Work Text:
Husk had to get this done. He did not want to do this but he needed to get this done.
Vaggie made it perfectly clear if he didn’t have a strict inventory on her desk by the end of the week, the bar’s alcohol shortage would not be factored into the budget until the next grocery run and since Alastor got a kick out of other people’s suffering and refused to help, if he didn’t get this done he’d risk the bar running out of alcohol with no hope of restock for a least three weeks.
And Husk refused to go without liquor for that long.
He’d already had to ration his secret stash thanks to a certain explosive-loving cyclops with a taste for tequila and a certain spider who once he had a few martinis in him could not keep his mouth shut.
Angel made it up to him, of course...just not in a way that involved alcohol.
Husk shook his head and forced his focus back to the task at hand, already pissed at how behind he was. In truth, he’d started this whole damn thing a week ago to avoid this very problem, but as soon as he made a modicum of progress, something always came up: Princess needed help putting out the stove she’d accidentally set on fire, Vaggie needed help with the maintenance from someone who she could actually tolerate, Niffty needed a boost up so she could dust the ceilings, Alastor needed him to deal with some bullshit because he was too stuck up to do on his own, Angel Dust needed a shower because he accidently got flour all over himself after making pasta…
Okay, well, that last one might have been a choice...And dammit all, that was the last thing he needed right now. Especially if he wanted to get this done by Vaggie’s designated deadline. It had already taken a herculean effort of brain power to will his drunk, lazy ass to do this at this God awful hour in the first place! The last, absolute last , thing he needed right now was that gorgeous and all too eager living embodiment of a distraction that was his boyfriend to swoop into his thoughts and make him forget about everything except that beautiful smile and sweet chortle and the absolutely sinful way he walked and…
Husk smacked himself with a growl of “Damnit,” and downed a shot of whisky for good measure. The burn did the trick and he resumed counting and measuring out the top shelf bottles.
He’d just started the tally of the second when a crash echoed from the kitchen followed by an all too familiar nasally, high-pitched “Fuck damnit! Open up ya motha fucker!” There was an echo of Italian curses and something that sounded suspiciously like banging and a foot hitting wood if the high-pitched furious wail and muttered curses was any indication.
With a groan of absolute defeat, Husk dropped the clipboard on the bar top and stomped towards the kitchen before Angel accidentally killed himself.
Walking into the kitchen, he didn’t know whether to laugh or call a psych ward.
Fat Nuggets sat patiently on the counter watching as Angel, who was on top of the counter doubled over around something in his hands that appeared to be a medicine bottle, tried to use all four hands‒and his teeth‒to pry the damn thing open. He was growling like a wildcat and his wild eyes were absolutely ferocious. He’d almost look hot if he didn’t look like an escaped mental patient on the verge of a breakdown.
Husk blinked, leaned against the door and crossed his arms. “You’re gonna break a tooth doing that,” he said matter-of-factly, but his deep undertone was enough to part of the tide of red of Angel’s vision. “Or worse,” Husk grinned, “A nail.”
With a record breaking regain of sanity, Angel sat up, swung his legs over the counter and held out the bottle in question with a disgusted look of such offence it took everything in Husk not to burst out laughing.
He eyed the bottle, relieved to see it was only aspirin, and gently took it between his claws, rolled it in his palm and popped the child safety lock with skilled ease. Angel gave a snort of annoyance and Husk could’ve died laughing at the steam coming out of the other’s ears but frowned nonetheless when he looked back at Angel. “You feeling alright? You’re never up this early?”
“Yeah, yeah, I’m good,” Angel groaned with a yawn that betrayed how groggy he felt. “Just dealing with last night’s hangova.” He gave a groggy smile. “Cherri definitely knows how to throw a party but the morning afta sucks.” He gave a loud, tired yawn and stretched, before scooping up Nugs and reached for the bottle but Husk enclosed a paw over it and gestured. “Follow me.”
Too tired to argue, Angel did so and plopped down in his usual stool at the bar, leaving Nugs to curl about in his lap and watched and Husk gathered an assortment of odd looking items and plopped them into a blender. Angel couldn’t tell what they were, but the bizarre burnt orangey looking sludge Husk poured into a shot glass and swiped in front of him made him jump like a toddler first introduced to broccoli.
“This’ll cure anything you got. Way better than that cheap shit. Heads up though it’ll wake ya up in about five minutes.”
“Bottoms up!” Angel practically moaned as his fingers curled around the glass and downed the concussion like a shot with only a mild noise of disgust.While eying the cute, disgusted little way Angel’s nose scrunched up, Husk noticed his normally painted white uppermost nails were…
“You painted your nails?”
Gold. They were gold. Not a dark metallic gold either but a bright, lovely all too familiar ocher color. One of Husk’s favorite colors. Especially on Angel.
“Hmm?” Angel looked up over the glass and paused to look at his nails. “Oh yeah!” He bragged, boasting all four hands and fanning his fingers. All of them, the same color. “Thought I’d try somethin different? Wha da ya think?” he added a sultry smile, already looking and sounding more like himself.
“Yeah,” Husk set quickly, clearing his throat and shaking his head of how lovely the saffron color subtly complimented the carnation pink fur of Angel’s upper hands and boldly shined against the pearlescent white of his lower ones. Or how gorgeous those golden nails would look when offset with black leather handcuffs.
He gulped the remains of the hangover cure himself, the bitter aftermath of it dragging his brain right out of the gutter just as Angel yawned. “I’m glad,” and folded his arms into a pillow under his head and quickly nodded off.
Husk breathed a sigh of relief at the averted crisis. He was tempted to tell Angel to go upstairs, but the spider just looked so peaceful, Husk couldn’t bring himself to wake him.
“Eh, what the Hell. Not like he can distract me while he’s asleep,” Husk rationed and resumed his inventory.
X X X
Of course , that decision backfired.
Each time Husk made an effort to measure amounts and take stock, there’d be a sleepy little moan or a cute little snore, dragging his attention away and focusing all of it on the sweet, sleeping beauty that was his boyfriend until Husk had spent the better part of the next three hours going back and forth between relaxingly watching Angel sleep, occasionally stroking his hair, and retaking the same inventory shelf.
He groaned with that realization. Fuck, why did Angel have to look so cute and innocent while he slept?
Husk had finally managed to finish another shelf when he noticed Angel shivering and dropped everything to fetch his favorite blanket from his room and wrap him up in its pink fuzziness. He barely started the next shelf when his brain started warring with him over whether or not it was a good idea to let Angel continue sleeping at the bar, or if that would hurt the spider’s back. His emotional side won and he carefully scooped up Angel and the pig and transferred them to the couch. Unfortunately, Husk had forgotten Angel was a clingy sleeper and just as he’d set the man down to sleep on the couch all four of Angel’s arms wrapped around Husk’s neck and shoulders and he unwittingly dragged the lanky spider back with him.
Husk tried to unweave the spidery grip from his fur. He really did, but as soon as one of Angel’s hands were freed, it clung to another clump of fur somewhere else and with four hands to unwind and only two of his own, Husk surrendered to the disadvantage and collapsed on the couch next to his boyfriend, forcing himself to be pissed.
His anger dissolved when Angel sleepily snuggled deeper into chest with a moan of Italian endearments, and vanished entirely when Fat Nugget, not wanting to be left out, pleaded to join them. Scooping him up with his tail, Husk deposited the little piglet between them and wrapped them both up in his wings.
He’d finish the inventory in the morning.
X X X
Husk was almost relieved Angel had to work that evening, granted he didn’t exactly like Angel’s job, but the short period of separation from the man was something Husk desperately needed if he was to have any chance of finishing his stupid inventory by the deadline.
Miraculously, he’d finished the bar and now he just had to go through the storage room (careful to subtract all the liquor he drank on the job, of course) as was just about to head to the back when a familiar and yet unfamiliar click of heels made his ears twitch: the pattern and rhythm of the swagger was unmistakably Angel’s, but the click clack wasn’t the normal thick clatter of his preferred black thigh-highs.
Curiosity getting the better of him and ignoring the stupid metaphor involving how it brought about the misfortune of another feline, Husk whirled around...and nearly dropped his clipboard.
And his jaw.
And thought there might be some truth to the metaphor as the onset of a heart attack set in.
His brain shut down taking in the stunning sight of Angel walking down the lobby staircase and looking even more radiant than even Husk thought was possible in a shiny golden off the shoulder cocktail dress that hugged all his curves in the best ways and even sported a teasing thigh slit that revealed quite a bit of leg including a pair of sparkly gold ankle-high boots. He accessorised it with matching gold opera gloves, a gold choker, bright gold hoop earrings, a light dusting of gold blush and even replaced his usual pink eye shadow and lipstick with gold ones.
He was...absolutely resplendent.
“Holy Fuck,” was all Husk’s love/lust struck brain could make out. It was a miracle he was able to remember, let alone speak, words when all his brain could think about was ripping that shimmering dress to shreds and kissing those sparkling lips breathless.
Attention caught, Angel looked up and smiled his sultriest smile and God damnit, if Husk hadn’t wanted to pounce on him before, he certainly did now . “Hey Husky. What’d ya think of my new dress?” He gestured with his lower arms and did a dramatic twirl, the light catching the shimmery fabric and dear God, he was like a shimmering sun.
Husk’s brain melted into a puddle.
“I take it you like it?” Angel smiled with genuine sweetness, the slightest tinge of pink appearing under the gold on cheeks, and, oh why God/Satan…
“It’s beautifull! You’re beautiful. I mean...you’re always beautiful, and‒” Husk shut his mouth before he said something even more stupid.
Angel just giggled and kissed his forehead and if Husk wasn’t a braindead blushing mess before he certainly became one then.
“I thought you had to work tonight,” Husk blurted, trying to think of anything but ripping off that dress and leaving Angel in just those gold high heels.
“I am,” Angel shrugged, somewhat excited, “I’m singing at one of the clubs tonight. Cabaret style, all authentic and everything. Should be fun, ‘specially since Val won’t be there. Ya gonna come?” There was a pleading edge brightening his eyes.
Husk’s brain short-circuited but he recovered quickly. “I have to finish the inventory.”
“Can’t you do that tomorrow?” Angel asked with genuine disappointment lacing his tone. “Ya never get to see me sing.”
That was true. And Husk so did enjoy hearing Angel sing. And listening to him talk. And helping him slip out of those saucy little numbers in the big, private dressing room of his...Still…“I only have tonight and tomorrow.”
“Awe, I’m sure if you ask nicely, Mothra’ll give ya some extra time. She actually likes you.” Angel winked and squeezed Husk’s hand. “Please, Husk?” The genuine hopefulness of that plea, the desperate desirable tug at his smile: all of Husk’s resolve broke.
“Alright, fine.” He relented and forced himself not to smile when exuberant delight transformed Angel’s entire expression. “ But, ” he added with a stern finger. “I’m not staying later than that, capice?”
Angel nodded, grabbed his hands and dragged Husk upstairs. Husk only half heard him as he mentioned something about “looking fancy”, content to just stare at his smile.
He held tight to his conviction, but already knew he was a goner.
X X X
He knew he was right as soon as Angel stepped out on stage looking even more resplendent in the glowing lights of the cabaret-style stage than he had in the cheap, artificial light of the hotel. Angel’s dress, eyes, jewelry and makeup sparkled like gold as he stepped out on stage and started singing.
Husk knew he would never be able to leave once the number was over and downed shot after shot of whisky to keep himself from launching out of his seat and onto the stage, or sucker punching any schmuck who had the gall to wolf whistle. He was grateful Princess, Vaggie and Niffty had volunteered to join them or he was certain he’d never have been able to keep his resolve.
Everytime Angel twirled and dipped, one look at Vaggie was all it took to remind him of the storage unit full of inventory he still had to do. And yet as soon as he turned back to the stage and got an eyeful of Angel in all his shimmering glory those thoughts flew out the window.
He’d almost collapsed when the song ended and Angel left the stage with a low, graceful bow that threatened to completely undo the man of his dreams. Angel rose with a saucy wink in his direction and Husk swallowed a scream of fond exasperation.
After telling the girls to go on without him, he stormed to Angel’s dressing room, determination in each step. Repeating over and over he was just going to bring Angel home and finish his work in peace, he made the mistake of opening the door without knocking‒he never needed to‒just in time to witness Angel’s unzippered dress fall to the floor with a soft thunk, leaving the gorgeous spider standing in nothing but a golden lace corset and panty set and those sparkling high heels.
Catching his boyfriend’s reflection in the mirror, Angel whirled around, beaming. “So what’d ya think, Husky?” he leaned against the vanity looking innocent like he wasn’t standing there in nothing but an amber lace corset, panties and high heels. “Ya like the numba?”
One look at that beckoning sultry smile was all it took.
“Oh, I liked it alright.” Husk slammed the door shut and locked it behind him. In one smooth motion, he lifted Angel up by his thighs and set him down on top of the vanity and slid to his knees between the spider’s legs and met Angel’s excited eyes with smoldering amber. “In fact,” he slid one long, sharp claw across the junction between cloth and thigh, the other carefully undoing the laces of that corset, enticing a delicious little shiver from the man above him.
Husk’s smile was absolutely sinful. “I’m gonna show you just how much I liked it.”
Husk knew he wasn’t getting any work done tonight.
He just didn’t give a shit.
X X X
It was well past midnight by the time Husk and Angel got back to the hotel, and well into mid-morning by the time they got up. Husk had spent the rest of the pre-afternoon downing Irish coffee and contemplating his life choices.
Though Husk certainly wasn’t going to complain about the previous night, he was determined to get the damn inventory done today come hell or high water!
All he had to do was avoid Angel for the rest of the day. Even if today was Angel’s day off.
He almost made it too.
And then Angel came downstairs and draped himself across the couch. Lying on his stomach and kicking his legs behind him, two hands fiddling with his phone, the other two playing with Nugs and munching on a bag of cookies: all while wearing nothing but an oversized black t-shirt and a pair of short golden shorts and matching gold ankle boots.
Fucking damnit, even when the man wasn’t trying to be sexy he somehow was.
Angel caught him staring because, of course, Husk was, and rolled over to greet him. “Ya done working? I was thinking we could watch something on Voxflics? There’s this new show Cherri’s been raving about and they got the whole first season!”
“Not even close,” Husk groaned and came around the bar. “Fuck it, whatever ya want. But it better not be another one of those romantic comedy crap shows or I swear you’re buying your own drinks.”
Angel laughed and scooched over. Husk collapsed miserably onto the couch, placed his head in Angel’s lap and relaxed as Angel found Cherri’s recommendation and pressed play.
X X X
An entire first season later, Angel was camped out at the bar content to chill while Husk finally, finally worked on the inventory. It was late in the evening and the hotel was empty: Alastor had to run an “errand” and insisted on Niffty’s aid, and Princess and Vaggie were on a shopping trip, which Angel suspected was code for a hot date. Husk was just content to finally get this shit finished.
He’d made a sizable dent too when returning to the bar resulted in him witnessing Angel who had chosen that particular moment to stretch. Husk nearly had a heart attack when the pink sweater dress rode up revealing the lacy gold panties underneath.
Why God/Satan? Why?
Husk was officially staring.
Even more so when Angel arched his back and decided to walk around for a bit. “Fuck, I’m hungry. Ya want anything?”
Husk knew Angel wasn’t trying to be sexy? Aside from the sweater, he was wearing plain socks and his pig slippers, his face free of make up. Just a second ago he’d been scrolling through his phone and flipping through a gun magazine. Hell, his hair was still damp from the shower he’d taken a little while ago.
Fuck, Angel wasn’t even trying to seduce him and yet...somehow...the casual innocence of it, the natural grace, fuck, just the ease of it...it somehow made him even more attractive.
Husk didn’t even know how that was possible.
“Husk?” Angel asked again and oh, Fuck , Angel’s face was so cute. “Ya okay, there buddy?” His expression, a mix of playfulness and concern and still a little flushed from the shower. “Do ya want anything, baby?”
“Fuck, yeah, I do!” Surrendering to the inevitable, Husk pounced and scooped Angel up bridal style. A hungry pride shivered up his spine when he heard Angel release a startled but excited little ‘eep’ of surprise. Husk deposited him on top of the bar and climbed on top. His leoline paws pinned his lover in place and Husk absolutely relished in the way Angel sprawled out beneath him: heart-pounding , eyes bulging, upper arms frozen level with his head, the other two gripping the bar, and his mouth twisted in a naughty little mixture of stunned nerves and ravishing desire.
“Take off your sweater,” Husk ordered with a low, hungry growl, absolutely delighting in the shocked little shiver then wracked up Angel’s spine.
“Why?” The question trembled on Angel’s lips.
A cheshire cat grin curled across Husk’s face showing all his teeth, the whisper low and relaxed as thunder. “Because I know how much you like that sweater and if you don’t, I’m going to rip it right off you.”
Angel had never undressed so fast in his afterlife.
Amber eyes smoldered down Angel’s body, claws sliding up his thighs and finally settling on the hems of those lacy pantys, glittering gold and concealing the real treasure that was Angel Dust beneath them. He slid those long claws beneath the fabric, stroking the junction of Angel’s pelvis and thigh and absolutely glorified in the delighted way Angel’s thighs quivering and he gnawed at his lower lip.
“How much do you like these?” Husk purred in Angel’s ear.
It took him a minute to answer. “Wha-uh...I mean, they’re alright and all, but they aren’t my favorite or any‒wha-what-wait!” Too late Angel realized his mistakes as those sharp claws curled and sliced right through the offending underwear.
“Husk,” Angel whined, only half a complaint. “Ya know one of these days ya gonna have ta actually take off my underwear, right? Fuck, I loose more pretty panties that way?”
“I’ll make it up to you,” Husk promised, tilting the other’s face back with the gentle coaxing of his claw. God, those eyes were beautiful. “You got any gold lipstick?”
“Uh?” Angel blinked, only half aware. “I think I got gold lip gloss from yesterday still in my purse somewhere...why?”
Husk’s feral smile absolutely glittered. “Because the only gold marks about to be on your body are the ones I make.”
He could always do the inventory tomorrow.