I was meant to go to the museum today
Aug. 16th, 2024 10:32 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
cornerofmadnessbut my blood sugar was very high so I stayed home and wrote.
Let's have the friday five
1) Who are you appreciating in your life right now? - Mom
2) What's something you've done this year that other people appreciated? I sure hope my fellow faculty members who are taking over my classes appreciate I did literally everything for them and all they have to do is flip the switches on.
3) What's a good way to show gratitude? A thank you goes a long way with me. Small acts of kindness too.
4) Do you write thank you notes? Yes, I'm older so maybe it was a thing for me that it isn't with my millennial cousins (you could at least tell me you got the damn thing)
5) What can you use help with these days? Mental health
I did get a story written, here you go, enjoy
Title: Moonlight Serenade
Summary: Angel is learning to live again under a new overlord after Valentino lost him in a poker game. All things considered life with Husker is pretty sweet until Arackniss comes calling. However, maybe having a worried, grumpy older brother back in his life isn’t the end of the world.
Author Note - Written for fleethare in comment_fic for the prompt Hazbin Hotel, Angel Dust/Husk, the sky's the limit, as well asspikesgirl58’s six word challenge and the six words were Cabin, Challenge, Acquire, Attain, Retain, & Drill and also written for the allbingo prompt boots and inspiration for Angel’s club wear came from Angie_fluffy_bootz art see pinned here (check out their Instagram and if you prefer this picture not be linked to let me know) here.
Angel twirled, his gown flaring out like a midnight blue cloud of soft silk and lace. His wig was a similar blue with silver threads woven in. The lights in Husker’s office did a poor job of making his heels glitter. Under the spotlight, they would be stunning. At least Husker paid him the courtesy of looking up from his paperwork.
“What do you think, Husky? Does it look okay?”
“You could wear a flour sack and look fine,” Husker replied.
Angel shot him the gimlet eye, making Husker blink and obviously wonder what he’d said wrong. Husker might be cute as hell – which granted hell wasn’t all that cute – but he was the complete opposite of a sweet talker. How he had ever racked up multiple marriages when he was alive, Angel didn’t know. He must have been hot. Of course magic tricks were a good ice breaker.
“Damning me with faint praise.”
Rolling his eyes, Husker pushed back from his desk. He walked over to Angel and ran his fingers over the silvery spiderweb that made up the back of Angel’s dress. “I very much like this touch.”
“Thank you. I’ll be wearing this for the singing part of my next big show.”
Husker smiled. “You’ve been teasing this show for weeks now.”
“You said the sky’s the limit. I’m taking you at your word.”
“Just don’t break the bank.” Husker tapped Angel’s chin, sending a frisson of excitement down his spine to pool in areas that didn’t want to stay under his tight control.
Ever since Husker had acquired him from Valentino, Angel’s world had flipped 180 degrees. He had complete control over his body and his shows. Husker had even wrangled a better monetary deal from Val in regards to the last porno Angel ever planned to make or at least one where he had zero control over the script and how much abuse he’d be expected to take. He wasn’t ruling out a more artistic endeavor down the road but for now his semi-retirement stood. He was singing and dancing in Husker’s casino. He loved it.
“Just wait until you see the dance numbers. It’ll be a show stopper.” Angel took a step closer to Husker and added, “And an erection builder.”
Husker swallowed hard and gave him a look. “Angel, you know you don’t have to-”
“Strip? I know. And who said I was? It’s a head rush, Husky, getting the crowd to want me that much. It’s as good as getting high or you winning the next big pot.” Angel closed the distance again. He was close enough to feel Husker’s breath ruffling his fuzz. “I know you’ll love it.”
“Angel,” Husker’s voice went appropriately husky but he didn’t reach for Angel.
Ever since he’d won Angel’s soul contract, Husker had been keeping a discreet distance between them. His stance was a simple one: he owned Angel and that negated consent. Angel understood it. He respected it and was grateful for it. Except, there was a spark between them. Now months later – but still under the negotiated time period in which Husker couldn’t free him, even he wanted to - Angel knew one thing; he wanted Husker in the worst way. He spent hours daydreaming about it. He’d given his waterproof vibrator a good hard ride in the tub last night, jacking off to thoughts of Husker.
He wanted to kiss him so bad in this moment. Dare he? He leaned forward and a loud knock at the door made him jump back. They both looked to the door.
“Sir, your three o’clock are here,” Ilana – Husker’s personal assistant – said through the door.
“Oh, shit, forgot about that,” Husker muttered, sitting back down. “Send them in, Ilana.”
Angel sat in a chair across from the desk.
Husker straightened his tie. “They’ll be from Carmilla Carmine with the weapons for my security team. After that last attack you helped with, I wanted more firepower around here.”
“Makes sense.” Angel wished it didn’t. He had finally worked up the nerve to broach the subject of consent with Husker and got cockblocked by a knock.
His heart fell to his ankles when Ilana escorted in two men, both spiders. One was broad and the cruel set of his mouth and flat black eyes sent a cold shiver through Angel. The tiny, whip thin guy with the yellow spiderweb bowtie came with so much baggage, all of it they both had been carrying for the better part of a century.
“Have a seat,” Husker said, rising to greet them. “Don’t mind Angel. We can do business with him here.”
“It would be better if the degenerate wasn’t here,” Henroin grated out, his hard narrow eyes slicing Angel’s direction.
“That is uncalled for.” Husker’s wings spread and fluttered in agitation. One of the things about Husker that melted Angel’s heart was his protectiveness. He’d been that way since the first day he’d met him and it was entirely foreign to Angel. His brother had protected him from everyone but himself back in the day but when it came to lovers none had ever thought to shield Angel. Certainly Valentino hadn’t, not even in the early days before Angel knew him for what he really was.
Arackniss whipped around, spotting him. He stared for a moment, not seeing through the drag as quickly as their father even though he knew damn well who Angel Dust was. “Tony!”
Angel held up a hand. “It’s okay, Husker.”
“No, it’s not.” Husker looked between him and Arackniss. “You know him?”
“Since it’ll piss them off if I say it, that’s my father and the littlest big brother ever.” Angel rotated his finger between the two of them. Both of his kin curled their lips at him. Husker did a double take. “Yeah, that’s how ugly I could have been. Lucky for you, Husker, you got this.” He ran a finger through his chest fluff poking thru the deep V in his bodice.
“I wasn’t aware you had relatives in hell,” Husker said, astonished, and Angel shrugged.
“What are you even doing here, Tony? What was the whole retirement thing about? I thought Valentino might have finally killed you and he needed a cover story,” Arackniss spat out rapid fire.
Their father raised his eyebrows at Arackniss. “And you actually cared? Fine, if you want the pansy here, no skin off my nose. We have the weapons you asked for.” He thumped the heavy case he carried in.
“If you have to know, Husker won my contract off Valentino,” Angel jumped in as the fury racketed up in Husker’s eyes. He didn’t need the overlord to go toe to toe with his dad. He could take care of himself at any rate. He sauntered over and sat on the edge of Husker’s desk, his hip flush with the weapons’ case.
“So what? You traded one overlord’s bed for another and I’m supposed to care?” Henroin asked and Husker fished dice out of his pocket.
“Don’t forget Vox.” Angel reached across the desk and put a hand on Husker’s wrist to calm him. “I’m after the overlord hat trick.” When Husker and Henroin shot him hot looks, he stood up. “But since I’m an obvious distraction, I’ll let you get to business and I’ll go get out of this gown. It wouldn’t be good if it wrinkled before the show.”
“Fine. We’ll talk about the show later,” Husker said, his eyes never leaving Henroin.
Angel sashayed out the door, getting his hips into action. It was what everyone expected of Angel Dust, after all. He made it to the elevator, ignoring Arackniss calling his name. His brother darted between the closing doors, the advantage of being slender as fuck. Angel scowled.
“What the fuck do you want, Niss?”
Arackniss glowered at him but his hands shook, betraying his emotions. “I was serious. I thought Valentino had killed you, extinguished you entirely with angelic steel. He buys Carmilla’s weapons. You used to sell weapons for her. You know she has the stuff that could do that.”
Angel rolled his eyes, not punching a button on the elevator. Did he want Arackniss to know where he lived? “I’m fine. I just stopped making pornos when Husker won me. He doesn’t deal in that.”
“How would I know that? You blocked my number,” Arackniss sulked, shaking a cigarette out of a pack.
“Don’t you dare light up in here.” Angel glared. “And maybe you should have taken the hint when I blocked you.”
Arackniss hunched his shoulders, his weird little eyes all misting up. “Don’t be like that, Tony. Can’t you accept I was actually worried?”
“Fine. You were worried. You told me. Papi is going to be pissed you ran out.”
“Yeah, well I’ll deal with him later. I wanted to talk to you and I never could when you lived with Valentino. You remember what happened the last time.”
Boy did he ever. Arackniss nearly started a war with the Vees when he saw the bruises on Angel’s body, and the swollen-shut eye. He might not always like his little brother but Arackniss wasn’t about to stand by and let some pimp beat him up. Deciding there was little to lose if Arackniss knew where he lived since the only way onto his floor was with a key card – wasn’t like his father could storm the castle easily – Angel hit the button for his floor and flashed the card.
When they walked down the short corridor to his suite and Angel opened the door, Arackniss’s gasp made him laugh. The place was stunning. Marble columns lead the way into the living area that he had decked out in pink, fuchsia and platinum colors. The couch was big enough and deep enough to sleep on. Fat Nuggets’ bed was next to the balcony doors so he could look out and enjoy the birds if one could call them enjoyable or birds in hell. The entertainment wall across from the couch and catty-corner to the bar would make anyone envious and Angel would have killed a bitch to get a kitchen like the one he had now.
“Husker spoils me.” Angel strolled to the bar and pulled a crystal ashtray off of it. He thrust it at his brother.
“Better than what that moth motherfucker used to do you.” Arackniss set the ashtray aside so he could light up. “Can I look around?”
“Make yourself at home. Want a drink?”
“I think we both are gonna need one.” Arackniss took a drag and walked down the hall. He peeked into the bathroom. “Holy hell, your tub is black and white marble!”
“Don’t go in there.”
“Why? Afraid I’m going to see that terrifying big dildo you have next to the tub?” Arackniss glanced back at him. He blew a streamer of smoke Angel’s way.
Angel slumped his shoulders. “Yes.”
“I’m pretending I didn’t see it.”
“That’s for the best. Maybe you should just wander the living area,” Angel suggested so Arackniss, being the absolute little dick that he was, went into the first bedroom he found.
“Holy hell!”
Angel snuck in behind him as Arackniss stared at the large brass bed with the elaborate metal chevrons as a headboard and what looked like a canopy support sans canopy. The headboard was haloed in pink neon and dangling purple neon hearts. Nuggs was asleep in his bed in the corner of the bedroom.
“This is Molly’s bedroom if she had made it to hell,” Arackniss said, ticking a finger off the big ring on the canopy. He had to jump a little to do it. “Did your canopy not survive the night?”
“There isn’t a canopy.”
“Then what are the rings for?” Arackniss widened his eyes the moment the words escaped his mouth.
Angel smirked. “All the better to tie me up, caro Fratello.”
Arackniss pulled a lemony face. “I’m going back to the bar.”
“As I suggested.”
“Did I see a pig in there?” Arackniss asked as he hurried back to the living room bar.
“Fat Nuggets.”
“Dare I ask why you have a hell pig?” Arackniss shuddered as he plopped his tiny ass on a stool.
“Val gave him to me as an apology for beating the shit out of me.” Angel left out the whole ‘raped me violently’ part because he didn’t want to get into it with his brother. “You know the drill, the same dance Papi did with Mama. I’m sooooo sorry. I won’t do it again. Until he does.”
As Arackniss scowled, Angel gestured to the shelf of booze. “Whatcha want?”
“Nothing frou-frou.”
“Testa di merda .” Angel purposely mixed up two Jellyfishes, swirling cream through layers of vodka, blue curaçao, and sambuca until it was a pretty blue and white.
“I hate you,” Arackniss said, taking a deep pull off his cigarette.
“Right back at you, Fratello,” Angel replied mildly, noting Arackniss had no issues swallowing the drink down. His brother smiled a little but he would never admit he liked the drink.
Arackniss pulled the crystal ashtray down the bar and lit another cigarette from the end of the one in his mouth.
And he has the nerve to call me an addict!
“You’re okay though, right? You’re not some bird in a gilded cage?” Arackniss waved his hands to all the glitz around him.
“Oh, I’m definitely a bird in a gilded cage for now. The deal Husker made to attain me was he had to keep me under contract for a year so we’ll see what happens after that. Even if he chooses to retain my soul, I’m still better off here than with Val.” Angel shrugged. “I’m his star attraction and Husker lets me choose the routines. I have complete control over costuming and I work directly with my choreographer. If I want to keep my clothes on, I can. If I want to dance around in the nude, he doesn’t care. No more pornos for now.”
“Thank God.” Arackniss raised two fingers ceilingwards as if God would bother looking all the way down here for them. “I was tired of seeing your lewd posters everywhere I looked.”
“I’ll be sure to do more of those just for you to promote my current shows.” Angel swung his hips before sitting down to pour two more drinks since Mr. I don’t want frou-frou drinks had polished his off.
“Stronzo.” Arackniss studied the view out the huge windows. “You really must fuck like a demon though to earn this.”
“One, I do! Two, I’m not Husker’s lover.”
Arackniss widened his eyes. “Really?”
“He believes in consent and since he owns me, I can’t consent.” Angel frowned. “I was grateful for that but now…”
“You want him.” Arackniss shot him a knowing look.
“I want to fuck him so hard and loud, Asmodeus will show up and give us a gold star.” Angel chuckled. “So my challenge is to convince him I am giving my consent. I know I don’t hafta screw him to stay in my sweet suite or to keep him from knocking me around but I need to figure out something that will convince Husker it’s okay to be more than friends.”
“I’m useless for helping you there. I never was a Romeo.”
Before Angel could reply, a knock sounded at the door and he jumped. Arackniss shot him a look. Angel shook his head. “I know it has to be Husker. You can’t get on this floor without a security key but…for so many years I lived in the Vee studio.”
“And that bastard has all day access to you and you couldn’t just lock him out.” Arackniss ground his teeth, his fists balling. He and Arackniss might not get along well but no one else had best touch them or they’d find out what family was all about. “You catch your breath. I’ll answer the door.”
Angel nodded. Arackniss stood along the wall as if expecting to get shot through the door. It was probably how he had lasted as long as he had in the family business before bullets sent him down. “Yeah?”
“It’s Husker, Angel. Everything okay?”
Arackniss opened the door and jerked his head toward Angel. “He’s having a moment even though he knows it’s you standing out there.”
Husker scowled. “I know. He’s never completely convinced Valentino can’t get in here.”
“Guess he could fly up to the balcony,” Arackniss said.
Angel and Husker both scowled. Now he had a new worry even though it was unlikely. “No, he got hurt fighting the Radio Demon. Val can’t fly straight anymore so he just doesn’t fly at all. If he can’t look good doing it….”
“You okay?” Husker broke in, crossing the room. He sat across from Angel giving him space but put his clawed hand on the bar top.
Angel traced the heart in the palm of it with a little smile, ignoring his brother’s eye roll. “I’m good, just showing Niss around briefly.”
“Yes, I got to see the impressive tub and his bondage-please bed.” He rolled his eyes harder. “It’s a gorgeous place though. Thank you for treating my brother well. He ain’t had that…ever. You saw how Papi treated him and he wasn’t any nicer when we were alive and he didn’t know Tony was gay back then. Sort of hated Tony since he was born, never knew why.”
“Your brother is a delight to have around. I finally found someone who loves old monster movies as much as me.” Husker favored Angel with a soft smile.
“Don’t get him started on Flash Gordon.” Arackniss chuckled. “He loved that comic strip, not to mention the radio show. Also sorry for running out on our meeting. I…I just needed to be sure my brother was okay. The whole sudden retirement movie and him dropping out of sight threw me for a loop, didn’t know he was performing here. No doubt Papi is pleased with me.”
“He did mention something about two useless sons and you can find your own way home,” Husker said with distaste.
Arackniss waved that off. “No surprise there. Sorry he’s such an ass. He only wants me having anything to do with Tony if I’m helping ‘to make him a man.’ Translation, bullying the fuck out of him. ‘Sides it’s hard to make a man out of him when he’s in a dress.”
Angel grimaced, looking down at himself. “Oh shit, forgot to take it off. You two talk. I’ll be right back.”
Angel bustled off and took off his gown, hanging it carefully in the closet. He set the wig on the wig head. He slipped on his black shorts and pink and white tux jacket. He fluffed his chest fuzz up. Let Husker ignore that. When he strolled back to the bar, Husker was behind it and he had the good bourbon down. An amber filled glass waited for Angel. Husker and Arackniss were laughing about something.
“I cannot picture him as an altar boy!” Husker howled with laughter.
“He was until he stole the communion wine and passed out under the altar.” Arackniss offered his cigarette pack to Husker who accepted a ciggie, laughing even harder.
“That was your idea. You nearly drowned, passing out in the baptismal.” Angel pouted as he sat down. “Mama tanned both our hides.”
“That old bastard of a priest never forgot it. I had to get married in another church.” Arackniss chuckled.
Husker snorted. “You’re going to be a good source of Angel stories.”
“You two are not allowed to bond. I’m having none of it!” Angel slapped two hands onto the bar.
“I’d like to know how you plan to stop it.” Husker grinned.
“Don’t tempt him. Tony can throw a tantrum like no one.” Arackniss gave him a gentle shove.
“I believe you.”
“Not having this!” Angel huffed.
With a wicked expression on his face, Arackniss leaned toward Husker. “Let me tell you about the cabin in the woods.”
Husker waved his hands, his wings rustling. “Nope, cannot imagine him in the woods either.”
“I loved the woods I’ll have you know,” Angel replied. “And you will not tell tales about the cabin unless it’s about the meteor shower.”
“Oh?” Husker turned his attention to Angel.
“The Wisconsin woods were where people in our family business went when the heat got a bit too much in the cities if you know what I mean,” Angel replied. “And when we were young and went out to the Wisconsin cabin, we loved it. It was nothing like home, so much space to run around and be stupid in. Molly, my twin, was so damn smart. You could put me and Nissy’s brains together and it still wouldn’t be half of hers. Anyhow, she loved astronomy and there was this meteor shower that came around every year. We never got to see it because Brooklyn and light pollution were one and the same but out there…”
“So black you couldn’t see your hand in front of your face,” Arackniss interjected.
“We would lie out on blankets and watch the stars. Never saw a shooting star til then. Still one of the coolest things I ever saw,” Angel said, thinking back and seeing Molly’s face. Pain set up behind his breastbone as it always did when he missed his twin.
They talked more, trading tales of life, and got drunk. Angel unblocked Arackniss’s number and Husker promised he and Angel would show up at the grand opening of Nissy’s current lady friend’s gangster themed club. The allure of swing dancing ensured Angel had no protests. Besides, he was curious as to who would find his brother a good catch. That alone was worth the price of admission.
# # #
“I’m being stupid,” Angel said as Husker’s limo pulled up to Rao’s Rest.
“I wish you wouldn’t keep saying that about yourself.”
Angel waved him off. “I mean, I’m nervous and that’s stupid. Why should I care if Nissy’s better half might not like me? Not like I’m gonna see her much.”
“You want your brother’s approval,” Husker replied. “Even if you won’t admit it.”
Angel leaned against his shoulder. “Maybe. I love him. I hate him. It’s complicated but at least away from Papi, he’s good enough. Hopefully Savina will keep him in line.” Angel opened the door and stared up at the red-fronted club. “I wonder if she ran the name past Niss before running with it.”
“Why?”
“He and I went to Rao’s in East Harlem back in the day and he died outside it years later, a bit of lead poisoning after a good meal.” Angel shrugged, fixing his fedora. He’d gone with his former fashion choices, the three piece suit and wingtip shoes or in this case grey and pink wingtip ankle boots with stunning heels. He had fallen in love with them and had to have them. Husker’s tongue had nearly fallen out of his head when he saw them. It might be worth wearing them and little else to see if it got a rise out of Husker, quite literally.
Or it could annoy him because you pushed his boundaries. Behave yourself.
With a soft sigh, Angel dedicated himself to controlling his instincts. He linked arms with Husker who looked amazing in a deep charcoal suit with royal purple accents and silk tie. Does he have any idea what he’s doing to me wearing suits this fine? If Husker did, he showed no signs as he swept Angel inside. Music swirled around them, transporting Angel back to when he was twenty in New York, dancing his little heart out. He could pull Husker immediately out onto the dance floor without even looking around to admire the place.
An effort had been made to look like the best dance halls of the era. He loved it instantly. The cocktail bar had better be as good as the place looked. How soon could he angle Husker toward the bar? Knowing his friend, it wouldn’t take long.
“Look at you!”
At the sound of Arackniss’s voice, Angel spun on his heels. He widened his eyes. His brother – never the fashionista – had gone all out for the grand opening. He wore a deep blue suit that showed off his charcoal fuzz and he’d forgone his weird web shaped bowtie for a silvery one bearing a spiderweb in rhinestones. Savina had to have bought it for him because there was no way his brother had purchased it.
“And you. Looking good, Nissy. That color suits you,” Angel said because his brother needed to hear it. It wasn’t often he praised him, after all.
“You think? Where in the world did you find a grey suit with hot pink pinstripes? Nope, never mind. I don’t need to know.” He flicked his gaze to Angel’s grey fedora with its sweeping pink feather. “It’s you, definitely.”
“I’m looking at those heels,” a tall busty vixen said, sashaying up to them, her long bushy tail swishing. Her fur was a marbled lavender, that shade of gray that looked sort of blue-purple. Her ice blue eyes were firmly fixed on Angel’s boots. “You’ll be lucky to get out of here with those still on.”
Angel hiked up a pants leg to show them off. “Ankle boots actually, Velvette’s design. Husker is equally impressed with them.”
“Glad you could come, Husker,” Arackniss said. “Savina, this is Husker, the overlord who owns the All That Glitters casino among others. And of course, my brother, Tony.”
“Angel Dust,” he gently corrected his brother. “He never remembers.”
“I remember. I refuse to call my baby brother by his porn name,” Arackniss grated out.
Angel didn’t push it. Niss had a point. “You were not what I was expecting, Savina, not that I’ve had much of a chance to talk to Nissy about you.” He raked his gaze over the statuesque Savina and then his brother. Niss was staring right into her chest, at best, thanks to the height difference, much like Husker did with him. “I love your place.”
“Thank you. I’m so glad you’re here. Of course, you don’t need much in the way of introduction, Angel Dust. You’re famous.” She flashed him a shy smile. “Is that okay that I call you that?”
“Angel is fine. I don’t want to monopolize your time as you have all sorts of guests to meet and greet I’m sure. I plan to drink cocktails and seduce Husker into dancing with me all night. We can talk later.”
“I’m sure it won’t take much seducing,” she said, giving him a hug. “Have fun.”
“I like her, Nissy. Behave. Don’t be your usual grumpy self.”
“And this is why you’ve never met him before, Savina.” Arackniss put a hand in the small of her back, guiding her gently toward Carmilla and her daughters as they entered the club.
With a smirk, Angel turned to Husker and asked, “So how much seducing will it take?”
“Literally none.” Husker laughed. “But cocktails first.”
Angel didn’t have to be told twice. The cocktail menu were all from the 1920s and 30s so he felt right at home. He ordered two Ward Eights which had rye whiskey for kick but the orange juice and grenadine gave it a delightful pink color. They had a couple of them before they made their way to the crowded dance floor. Too many clubs in hell were just bland music and cheap booze. Savina had created something more refined. This was going on Angel’s list of places to hang when he wasn’t working. He just hoped he didn’t run into Vox here. He and Vox were from the same era, liked the same music. Occasionally the creep could talk Valentino into swing dancing but more often Val watched while Vox danced with Angel. He’d have to ask Savina if there was a bolt room in the club to hide in just in case. Until then, he was going to enjoy this.
Louis Prima’s Sing, Sing, Sing started to play and Angel cut loose on the dance floor. To his delight, Husker could match him step for step. They’d worked up a sweat by the time the music slowed down. Glen Miller’s Moonlight Serenade had always been one of Angel’s favorites. Of course, he probably should have planned out slow dancing with Husker better or at the very least worn flat wingtips instead of his amazing boots. He was such a sucker for fashion. For his part, Husker didn’t seem to mind the height difference.
They swept around the dance floor, not giving a damn about those differences. Angel didn’t even register there were other people around them. He only had eyes for Husker and doubted Husker felt any different. He leaned in close and whispered, “Believe me when I say never have I consented more and if I’m crossing a line, I ain’t all that sorry about it.”
Slipping his lower arms around Husker’s waist, he cupped Husker’s jaw line with his other hands and kissed him hard. Husker tightened his arms around Angel, deepening the kiss. Lost in the kiss, they swayed to the music. When the song faded and slid into The Way You Look Tonight, Husker got a good grip on Angel, swinging him up into his arms.
“Wha?” Angel blurted out as Husker’s wings dipped down deeply and he propelled them into the air.
As they soared around the dance floor, Husker kissed him again, long slow and sweet. Angel wrapped his arms around Husker’s broad chest, savoring every moment. When he finally looked down, the crowd was applauding them, enjoying the showmanship. They’d surely get bored and on to the next thing…maybe. Well, it wasn’t as if they both weren’t used to the spotlight.
“This is nice,” Angel murmured, nuzzling Husker’s neck.
“Told you, sky’s the limit.” Husker grinned.
“Literally. And later tonight…?”
“Dancing, cocktails, and I’m not ready to take that next step, Angel. You know how I feel about our unequal relationship. I need time.” Husker winced as if hating himself for saying it.
Angel ran his fingers along Husker’s adorable fluffy ears. “It’s okay. I can wait. I’m not going to change my mind. I want you.”
“I believe you.”
Husker kissed him again as Husker landed and they stepped into the dance for Trouble in Mind. Kisses and dancing were enough for now. Angel didn’t want to spoil things by rushing him. This was a big step forward. He owed his stupid brother for this and he’d gladly pay whatever Nissy wanted. He could daydream about tomorrow but tonight, dancing, cocktails and kisses sounded perfect.
End Notes – I actually love big bang era music, especially swing so it’s always a joy to allow Husk and Angel to enjoy it (not to mention Vox or Alastor. I suppose Niffty might enjoy it too and we know Mimsy does) So here are YouTubes of the songs in the story if you’re curious.
Sing Sing Sing
Moonlight Serenade
The Way Your Look Tonight
Trouble in Mind
Have a few more recs
Falling For You Stargate Atlantis
Sunshine And Sunglasses FAKE
Pleasure with a Side of Pain Hazbin Hotel
Past In Present Torchwood
when a plan comes together Murder, She Wrote/Teen Wolf
Prodigal Son as a Star Trek AU ficlet
Not on the recommended use list Prodigal Son
Let's have the friday five
1) Who are you appreciating in your life right now? - Mom
2) What's something you've done this year that other people appreciated? I sure hope my fellow faculty members who are taking over my classes appreciate I did literally everything for them and all they have to do is flip the switches on.
3) What's a good way to show gratitude? A thank you goes a long way with me. Small acts of kindness too.
4) Do you write thank you notes? Yes, I'm older so maybe it was a thing for me that it isn't with my millennial cousins (you could at least tell me you got the damn thing)
5) What can you use help with these days? Mental health
I did get a story written, here you go, enjoy
Title: Moonlight Serenade
Summary: Angel is learning to live again under a new overlord after Valentino lost him in a poker game. All things considered life with Husker is pretty sweet until Arackniss comes calling. However, maybe having a worried, grumpy older brother back in his life isn’t the end of the world.
Author Note - Written for fleethare in comment_fic for the prompt Hazbin Hotel, Angel Dust/Husk, the sky's the limit, as well as
spikesgirl58’s six word challenge and the six words were Cabin, Challenge, Acquire, Attain, Retain, & Drill and also written for the allbingo prompt boots and inspiration for Angel’s club wear came from Angie_fluffy_bootz art see pinned here (check out their Instagram and if you prefer this picture not be linked to let me know) here.Angel twirled, his gown flaring out like a midnight blue cloud of soft silk and lace. His wig was a similar blue with silver threads woven in. The lights in Husker’s office did a poor job of making his heels glitter. Under the spotlight, they would be stunning. At least Husker paid him the courtesy of looking up from his paperwork.
“What do you think, Husky? Does it look okay?”
“You could wear a flour sack and look fine,” Husker replied.
Angel shot him the gimlet eye, making Husker blink and obviously wonder what he’d said wrong. Husker might be cute as hell – which granted hell wasn’t all that cute – but he was the complete opposite of a sweet talker. How he had ever racked up multiple marriages when he was alive, Angel didn’t know. He must have been hot. Of course magic tricks were a good ice breaker.
“Damning me with faint praise.”
Rolling his eyes, Husker pushed back from his desk. He walked over to Angel and ran his fingers over the silvery spiderweb that made up the back of Angel’s dress. “I very much like this touch.”
“Thank you. I’ll be wearing this for the singing part of my next big show.”
Husker smiled. “You’ve been teasing this show for weeks now.”
“You said the sky’s the limit. I’m taking you at your word.”
“Just don’t break the bank.” Husker tapped Angel’s chin, sending a frisson of excitement down his spine to pool in areas that didn’t want to stay under his tight control.
Ever since Husker had acquired him from Valentino, Angel’s world had flipped 180 degrees. He had complete control over his body and his shows. Husker had even wrangled a better monetary deal from Val in regards to the last porno Angel ever planned to make or at least one where he had zero control over the script and how much abuse he’d be expected to take. He wasn’t ruling out a more artistic endeavor down the road but for now his semi-retirement stood. He was singing and dancing in Husker’s casino. He loved it.
“Just wait until you see the dance numbers. It’ll be a show stopper.” Angel took a step closer to Husker and added, “And an erection builder.”
Husker swallowed hard and gave him a look. “Angel, you know you don’t have to-”
“Strip? I know. And who said I was? It’s a head rush, Husky, getting the crowd to want me that much. It’s as good as getting high or you winning the next big pot.” Angel closed the distance again. He was close enough to feel Husker’s breath ruffling his fuzz. “I know you’ll love it.”
“Angel,” Husker’s voice went appropriately husky but he didn’t reach for Angel.
Ever since he’d won Angel’s soul contract, Husker had been keeping a discreet distance between them. His stance was a simple one: he owned Angel and that negated consent. Angel understood it. He respected it and was grateful for it. Except, there was a spark between them. Now months later – but still under the negotiated time period in which Husker couldn’t free him, even he wanted to - Angel knew one thing; he wanted Husker in the worst way. He spent hours daydreaming about it. He’d given his waterproof vibrator a good hard ride in the tub last night, jacking off to thoughts of Husker.
He wanted to kiss him so bad in this moment. Dare he? He leaned forward and a loud knock at the door made him jump back. They both looked to the door.
“Sir, your three o’clock are here,” Ilana – Husker’s personal assistant – said through the door.
“Oh, shit, forgot about that,” Husker muttered, sitting back down. “Send them in, Ilana.”
Angel sat in a chair across from the desk.
Husker straightened his tie. “They’ll be from Carmilla Carmine with the weapons for my security team. After that last attack you helped with, I wanted more firepower around here.”
“Makes sense.” Angel wished it didn’t. He had finally worked up the nerve to broach the subject of consent with Husker and got cockblocked by a knock.
His heart fell to his ankles when Ilana escorted in two men, both spiders. One was broad and the cruel set of his mouth and flat black eyes sent a cold shiver through Angel. The tiny, whip thin guy with the yellow spiderweb bowtie came with so much baggage, all of it they both had been carrying for the better part of a century.
“Have a seat,” Husker said, rising to greet them. “Don’t mind Angel. We can do business with him here.”
“It would be better if the degenerate wasn’t here,” Henroin grated out, his hard narrow eyes slicing Angel’s direction.
“That is uncalled for.” Husker’s wings spread and fluttered in agitation. One of the things about Husker that melted Angel’s heart was his protectiveness. He’d been that way since the first day he’d met him and it was entirely foreign to Angel. His brother had protected him from everyone but himself back in the day but when it came to lovers none had ever thought to shield Angel. Certainly Valentino hadn’t, not even in the early days before Angel knew him for what he really was.
Arackniss whipped around, spotting him. He stared for a moment, not seeing through the drag as quickly as their father even though he knew damn well who Angel Dust was. “Tony!”
Angel held up a hand. “It’s okay, Husker.”
“No, it’s not.” Husker looked between him and Arackniss. “You know him?”
“Since it’ll piss them off if I say it, that’s my father and the littlest big brother ever.” Angel rotated his finger between the two of them. Both of his kin curled their lips at him. Husker did a double take. “Yeah, that’s how ugly I could have been. Lucky for you, Husker, you got this.” He ran a finger through his chest fluff poking thru the deep V in his bodice.
“I wasn’t aware you had relatives in hell,” Husker said, astonished, and Angel shrugged.
“What are you even doing here, Tony? What was the whole retirement thing about? I thought Valentino might have finally killed you and he needed a cover story,” Arackniss spat out rapid fire.
Their father raised his eyebrows at Arackniss. “And you actually cared? Fine, if you want the pansy here, no skin off my nose. We have the weapons you asked for.” He thumped the heavy case he carried in.
“If you have to know, Husker won my contract off Valentino,” Angel jumped in as the fury racketed up in Husker’s eyes. He didn’t need the overlord to go toe to toe with his dad. He could take care of himself at any rate. He sauntered over and sat on the edge of Husker’s desk, his hip flush with the weapons’ case.
“So what? You traded one overlord’s bed for another and I’m supposed to care?” Henroin asked and Husker fished dice out of his pocket.
“Don’t forget Vox.” Angel reached across the desk and put a hand on Husker’s wrist to calm him. “I’m after the overlord hat trick.” When Husker and Henroin shot him hot looks, he stood up. “But since I’m an obvious distraction, I’ll let you get to business and I’ll go get out of this gown. It wouldn’t be good if it wrinkled before the show.”
“Fine. We’ll talk about the show later,” Husker said, his eyes never leaving Henroin.
Angel sashayed out the door, getting his hips into action. It was what everyone expected of Angel Dust, after all. He made it to the elevator, ignoring Arackniss calling his name. His brother darted between the closing doors, the advantage of being slender as fuck. Angel scowled.
“What the fuck do you want, Niss?”
Arackniss glowered at him but his hands shook, betraying his emotions. “I was serious. I thought Valentino had killed you, extinguished you entirely with angelic steel. He buys Carmilla’s weapons. You used to sell weapons for her. You know she has the stuff that could do that.”
Angel rolled his eyes, not punching a button on the elevator. Did he want Arackniss to know where he lived? “I’m fine. I just stopped making pornos when Husker won me. He doesn’t deal in that.”
“How would I know that? You blocked my number,” Arackniss sulked, shaking a cigarette out of a pack.
“Don’t you dare light up in here.” Angel glared. “And maybe you should have taken the hint when I blocked you.”
Arackniss hunched his shoulders, his weird little eyes all misting up. “Don’t be like that, Tony. Can’t you accept I was actually worried?”
“Fine. You were worried. You told me. Papi is going to be pissed you ran out.”
“Yeah, well I’ll deal with him later. I wanted to talk to you and I never could when you lived with Valentino. You remember what happened the last time.”
Boy did he ever. Arackniss nearly started a war with the Vees when he saw the bruises on Angel’s body, and the swollen-shut eye. He might not always like his little brother but Arackniss wasn’t about to stand by and let some pimp beat him up. Deciding there was little to lose if Arackniss knew where he lived since the only way onto his floor was with a key card – wasn’t like his father could storm the castle easily – Angel hit the button for his floor and flashed the card.
When they walked down the short corridor to his suite and Angel opened the door, Arackniss’s gasp made him laugh. The place was stunning. Marble columns lead the way into the living area that he had decked out in pink, fuchsia and platinum colors. The couch was big enough and deep enough to sleep on. Fat Nuggets’ bed was next to the balcony doors so he could look out and enjoy the birds if one could call them enjoyable or birds in hell. The entertainment wall across from the couch and catty-corner to the bar would make anyone envious and Angel would have killed a bitch to get a kitchen like the one he had now.
“Husker spoils me.” Angel strolled to the bar and pulled a crystal ashtray off of it. He thrust it at his brother.
“Better than what that moth motherfucker used to do you.” Arackniss set the ashtray aside so he could light up. “Can I look around?”
“Make yourself at home. Want a drink?”
“I think we both are gonna need one.” Arackniss took a drag and walked down the hall. He peeked into the bathroom. “Holy hell, your tub is black and white marble!”
“Don’t go in there.”
“Why? Afraid I’m going to see that terrifying big dildo you have next to the tub?” Arackniss glanced back at him. He blew a streamer of smoke Angel’s way.
Angel slumped his shoulders. “Yes.”
“I’m pretending I didn’t see it.”
“That’s for the best. Maybe you should just wander the living area,” Angel suggested so Arackniss, being the absolute little dick that he was, went into the first bedroom he found.
“Holy hell!”
Angel snuck in behind him as Arackniss stared at the large brass bed with the elaborate metal chevrons as a headboard and what looked like a canopy support sans canopy. The headboard was haloed in pink neon and dangling purple neon hearts. Nuggs was asleep in his bed in the corner of the bedroom.
“This is Molly’s bedroom if she had made it to hell,” Arackniss said, ticking a finger off the big ring on the canopy. He had to jump a little to do it. “Did your canopy not survive the night?”
“There isn’t a canopy.”
“Then what are the rings for?” Arackniss widened his eyes the moment the words escaped his mouth.
Angel smirked. “All the better to tie me up, caro Fratello.”
Arackniss pulled a lemony face. “I’m going back to the bar.”
“As I suggested.”
“Did I see a pig in there?” Arackniss asked as he hurried back to the living room bar.
“Fat Nuggets.”
“Dare I ask why you have a hell pig?” Arackniss shuddered as he plopped his tiny ass on a stool.
“Val gave him to me as an apology for beating the shit out of me.” Angel left out the whole ‘raped me violently’ part because he didn’t want to get into it with his brother. “You know the drill, the same dance Papi did with Mama. I’m sooooo sorry. I won’t do it again. Until he does.”
As Arackniss scowled, Angel gestured to the shelf of booze. “Whatcha want?”
“Nothing frou-frou.”
“Testa di merda .” Angel purposely mixed up two Jellyfishes, swirling cream through layers of vodka, blue curaçao, and sambuca until it was a pretty blue and white.
“I hate you,” Arackniss said, taking a deep pull off his cigarette.
“Right back at you, Fratello,” Angel replied mildly, noting Arackniss had no issues swallowing the drink down. His brother smiled a little but he would never admit he liked the drink.
Arackniss pulled the crystal ashtray down the bar and lit another cigarette from the end of the one in his mouth.
And he has the nerve to call me an addict!
“You’re okay though, right? You’re not some bird in a gilded cage?” Arackniss waved his hands to all the glitz around him.
“Oh, I’m definitely a bird in a gilded cage for now. The deal Husker made to attain me was he had to keep me under contract for a year so we’ll see what happens after that. Even if he chooses to retain my soul, I’m still better off here than with Val.” Angel shrugged. “I’m his star attraction and Husker lets me choose the routines. I have complete control over costuming and I work directly with my choreographer. If I want to keep my clothes on, I can. If I want to dance around in the nude, he doesn’t care. No more pornos for now.”
“Thank God.” Arackniss raised two fingers ceilingwards as if God would bother looking all the way down here for them. “I was tired of seeing your lewd posters everywhere I looked.”
“I’ll be sure to do more of those just for you to promote my current shows.” Angel swung his hips before sitting down to pour two more drinks since Mr. I don’t want frou-frou drinks had polished his off.
“Stronzo.” Arackniss studied the view out the huge windows. “You really must fuck like a demon though to earn this.”
“One, I do! Two, I’m not Husker’s lover.”
Arackniss widened his eyes. “Really?”
“He believes in consent and since he owns me, I can’t consent.” Angel frowned. “I was grateful for that but now…”
“You want him.” Arackniss shot him a knowing look.
“I want to fuck him so hard and loud, Asmodeus will show up and give us a gold star.” Angel chuckled. “So my challenge is to convince him I am giving my consent. I know I don’t hafta screw him to stay in my sweet suite or to keep him from knocking me around but I need to figure out something that will convince Husker it’s okay to be more than friends.”
“I’m useless for helping you there. I never was a Romeo.”
Before Angel could reply, a knock sounded at the door and he jumped. Arackniss shot him a look. Angel shook his head. “I know it has to be Husker. You can’t get on this floor without a security key but…for so many years I lived in the Vee studio.”
“And that bastard has all day access to you and you couldn’t just lock him out.” Arackniss ground his teeth, his fists balling. He and Arackniss might not get along well but no one else had best touch them or they’d find out what family was all about. “You catch your breath. I’ll answer the door.”
Angel nodded. Arackniss stood along the wall as if expecting to get shot through the door. It was probably how he had lasted as long as he had in the family business before bullets sent him down. “Yeah?”
“It’s Husker, Angel. Everything okay?”
Arackniss opened the door and jerked his head toward Angel. “He’s having a moment even though he knows it’s you standing out there.”
Husker scowled. “I know. He’s never completely convinced Valentino can’t get in here.”
“Guess he could fly up to the balcony,” Arackniss said.
Angel and Husker both scowled. Now he had a new worry even though it was unlikely. “No, he got hurt fighting the Radio Demon. Val can’t fly straight anymore so he just doesn’t fly at all. If he can’t look good doing it….”
“You okay?” Husker broke in, crossing the room. He sat across from Angel giving him space but put his clawed hand on the bar top.
Angel traced the heart in the palm of it with a little smile, ignoring his brother’s eye roll. “I’m good, just showing Niss around briefly.”
“Yes, I got to see the impressive tub and his bondage-please bed.” He rolled his eyes harder. “It’s a gorgeous place though. Thank you for treating my brother well. He ain’t had that…ever. You saw how Papi treated him and he wasn’t any nicer when we were alive and he didn’t know Tony was gay back then. Sort of hated Tony since he was born, never knew why.”
“Your brother is a delight to have around. I finally found someone who loves old monster movies as much as me.” Husker favored Angel with a soft smile.
“Don’t get him started on Flash Gordon.” Arackniss chuckled. “He loved that comic strip, not to mention the radio show. Also sorry for running out on our meeting. I…I just needed to be sure my brother was okay. The whole sudden retirement movie and him dropping out of sight threw me for a loop, didn’t know he was performing here. No doubt Papi is pleased with me.”
“He did mention something about two useless sons and you can find your own way home,” Husker said with distaste.
Arackniss waved that off. “No surprise there. Sorry he’s such an ass. He only wants me having anything to do with Tony if I’m helping ‘to make him a man.’ Translation, bullying the fuck out of him. ‘Sides it’s hard to make a man out of him when he’s in a dress.”
Angel grimaced, looking down at himself. “Oh shit, forgot to take it off. You two talk. I’ll be right back.”
Angel bustled off and took off his gown, hanging it carefully in the closet. He set the wig on the wig head. He slipped on his black shorts and pink and white tux jacket. He fluffed his chest fuzz up. Let Husker ignore that. When he strolled back to the bar, Husker was behind it and he had the good bourbon down. An amber filled glass waited for Angel. Husker and Arackniss were laughing about something.
“I cannot picture him as an altar boy!” Husker howled with laughter.
“He was until he stole the communion wine and passed out under the altar.” Arackniss offered his cigarette pack to Husker who accepted a ciggie, laughing even harder.
“That was your idea. You nearly drowned, passing out in the baptismal.” Angel pouted as he sat down. “Mama tanned both our hides.”
“That old bastard of a priest never forgot it. I had to get married in another church.” Arackniss chuckled.
Husker snorted. “You’re going to be a good source of Angel stories.”
“You two are not allowed to bond. I’m having none of it!” Angel slapped two hands onto the bar.
“I’d like to know how you plan to stop it.” Husker grinned.
“Don’t tempt him. Tony can throw a tantrum like no one.” Arackniss gave him a gentle shove.
“I believe you.”
“Not having this!” Angel huffed.
With a wicked expression on his face, Arackniss leaned toward Husker. “Let me tell you about the cabin in the woods.”
Husker waved his hands, his wings rustling. “Nope, cannot imagine him in the woods either.”
“I loved the woods I’ll have you know,” Angel replied. “And you will not tell tales about the cabin unless it’s about the meteor shower.”
“Oh?” Husker turned his attention to Angel.
“The Wisconsin woods were where people in our family business went when the heat got a bit too much in the cities if you know what I mean,” Angel replied. “And when we were young and went out to the Wisconsin cabin, we loved it. It was nothing like home, so much space to run around and be stupid in. Molly, my twin, was so damn smart. You could put me and Nissy’s brains together and it still wouldn’t be half of hers. Anyhow, she loved astronomy and there was this meteor shower that came around every year. We never got to see it because Brooklyn and light pollution were one and the same but out there…”
“So black you couldn’t see your hand in front of your face,” Arackniss interjected.
“We would lie out on blankets and watch the stars. Never saw a shooting star til then. Still one of the coolest things I ever saw,” Angel said, thinking back and seeing Molly’s face. Pain set up behind his breastbone as it always did when he missed his twin.
They talked more, trading tales of life, and got drunk. Angel unblocked Arackniss’s number and Husker promised he and Angel would show up at the grand opening of Nissy’s current lady friend’s gangster themed club. The allure of swing dancing ensured Angel had no protests. Besides, he was curious as to who would find his brother a good catch. That alone was worth the price of admission.
# # #
“I’m being stupid,” Angel said as Husker’s limo pulled up to Rao’s Rest.
“I wish you wouldn’t keep saying that about yourself.”
Angel waved him off. “I mean, I’m nervous and that’s stupid. Why should I care if Nissy’s better half might not like me? Not like I’m gonna see her much.”
“You want your brother’s approval,” Husker replied. “Even if you won’t admit it.”
Angel leaned against his shoulder. “Maybe. I love him. I hate him. It’s complicated but at least away from Papi, he’s good enough. Hopefully Savina will keep him in line.” Angel opened the door and stared up at the red-fronted club. “I wonder if she ran the name past Niss before running with it.”
“Why?”
“He and I went to Rao’s in East Harlem back in the day and he died outside it years later, a bit of lead poisoning after a good meal.” Angel shrugged, fixing his fedora. He’d gone with his former fashion choices, the three piece suit and wingtip shoes or in this case grey and pink wingtip ankle boots with stunning heels. He had fallen in love with them and had to have them. Husker’s tongue had nearly fallen out of his head when he saw them. It might be worth wearing them and little else to see if it got a rise out of Husker, quite literally.
Or it could annoy him because you pushed his boundaries. Behave yourself.
With a soft sigh, Angel dedicated himself to controlling his instincts. He linked arms with Husker who looked amazing in a deep charcoal suit with royal purple accents and silk tie. Does he have any idea what he’s doing to me wearing suits this fine? If Husker did, he showed no signs as he swept Angel inside. Music swirled around them, transporting Angel back to when he was twenty in New York, dancing his little heart out. He could pull Husker immediately out onto the dance floor without even looking around to admire the place.
An effort had been made to look like the best dance halls of the era. He loved it instantly. The cocktail bar had better be as good as the place looked. How soon could he angle Husker toward the bar? Knowing his friend, it wouldn’t take long.
“Look at you!”
At the sound of Arackniss’s voice, Angel spun on his heels. He widened his eyes. His brother – never the fashionista – had gone all out for the grand opening. He wore a deep blue suit that showed off his charcoal fuzz and he’d forgone his weird web shaped bowtie for a silvery one bearing a spiderweb in rhinestones. Savina had to have bought it for him because there was no way his brother had purchased it.
“And you. Looking good, Nissy. That color suits you,” Angel said because his brother needed to hear it. It wasn’t often he praised him, after all.
“You think? Where in the world did you find a grey suit with hot pink pinstripes? Nope, never mind. I don’t need to know.” He flicked his gaze to Angel’s grey fedora with its sweeping pink feather. “It’s you, definitely.”
“I’m looking at those heels,” a tall busty vixen said, sashaying up to them, her long bushy tail swishing. Her fur was a marbled lavender, that shade of gray that looked sort of blue-purple. Her ice blue eyes were firmly fixed on Angel’s boots. “You’ll be lucky to get out of here with those still on.”
Angel hiked up a pants leg to show them off. “Ankle boots actually, Velvette’s design. Husker is equally impressed with them.”
“Glad you could come, Husker,” Arackniss said. “Savina, this is Husker, the overlord who owns the All That Glitters casino among others. And of course, my brother, Tony.”
“Angel Dust,” he gently corrected his brother. “He never remembers.”
“I remember. I refuse to call my baby brother by his porn name,” Arackniss grated out.
Angel didn’t push it. Niss had a point. “You were not what I was expecting, Savina, not that I’ve had much of a chance to talk to Nissy about you.” He raked his gaze over the statuesque Savina and then his brother. Niss was staring right into her chest, at best, thanks to the height difference, much like Husker did with him. “I love your place.”
“Thank you. I’m so glad you’re here. Of course, you don’t need much in the way of introduction, Angel Dust. You’re famous.” She flashed him a shy smile. “Is that okay that I call you that?”
“Angel is fine. I don’t want to monopolize your time as you have all sorts of guests to meet and greet I’m sure. I plan to drink cocktails and seduce Husker into dancing with me all night. We can talk later.”
“I’m sure it won’t take much seducing,” she said, giving him a hug. “Have fun.”
“I like her, Nissy. Behave. Don’t be your usual grumpy self.”
“And this is why you’ve never met him before, Savina.” Arackniss put a hand in the small of her back, guiding her gently toward Carmilla and her daughters as they entered the club.
With a smirk, Angel turned to Husker and asked, “So how much seducing will it take?”
“Literally none.” Husker laughed. “But cocktails first.”
Angel didn’t have to be told twice. The cocktail menu were all from the 1920s and 30s so he felt right at home. He ordered two Ward Eights which had rye whiskey for kick but the orange juice and grenadine gave it a delightful pink color. They had a couple of them before they made their way to the crowded dance floor. Too many clubs in hell were just bland music and cheap booze. Savina had created something more refined. This was going on Angel’s list of places to hang when he wasn’t working. He just hoped he didn’t run into Vox here. He and Vox were from the same era, liked the same music. Occasionally the creep could talk Valentino into swing dancing but more often Val watched while Vox danced with Angel. He’d have to ask Savina if there was a bolt room in the club to hide in just in case. Until then, he was going to enjoy this.
Louis Prima’s Sing, Sing, Sing started to play and Angel cut loose on the dance floor. To his delight, Husker could match him step for step. They’d worked up a sweat by the time the music slowed down. Glen Miller’s Moonlight Serenade had always been one of Angel’s favorites. Of course, he probably should have planned out slow dancing with Husker better or at the very least worn flat wingtips instead of his amazing boots. He was such a sucker for fashion. For his part, Husker didn’t seem to mind the height difference.
They swept around the dance floor, not giving a damn about those differences. Angel didn’t even register there were other people around them. He only had eyes for Husker and doubted Husker felt any different. He leaned in close and whispered, “Believe me when I say never have I consented more and if I’m crossing a line, I ain’t all that sorry about it.”
Slipping his lower arms around Husker’s waist, he cupped Husker’s jaw line with his other hands and kissed him hard. Husker tightened his arms around Angel, deepening the kiss. Lost in the kiss, they swayed to the music. When the song faded and slid into The Way You Look Tonight, Husker got a good grip on Angel, swinging him up into his arms.
“Wha?” Angel blurted out as Husker’s wings dipped down deeply and he propelled them into the air.
As they soared around the dance floor, Husker kissed him again, long slow and sweet. Angel wrapped his arms around Husker’s broad chest, savoring every moment. When he finally looked down, the crowd was applauding them, enjoying the showmanship. They’d surely get bored and on to the next thing…maybe. Well, it wasn’t as if they both weren’t used to the spotlight.
“This is nice,” Angel murmured, nuzzling Husker’s neck.
“Told you, sky’s the limit.” Husker grinned.
“Literally. And later tonight…?”
“Dancing, cocktails, and I’m not ready to take that next step, Angel. You know how I feel about our unequal relationship. I need time.” Husker winced as if hating himself for saying it.
Angel ran his fingers along Husker’s adorable fluffy ears. “It’s okay. I can wait. I’m not going to change my mind. I want you.”
“I believe you.”
Husker kissed him again as Husker landed and they stepped into the dance for Trouble in Mind. Kisses and dancing were enough for now. Angel didn’t want to spoil things by rushing him. This was a big step forward. He owed his stupid brother for this and he’d gladly pay whatever Nissy wanted. He could daydream about tomorrow but tonight, dancing, cocktails and kisses sounded perfect.
End Notes – I actually love big bang era music, especially swing so it’s always a joy to allow Husk and Angel to enjoy it (not to mention Vox or Alastor. I suppose Niffty might enjoy it too and we know Mimsy does) So here are YouTubes of the songs in the story if you’re curious.
Sing Sing Sing
Moonlight Serenade
The Way Your Look Tonight
Trouble in Mind
Have a few more recs
Falling For You Stargate Atlantis
Sunshine And Sunglasses FAKE
Pleasure with a Side of Pain Hazbin Hotel
Past In Present Torchwood
when a plan comes together Murder, She Wrote/Teen Wolf
Prodigal Son as a Star Trek AU ficlet
Not on the recommended use list Prodigal Son
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Date: 2024-08-17 08:58 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2024-08-18 12:13 am (UTC)