Savior Complex

by Kyle_Rose_137

Summary:

Overlord Husk meets the every stunning and flirty Angel Dust at an Overlord social gathering. After a fight with Valentino left Angel with little options, Husk offers for the porn star to stay at his casino and hotel for a few nights. Over the next few days they get to know each other and Husk realizes just how bad he has it for Angel. And Angel's incessant flirting is not helping.

Chapter 1: The Overlord and the Star

There were many perks of being an overlord. The power was addicting, its own high that was completely separate from the ones Husk got from gambling or drinking. Having control was nice too. He lived so much of his actual life feeling helpless that finally being able to have that control in death was nearly euphoric. Not to mention the fact that he held power over others, not that he tended to abuse it. But there were a lot of shitty aspects too, like having to deal with other overlords. And if he was being frank about it, most other overlords were complete shitheads both as people and towards others around them.

Needless to say, Husk was less than thrilled about having to attend another overlord ‘meeting’. Really, it was less of an actual meeting and more meant for socialization among the elites of the pride ring. A way for those in power to stroke their egos and potentially make alliances with other, equally powerful individuals. Husk, having a few alliances of his own, regrettably needed to at least show up, as to make sure other overlords knew that fucking with him would be pointless. Though, that usually didn’t stop them. Overlords tended to do whatever they pleased, regardless of potential consequences.

Not that Husk was any exception to this. He ruled over his souls how he saw fit, regardless of what was typical. He liked to think he was a good boss, giving the souls he owned ample time off, reasonable workloads, and whatever amenities they needed. He doubted many other overlords could claim the same of themselves.

Husk sat in the back of his car, trying to convince himself to finally go inside. He fucking hated these events, yet knew he couldn’t just skip them. He fixed his tie one last time, the bright red contrasting nicely with his otherwise entirely black ensemble. Ruby cufflinks shone in the dim light of the car as he checked them to ensure proper placement. His hair was slicked back perfectly, leaving not a hair out of place. The hat atop his head was black as well, save for a red strip right above the brim. His black bowtie felt unusually tight on his throat. This wasn’t his typical outfit, as he usually didn’t wear quite as fancy clothes, but regardless he needed to dress well at least during these occasions.

With a heavy sigh, Husk finally got out of the car, instructing his driver to return when called. Not that he really needed to mention that. His personal driver had been working under him for decades and did his job flawlessly each time. He followed the rules laid out by their contract without so much as a word of complaint other than the occasional concerns toward his overlord.

Husk walked up the stairs and into the rather grandiose entryway of a far too lavish ballroom. Why the other overlords chose to book some place this fancy for their annual ‘meetings’, he would never understand. Inside, dozens of overlords and powerful demons mingled, wearing striking clothes and sipping a variety of drinks. A drink sounded perfect to the gambling overlord right about now. Husk knew he would need to be thoroughly buzzed to get through the night without strangling anyone who dared to talk to him. He made his way to the bar, avoiding eye-contact so as not to make anyone think he was interested in conversation.

He snatched up the glass of whiskey the bartender poured and immediately downed about half of the drink. The bartender, unsurprised by this behavior, simply topped Husk off as he leaned against the polished wood of the bar. Before the alcohol could truly get into his system, Husk heard an excited voice beside him.

“Kitty!” Squealed a familiar voice. He let out a long sigh, turning to see Niffty standing on the stool beside him. Her eye was wide and darted around the room wildly. She gripped onto his arm, hugging it hard enough to bruise.

“Fuck Niffty, that hurt,” Husk grumble, shooing her off of him. Yet he couldn’t force himself to stay mad at the little pipsqueak.

“You said you weren’t coming, but you came to see me again right?! Right?!” The words rushed from her mouth excitedly. Niffty had been an overlord for about a decade longer than Husk and was one of the few alliances that he actually liked keeping. Not to mention one of the only overlords he could tolerate being around for more than 5 minutes.

Usually, hyperactivity grated on Husk’s nerves. But Niffty was different for some reason. He had always felt a bit protective of her due to her slightly naive nature. Though the truth was, she was probably far more dangerous than Husk himself.

“Yup, only to see you tiny.” Husk chuckled. Niffty jumped up and down on the chair, obviously excited.

“I brought you a gift! Don’t tell anyone, though, I don’t want to clean up any more messes tonight.” The ominous tone of that last sentence was not lost on Husk. He was sure that somewhere there was a dead body stashed away. Likely some overlord’s minion that got a little too close to her. Niffty was completely unhinged.

“Mkay Niffty, what did you get me?” Husk asked, though he had two guesses as to what it was. Usually, Niffty’s gifts were in one of two categories: covered in someone’s blood or something absolutely disgusting. Though usually, the thing covered in blood would also be disgusting in its own way.

Niffty pulled something out of her pocket, pushing it into Husk’s hand in a way that she thought was subtle. It wasn’t. Husk looked down, seeing that this gift was in the latter category. It was a living cockroach, and a huge one at that. The bug wriggled out of Husk’s grasp easily, falling to the ground and scurrying away as quickly as it could.

“Get back here!” Niffty yelled, chasing the creature down while wielding a sewing needle. Husk pitied anyone who got in her way.

Once again alone at the bar, Husk swivelled his stool to face the rest of the crowd mingling with one another. Servants of various overlords walked around with trays of different foods. A few overlords brought additional guests. Carmilla, of course, brought her daughters as usual. Rosie was flanked by some of the other powerful members of cannibal town. And the Vees had a posse of corporate brown-nosers who were trying to suck up to their shitty bosses. None of this was surprising, none of it was new. That is, except for one thing. A new face in the crowd caught Husk’s attention.

Clung onto Valentino’s arm was a skinny little thing dressed to the nines in the finest of fabrics. His dress was golden silk, tight enough for Husk to see each and every curve. A long slit reached nearly to his waist while the neckline plunged down exposing his fluff that almost looked like breasts. His heels, golden stiletto boots, made him even taller than he already was. His neck and wrists were adorned with golden jewelry and diamonds. He was most certainly the most eye-catching individual in the whole room.

He stared longer than would be considered appropriate, only stopping when he realized that Valentino had caught him ogling his property. And of course, that was just fucking great because that meant he would come over to Husk and go off on him. Husk purposely avoided the Vees. Too much drama for his liking, especially when considering the recent power struggles going on in hell. However, he had way too many unfortunate encounters with them to want to avoid each of them, especially Valentino. He was a complete nutcase, and Husk frankly couldn’t fathom how he managed to get as much power as he did. Needless to say, he was not thrilled at the prospect of having to exchange anything beyond greetings with him.

And surely enough, Valentino began strutting over to Husk, the beautiful man being dragged along and trying to appear as though he was happy about it. His eyes gave him away, though. The immediate confusion and panic that sparked within them at Valentino’s likely harsh tug revealed his thoughts more than a plastered smile ever could.

“You eyeing up my property fucker!?” Valentino spat as he yelled. Husk didn’t flinch as the men got right in his face and simply wiped the pink spit off his cheek. He was used to dealing with yelling, got plenty of it with the losers at the casino.

“Nope.” Husk said simply, downing the rest of his drink and gesturing for the bartender to fill him up again. Valentino huffed, backing up a bit as his demeanor completely shifted. One of his hands rested on his hip as the other pulled his ‘property’ closer. The man gave an obviously practiced seductive smile to Husk.

“You could spend the night with my precious Angel Dust if you wanted to gatito. Gotta pay up though of course. He’s my number one earner after all.” He purred, using a nickname that he knew would piss Husk off. But Husk didn’t take the bait. He glanced over at the man, apparently named Angel Dust, only to look back to Valentino. Sure he was beautiful, but Husk wasn’t that type of guy.

“I’m good, not into any of your porn stars.” Husk said, a bit offended by the offer. He was far more classy than someone like Valentino. Not to mention, he knew exactly how he treated his ‘top earners’. He’d seen plenty of times what happened when they didn’t do exactly what Valentino asked of them. Hell, even when they did Valentino always took any inconvenience out on them ten-fold. There had even been one that fell out of the moth’s favor and ended up at Husk’s door decades back.

“What?! You think you’re too fucking good for that!? My sluts aren’t enough for you!? Fucking cunt ass bitch!” Valentino switched back to being pissed. Husk acted completely unfazed. He glanced over at Angel once again, who looked a bit nervous at Valentino’s erratic changing behavior.

“More like they’re too good for you.” Husk said, hiding his smirk behind his glass as he took another sip. He caught Angel Dust’s shocked and amused expression from the corner of his eye. Husk gave him a lopsided smile before focusing his attention back onto the moth who was seething with rage.

“You wanna fucking DIE?!” he growled, invading Husk’s personal space and looming over him. Val spread his wings out, obviously going for an intimidating stance. Husk didn’t flinch or even break eye contact with the moth. From his periphery, he could see Angel shifting around anxiously, hands ringing together and fidgeting with his bracelets.

There was a brief moment of tension where Husk and Valentino stared at one another. Husk’s golden eyes glowed with power. He didn’t want to use his powers on another overlord. It would really only cause more issues for him. But if he needed to defend himself from this idiot, then he would.

Yet it seemed Angel had other ideas. He pressed into Valentino’s side, pulling the moth closer to him with his 4 arms. He rested his chin on Val’s shoulder and spoke into his ear.

“Val,” Angel’s voice came out as a seductive purr. “Why don’t we get outta-” His words were cut off with a gasp as Val swung around and smacked him right in the face. Angel stumbled, losing grip of the moth and falling back. He scrambled, obviously scared of Valentino, who loomed above him with a dark expression. The moth raised his hand to strike Angel again, but Husk grabbed it just in time.

“We both know you’re not gonna kill me, Valentino,” Husk said, voice a steady and low rumble. “But don’t take your shitty attitude out on your ‘number one earner’” Husk said, the words venom on his tongue. It sounded like a threat, and it was definitely meant to be.

Valentino opened his mouth, probably to spew more profanities, but was cut off by Vox grabbing him and dragging him away. The other overlord started ranting to Val as the moth yelled back at Angel. Husk wasn’t fully paying attention to what he said, but it sounded like he was going to be leaving the meeting very soon. Thank fuck for that.

Once the moron of an overlord was gone, Husk focused his attention back onto Angel Dust, who hadn’t gotten up from his place on the floor. He held his cheek with both of his left arms, staring after Valentino and Vox. His frame shook, likely from the shock of the whole situation. He sat there as if unable to move. Overlords around them began whispering and glancing at the disturbance that had been made. Husk made a point to glare at them as if to tell them to mind their own damn business.

“Here” Husk grumbled, reaching a hand out to help Angel up. He jumped a bit, startled by Husk’s intrusion into whatever thoughts were swarming his mind. Angel paused, staring at Husks hand for a moment before taking it and pulling himself back up. Husk turned from him and sat back down at the bar, getting yet another drink from the bartender. He was nowhere near drunk enough to be dealing with any of this shit.

Angel sat beside him at the bar, body still shaking for a moment. Yet he seemed to get control of his movements relatively quickly. He leaned over the bar, ordering a drink from the bartender and pressing his shoulders together allowing his fluff to spill out of his plunging neckline even more. Once his order was handed to him, Angel purred out a thank you with a wink to the bartender before turning his attention to Husk.

“Thanks handsome, how could I ever repay ya?” Angel teased. Husk now had a full view of Angel’s fluff, not that he would stare. Husk was very much not looking and would not ogle the poor guy. He just got hit by his overlord in front of the most powerful sinners in hell. The last thing he needed was another moron treating him like an object.

Husk had seen exactly two of Angel’s ‘movies’, if pornos were considered movies. Though he never fully watched them through. They were all complete shit. Valentino wasn’t exactly a star director. All the acting was as fake as it gets. The over-the-top flirting and moans annoyed Husk rather than turned him on. He never understood the appeal. Angel, of course, was beautiful. Val picked a good person to be his star. But all that fake shit just made the guy look cheap.

But the Angel in front of him didn’t appear that way at all. Sure, he was putting on an act of seduction, but he was calculating. He was trying to get something out of Husk. It was the eyes that gave him away. Husk had become extremely skilled in reading others, and no matter how lustful Angel’s expression was, he was far more than a dumb whore. He was intelligent, cunning. He knew the game, and he played it well.

“Don’t worry ‘bout it.” Husk shrugged, swirling his glass in his hand. “Val’s a piece of shit anyway. He should be taken down a peg, or 50.” Husk sighed and glanced over to Angel, who was holding a freshly made mojito of some kind to his painted lips. It looked sickly sweet if the bright pink color was anything to go by.

“You’re not wrong about that,” Angel said, stifling a laugh. Though it didn’t work. Instead, his laugh came out in snorts, which was rather endearing. He stopped himself almost immediately and attempted to hide his blush behind his glass. “Er, sorry.”

Husk felt a small smile quirk the corner of his mouth. Yeah, much better than some manicured giggle that he gave as part of his persona.

“What‘re you apologizing for? Nothin’ wrong with laughing at someone’s misery. We’re in Hell,” Husk pointed out, finally making more prolonged eye contact with Angel as he spoke. He pointedly did not look at the rest of his body, just focusing on his face. Angel smiled back- it looked more genuine than his previous ones- and leaned against the bar, taking a long drink from his mojito.

“Ya got a point. Val don’t like my laugh much, though.” Angel said with a shrug, as if it was the most normal thing in the world.

“Like I said, he’s a piece of shit. Guy’s got no fucking taste.” Husk shrugged and placed his mostly empty drink down on the bar. The bartender came by to fill him back up yet again, but Husk shook his head. Three whiskies in a row were more than enough for a buzz. If he didn’t slow down he’d be stumbling out of that damn meeting. Weakness was not something to be shown in a place like this. Besides, he already had way too many eyes on him after the ruckus that Valentino caused.

“He’s not all bad,” Angel defends him, which earned an unconvinced look from Husk. From what he knew, Valentino was the worst of the worst. His unstable behaviors made zero sense, he was a complete moron, and frankly, the only reason he was an overlord at all was because of Vox’s strength rather than his own. Nearly all the other overlords knew it too. It was hell’s worst-kept secret.

“Uh-huh, whatever you wanna tell yourself princess,” Husk huffed. He couldn’t understand why Angel would defend him, and didn't really want to know either.

They sat side by side for a while, not saying anything as the minutes ticked on. Husk thanked whatever fucked up God existed that Angel had quickly stopped attempting to flirt with him. It wouldn’t work on Husk anyway. Besides, he was much more endearing without constantly trying to get into his pants.

But that didn’t stop others from staring. Nearly every sinner that passed gave Angel a look of hunger, of wanting to devour him. Not that Husk could blame them. He was gorgeous after all. Yet it left a sour taste in his mouth.

“Why don’t you head home? Probably not a great idea to hang around too long.” Husk stated, breaking the easy silence that has settled between them. Angel shifted to face Husk again, leaning in closer and whispering so that only Husk could hear.

“You could take me home, whiskers~ I can make it worth your time~” Angel said, quickly falling into his porn star persona. Husk sighed, put off by his attitude. Yeah, Angel was much better when he was a real person.

“Nah, I’m good. I can call you a cab.” Husk got up from his seat, stretching out his wings, which were growing cramped from being closed for so long that evening. He glanced back at Angel to see his seductive smile had faltered. Instead, it was replaced by a more serious look that Husk couldn’t quite place.

“Can’t. Val don’t want me comin’ back t’night. Not till I beg him,” Angel sighed, downing the rest of his cocktail. “But if you don’t wanna be my knight in shinin’ armor I’ll just find someone else~” Angel’s voice was nearly a whisper as he leaned down close to Husk again. The overlord could imagine how that would go. Angel would end up in some seedy hotel with one or more shitheads who’d fuck him then leave him to clean up the mess. Then again, it most certainly wasn’t Husk’s problem what someone else chose to do with their body. Though the thought somehow still bugged him, tugging at the back of his mind.

Right as Husk was about to say goodnight to the taller demon, there was a punch of weight from behind him, nearly toppling him over. The weight wasn’t much, but damn was it quick. Angel quickly reached out all of his arms as if to catch Husk, but the cat simply held out his wings again for additional balance. He was far too used to this anyway.

“Niff, why the fuck are you slamming into me again?!” Husk growled, though the malice in his tone was almost non-existent. He couldn’t get truly mad at Niffty. He had grown far too fond of her for that.

Niffty completely ignored Husk’s question as she climbed up to cling onto his shoulder instead. She peeked over him and let out a loud gasp.

“You’re talking to the princess from the TV!” Niffty said with a shriek and a flood of giggles. Husk chuckled awkwardly at the comment. He did not want to know why she was watching gay pornos.

“Yeah something like that.” Husk said, glancing over at Angel who seemed to be taken by surprise by the comment. Niffty stood on Husk’s shoulder and leaned as close to Angel as she could.

“You’d make a perfect coat!” Niffty giggled and reached out to pet Angel’s chest fluff, making grabby hands as she did. Husk quickly grabbed her and held her under his arm as though she were a football. Niffty huffed and wriggled around in an attempt to get out of Husk’s grip. She gave up quickly.

“And that’s enough of that.” Husk huffed out a sigh, “Sorry ‘bout her. It’s a compliment, just a fucking creepy one.” Niffty tended to give the weirdest compliments. One time she had told Husk that she wanted to hang his wings on her wall. He really couldn’t understand how her mind worked.

“That’s okay, whiskers,” Angel said with a wink, seemingly unaffected by Niffty’s odd behavior. Niffty managed to sneak out of Husk’s grasp finally and climbed up to stand on the bar. She stared at Husk with a wide eye before giggling.

“Fuck are you laughing about?” Husk asked, his lip once again quirked upward, amused by her behavior. If he wasn’t used to her, he would think she’s utterly insane… which, to be fair, is mostly the case.

“You like the princess~ You think he’s pretty~” Niffty said in a sing-song voice. Husk hoped that his fur was thick enough to hide the blush that flooded his cheeks. His ears twitched at the comment, flattening slightly as he glared at her.

“Oh, is that so?” Angel asked, an amused grin on his face as he stifled another snort-laugh. “So the big bad kitty has a heart then~” He teased, leaning down to Husk’s eye level and tugging lightly at his bowtie. That most certainly did not help the heat growing on the overlord’s cheeks. He did his best to conceal his reaction. Thank fuck he had a good poker face.

“Uh-huh.” Husker dismissed, attempting to sound annoyed but not fully able to conjure up the right amount of bite in his voice. Admittedly, Angel flirting with him was starting to get under his skin, and not in the way most things tended to.

Angel pulled away, finally no longer in the overlord’s face. He grabbed his drink from the bar and downed the rest of it in one large gulp. He stood at the bar for a moment, taking out a compact from his purse and cleaning up his hair and makeup for a moment before snapping it shut.

“Alright whiskers, this was lovely, but this princess’s gotta find a place to stay for the evenin’” Angel teased, winking and blowing Husk a kiss before turning on his insanely tall heels and strutting away. How the hell Angel managed to strut in those death traps was beyond him.

Husk sat back at the bar with Niffty taking up the seat that had previously been Angel’s. She swung her legs back and forth and stared up at him with a wide eye, as if staring into his soul. Her staring was becoming a bit much now. Husk gestured for another drink because fuck it.

“You think he’s real pretty.” Niffty pointed out, more as a statement than a tease like her previous comment had been. Husk grumbled.

“So?” Husk asked, glaring down at her. There was no point in denying what she was saying. Niffty was probably the only person in Hell who could see through him anyway. Arguing with her was pointless.

“So why make him leave?” Niffty asked, cocking her head to the side so quick it looked like her neck might snap in half. Husk stared at her for a moment. He was not about to go on explaining the fact that Angel was not looking for platonic company. Nor the fact that Husk wasn’t exactly the type to be swayed into illicit acts by a pretty face.

“I’m not exactly interested in fucking a porn star, Niff.” He said simply. He barely even talked to anyone that night and he was already exhausted. Not to mention annoyed beyond belief. Between Angel flirting him up, Niffty getting on his case, and Valentino making a scene, his social battery was depleted.

Husk didn’t know how long he was staring off into space, but when he was brought back to reality, Niffty was giggling up a storm and jumping up and down on the bar.

“Oh oh kitty look!” She squealed, pitched a little too high for Husk’s ears, and led him to flinch.

“Niffty, what the fu-” Husk started before he was cut off by her yet again.

“The princess is going after Alastor! He’s gonna be gobbled up!” She pointed, continuing to jump up and down. Husk’s stomach dropped for a split second.

He had his own run-ins with the radio demon plenty of times in the past. He knew well enough to avoid him and never piss the guy off. Alastor always wore that creepy fucking smile like he was coming up with recipes to make out of your skin. The fucker was always planning something and Husk preferred not to be part of those plans.

Niffty had been right, though. On the other side of the room was Alastor, grinning like a psycho at Angel, who looked to be laying it on thick. Though if Alastor’s grip on his staff was anything to go by, he was coming up with many, many ways in his head to cook up the spider demon. Angel seemed completely oblivious to this, though, and continued getting into Alastor’s personal space, whispering in his ears, and smirking at him.

Husk knew he should stay out of it. After all, if Alastor did anything to Angel Dust, Valentino would be after him for sure. And that basically meant all of the Vees would be at odds with Alastor. And hey, as long as Husk wasn’t in the crossfire, he was fine sitting back and watching the chaos unfold.

That is what he told himself. But the idea of Angel being murdered didn’t exactly sit well with him. It wasn’t because Husk was attracted to him. No no, definitely not that. More so that this night had already been a disaster and he didn’t exactly feel like watching someone else die after the shit he had to deal with earlier that morning.

Yeah, that was the reason why he stood up and started walking over to Angel Dust with the most frustrated expression on his face. Not because he had any sort of endearing feelings towards him at all.

It didn’t take long for Husk to make it to the other side of the room. Alastor actually seemed a bit surprised when Husk reacted out and grabbed one of Angel’s lower hands and tugged the taller demon behind him.

“Hey what the fuck are you d-” Angel started, before Husk sent him a glare that seemed to shut him up. He was surprised by the sudden action, that's for sure.

“Husker! What a pleasant surprise!” Alastor grinned even wider as he looked between Husk and Angel. He was obviously trying to put some things together, completely inaccurate things.

“Pleasure’s all mine.” Husker said in a growl. His ears flicked in annoyance as he glared up at the radio demon. His grip on Angel’s hand tightened. “Don’t worry about him,” Husk said, nodding back to Angel. “Too much to drink and all that.” He said, lying straight through his teeth. Angel was barely tipsy, might have even still been sober for all he knew. But that wasn’t the point. The last thing he needed was the radio demon trying to track him down.

“Is that so? He’s quite the specimen isn’t he?” Alastor said, radio static growing in his voice as he spoke. He was looking Angel up and down, and not in the way most others had been doing the rest of the night.

“Somethin’ like that.” Husk said begrudgingly. He sent one last glare to the radio demon before pulling Angel away toward the exit. Angel looked like he was about to throw a fit and argue with him before Husk spoke again. “Don’t say anything till we get in the car, got it princess?” His eyes glowed slightly. Angel looked as though he still wanted to argue, but held his tongue, instead nodding as he followed Husk’s lead.

With a snap of Husk’s fingers, his personal driver pulled up to the front of the building. Husk ushered Angel inside before climbing into the back himself. The driver gave him a confused look through the reflection in the mirror.

“Go to the casino.” Husk hissed out. The driver’s gaze turned back to the road as he started driving. Luckily, he knew better than to question Husk.

“Didn’t realize you were the jealous type, whiskers~” Angel teased, grinning at the overlord. Husk sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose.

“Enough of that shit. You do realize he was planning on killing you right? He’s the fucking radio demon. What the Hell were you thinking?!” Husk barked. He knew the concern was starting to creep into his voice. What the Hell was he thinking? He shouldn’t have gotten involved in any of this. But he just couldn’t help himself for who knows what reason.

“I was thinking of how the fuck not to sleep on the streets!” Angel’s tone shifted to sound more defensive. He hugged his middle with his second set of arms, turning away from Husk. “I can fucking take care of myself,” His tone was biting, harsh, but Husk couldn’t blame him.

Husk let out a sigh and shook his head. Arguing with Angel wasn’t going to help.

“I’ve got a hotel attached to my casino. You can just stay there till that idiot decides he’s not mad at you.” Husk said, pointedly looking out the window. But from the corner of his eye, he could see Angel shifting to face him again. The hostility that was briefly reflected in his eyes dissipated.

“Wow I uh, I can pay ya.” Angel’s hands shifted in front of him as he fidgeted. He hesitated for a moment before seemingly making a decision and leaning toward Husk again. He placed a hand on Husk’s thigh and squeezed lightly, immediately grabbing the overlord’s attention and causing him to look at Angel.

“Or I could pay you back with my body~ that sound good, Husker?~” Angel purred, a smirk on his face. Some part of Husk’s brain was malfunctioning from the sudden physical contact, so he focused on Angel’s words instead. He wasn’t used to others touching him at all, much less with any type of intimacy.

“Just Husk is fine.” He mumbled, wanting very badly to turn away. But really, Angel was quite gorgeous. Part of him wanted to take Angel up on his offer, and if it hadn’t been transactional, maybe he would have. “You don’t owe me anything, princess.”

Angel hummed as if considering this.

“Maybe I just wanna do this for myself Husk,” The way he breathed out Husk’s name made the overlord dizzy. “I like it when ya call me princess~ But ya can call me Angel too if ya wanna~” Angel hummed, leaning his head on Husk’s shoulder as he gently brushed his fingers along Husk’s lower thigh and knee.

“If that’s what you’d prefer,” He grumbled, trying very much not to think too hard about things. “And I’d prefer it if you didn’t keep trying to get in my pants for the rest of the night.” Angel’s hand paused its ministrations on Husk’s knees before he removed it completely as well as the rest of the weight of his body. He moved to instead lean against the cool window opposite of Husk.

“It’s cause I’m a filthy fucking whore, isn’t it? God forbid an overlord fucks around with a prostitute! Would ruin whatever reputation ya have right?” Angel’s voice was bitter, harsh, but not exactly angry. Maybe someone else would think he’s angry, but Husk knew better after all his decades of reading people. He sounded sad, like he hated himself. It was a feeling that Husk was all too familiar with.

“It’s not that,” Husk said after a long sigh. “I’m just not planning on treatin’ you like any other asshole in this place.” Now that definitely sounded way too sappy for anything Husk was used to. Fuck he needed another drink already, and a stiff one at that. At least then he could have an excuse for acting like a total moron. He could not be getting into his feelings with some guy he just met that was owned by another overlord.

When Husk pulled his attention back to Angel, he was curious to see complete bewilderment on Angel’s face. Like Husk had just said the weirdest shit he’d ever heard. Was it really that crazy to him? Damn, how badly was this kid treated for that to be his first reaction.

Though after a beat, Angel let out a loud laugh. It was strong and deeper than normal, with tiny snorts at each inhale of air. The man held his stomach with his lower set of arms while his top set tried to brush away the tears pricking at his eyes. He curled over, wincing as if it hurt to laugh that hard. He didn’t stop for a solid two minutes. Husk just stared at him, completely in awe. Yeah, Angel looked much better like this than he did when he was hitting on him as if he were just another customer.

“I can’t believe ya-” Angel choked out between laughs, trying to take deep breaths to calm himself. “I was on earth for decades, down in this dump even longer, and now someone wants to treat me like a fucking person?” Angel took a few more deep breaths, allowing his laughter to settle. “Fuck my stomach, ya sure know how to tell a joke Husk.”

“‘S not a joke.” Husk grumbled, a little more than upset about the prospect of Angel never being treated like a person, alive or dead. Regardless of the shit you did to get down here, everyone deserved at least some amount of respect and decency.

“Wait… you’re serious?” Angel blinked at Husk with wide eyes. Husk didn’t say anything and just shrugged as if that would immediately end the conversation. It of course did not. “Fuck whiskers, you must be the craziest guy down here. I mean, come on, I’m literally a sex object. I’m the Angel Dust. Ya know, the porn star that everyone and their mothers jerk off to?” That earned a glare from Husk, which instead of shutting Angel up just caused him to let out another loud laugh. “What?! Everyone knows it!”

“That’s enough Angel,” Husk growled, allowing some malice to slip into his tone, though only to get Angel to stop talking about himself like that. “Who the fuck filled your head with that shit anyway?” Husk had at least some idea of who did. After all, he unfortunately was well acquainted with the type of shit Valentino would pull. Even by the standards of Hell he was horrible.

“Who do ya think?” Angel said quietly, before turning away from Husk to look back out the window. It was a stark change from his behavior just moments before. As if Husk’s words hit a nerve. With that, the conversation ended. Angel didn’t seem to be in the mood to keep talking, and frankly it would only serve to piss Husk off more and he was far too exhausted for that. It had already been a long night after all.

When they finally reached the casino and hotel, Husk got out and offered a hand to Angel. Hesitantly, the spider took it and followed Husk into the giant building. They walked through the main lobby straight past the front desk. After weaving through the various card tables in the front of the casino, Husk finally stopped at an elevator before pulling out a key card and tapping it on the door, causing it to immediately open. He pressed his thumb onto a pad before the buttons lit up and Husk pressed the second to the top floor.

“Wow this is a fancy place you got here, whiskers~” Angel teased, wrapping an arm around Husk’s and leaning into him. “Ya sure know how to spoil someone, hm?~” Husk pointedly ignored Angel’s comment.

He led them out of the elevator once the door opened, taking Angel to one of the many free rooms on the floor. With a flourish of his hand, an old-fashioned-looking key appeared which he handed to Angel. Angel stared at it for a moment before taking it from Husk.

“Thanks,” Angel said, still seemingly surprised by Husk’s gesture. He stared at Husk, making the overlord feel as though he were trying to look into his soul.

“Sure thing,” Husk said with a nonchalant shrug. “Should be spare clothes in the dresser, plenty of soap and shit in the bathroom. If there’s anything you need, just call down to the staff with the phone.” Husk tried to wrack his brain if there was anything else he needed to tell Angel.

“W-wait are ya serious right now?” Angel stammered, apparently in shock. Husk didn’t know why. He told Angel he’d let him stay at the hotel, what else was he expecting. Angel seemed to think for a minute before pressing close into the overlord’s personal space, taking one of Husk’s clawed hands, and placing it on Angel’s sinfully thin waist. “You’re not gonna join me Husky?~” Angel whispered, voice soft and desperate. It was obviously practiced.

If Husk was a lesser man, a lesser demon, maybe he would have stayed. Seems nearly every other guy in Hell would have. Every other fucking asshole would grin and follow Angel into that room and screw him over every damn surface possible before leaving him a total wreck. Husk was never going to be that person though. Despite the pull in Husk’s stomach when Angel whispered his name, he simply gave a gentle squeeze to Angel’s waist and pulled away.

“The regular elevator is at the end of the hall. Hotel bar’s on the 3rd floor.” Husk said, gesturing in the opposite direction they had come from. He turned on his heel, starting to walk away before he stopped. “Have a good night Angel.” He said simply, before disappearing into the elevator.

Chapter 2: One More Drink

Summary:

Between Husk's brain and Angel Dust, the poor overlord isn't getting any sleep tonight.

As the late hours of the night became the early hours of the morning, Husk stayed seated at the 3rd floor bar, sipping his drinks and enjoying not being bothered by others for once. The hotel bar was far less popular than the ones down on the casino floor. The atmosphere was more relaxed and usually only employees and the occasional guest wandered the floor. Husk preferred spending his time either there or his office. However, there was a downside to the bar. The calm air of the place left his mind empty and thus his thoughts continued to torment him as he drank.

The events of the night kept repeating in his head over and over again. At first, flashes of annoyance at Valentino’s attitude and talks with Niffty popped into his mind. It was normal for him to play over the events of the day. The drinking usually helped to prevent those thoughts from becoming too overwhelming. However, this time the alcohol betrayed him. Shifted his thoughts away and let them drift into a much more pleasant and yet much more dangerous territory.

Instead, Niffty’s teasing filled his mind. That high-pitched laugh of hers with her wide, insane eyes. Her tiny figure crowding him and getting in his face. Angel smiling at him, leaning forward and showing off his body. The constant suggestive comments that the spider made had. Angel’s touch on Husk’s leg and the way his large claws could nearly encircle the spider’s small waist.

But the thoughts that clung to his mind, the images he couldn’t let go of, were only of Angel. Not his persona or facade, but those moments when his real personality shone through, far brighter than the casino lights. Husk could listen to his obnoxiously pretty laugh for ages. He could drown in that soft smile for eons. And though Husk knew he could never truly be happy, talking with the spider was the closest he’d been to it in lifetimes.

Each thought brought more dizziness and embarrassment than the overlord was accustomed to. He felt greed bubbling up. Husk knew it was pathetic to even conjure up the images of Angel in his mind. He wasn’t some half-wit demon looking to get his dick wet.

He never in a million years would have imagined these sort of thoughts filling his head due to a stranger. Let alone a stranger who was a porn star under contract with another overlord. An overlord whom he would just as soon rip the spine out of if given the opportunity.

As the minutes and hours ticked on, the lounge was nearly empty, save for a few small groups who spoke quietly between sips of whatever drinks they had ordered. Husk finished the last of his now watered-down whiskey before standing to leave.

“Didn’t think you’d still be awake, whiskers,” Husk would have thought the voice had been in his head if he hadn’t seen Angel from the corner of his eye taking up the stool beside him. He was no longer adorned in jewelry, and his makeup looked to have been mostly removed. His hair, which was once meticulously styled, was damp and clean. He still wore his dress, though, which starkly contrasted with his otherwise casual appearance.

The fucked up part of Husk that had been borderline obsessing over Angel for the last few hours, couldn’t help but notice how good he looked without all that extra shit.

“Could say the same to you.” Husk sighed, turning towards Angel and trying to seem only mildly interested in conversation.

“Did you miss me baby?” Angel teased, sending Husk a wink and running a hand through his damp hair. It was as if he knew the contents of Husk’s thoughts, which was of course ridiculous. Husk was the gambling overlord. He knew how to play his hand and he had a stellar poker face. There was no way that Angel would genuinely be able to read him like an open book.

“Can’t imagine that thing is comfortable.” Husk gestured to Angel’s dress, attempting to change the subject. His mind did not need more ammunition to ambush him with later on. “I can literally see your fucking ribs.”

“Oh, didn’t realize you were paying that much attention, Husky~” Angel teased with a grin, leaning his head against his palm. Husk just rolled his eyes at the comment.

Angel held that stunning smirk on his face a moment longer before he leaned over. His lips were a whisper away from Husk’s ears as he spoke

“Though it’s much more comfortable when I take it off,” Angel’s hot breath on Husk’s ear stirred up something long-thought-dead that Husk would most certainly not act on. He was far from an animal, despite his demonic appearance.

When Angel pulled away again, he was grinning from ear to ear. That gold tooth of his shone in the dim lighting. Angel apparently seemed to think flattery and flirting could get him anywhere. However, Husk was far more interested in the spider without any of that facade. Husk kept his poker face, sitting back down.

From the corner of Husk’s eye, he could see Angel looking him up and down. Husk was sure he looked exhausted, considering his lack of sleep. Though at least he didn’t look like a complete wreck. He still wore his suit from earlier, though with his jacket discarded and his sleeves rolled up. But even that couldn’t have hidden the exhaustion in his eyes or the old ache in his posture. Husk wasn’t a moron. He wasn’t the worst-looking in Hell, but he wasn’t exactly conventionally attractive either.

Angel stared at him for a beat longer before suddenly reaching forward to tug at Husk’s collar. The moment nearly made Husk flinch. Husk felt the tug of the collar as he attempted to escape Angel’s advance and failed. Angel hummed at the reaction, seeming to find it interesting as he took his time fixing Husk’s apparently crooked collar. The spider put far more care into the movement than was necessary and allowed his fingers to linger at Husk’s throat for a few extra seconds. Husk did his best not to react, though he could feel the hair on his arms fluff up involuntarily.

“No need to be skittish, whiskers,” Angel smiled in a softer way than before. Sure, he was teasing Husk, the cat demon was antisocial not an idiot, but there was a kindness there. As if Angel was genuinely apologetic for having startled him.

“You could have just told me it was crooked,” Husk grumbled, hoping to come across as annoyed. He was thankful for his dark fur in that moment, hiding the unwanted flush of his skin. Angel let out a short laugh, hand reaching out to land on Husk’s arm. It was an obvious play. The spider was trying to use any excuse to touch him. Husk didn’t shake off the advance.

“But that wouldn’t have been as fun,” Angel said, a devilish grin never leaving his face.

“Uh-huh,” Husk rolled his eyes again and turned away from Angel, who was far too close to him at this point. “Couldn’t sleep?” Husk asked, hoping the change in topic would help distract his thoughts that were solely focused on every touch from the spider.

Angel’s smile faltered before immediately coming back, as though not wanting Husk to notice his microexpressions. Of course, Husk did, even through his peripheral vision.

“Somethin’ like that. Hard for me to sleep in general.” Angel shrugged as if completely unbothered. Something about Angel’s tone had shifted, no longer holding the same false bravado as earlier. He sounded more… real.

Angel waved down the bartender, finally letting go of Husk’s arm. Though instead of relief, his warm hand only left the stark contrast of coldness in it’s wake. Only the memory of warmth remained, one that was not easily swept out of the overlord’s mind

Angel asked for a glass of some overly complicated fruity drink. Angel downed half of it immediately before placing the glass back down. Husk noticed the shake of his hand resting on the bar and the slightly too-tight grip of his fingers on the glass. The sight was familiar. Someone looking for a fix, for something to take the edge off. To ward off the withdrawal that slowly crept in. Whether that be drugs, alcohol, or any other number of distractions.

Usually, it was something that Husk took advantage of in his guests. When the withdrawal starts hitting, your brain doesn't function so well. It's much easier to swindle someone like that. Demons would do nearly anything for a fix if they were desperate enough. And when it came to employees, well, drugs were a no-go in the casino. That didn't mean that Husk wouldn't help them get clean if they were already addicts. His souls needed their wits about them if they were going to work in a place like this.

So really, Husk shouldn't care. Angel was a stranger. A potential customer even, if the guy was willing to hit the tables. So there was no reason at all for Husk to reach into his jacket. No reason for him to pull out a half-filled bottle of pills and place a couple in front of Angel. No reason to offer assistance, and yet he did.

Angel looked down at the pills set in front of him and then back up to Husk. He looked cautious, which the overlord supposed made sense. The poor kid was probably used to being pumped full of all kinds of bullshit. Free or not, unknown drugs were rarely ever safe.

“For the shakes. Should take the edge off for a few hours at least.” Husk said before getting up. He made his way behind the counter, reaching around for different ingredients to make another drink for himself. He preferred to make his own, most people tended to make them too weak for his liking.

As he moved behind the bar, Angel wordlessly watched him. As if he was sizing Husk up, trying to read his intentions. Husk could feel those eyes on him, staring into him, trying to read him. They prodded and pried at his skin, as if trying to open him up and get a good look inside. But Husk knew how to hide his emotions. He was the gambling overlord after all, having a good poker face came with the territory. He didn’t let on that he was aware of Angel’s stares. And of course, he would never admit he helped him out of genuine care either.

After a solid minute, Angel finally decided that Husk wasn’t trying to drug him and swallowed the pills with what little remained of his drink.

“Should I have you make my drink next, Husky?” Angel hummed as Husk finally finished making his old fashioned. Husk rolled his eyes at the comment and gestured to the now empty glass in front of Angel. The spider passed him the glass, allowing his fingers to graze against Husk’s.

“Fine.” His voice came out as an annoyed grumble, and he slumped over the bar, taking a large gulp of his freshly made drink. “What do you want?”

Angel leaned across the counter, showing off the plunge of his dress yet again. Angel reached over, allowing his fingertips to brush up along Husk’s arm. His touch left warm pinpricks in their wake. Husk made a point to only look vaguely annoyed at the gesture.

“Make me something fun, whiskers~” Angel teased. There was that pitched up tone again, flirty and needlessly seductive. “Nothin’ too bitter though.” He added, voice softening. Husk had long since decided that he must preferred the way Angel spoke when he wasn’t trying to be someone or something else.

Husk looked at the now-empty glass for half a minute before clearing it from the bar. He pulled out a few different bottles. Husk moved around the bar with practiced ease. He could feel Angel’s eyes on him, dragging over his skin with each movement.

Husk made a few flourishes in his movements. It had been such a long time since he had an audience. Angel seemed to enjoy the show, giving little ‘ooo’s at his movements while his eyes sparkled. Once he finished, Husk poured it out into a martini glass and slid the drink over to Angel.

Angel took the glass in hand, lifting it to his lips as he kept his eyes locked with Husk’s. As he took a sip, Husk could see those mismatched eyes widen.

“This is fucking good! You sure know how to butter a girl up~” Angel purred, leaning forward once again. His eyes dragged over Husk, a hungry gaze. He looked like a predator eyeing up his next meal. Husk rolled his eyes as he cleaned up the glasses and took his seat beside Angel once again.

“Better be good, I’ve been bartending a long time.” Husk said, taking another sip of his own drink. “Figured fruity was more your style, ‘s a strawberry basil martini.” This seemed to peek Angel’s interest for some reason.

“How long you been bartending whiskers?” Angel asked, genuine curiosity swimming in his mismatched eyes as he watched the overlord take another sip of his own drink. Husk was not one to share about his past. In fact, he vehemently avoided any and all discussion of his life and early days in Hell.

“A while.” Husk said gruffly, hoping it would stop Angel from staring at him with that beautifully curious gaze of his. Husk was not an interesting person, not when he was alive and not since he died. The only useful or interesting thing about him was his status as an overlord. And that had mostly been attained through being an overly confident gambler with a good poker face.

“Come on, that’s not a real answer.” Angel chastised, elbowing Husk in the side. Husk shot a glare toward the spider, but it was weak and he really didn’t have any anger behind it. Angel laughed quietly at the attempt. “So really, how long?” Angel asked again, obviously hoping to get a real answer this time. Usually Husk would snap, tell him to drop it and fuck off. Maybe it was something about how Angel had been floating in his mind the entire night. Or maybe he had one too many drinks. Hell, maybe he was just so damn exhausted he didn’t care. Regardless, Husk answered the question.

“I was 18, got a shit job at some shit bar. Ended up liking it.” Husk said with a shrug, giving as little information as possible. Angel smiled genuinely, though as if such bare-bone information actually made him happy to learn. Some soft part of Husk’s heart, a part he had long since thought dead, hummed with an appreciation. Between his obnoxious laugh and sweet smiles, Husk was sure Angel broke a lot of hearts. “So, you always been a- er-?”

“Porn star~” Angel grinned from ear to ear, using the most unnecessary flourish to his voice.

“Yeah, that.” Husk grumbled into his glass as he took another few sips of his drink. He allowed the bitterness to sit on his tongue for a moment before swallowing, relishing the slight burn.

When he looked at Angel again, there was that same gentleness in his features. It was much easier to see without all that over-the-top makeup. He almost looked sad, staring off at something that obviously wasn’t there.

“I danced for a while. Did some strippin’ too when I felt like it.” Angel took a long sip of his drink, seeming to be thinking for a moment. Maybe he was trying to figure out just how much he should tell Husk. “I did some singin’ too. That was my favorite.” Husk watched Angel’s expression morph. For a split second he looked scared, as if he said more than he wanted to. But it was quickly covered up again by a practiced nonchalance. “Met Valentino when I was strippin’ though. And the rest is history.” Angel shrugged and downed the rest of his drink.

Angel looked raw like this. No makeup, hair undone. Husk knew that it was this version of Angel that would be tormenting him for God only knows how long. Part of Husk, a very stupid and likely drunk part, wanted to reach out to Angel. Many run fingers through his hair or hold his hand. But that isn’t something overlords have the luxury to do, especially not ones like him who have almost no remaining humanity left.

“Didn’t realize you could sing.” Husk said, unable to hide the faint smile that softened his usually harsh features. He could imagine Angel up on a stage, smiling and glowing beneath the lights as he performed.

Angel’s eyes looked warm, as if someone was truly seeing him for the first time in a lifetime. The spider looked down and smiled to himself, his long lashes covering the glow of his eyes.

“Yeah, I was pretty good too. Worked at lots of night clubs at the time and they loved me.” Angel hummed, taking a sip of his drink. Husk wished Angel stayed just like this. Honest and open about who he is, raw and tender and alive in all the ways that Husk could never hope to be. Angel seemed to come back to his senses by the time his eyes met Husk’s again. Gone was the rawness that was briefly exposed, hidden behind his half-baked persona.

“Now I’m the most desired man in Hell, pretty fancy title huh, whiskers?” Angel grinned, turning toward Husk. He leaned forward again, allowing his chest fluff to spill out of his deep-cut dress. “Though not as fancy a title as overlord~” Angel purred.

“Uh-huh real fancy, princess.” Husk said with an eyeroll. He hid his smile behind his glass as he took another sip, emptying the rest of the liquid inside. He would have gotten himself another drink if he wasn’t so damn exhausted.

Husk stood, putting his own glass aside to be cleaned before taking Angel’s empty glass.

“Want anything else?” Husk offered. He had no clue how late it was. Hell, he wouldn’t be surprised if the crimson light of day started pouring in the windows soon. Angel shook his head at the question, standing and stretching for a moment.

“Nah, probably gotta get back to V-tower soon anyway.” Angel said with a sigh. His bottom set of hands wrung together. His expression was sullen. It was obvious Angel was worried about returning. “Val ain’t gonna be happy with me.” He sounded frustrated? Dejected? Husk couldn’t quite place it but it was some mix of emotions that didn’t really suit someone as confident and strong-willed as Angel seemed to be.

“You can stay as long as you need. Don’t worry about it.” Husk offered, sounding far too soft for his own good. Whatever fucked up emotions were swimming in his head were going to get him killed one of these days.

Angel seemed surprised at the offer, before slipping on his seductive mask once again.

“You sure you don’t want me to pay ya back, whiskers? I can give you the night of your life~” Angel purred, sultry voice echoing in Husk’s skull. Angel smiled, pressing himself into Husk’s side and running two of his hands up his upper arm. Damn this kid was never gonna give him a break was he?

“Don’t worry about it princess.” Husk looked up at the taller demon and squeezed one of the hands that was currently trying to feel up Husk’s barely-existent bicep. “Just stay however long you need.”

With that, Husk turned away from Angel whose hands simply fell to his sides. Husk gathered up his hat and jacket before walking off toward the staff elevator. Angel didn’t stop him, didn’t say anything else as Husk walked away. But Husk could still feel those burning eyes on his back, watching him as he left.

Notes:

I rewrote this chapter at least 2 or 3 times before I was finally happy enough with it to post. Please let me know what yall think, I appreciate the feedback! The next chapter is my favorite so far, can't wait to share it. See you soon!

Chapter 3: Infatuation

Summary:

Husk is really good at both restraining himself and reading people. But dammit, Angel makes both of those things insanely difficult.

Notes:

Look out everyone, this chapter is super cute and about 2000 words longer than the initial draft. Enjoy!

The next day was horrible.

Not only was Husk more hungover than usual, but his thoughts kept floating back to Angel every spare moment he had. He was well aware that the porn star still hadn’t checked out yet, not that Husk expected him to. He had been the one to tell him he could stay as long as he wanted in the first place. Who knows when Angel would be checking out, but he assumed it wouldn’t be anytime soon. And maybe deep, deep down in his pitch-black soul Husk hoped he stayed for a while. Not that an overlord, much less Husk, could ever admit to having such thoughts.

Point being, Husk was distracted. He drowned himself in booze right when he woke up and holed himself up in his office for the majority of the day, determined to avoid any and all contact with other demons as much as possible. Paperwork had never been his strong suit. He hated it even at the best of times, but it was a little more bearable when he was actively trying to avoid other things; especially thinking.

And oh boy was he thinking. Much more than usual, too. His mind filled itself with glittery dresses and wicked smiles and that stupidly beautiful laugh and those horribly long limbs. Husk always knew he was a despicable person, but he had never been lustful. He had never really wanted another person, other than to use them. But something about Angel was agonizingly different. Something about Angel clawed into his mind and buried itself in the crevices of his thoughts, popping up right when Husk was least expecting it.

Before he knew it the day had come and gone. As evening fell the casino grew busier once again. Hundreds of sinners drifted in, trying their luck at anything and everything. Husk finished his paperwork rather quickly and was forced out onto the floor to find something, anything, to distract him from his incessantly annoying thoughts of the spider demon.

Husk walked the floor, being greeted by the occasional regular but otherwise he was left alone. The overlord glanced around, seeing the wide variety of demons around him. Some tables were quiet, full of awfully serious older demons, while others had sinners howling with laughter and obviously too drunk to be betting anything more than pennies. Not that Husk cared. After all, his whole business was based on taking advantage of idiots too stupid, inebriated, or naive to stop while they’re ahead.

One of the blackjack tables in particular caught his eye though. There was a shark demon surrounded by multiple others, likely friends or cronies of some kind. The other sharks cheered him on, grinning from ear to ear at each other as the other demons at the table let out frustrations and curses. Husk knew something was up. Maybe it was the way the shark was holding his cards, fidgeting with the corners. Maybe it was his eyes, a little too shifty, even for a gambler. Maybe it was the stupid grins of the other sharks around him, as if they knew something. But Husk could tell the guy was cheating.

Without a second thought, Husk slipped into one of the few empty chairs around the table the shark was sitting at. The dealer looked up at him, a bit surprised. She was a newer soul Husk had acquired only a few months back. A fox demon with bright blue eyes named Haze. She was a young, pretty thing, with a soft smile and lots of curves. On the few occasions Husk had interacted with her, she had been overly friendly and easygoing. But her posture now was one of anxiety and nerves. Husk wondered if she suspected something was going on with the shark demon as well.

“H-Hello Sir!” She grinned, trying to cover her nerves through an overly chipper tone. Husk gave her a half smile back.

“Deal me in Haze.” He said, snapping his fingers to summon a relatively large collection of pocker chips. Haze nodded, smile still shakily plastered to her face. Poor kid looked like she had had quite a long night already. She dealt everyone a new hand and began a new round.

“Oh wow the gambling overlord himself is gracing us with his presence? It’s an honor, sir,” The shark said with a toothy grin, voice filled to the brim with naive arrogance. His obvious condescension didn’t faze the overlord. Husk was very much not a people person. Never had been. But he had gotten familiar with faking it when he really needed to.

“‘M just looking for a good game, haven’t had one in quite a while.” Husk said with an easy fake smile that had been practiced from his decades alive and dead.

The game didn’t last long, the shark demon folded almost immediately which was cause for alarm of course. Like he knew exactly what he wanted to do. Husk could tell there were barely any thoughts in that thick skull of his.

After 3 fairly quick rounds, multiple sinners left the table, leaving only Husk and the shark who was surrounded by his fellow sharks. Husk knew by now that the guy was marking his cards, but the overlord knew how to be patient. Being an overlord, and a gambler, meant not showing his hand, keeping his cards close to his chest. It was about timing.

As the forth round started, another sinner took up the seat beside Husk. They were sitting awfully close. Husk was about to say something when he felt warm breath assault his ear.

“Heya there Whiskers~” a familiar voice purred. Husk whipped his head around, glaring at the culprit; the very demon who had been filling his thoughts for the better part of the last 24 hours.

Angel sat beside him, skin mere inches from Husk’s own. He had a wicked grin plastered to his face, leaning close into Husk’s personal space. The strong scent of perfume and heavily sweetened alcohol wafted from him, with the culprit of the latter likely being the half-full bright pink monstrosity that Angel held in his hand. Husk knew full well by his relaxed posture that it was far from Angel’s first drink of the night.

The porn star was no longer wearing the glittering dress from the night before. Yet he hadn’t exactly toned down his aesthetic. He wore a tight black cocktail dress, sitting about halfway down his thighs. A silver necklace and bangle bracelets glittered in the sparkling casino lights. He had done his makeup again, this time dark and bold, with thick winged eyeliner and obnoxious false lashes. A bright red lipstick accentuated his grin.

“Hello Angel.” Husk said, hoping that Angel couldn’t read how phased he had been by the spider’s sudden arrival. The short laugh that came from the other proved that Angel could, in fact, tell exactly how phased the overlord was. “Would you like to join?” Husk attempted, and thankfully succeeded, in sounding casual with the offer.

“Oh I would love to baby, but I ain’t too good at these games.” Angel gave a dramatic sigh and draped his arms around Husk’s shoulder. The scent of alcohol and perfume grew stronger at their closeness. Husk did his best not to tense at the sudden contact. How the fuck had Angel gotten even more flirty since he last saw him? The overlord blamed the alcohol. “Can I just watch ya? I can be your lucky charm~”

“Do whatever you like.” Husk said, voice gruff and low, trying to sound uninterested. Angel hummed in thought, the sound vibrating Husk’s skull.

“Whatever I like?” Angel teased. Husk was about to tell him off when the shark demon cleared his throat, bringing Husk’s attention back to him.

The shark was glaring at Angel, obviously annoyed at the intrusion. The other sharks behind him were snickering and laughing amongst themselves.

“Didn’t think a big bad overlord let sluts like him cling onto them Mr. Husker.” The shark hissed out, venom in his tone. Husk felt annoyance boiling up in him. He opened his mouth to say something before Angel beat him to it.

“Awww, you jealous doll? That’s so cute~” Angel teased, downing half of his remaining drink in one go. “Sorry babe, I don’t think you’d be able to satisfy a slut like me with that tiny dick of yours.” The shark sputtered, cursing Angel out, but the spider was unphased. A satisfied smirk was plastered onto Angel’s face. Husk felt a similar smile itching to break his poker face, though he was luckily able to school it before anyone noticed. Angel was as clever as he was vulgar, and Husk would not admit to enjoying it.

Angel laughed loudly, leaning back onto Husk once again. His upper set of arms encircled Husk’s shoulders while his lower set fiddled with the hem of his blazer. Husk tried not to think about the warmth radiating from Angel as he clung to the overlord.

“What the FUCK did you just say to me, you whor-” the shark bellowed, only to be cut off by Husk.

“Enough.” Husk growled, his eyes glowing as he shot a glare at the shark. The shark stopped speaking, but glared at Angel and Husk as if he would love nothing more than to shoot both of their brains out right then and there.

“I can’t believe you’re letting someone like that into such a classy place Mr. Husker.” The shark spat. The other sharks behind him continued snickering, egging on their supposed leader. Husk narrowed his eyes at the shark. He had never taken kindly to insults, especially not ones given by idiots who couldn’t even cheat without getting caught. If you were gonna cheat at least be smart about it.

“He’s welcome anytime he likes, unlike you.” Husk did his best to keep his tone cool and collected. Which was pretty difficult between Angel clinging to him and his anger building. “Or did you think you could hide your little card trick from me?” Husk flipped one of the cards in his hands, brushing against the corners. Each corner of each card had what looked to be a scratch. The shape and size of the scratch denoted the card, allowing the shark to know which cards he had before even looking.

Husk felt his ego swell at the look of shock on the shark’s face. The overlord grinned, eyes crazed for a moment before he was able to school his expression once again.

“Haze, go get Chris for me will you?” Haze nodded quickly and rushed off to Chris who had been positioned nearby. The security guard wasted no time in escorting the shark out of the casino. And despite the shark attempting to fight back, he failed miserably. The other sharks followed their leader out, scrambling to keep up with him and get away from Husk.

Husk let out a sigh, fixing his tie before turning back to Angel. The spider had managed to get two drinks in the short time that Husk had his attention elsewhere; one was a pink something-or-other while the second looked like an old fashion. Angel’s eyes were wide, staring at Husk as if he was the most amazing thing he had seen in years.

“Fuck that was hot.” Angel breathed out. His expression of surprise and awe quickly slipped away, fading into a much more practiced expression of playfulness. “You’re my savior whiskers~” Angel hummed, hovering in Husk’s personal space and handing him the old fashion. Husk gave the demon a half-smile before taking a few quick sips.

“‘M definitely not.” Husk said with a huff. Angel continued clinging to him with his left set of arms while he gulped his freshly made drink. The spider was guzzling alcohol by the pints. At this rate Husk would be dragging him up to his room sooner rather than later. “Don’t you think you should slow down?” Husk asked, gesturing to the glass in Angel’s hand.

“Ughhh you’re no fun,” Angel pouted, crossing his lower set of arms. Nearly his entire weight was leaned up against the cat demon. If he weren’t so damn skinny, Husk likely wouldn’t be able to support both of them. Being easily dwarfed by Angel’s height didn’t help matters either.

“Come on princess, let’s get you upstairs,” Husk hummed, surprisingly not bothered by how clingy Angel was being in that moment. Husk downed the rest of his drink, leaving it on the now-empty blackjack table and began walking them away from all the casino tables. At the mention of going upstairs, a wild and wicked smile broke out onto Angel’s face.

“I can come as many times as you want handsome~” Angel purred, somehow putting even more of his weight onto the shorter demon. Despite his state, his words were deliberate, practiced. Ones he had likely said plenty of times to plenty of other demons. Husk huffed out a sigh, choosing to ignore Angel’s comment and continued guiding the spider demon to the staff elevator as it was much closer than the guest elevator.

“Aww do ya want me to beg? I’m real pretty when I’m beggin’ I promise,” Angel was basically begging already as they got onto the elevator. “Please daddy~ I’ll be real good~” Husk grimaced at the nickname. He never understood porn or dirty talk most of the time, especially the whole ‘daddy’ thing.

“Ya don’t like daddy? Hmm,” Angel pondered for a moment before that wild grin returned. “Mm what about whiskers? Ya didn’t seem to mind that. Oh! Or sir,” Angel was practically giggling with mirth, tiny snorts breaking up the sound. If Angel wasn’t drunk earlier he certainly was now. He finished the rest of his drink in one go and Husk quickly took the glass from him before the spider managed to drop it.

With his last hand freed up, Angel decided to take the opportunity to let his hands drag all over Husk’s body. Luckily, the demon seemed to have enough sense (or maybe just not enough coordination) to only feel up the overlord’s torso. Husk wanted to be mad. Wanted to tell Angel off, but he knew that he wouldn’t

“Just Husk is fine.” Husk said gruffly, handing the now empty glass to one of the security guards who was posted near the staff elevator. Husk managed to get Angel inside the elevator with only mild issue. Husk had no idea how to deal with so many limbs, all simulatiously wanting to cling to him like a lifeline.

“Whatever you say Husky~” Angel giggled once again at the new nickname. Husk knew better than to argue with someone who had one too many. A tiny smile tugged at Husk’s lips at the sound of Angel’s laugh once again. It was the same laugh Angel had the night before, open and honest and nothing like his faked cutesy laugh he did to make guys drool all over him.

Angel opened his mouth to speak again but was cut off by the loud ding that rang out, signaling that they had reached their desired floor. Husk nearly carried Angel back to his room.

“Got y’r key?” Husk asked, holding his only free hand out. Angel hummed in affirmative and pulled the key out from his chest fluff, cause of course that’s where he had put it.

“Here ya go!” Angel said in a sing-song voice, handing Husk the key rather than opening the door himself. The spider’s hands, which had been continuously roaming, began to grope at more… sensitive areas. One hand was massaging the small of Husk’s back while another played at the hem of his pants. And yet a third was somehow trying to get Husk’s shirt button open to no avail. Thank fuck for his dark fur, otherwise Angel would be aware of just how much he was affected. That was the last thing Husk needed.

Husk quickly opened the door. He wanted to get Angel off him sooner rather than later. He had zero intention of taking advantage of Angel. Especially when he was so obviously hammered.

Husk struggled to untangle himself from Angel’s arms. As soon as one arm was successfully removed from it’s place, another seemed to take it’s place. Husk felt annoyance building, which only seemed to egg Angel on.

“Quit it,” Husk growled in warning. Angel giggled in response but did as he was told. He pulled away from Husk finally, holding up all four hands up in the air. His tall frame swayed slightly before Husk braced him again.

“I thought you didn’t want me touch’n ya anymore, whiskers~” Angel teased, that horribly gorgeous grin lighting up his entire face. Husk was once again grateful for his dark fur as he felt a warmth tingling at his cheeks. He guided Angel to the bed and sat him down. Though Angel almost immediately flopped down onto the mattress and started attempting peeling off his far-too-tight dress with little success.

“Fuck Angel, just-” Husk let out a frustrated sound somewhere between a groan and a growl. “Go the fuck to sleep. You’re drunk as shit.”

“Aww com’ on Husky, I’ll do whatever you want me to,” Angel begged, voice slipping into something sultry and well rehearsed. How many times had he used that line? “I won’t even fight ya or try to stop ya, promise~” Angel spread his body out in a way Husk knew was supposed to be sexy. Had Husk been paying more attention to Angel’s body he was sure his mind would think so. His thoughts would be filled with that pose for days, yet that isn’t what stuck.

Instead it was his words. Promising to not fight back. It brought a sick feeling to the back of Husk’s throat. The overlord wasn’t stupid. He was far more aware than most just how horribly Valentino treated his souls. It was a truth well known but rarely spoken amongst the overlords. But those words, cruel in their insunuation, forced Husk to conjure up an image he’d rather have never known. So he immediately buried them deep, alongside that horrible taste in his mouth.

“‘M not doing anything when you’re like this.” Husk insisted, crossing his arms. Angel pouted again.

“‘M fine!” Angel argued. His demeanor shifted quickly from seductive to annoyed. “Literally never been better. Not in a while at least. What, you to good to fuck a whore?!” Angel spat out, glaring at the overlord from where he was laid out on the mattress. He hadn’t quite managed to undress all the way, but the dress road up to his stomach revealing his panties and one of his shoes had been kicked off on the process, leaving only stockings to cover his foot.

“You’re drunk, princess.” Husk said, keeping his voice even. Angel didn’t look convinced.

“You’re an ass!” Angel yelled, seeming to want to hold on to his anger.

“Never said I wasn’t,” Husk pointed out. Angel opened his mouth as if to speak but instead groaned, rubbing the heels of his palms against his eyes. When he pulled his hands away, Husk could see the smearing of makeup around his eyes and palms

“Nearly everyone in hell wants me. I’m a fucking catch you know that?” Angel’s voice was bitter, angry, yet there was something else. Something just on the edge of his tone that seemed to soften all the harshness of his words. “But the one time I actually wanna-” Angel cut himself off, stopping himself from being vulnerable.

Husk had caught it though. Angel was hurt by his rejection, not because he was an overlord, but because Angel found Husk attractive. Or maybe it was some weird need to pay Husk back for helping him. Though something told Husk that the latter option was far more likely. It wasn’t like Husk was all that attractive to begin with. He was good at reading people. Had to be to have gotten as far as he had in Hell, so he must be right about this.

“Angel, I’m not going to sleep with you right now.” Husk said sternly. He was an overlord. He constantly exploited sinners for their weaknesses, took advantage of nearly every situation. But he refused to sexually assault anyone, regardless of their status as a famous porn star who was literally begging for it. Angel was still drunk and that was an immediate no from Husk.

“Why else would you help me then?” Angel asked, eyes open and honest and so so sad. The smeared makeup only made the spider look more pathetic. He was a disheveled mess.

Husk let out a sigh. Arguing with a drunk person wasn’t going to get him anywhere. Neither would yelling at the poor guy. Instead, Husk sat on the side of Angel’s bed at the demon stared up at him in utter confusion.

“I just want to, if you’ll let me.” Husk admitted, being far more honest than he had meant to be. He shouldn’t be saying any of this. He should have dropped Angel on the bed and left right away. But his mind had been swimming with the spider all day and his heart ached too much seeing him this unguarded.

Angel seemed suspicious of the offer. Like he was certain that the overlord wanted something else out of their interaction but he couldn’t quite figure it out. That wasn’t the case, but Husk also couldn’t blame Angel for thinking that way.

“I uh… guess so.” Angel said, voice still cautious. Husk let out a soft smile at the response.

“Good, then uh, how the fuck do you get that shit off your face?” Husk asked, obviously a bit uncomfortable. He was well out of his depth when it came to makeup or dresses or any of that kind of shit. He barely managed to wash his own face with basic soap.

“Mmm,” Angel thought, leaning against Husk’s shoulder. He shakily pointed to the vague direction of the corner of the room. “Could ya get me my makeup remover? And a towel. Oh and my soap.”

Husk’s eyes followed Angel’s gesture and found a soft pink bedazzled duffle bag with ‘Angel Dust’ spelled out in hot pink rhinestones. Husk nodded, getting off the bed and going through the bag. He found a sweatshirt and a soft looking pair of shorts, pulling those out of the bag as well. Husk rummaged through the bag, pulling out about 7 different bottles of whatever the hell Angel used to get himself ready in the morning. It took him a few good minutes to read each bottle and figure out which soap was ‘face’ soap and not any other number of soaps or conditioners.

Meanwhile, Angel’s mismatched pink eyes watched Husk as the overlord dug through his bag. Husk could feel those eyes yet again, burning into his back. When Husk turned around, Angel’s eyes were wide and he looked a bit shocked.

Husk returned to his side, arms full of everything Angel asked for and a change of clothes. Angel reached for one of the bottles, the makeup remover with shaky hands and nearly spilt the entire bottle trying to pour some out. Husk caught it.

“Just- tell me how to do this.” Husk said looking down at the bottle of makeup remover as if it had personally offended him. He held a nearly soaked towel in his hand, unsure of how any of this was supposed to work. Angel blinked between Husk’s face and the bottle before grinning.

“You wanna help me whiskers?~ You’re such a softie baby~” Angel teased, leaning up close to Husk’s face. Any closer and the porn star would have been in his lap. Husk pushed him away, allowing them to gain more distance. The last thing he needed was Angel hearing just how erratic his heart was.

“‘S what I said earlier.” Husk reminded him, ignoring the comment about him being a softie. Husk was an all powerful overlord, not a pet.

“Gotta rub of the makeup. Not too rough though~” Angel purred, winking at the Overlord with his black-rimmed eyes. “Then I gotta go wash my face and put on my toner. Oh then I need to moisturize or I’ll end up all gross and dry and-” Angel started rambling, listing off the various steps of his routine as if any of it made sense to Husk. He only used about 2 different soaps and that was it. He didn’t even know half of the products Angel was talking about.

“How about just getting the makeup off and getting your face clean?” Husk asked, lifting up the towel that was already half-drenched in makeup remover.

“No I need to, else ‘m gonna look like shit tomorrow.” Angel complained, closing his eyes as Husk carefully wiped off the smears of makeup decorating his face.

“You’re not gonna look like shit, princess.” Husk huffed out, trying to chase down each black smear. Apparently, taking off makeup was nearly impossible when the black was practically soaked into Angel’s face.

“Shut up, what do you know?” Angel was not doing a good job at staying still. He swayed back and forth, nearly on top of Husk as the overlord attempted to clean his face.

“I know it’s probably impossible for you to look like shit.” Husk grumbled, face flushing a deep heat. He was extremely glad that Angel’s eyes were still closed.

The spider was far too close and he smelled amazing with that stupid mix of alcohol and perfume. No one should be able to make crap alcohol smell good, and yet somehow Angel managed to. Husk blamed the bizarre situation and his own slight inebriation on his inability to shut the fuck up.

“Mm you think I’m sexy, don’tcha handsome?” Angel teased, grinning as Husk attempted to wet another towel and spread some kind of cleanser onto the fabric. Husk grumbled in response, finding it nearly impossible to argue with the spider in this state, even when he was very much wrong.

If anything, Husk felt ‘pretty’ or ‘beautiful’ or even ‘stunning’ fit Angel better than anything. Even as he was in that moment, hammered and slurring and swaying, he was beautiful.

“All done.” Husk sighed, wiping off the rest of the soap from Angel’s skin making it soft and clean. The spider opened his eyes, finding himself nearly inches from Husk’s face. Those bright pink eyes blinked down to Husk’s lips before looking back into his eyes. Husk managed to pull away before Angel could get anymore ideas. Husk handed Angel the clothes he had set aside earlier. Angel took them without question before he began tugging off his jewelry. He attempted to undo his dress, but found coordination difficult.

“Huskyyy,” Angel drawled, slumping back onto the cat demon with a pout. “Can ya get my zipper?”

Husk couldn’t help the smile on his face. He wordlessly unzipped Angel’s dress while the spider was practically in his lap. He seemed so young like this, complaining and pouting and whining. It was cute, in a way that Husk normally would think is annoying.

“Thanks baby,” Angel peeled the clothes off before quickly changing into what Husk had given him. Husk made a point to look away as Angel changed and crawled into his bed.

“Feeling better?” Husk asked as Angel bundled himself in the blankets. Angel blushed, the soft pink showing through his light fur.

“Yeah, thanks whiskers.” Angel smiled at him again with those shining eyes and soft expression and Husk wanted to melt into a puddle right then. He really hoped that Angel couldn’t see his own blush.

“Don’t worry about it.” Husk said, clearing his throat and turning back towards the door. He didn’t even make it one step before Angel grabbed his wrist.

“Wait- You can stay, if you want.” Angel said suddenly. Husk sighed, turning to tell Angel off again. Husk still had no intention of staying with him, even if he had been sober. The only reason he stayed to begin with was to get Angel to bed. But Angel seemed to realize Husk’s thoughts before he ever verbalized them.

“Just to sleep.” Angel insisted. He scooched over, lifting one side of the blanket, and oh, if Husk’s heart didn’t ache at the offer. Angel looked so damn cozy, wrapped up in comfortable clothes and face clean of any makeup. The spider looked downright domestic, and it most certainly wasn’t good for Husk’s heart.

“Maybe next time.” Husk said, despite his mind screaming at him to curl up next to Angel and stay. The fluttering of his heart protested as well, dismayed by the overlord’s decision. Angel didn’t seem to like that answer as his grip on Husk’s wrist became tighter.

“Please?” Angel whispered. He had joked that he was good at begging earlier, but damn it if this wasn’t a million times more effective. Husk’s brain screamed at him to just do whatever Angel said. But instead, he pulled Angel’s wrist to his lips, leaving a barely-there kiss to the back of his hand.

“Goodnight, princess,” Husk said, giving Angel a soft smile that definitely gave away more affection than it should have. Angel’s grip loosened, allowing Husk to leave.

For a brief moment, Angel looked disappointed, but nevertheless, he smiled back at Husk, soft and open and sweet. “‘Night whiskers.”

Notes:

So... I was going to wait to update but I was just too excited to post this chapter. Let me know what yall think and thanks for checking out the story!