deal for tonight or are you going to continue to waste my god damn time, Tino?”
Val’s eyes narrowed at him as he looked him over in question before sighing out, “Fine, I guess.” He turns away to grab both of Vox’s squared-edged cheeks, changing his tone into something sweeter, “Baby, let’s go home and do something more fun, this party is already boring me.”
“It’s my own party…”
“Uh, yeah, I know, you had your stupid assistant Ethan plan it, so of course it’s going to be boring.” He rolls his eyes.
Vox sighs out loudly again as Val’s eyes narrow at him for giving him any sort of attitude right now but his mismatched eyes scan over to the other two, landing on the feline overlord before nodding at him, “We’ll be heading out, Husker. I look forward to our meeting tomorrow.”
He just nods at them as Vox just pushes Valentino in the opposite direction from the two sinners left alone at the bar, but not before Vox halts and whispers at his bartender to keep the overlord happy or else.
Once they are gone, Husk can noticeably see the other sinner’s shoulders relax, if even just a little. However, that flirtatious look meets his own and the boy is tip-toeing two fingers on the bar top toward Husk as he starts to run it up his wrist to his arm.
“So, what kind of evening are you wanting tonight, daddy?”
His pupils retract thinly as his brows knit and he grits out, “I already said I’m not interested in that, you can drop the act, your overlord is gone.”
Angel’s fingers pull back slightly but move to graze the edge of Husk’s lapel slowly with a mischievous grin, “Are you sure, I could make ya real happy tonight?”
Husk just sighs out heavily as he carefully removes his hand and then moves his paw into his jacket to withdraw his wallet and Angel grabs onto him quickly.
“W-wait, what are ya doing?”
“I’m just gonna pay you, so you can be on your way already if you’re gonna keep that up.”
“N-no! I can’t go back so soon… Va–Val will– I mean…” he quickly shuts his mouth and collects himself to that mask being slipped back on, “I… I can’t leave ya all alone the rest of the evening now, can I?”
He smirks and lets out a little huff out, “I’m a grown man, I don’t need company. Just me and some top shelf scotch.”
Angel looks panicked for a moment before Husk puts a paw on his hand that has retreated and clenched tightly on the counter.
“I’ll do whateva you want, please– I…” His eyes scan around quickly and Husk’s paw pulls his hand toward himself to get his attention.
“What’s wrong, kid?” Why do you even care? Angel realizes he’s spiraling and quickly sits back up, removing his hand quickly and runs it through his hair. A deep inhale before his features are schooled again, “Nothing, daddy, just maybe I don’t want to be left all alone tonight.”
He winks at him.
Husk just sighs before snapping his finger at the bartender, a signal to refill both their drinks. However, before the barkeep can take Angel’s almost empty glass, Husk places his hand over the glass to stop him, looks over at the spider sinner and smirks, “Unless you prefer something else this time, kid?”
Cerise eyes pause at that before whispering out, “Um, like what?”
“I’m sure this chump doesn’t know how to make drinks you’d like so, how about this. You join me back at my casino and I’ll make ya that Mary Pickford?”
Husker, what the actual fuck are you doing?
Angel’s eyes seem to sparkle at that and while Husk is beating himself up internally, he can’t be too upset with that look he’s getting in return.
A devious grin slips on his face, and this time it looks genuine, “You? You’re gonna make me a drink?” He chuckles out, “Ain’t got anyone in your fancy casino to make it for you, babycakes?”
“Oh, I’m sure they know how,” he leans in grinning, “but I know I can make it better than them.”
“Oh hooo… trying to impress me, Mista Huska?”
“I don’t need to impress you. So, wanna join me and for fun I can have my best bartender make that drink and then make mine. You can try both and tell me yourself how right I am.”
The spider sinner thought this bastard was hot before, but fucking christ, he’s here for it even more. It’s too bad the old man doesn’t seem interested in him beyond what’s going on right now, but he’ll take what he can get. He’d rather spend his evening doing this than spending it alone back at his place all coked up.
And aint that something, he rather spend his free time– okay, he’s still being paid for the time, but spending that time not being fucked painfully into a mattress and instead spending it being treated to some drinks from when he was alive is something he can’t argue with.
A small smile just appears on his lips as he leans in to rest his chin on his knuckle, “I’d really love that, Mista Huska. You know how to really treat a gal, don’t cha?”
An amused smile appears in return as he ignores the bartender placing a fresh drink in front of him. He pushes the drink back to the guy, not even looking at him as he stands up and holds his hand out to the other sinner.
“You can have the drink for yourself, just put it on my bill.”
The bartender flashes a worried look and Husk turns to him with a sharp gaze, “I won’t tell your boss, now enjoy the damn drink.”
Angel shivers in a needy want at the demanding voice being spoken out as he places his hand carefully in the one being held out to him, and fuck the way that paw wraps around his small hand so tenderly doesn’t help him right now.
Husker turns back to gaze down at the sinner as he gives the gloved hand a gentle kiss, not breaking eye contact, “ready, kid?”
He just dumbfoundedly nods before he realizes that the overlord has pulled him out of his seat and a quick warmth spreads to his groin at how he’s being manhandled. The overlord now looking up at him lets his hand go but offers his arm to him. He quickly grabs onto it to press himself into his space, and dear god, the smell of his cologne that he didn’t catch before makes him feel dizzy.
Why is this the one John that is immune to his charms?