cornerofmadness (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
cornerofmadness) wrote2025-07-07 11:33 pm
cornerofmadness) wrote2025-07-07 11:33 pm
Music
Since all I did today was laundry and write (and deal with family drama I don't want to share publicly), I'll just jump into music monday (and probably come back later to share the story)
So I'm still working through the Alphabet (and keeping myself to the last 5 years) and I'm up to N. Feel free to share your N song. Looking forward to them.
I still want to write a Prodigal Son story to this one
Another one I'd like to write a story to
Also I have a little book review right here, mostly forspikedluv Murder She Wrote a Body in Boston
Here's another fast writing story
Title: I Can See Forever In Your Eyes
Fandom: Hazbin Hotel
Summary: Husker has been afraid to fall in love again. Angel, however, is making him rethink that.
Husker settled back to watch the dress rehearsal of what Angel was calling a ‘spooky’ dance number. Angel was currently over the moon that Wanda Whispers had contacted him to be in her next movie, a gothic horror romance where he’d get to keep his clothes on – or at least most of them – and actually make a movie where he acted. He was also nervous as fuck about it, so used to corny porn dialogue that he didn’t even bother to try and memorize. Husker had been talking him down off the ledge for days while trying to build him up. Angel needed to believe he was smart enough to memorize the script. ‘Just one scene at a time,’ he kept telling Angel. Wanda had agreed to let Angel do the dance as part of the promotion for the movie.
Naturally Husker’s casino-theater got first dibs on the production. The movie was still very much in early days but a little promotion hurt no one. Husker hoped Angel had success with this. Ever since he’d won Angel from Valentino, he’d wanted him to find a new path, to do things Angel actually wanted to do.
Of course what Angel wanted to do was him. Part of Husker wanted that very much but that body part had zero brains. He owned Angel. It was inherently an uneven relationship. He didn’t want Angel to jump from one bad relationship to another, and if his past was a predictor for the future, Husker was not a great choice.
And your resistance has nothing to do with you being afraid of falling in love again? Husker frowned at his inner monologue. Fuck that, he wasn’t afraid. Yes you are. Okay, maybe he was a little. He’d already confessed in front of Angel and his family – for fuck’s sake – that he probably loved Angel. Because everyone wants to hear the word probably in front of I love you, jackass!
Husker sighed. His heart had been closed for so very long, he was afraid of opening it back up. Angel hadn’t waited for him to drop his shields. He’d jammed himself right on in there and squirmed his way past them. He was inside Husker’s heart and he needed to come to terms with that. But it was true, he was entirely uncomfortable with Angel’s soul being in his possession and there were months to go on his agreement with Valentino. He couldn’t free Angel yet, not without giving him back to the overlord of depravity. Angel had to remain his property.
And he hasn’t asked you for sex in a few weeks. Angel needs time, too. Also, true. After Valentino tried to reclaim Angel as brutally as possible, Angel wasn’t up for sex. Husker understood that. The rape had been so vicious and the aftermath ending in a respawn, it might take Angel until the time when Husker could free him before he was ready to have sex. For now, all Angel wanted was to relax next to Husker and both of them fall asleep on the lounger together on movie night. It was enough intimacy for the both of them for now. Even if you both want more. At least Angel is honest about his feelings.
Husker wanted to kick his brain over the pentagram in the sky. To distract himself, he checked the art proof for the show’s flyer. The music was by Litvinovsky. He laughed at the title of the song Angel had selected: Spider Knows His Craft. Husker cleared his mind as the eerie strains of music started. The stage had been transformed to look like a Victorian sitting room with candles lit on stage. The actual stage lighting was muted to give the air of it being entirely lit by those candles.
Angel entered from stage left dressed in the palest of pink gowns with matching slippers. He carried a candelabra, silver filigreed and oh so gothic. The flickering candlelight from the candelabra, however, was battery operated and illusiinary. Angel spun and glided across the stage, frantically looking out over the audience as if it were a window to something scary, the picture of a gothic heroine in fear of her life.
From stage right, an even taller man and easily twice as broad as Angel, somehow managed to make his dance look like he was stalking toward the unsusupecting Angel. Husker had met Thorfinn at the start of the project. If he were the jealous type, he’d not be happy to Angel in the arms of someone as tall and handsome as Thorfinn. He had imp horns in pure blue and Angel did appreciate them. Okay, maybe he was a little jealous but he decided to trust Angel.
Husker didn’t know how so many ballet dancers ended up in hell but if they were anything like Vegas showgirls he had some clues. Angel had worked with a few to learn dance steps that weren’t pure sexploitation. He had talent and Husker couldn’t be happier to see Angel getting to stretch himself in new ways that didn’t involve being degraded.
Angel and Thorfinn dance-fought on stage until finally Angel ‘fainted’ in Thorfinn’s arms only to be swept away. The lights dimmed until nothing but Angel’s fallen candelabra lit the stage. Husker clapped as the lights came back on. Angel hustled out to pick up the prop.
“Did you like it?” Joy radiated from Angel’s face so warm and lush Husker swore he could feel it from the seats.
He jogged down to the stage and up their steps. Husker brushed his hand along Angel’s cheek. “You looked amazing. That was suspenseful and beautiful at the same time.” He turned slightly, looking into the wing where Thorfinn watched them. “You too, Thorfinn. This isn’t the usual thing they expect from Angel but I think they’ll really like it.”
“I hope so,” Thorfinn said. “I think we’re done rehersing, Angel. That was as good as it can be. Husker is right.”
Angel nodded. “I agree. We’re gonna make scary hot.”
Thorfinn laughed and walked off with a little wave of his hand.
“It was hot, right?”
The self doubt in Angel’s tone hit Husker right in his reawakened heart. “Incredibly so,” he replied honestly.
“Good. Don’t want to disappoint anyone.”
Angel leaned down to kiss him, the scent of his perfume and sweat tickling Husker’s senses but before their lips could meet someone banged through the theater doors. Ilana, Husker’s personal assistant raced down the aisle.
“Sorry to interrupt,” she said, her gaze bouncing between him and Angel. “Your phone’s dead again, boss. You wanted to know if Mimsy was back. She is and she’s trying to sweettalk the new blackjack dealer.”
“Ugh. Damn it.”
Angel gave his cheek a quick peck. “Go. I need to wash up anyhow. I’m a sweaty mess. And charge your phone, old man.”
Husker narrowed his eyes at Angel who literally was every bit as old as he was. The only difference was when in their life spans they’d died. Angel never got to experience the less-than-golden years. “Brat,” he accused lightly. “Come on, Ilana, let’s go track her down. Lucifer knows what chaos she’s brought with her this time.”
A loud explosion rocked the building. Dust streamed down off the ceiling.
“But I’m betting it’s loan sharks.” His shoulders slumped, his wings fluttering.
“Want me to back you up?” Angel pulled a tommy gun out of the ether with a manical grin.
“Nah, babe. I pay for a shit ton of security. Let them earn their keep. If I need you, I’ll call.”
“You mean Ilana will.” Angel smirked.
“Don’t make me waste the first set of charged dice on your little backside, Anthony.”
“I have better things you could be doing to my sweet butt.” Angel wiggled it at him.
Husker groaned again and followed Ilana out. At least Angel was feeling better, enough to flirt with him again. That was good to see. Mimsy was about to regret ruining his night.
# # #
Mimsy and the loan shark brigade had taken up his entire night and the clean up ate up most of the next day. Angel had been texting Ilana first and then him after he charged his phone, to make sure he came there for dinner. It wouldn’t just be dinner, not with Angel. No, it would be a production because when his little Italian heart was set loose in the kitchen Angel cooked for an army. Food was one of his love languages and now that Valentino wasn’t there to monitor every calorie, Angel allowed himself to eat some of the things he loved.
He knocked on Angel’s suite’s door. He wouldn’t just let himself in. Angel was still paranoid Valentino could get to him even here and he’d been proven right. When Angel answered the door, he had on silvery pants and a pink top with a frilly apron over it, a frilly apron with the Staute of David from the shoulders down. Husker laughed and Angel modled it for him with a coquettish smile.
“You are a sight and so it this.” Husker stepped in, gesturing to the living area. Angel had the whole place lit with candles – the smell of roses filled the air – and just some mood lighting here and there.
“Like it?”
“I do. It sets a mood.”
“And I hope it sets a ‘you’re hungry’ mood. For food.” Angel bent over and kissed the little heart on Husker’s ear. “And maybe for me.”
“Food sounds great.” Husker took a deep breath as Angel’s expression began to fall. “And we can talk to about the rest.”
“Fair enough. I’ve made only a pasta course with a single appetizer and dessert because last time you said you were inviting the whole casino to my table because I made too much.” Angel pouted.
“You did.” Husker stood on tiptop to kiss Angel. “What’s on the menu, besides you.” He shot him a look.
“Fennel and orange salad, spaghetti alla chitarra with lamb and pork ragu and lattacciolo for dessert, which is kinda like flan.”
“You are amazing.”
“Duh, I’m always amazing.” Angel laughed. “And you’ve had a tough day dealing with Mimsy.”
“She got Alastor involved.” Husker sighed.
Angel tsked. “I’ll make you a…well, not a negroni. You’re not a huge fan. Whiskey straight?”
“Perfect.”
Husker toed off his shoes and padded over to the bar. Angel poured him a double and left him unwind a little before he went to put the salad on the table. He’d never even had fennel before. What was it with Italians and their licorice fetish? Still it was good, the pasta better and by the time he barely made it through the lattacciolo, Husker was full to his eyeballs.
Taking his hand, Angel led Husker to the purple heart-shaped lounger that looked like it floated on a sea of flowers. He already had some amber whiskey in a decanter with glasses next to it on an end stand. As Husker settled himself, Angel cleaned up and fed Fat Nuggets. Husker would have to do something nice for Angel. He shouldn’t be waiting on and cleaning up after him like an 1930s housewife.
Angel curled up next to him and turned on the monstrously large TV. “Up for an extra movie night?”
“What did you have in mind?” Husker snuck his arm under Angel’s back, tugging him closer.
“We’re up to the 1970s horror. I’ve selected Jaws, Alien and Halloween. The succubus who brought these back from the land of the living said the biggest and best from the 70s was The Exorcist but somehow that seemed inappropriate for two people in hell.”
Husker snorted. “True. Full confession, I saw The Exorcist when I was alive and it scared the piss out of me! You’d think it would have scared me into redeeming myself then but….”
“You were old and set in your grumpy ways.” Angel tapped Husker’s nose.
“Not how I’d put it.” Husker laughed. “But yes.”
“I thought we’d start with Alien since it’s sci-fi too and we both like that.”
“Perfect.”
Angel poured two glasses of bourbon. “And if it leads to more…”
Husker couldn’t help the involuntary flinch. Feeling it, Angel sat up, his eyes sad.
“Or do you…have you changed….” Angel stumbled over his words. He took a breath. “I know you said you probably loved me…”
Husker held up a finger. “I’m going to stop you there. I haven’t changed my mind. And I don’t think there’s any probably to it.”
Angel’s chest heaved. “Okay then. I’m glad because I got you something. I’ve been meaning to give it to you but I was waiting for the perfect time. But there isn’t going to be a perfect time so why not now?”
“You have me curious.”
Angel reached under his pillow abd pulled out a jewelry box. “This is a little something of Italy. Well as close as jewelers in Hell can get to it.”
“Angel…you didn’t have to do this!”
“I know but damn it, Husky, you saved me from Val. You’ve given me my own space in your casino. You ask nothing of me other than to do whatever work I feel like. And when I say it like that it sounds like I’m here because I owe you. That’s not what I mean.”
“I didn’t think that is why you’re here,” Husker protested.
“Good. So you know that I have feelings for you and I know why you want to wait until you’re free to destroy the soul contract, if you even will, ‘cause I ain’t expecting it, but if you do that’s great. Anyhow, what I want to say is, if you change your mind about waiting, I think I’m ready again. I feel…better. I know what I want and that’s you.”
Husker was shocked when his hand shook as he reached fot Angel’s hand. “I never expected this. I have been so afraid to love again, afraid of being broken again.”
“And no one can promise you ain’t gonna get hurt. I oknow that better than anyone.” Angel shuddered, no doubt seeing Valentino in his mind.
Husker ran his hand up Angel’s arm. “We can only do our best. Please, let me see what you got me.”
Angel surrendered the jewelry box and Husker opened it to reveal a golden, multi-pointed star. Surrounding each ray of the star were delicately filigreed flowers and in the center were two hearts with tiny keys.
“It’s a lapel pin for when you’re strutting through the casino being Overlord.” He grinned.
“I do not strutt.” Husker huffed.
“Olease, you strut, tail a-swishing making me want to take a bite out of that taut ass of yours.” Angel danced his eyebrows. “You get your wings into it too. How I’m supposed to resist, only Lucifer knows.”
“He knows you’re crazy too.” Husker lifted the pin out of the box. It wasn’t quite as delicate as it looked. “It’s beautiful, Angel.”
“It’s a Presentosa, a symbol of love and the keys are for protection because we both need that,” Angel sped his ways through his words as if afraid Husker would say it was too much too soon.
“Thank you, Angel. It’s beautiful and I love it.” Husker pinned it to his jacket’s lapel and then pulled Angel into a kiss, one that didn’t end until Fat Nuggets raced past them with the zoomies, oinking all the way.
Angel collapsed back on the lounger, laughing. “Way to ruin the mmoement, Nuggsy.”
“There’ll be others,” Husker said, sitting up, swinging his legs off the lounger. He took off his jacket and put it over a bar stool. “Should we get comfortable for the movie marathon?”
“Yep. I made movie snacks. Want some?”
“Not yet, babe. That was a helluva meal you made.” Husker strolled into the guest bedroom where he’d taken to leaving some clothing including sleep shorts. He still wanted Angel to have his own suite, his own space. He often needed it when he got overwhelmed by everything, mostly memories, or harsh words about him being a whore or a bad porn star. On the other hand, Husker didn’t want to have to run up to his casino penthouse just to change. He tugged on sleep shorts and walked back to the lounger. Angel was already in his shorts, white with red kisses on them.
Husker rejoined him and Angel snuggled in.
“You really like the Presentosa? It’s not too much.”
“I love it. I’ll wear it and it’s not too much.” Husker hauled him closer, pressing his lips to Angel’s forehead. “You’re not too much.”
Angel sighed happily. So often he heard the opposite, even a time or two from Husker when he’d been frustrating and getting on Husker’s last nerve. Angel twirled his finger in Husker’s chest hair. “Thank you.” His voice cracked. Angel made a soft noise trying to regain control over his emotions. “So…Alien?”
“Alien.” Husker nodded.
Angel started the movie. As a bunch of people in their undies started waking up, Husk looked at Angel who gazed back and smiled. Husk swore he could see forever in those mismatched eyes.
What are you afraid of? He thought and then realized, he wasn’t afraid any more. He settled back, this time hoping to be scared in a good way. He might actually have the love thing down for once. At the very least, he was ready to try to love again even if it scared him. This felt so right it was worth the gamble and was he not the gambling overlord. He knew the odds and the house always wins.
So I'm still working through the Alphabet (and keeping myself to the last 5 years) and I'm up to N. Feel free to share your N song. Looking forward to them.
I still want to write a Prodigal Son story to this one
Another one I'd like to write a story to
Also I have a little book review right here, mostly for
spikedluv Murder She Wrote a Body in BostonHere's another fast writing story
Title: I Can See Forever In Your Eyes
Fandom: Hazbin Hotel
Summary: Husker has been afraid to fall in love again. Angel, however, is making him rethink that.
Husker settled back to watch the dress rehearsal of what Angel was calling a ‘spooky’ dance number. Angel was currently over the moon that Wanda Whispers had contacted him to be in her next movie, a gothic horror romance where he’d get to keep his clothes on – or at least most of them – and actually make a movie where he acted. He was also nervous as fuck about it, so used to corny porn dialogue that he didn’t even bother to try and memorize. Husker had been talking him down off the ledge for days while trying to build him up. Angel needed to believe he was smart enough to memorize the script. ‘Just one scene at a time,’ he kept telling Angel. Wanda had agreed to let Angel do the dance as part of the promotion for the movie.
Naturally Husker’s casino-theater got first dibs on the production. The movie was still very much in early days but a little promotion hurt no one. Husker hoped Angel had success with this. Ever since he’d won Angel from Valentino, he’d wanted him to find a new path, to do things Angel actually wanted to do.
Of course what Angel wanted to do was him. Part of Husker wanted that very much but that body part had zero brains. He owned Angel. It was inherently an uneven relationship. He didn’t want Angel to jump from one bad relationship to another, and if his past was a predictor for the future, Husker was not a great choice.
And your resistance has nothing to do with you being afraid of falling in love again? Husker frowned at his inner monologue. Fuck that, he wasn’t afraid. Yes you are. Okay, maybe he was a little. He’d already confessed in front of Angel and his family – for fuck’s sake – that he probably loved Angel. Because everyone wants to hear the word probably in front of I love you, jackass!
Husker sighed. His heart had been closed for so very long, he was afraid of opening it back up. Angel hadn’t waited for him to drop his shields. He’d jammed himself right on in there and squirmed his way past them. He was inside Husker’s heart and he needed to come to terms with that. But it was true, he was entirely uncomfortable with Angel’s soul being in his possession and there were months to go on his agreement with Valentino. He couldn’t free Angel yet, not without giving him back to the overlord of depravity. Angel had to remain his property.
And he hasn’t asked you for sex in a few weeks. Angel needs time, too. Also, true. After Valentino tried to reclaim Angel as brutally as possible, Angel wasn’t up for sex. Husker understood that. The rape had been so vicious and the aftermath ending in a respawn, it might take Angel until the time when Husker could free him before he was ready to have sex. For now, all Angel wanted was to relax next to Husker and both of them fall asleep on the lounger together on movie night. It was enough intimacy for the both of them for now. Even if you both want more. At least Angel is honest about his feelings.
Husker wanted to kick his brain over the pentagram in the sky. To distract himself, he checked the art proof for the show’s flyer. The music was by Litvinovsky. He laughed at the title of the song Angel had selected: Spider Knows His Craft. Husker cleared his mind as the eerie strains of music started. The stage had been transformed to look like a Victorian sitting room with candles lit on stage. The actual stage lighting was muted to give the air of it being entirely lit by those candles.
Angel entered from stage left dressed in the palest of pink gowns with matching slippers. He carried a candelabra, silver filigreed and oh so gothic. The flickering candlelight from the candelabra, however, was battery operated and illusiinary. Angel spun and glided across the stage, frantically looking out over the audience as if it were a window to something scary, the picture of a gothic heroine in fear of her life.
From stage right, an even taller man and easily twice as broad as Angel, somehow managed to make his dance look like he was stalking toward the unsusupecting Angel. Husker had met Thorfinn at the start of the project. If he were the jealous type, he’d not be happy to Angel in the arms of someone as tall and handsome as Thorfinn. He had imp horns in pure blue and Angel did appreciate them. Okay, maybe he was a little jealous but he decided to trust Angel.
Husker didn’t know how so many ballet dancers ended up in hell but if they were anything like Vegas showgirls he had some clues. Angel had worked with a few to learn dance steps that weren’t pure sexploitation. He had talent and Husker couldn’t be happier to see Angel getting to stretch himself in new ways that didn’t involve being degraded.
Angel and Thorfinn dance-fought on stage until finally Angel ‘fainted’ in Thorfinn’s arms only to be swept away. The lights dimmed until nothing but Angel’s fallen candelabra lit the stage. Husker clapped as the lights came back on. Angel hustled out to pick up the prop.
“Did you like it?” Joy radiated from Angel’s face so warm and lush Husker swore he could feel it from the seats.
He jogged down to the stage and up their steps. Husker brushed his hand along Angel’s cheek. “You looked amazing. That was suspenseful and beautiful at the same time.” He turned slightly, looking into the wing where Thorfinn watched them. “You too, Thorfinn. This isn’t the usual thing they expect from Angel but I think they’ll really like it.”
“I hope so,” Thorfinn said. “I think we’re done rehersing, Angel. That was as good as it can be. Husker is right.”
Angel nodded. “I agree. We’re gonna make scary hot.”
Thorfinn laughed and walked off with a little wave of his hand.
“It was hot, right?”
The self doubt in Angel’s tone hit Husker right in his reawakened heart. “Incredibly so,” he replied honestly.
“Good. Don’t want to disappoint anyone.”
Angel leaned down to kiss him, the scent of his perfume and sweat tickling Husker’s senses but before their lips could meet someone banged through the theater doors. Ilana, Husker’s personal assistant raced down the aisle.
“Sorry to interrupt,” she said, her gaze bouncing between him and Angel. “Your phone’s dead again, boss. You wanted to know if Mimsy was back. She is and she’s trying to sweettalk the new blackjack dealer.”
“Ugh. Damn it.”
Angel gave his cheek a quick peck. “Go. I need to wash up anyhow. I’m a sweaty mess. And charge your phone, old man.”
Husker narrowed his eyes at Angel who literally was every bit as old as he was. The only difference was when in their life spans they’d died. Angel never got to experience the less-than-golden years. “Brat,” he accused lightly. “Come on, Ilana, let’s go track her down. Lucifer knows what chaos she’s brought with her this time.”
A loud explosion rocked the building. Dust streamed down off the ceiling.
“But I’m betting it’s loan sharks.” His shoulders slumped, his wings fluttering.
“Want me to back you up?” Angel pulled a tommy gun out of the ether with a manical grin.
“Nah, babe. I pay for a shit ton of security. Let them earn their keep. If I need you, I’ll call.”
“You mean Ilana will.” Angel smirked.
“Don’t make me waste the first set of charged dice on your little backside, Anthony.”
“I have better things you could be doing to my sweet butt.” Angel wiggled it at him.
Husker groaned again and followed Ilana out. At least Angel was feeling better, enough to flirt with him again. That was good to see. Mimsy was about to regret ruining his night.
# # #
Mimsy and the loan shark brigade had taken up his entire night and the clean up ate up most of the next day. Angel had been texting Ilana first and then him after he charged his phone, to make sure he came there for dinner. It wouldn’t just be dinner, not with Angel. No, it would be a production because when his little Italian heart was set loose in the kitchen Angel cooked for an army. Food was one of his love languages and now that Valentino wasn’t there to monitor every calorie, Angel allowed himself to eat some of the things he loved.
He knocked on Angel’s suite’s door. He wouldn’t just let himself in. Angel was still paranoid Valentino could get to him even here and he’d been proven right. When Angel answered the door, he had on silvery pants and a pink top with a frilly apron over it, a frilly apron with the Staute of David from the shoulders down. Husker laughed and Angel modled it for him with a coquettish smile.
“You are a sight and so it this.” Husker stepped in, gesturing to the living area. Angel had the whole place lit with candles – the smell of roses filled the air – and just some mood lighting here and there.
“Like it?”
“I do. It sets a mood.”
“And I hope it sets a ‘you’re hungry’ mood. For food.” Angel bent over and kissed the little heart on Husker’s ear. “And maybe for me.”
“Food sounds great.” Husker took a deep breath as Angel’s expression began to fall. “And we can talk to about the rest.”
“Fair enough. I’ve made only a pasta course with a single appetizer and dessert because last time you said you were inviting the whole casino to my table because I made too much.” Angel pouted.
“You did.” Husker stood on tiptop to kiss Angel. “What’s on the menu, besides you.” He shot him a look.
“Fennel and orange salad, spaghetti alla chitarra with lamb and pork ragu and lattacciolo for dessert, which is kinda like flan.”
“You are amazing.”
“Duh, I’m always amazing.” Angel laughed. “And you’ve had a tough day dealing with Mimsy.”
“She got Alastor involved.” Husker sighed.
Angel tsked. “I’ll make you a…well, not a negroni. You’re not a huge fan. Whiskey straight?”
“Perfect.”
Husker toed off his shoes and padded over to the bar. Angel poured him a double and left him unwind a little before he went to put the salad on the table. He’d never even had fennel before. What was it with Italians and their licorice fetish? Still it was good, the pasta better and by the time he barely made it through the lattacciolo, Husker was full to his eyeballs.
Taking his hand, Angel led Husker to the purple heart-shaped lounger that looked like it floated on a sea of flowers. He already had some amber whiskey in a decanter with glasses next to it on an end stand. As Husker settled himself, Angel cleaned up and fed Fat Nuggets. Husker would have to do something nice for Angel. He shouldn’t be waiting on and cleaning up after him like an 1930s housewife.
Angel curled up next to him and turned on the monstrously large TV. “Up for an extra movie night?”
“What did you have in mind?” Husker snuck his arm under Angel’s back, tugging him closer.
“We’re up to the 1970s horror. I’ve selected Jaws, Alien and Halloween. The succubus who brought these back from the land of the living said the biggest and best from the 70s was The Exorcist but somehow that seemed inappropriate for two people in hell.”
Husker snorted. “True. Full confession, I saw The Exorcist when I was alive and it scared the piss out of me! You’d think it would have scared me into redeeming myself then but….”
“You were old and set in your grumpy ways.” Angel tapped Husker’s nose.
“Not how I’d put it.” Husker laughed. “But yes.”
“I thought we’d start with Alien since it’s sci-fi too and we both like that.”
“Perfect.”
Angel poured two glasses of bourbon. “And if it leads to more…”
Husker couldn’t help the involuntary flinch. Feeling it, Angel sat up, his eyes sad.
“Or do you…have you changed….” Angel stumbled over his words. He took a breath. “I know you said you probably loved me…”
Husker held up a finger. “I’m going to stop you there. I haven’t changed my mind. And I don’t think there’s any probably to it.”
Angel’s chest heaved. “Okay then. I’m glad because I got you something. I’ve been meaning to give it to you but I was waiting for the perfect time. But there isn’t going to be a perfect time so why not now?”
“You have me curious.”
Angel reached under his pillow abd pulled out a jewelry box. “This is a little something of Italy. Well as close as jewelers in Hell can get to it.”
“Angel…you didn’t have to do this!”
“I know but damn it, Husky, you saved me from Val. You’ve given me my own space in your casino. You ask nothing of me other than to do whatever work I feel like. And when I say it like that it sounds like I’m here because I owe you. That’s not what I mean.”
“I didn’t think that is why you’re here,” Husker protested.
“Good. So you know that I have feelings for you and I know why you want to wait until you’re free to destroy the soul contract, if you even will, ‘cause I ain’t expecting it, but if you do that’s great. Anyhow, what I want to say is, if you change your mind about waiting, I think I’m ready again. I feel…better. I know what I want and that’s you.”
Husker was shocked when his hand shook as he reached fot Angel’s hand. “I never expected this. I have been so afraid to love again, afraid of being broken again.”
“And no one can promise you ain’t gonna get hurt. I oknow that better than anyone.” Angel shuddered, no doubt seeing Valentino in his mind.
Husker ran his hand up Angel’s arm. “We can only do our best. Please, let me see what you got me.”
Angel surrendered the jewelry box and Husker opened it to reveal a golden, multi-pointed star. Surrounding each ray of the star were delicately filigreed flowers and in the center were two hearts with tiny keys.
“It’s a lapel pin for when you’re strutting through the casino being Overlord.” He grinned.
“I do not strutt.” Husker huffed.
“Olease, you strut, tail a-swishing making me want to take a bite out of that taut ass of yours.” Angel danced his eyebrows. “You get your wings into it too. How I’m supposed to resist, only Lucifer knows.”
“He knows you’re crazy too.” Husker lifted the pin out of the box. It wasn’t quite as delicate as it looked. “It’s beautiful, Angel.”
“It’s a Presentosa, a symbol of love and the keys are for protection because we both need that,” Angel sped his ways through his words as if afraid Husker would say it was too much too soon.
“Thank you, Angel. It’s beautiful and I love it.” Husker pinned it to his jacket’s lapel and then pulled Angel into a kiss, one that didn’t end until Fat Nuggets raced past them with the zoomies, oinking all the way.
Angel collapsed back on the lounger, laughing. “Way to ruin the mmoement, Nuggsy.”
“There’ll be others,” Husker said, sitting up, swinging his legs off the lounger. He took off his jacket and put it over a bar stool. “Should we get comfortable for the movie marathon?”
“Yep. I made movie snacks. Want some?”
“Not yet, babe. That was a helluva meal you made.” Husker strolled into the guest bedroom where he’d taken to leaving some clothing including sleep shorts. He still wanted Angel to have his own suite, his own space. He often needed it when he got overwhelmed by everything, mostly memories, or harsh words about him being a whore or a bad porn star. On the other hand, Husker didn’t want to have to run up to his casino penthouse just to change. He tugged on sleep shorts and walked back to the lounger. Angel was already in his shorts, white with red kisses on them.
Husker rejoined him and Angel snuggled in.
“You really like the Presentosa? It’s not too much.”
“I love it. I’ll wear it and it’s not too much.” Husker hauled him closer, pressing his lips to Angel’s forehead. “You’re not too much.”
Angel sighed happily. So often he heard the opposite, even a time or two from Husker when he’d been frustrating and getting on Husker’s last nerve. Angel twirled his finger in Husker’s chest hair. “Thank you.” His voice cracked. Angel made a soft noise trying to regain control over his emotions. “So…Alien?”
“Alien.” Husker nodded.
Angel started the movie. As a bunch of people in their undies started waking up, Husk looked at Angel who gazed back and smiled. Husk swore he could see forever in those mismatched eyes.
What are you afraid of? He thought and then realized, he wasn’t afraid any more. He settled back, this time hoping to be scared in a good way. He might actually have the love thing down for once. At the very least, he was ready to try to love again even if it scared him. This felt so right it was worth the gamble and was he not the gambling overlord. He knew the odds and the house always wins.