Fandom Friday
Jul. 11th, 2025 09:12 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
cornerofmadnessNothing interesting today unless you think my blood sugar going from 300 at wake up to 400 an hour later and then to 70 after lunch before going back to 300 is interesting. It's pissing me off.
So have the fannish 50 fandom recs including a story by me. But before that you might find this to your tastes
Alan Tudyk Launching New Podcast with Nathan Fillion called ‘Once, We Were Spacemen’
Title: Bad Reputation
Fandom: Hazbin Hotel
Summary: Husker needs some new security after an attack on his casino and he was always on the lookout for new acts to entertain his patrons. He could handle Arackniss when dealing with the security issues. However, entertainment meant he needed to turn to hell’s newest overlord now that Valentino was gone. All Angel Dust brought to his new role was his bad reputation and his never ending boundary crossing. Husker was not looking forward to this.
Rating: teen
Author Note - written for Overlord Husk week day 6 wild card and for spikesgirl58s 6 words challenge. The words were Bikes, Fragile, Legs, Theory, Efficacious, & Imminent
Spiders in your house was supposed to be a good thing in theory. Husker had serious doubts about it, especially when they wore suits, smoked like a train and carried more guns than anyone was comfortable with. His personal assistant, Hex, showed them into Husker’s office and he sent up a little prayer that there would be an emergency in the casino that required his attention. He could handle Arackniss, figured the other overlord was here to help with Husker’s security shortage after someone had blown up the front door and the safe in an attempt to rob him.
Hell’s newest overlord was a whole other story. Angel Dust had done what no one expected after Valentino had gone up in a blaze of hellfire: he’d grabbed his former owner’s entire empire. The first few overlord meetings after that Angel had been manageable, visibly nervous, but now feeling more confident in his role, he was a complete brat. He’d openly eye bang Husker in the meetings and flirt mercilessly with him after them. There were only a few reasons he hadn’t punted Angel over the pentagram in the sky. For one, he liked using Arackniss and Henroin’s services to protect his casino. Secondly, he couldn’t quite dismiss Vox’s claim that he believed Angel Dust had been the one to set up Valentino’s assassination.
Husker studied the tall spider in his grey pinstripe suit with its hot pink stripes, shirt and pale pink tie. He didn’t look dangerous. Rumor had it he was something of an idiot and his best skills were shown flat on his back. Husker couldn’t argue the latter. He’d seen enough of Angel’s movies to know that when he was trying, when he was given a script worthy of him, he was hotter than the hell he was surrounded by. If only he’d accept Husker had no interest in a porn star fawning over him.
No, he didn’t look or act dangerous but Angel was Arackniss’ brother. They’d both been raised by Henroin. That meant Angel was most assuredly dangerous, maybe more so because no one expected it of him. That said, Husker had no idea why the spider was creeping into his casino. He didn’t think Arackniss would have him along for no reason. The wide smile on Angel’s face said sexual harassment was imminent. Maybe this time Husker would just drop a mildly charged exploding die down Angel’s pants, just enough to sting and get his attention. Maybe then he’d stop crossing Husker’s boundaries.
“Husker,” Arackniss said in way of greeting, his voice rough from a lifetime – and afterlife – of chain smoking. He hefted several file folders. “Got some security guards for you to look over.”
It would be easier to do this by email but somehow both men preferred to do it on paper, in person. It was their time period showing, no doubt. Besides, Husker didn’t mind spending a little time over cigars and whiskey with the man. Arackniss liked silence, was content to let Husker talk if he so desired, usually without interruption.
“Thanks.” Husker indicated for them to sit in front of his desk. He pushed a box covered in the suit symbols for playing cards at them and opened it to reveal cigars.
Arackniss held up his barely smoked cigarette in a pass on the offer. Angel snuffed out his nearly done cigarette and picked up a cigar.
He helped himself to the cigar cutter on Husker’s desk. “Don’t mind if I do, thank you.” Angel nipped off the tip with the cigar cutter. When Husker held out his hand for the cutter, Angel traced the heart in Husker’s palm with the sleek art deco feather side of it, slow and purposefully.
Husker snatched his hand back, pulling the cutter from Angel’s grip. Without a word, Angel lit up, making a production of sucking at the unlit end, puffing as the tip glowed. His brother casually slapped him the back of Angel’s head so hard, the cigar was nearly propelled out of his mouth. Angel glared but neither brother said a word. Husker assumed they didn’t need to speak. Had Angel always been like this? Husker couldn’t imagine it, not in the 30s when they’d all been young, himself included.
“Do you need a decision on these today?” he asked Arackniss.
“Nah, take as long as you need.” Arackniss blew a streamer of smoke at the ceiling. “Do you think you’ll have more trouble today with the robbery crew?”
Husker shook his head and ran his free claws through his hair, regretting it when Angel’s eyes tracked the movement. He didn’t want the spider to think he was flirting. “Mimsy and the loan sharks after her were behind the attempt. She made the mistake of calling in Alastor to back her up and let’s just say the Radio Demon was not happy about that. He promised her if she tried to make her gambling debts his problem again, he chain her and her loan sharks onto bikes, drop them in Rosie’s territory, and tell them to ride to safety if they could.”
Arackniss snorted, smoke curling up around his head. “Serves her right.”
“It was extremely efficacious.” Husker smiled ferally and Angel’s eyes lit up. Great, just what I need.
“So, you’re probably wondering why I’m here,” Angel said, with surprising seriousness. He took a drag on the cigar like a normal person. He’d shut off his porn star persona like flipping a switch.
“I assumed you were either out with your brother for the day – though I’ve never seen you do that or you wanted to see me even though you aren’t on my calendar.”
“Told you,” Arackniss said out of the corner of his mouth.
Angel waved him off. “Sorry about horning in there. I didn’t want to slot out a half hour of your time, Whiskers, if you didn’t want to talk business with me.”
“Call me Whiskers again and I’ll have Arackniss’ security men drag you out by your chest fluff.” Husker puffed on his own cigar trying not to smile at the mental images.
Widening his eyes, Angel put a hand over his chest fluff now buried under the pink shirt and jacket. “Not that! Sorry,” he said without the single hint of actually being contrite. “All I wanted to say was I know you got your dancers and stage acts from Valentino. You haven’t asked me for anyone or anything new. Do you want to work with me or are you going to go with my competitor? If you want to work with me, I’ll have your assistant put me on the books. I have new performers coming in weekly and some…the ones Valentino really hurt, they’d prefer to retire if you and I will let them. If you ain’t interested in me and my services, I won’t bug you anymore.” Angel’s gaze raked over Husker and he felt as naked as Angel usually was on stage.
“I hear you give better deals than Valentino ever did,” Husker replied honestly with a little glare that he hoped would back Angel down.
Angel shivered. “Val hurt everyone, me more than most. I want to be better than him and I think that I’m accomplishing that.”
Now that sounded honest. He could also see the hurt haunting Angel’s eyes. Husker believed he wanted to be a better person than Valentino, which was admittedly a low bar to set. “All right then. If you can behave yourself, by which I mean stop fucking flirting with me constantly, then we can do business.”
Arackniss let out a bitter laugh. “Find someone else.”
Angel grabbed his brother by his tie, lifting him out of his seat one handed, not that Arackniss looked the least bit alarmed by this. It proved one thing though: Angel was as dangerous as Husker suspected he might be and stronger than he thought.
“I can behave.” Angel let Arackniss drop and he turned to Husker. “I can.” He popped his cigar back between his lips.
“We’ll do this on a trial basis then.”
Husker held out a hand and Angel shook his, all business, no play. This might be an interesting turn of events.
# # #
“Yes, Bun Bun has retired,” Angel said as Husker poured over a portfolio of headshots, body shots and theatrical resumes.
“That’s a shame. I liked her movies,” Husker muttered as he tried to decide who to add to his casino’s acts. Also, he didn’t want to look directly at Angel who was still partially in 1930s mode with a black suit with red pinstripes and his ruby red shirt open to allow his fluff to escape. His pants were so tight Husker could see Angel had not tucked his manhood away as he often did in the movies. Granted, he’d seen Angel fuck others on screen and knew the length and girth the man was packing. He was a porn star for a reason.
“Val hurt her bad so she’s my home assistant now. She always treated me well so I thought it was the least I could do. I didn’t want her to retire and then be at the mercy of whatever bastard came next. She’s actually pretty damn good at organizing and running herd over my home decorator. Getting my new place looking sweet,” Angel purred as he reached for the whiskey Husker had poured him.
Husker looked up at that, trying not to notice Angel’s man-spreading or the fact he tucked himself down the left leg today. He tapped the files. “Glad you’re settling in. You aren’t wrong, you’re offering a much better deal than Valentino did. I hear you pay your performers way better too.”
Angel snorted, draining his whiskey. “They do all the hard work, the dangerous work sometimes. They deserve more. Do you know how much I was worth under Valentino?”
“I try to know how much all the big movers and shakers are who come into my casino are worth,” Husker said. He liked to know how much he could shake out of his clients. “I also know Valentino barely ever gave you fun money to enjoy yourself when he brought you with him.”
“Yeah well, he didn’t even leave me enough to eat and if I didn’t live at Vee studios, I’d have been one of those souls you see out there begging and homeless.” Angel frowned, his eyes so distant Husker wondered if he realized what he’d just revealed. He was somewhere in the past, revisiting his trauma. “I don’t want that for my people.”
“Is it true you’re looking for someone to buy the prostitution side of your business?” Husker offered him a top off on his whiskey and Angel accepted. “Not that I’m looking to buy it nor do I run hookers through here.”
Angel pounded that shot too so Husker gave him more. “Didn’t know that was common knowledge but yeah. I…I just don’t have it in me to be a pimp, not when I was alive and that was part of the family business and not now, not after I….” Angel cleared his throat and polished off the whiskey again.
Husker didn’t refill it this time. He didn’t want Angel’s inhibitions to be lowered more. He wasn’t even sure the man had any. He could guess the end of Angel’s statement. Angel had been pimped out by Valentino. Everyone knew that and a good many overlords – and the 666 News – laughed about the whore who thought he could be lord.
“I’m going to ask you the same question I asked your brother, can I have a few days with these so I can really study them?” He thumped a knuckle against the portfolio.
“Sure. I’ll be happy to come.” Angel licked his lips before adding, “back.”
Husker narrowed his eyes.
“Take your time, baby. And just know I’m available for…special performances.” Angel ran his hands up his knees. “I have the legs for it.”
“What did I tell you? Performers like you are a dime a dozen. I can find anyone to help staff my stages,” Husker snapped.
Angel quelled. For a moment he looked so fragile, Husker instantly regretted his tone. Angel needed to cool his jets, yes, but he’d hurt the man. It was a peek behind the curtain. Angel wasn’t nearly as confident as he pretended. He didn’t want Husker thinking of him as a simple whore playing at being an overlord, even if he was acting like it.
Anger replaced the fragility with anger. “Maybe you could but not as good as my performers. But fine, if that’s what you want. I need to leave anyhow. I have to be on set to film with Jody on Murder in the Park.”
“Is that the sequel to Murder Under the Pentagram?” Husker asked in spite of himself. He could have left the flirt leave and never deal with him again.
Angel looked shocked. “You know that one?”
“It’s your first movie since Valentino died, the first you had creative control over. I didn’t think you’d go with playing a detective who seeks help from a forensic psychologist who’s a cannibal.” Husker took stock of him. “That was one of the best things I’ve seen you in.”
A little of the anger bled out of Angel’s expression. “You liked it?”
“That was one helluva 69, kid. Not sure I’d be that comfortable having a cannibal suck my cock.”
“Jody is really a sweet guy, taste in proteins aside.” Angel shrugged.
Husker spread his hands in concession. “Still…glad there’ll be a sequel. Your acting in that was probably your best.”
“Thanks. So…you saw stuff you liked.” Angel’s tone went throaty and honeyed.
Jesus, he’s right back into it. He can’t help himself, can he? Husker gave it a moment’s thought. Maybe he couldn’t help himself, not with how Valentino had him trained for years. Still, he couldn’t let this go on.
“What did I say, Angel? Behave or you’re leaving as you’re dragged out by chest fluff, which you thoughtfully left exposed.” Husker pointed to it.
Angel buttoned up his shirt another notch. “You don’t have to be so….hard.”
“Angel, you of all people should respect no means no,” Husker growled, striking another direct blow.
Angel folded his arms over himself, his head drooping. Husker had triggered him and he knew it. He swore under his breath. He hadn’t wanted to do that. He’d just wanted Angel to stop flirting. He’d seen this demeanor when Valentino was alive. This was the Angel Dust who expected to get beaten.
“Sorry,” Angel whispered.
“Just don’t keep pushing me,” Husker sighed. “And I don’t want to find another entertainment provider. I want to work with you.”
Angel nodded, not unwrapping himself from his arms.
“So, let me look these over and get back to you,” Husker said more mildly. He wanted to comfort Angel. He didn’t hate the guy. He just hated the innuendos. “Can you tell me anything about the sequel or is that a trade secret?”
Angel canted his gaze over to Husker, his eyes glistening, ready to spill tears. He took in a deep, shuddering breath, steadying himself. “Secret. Gonna be about a serial killer. Victory is making it one of her last movies.”
“I know she’s in semi-retirement too. Another shame but I’m a betting man and I bet Valentino was no kinder to her.”
“Not at all. She’s my personal assistant now. If she wants a role, I consider her for it but otherwise, I don’t bother her.” Angel let his arms drop. He studied Husker for a minute. “You’d do good in my movies. That’s not me hitting on you,” he added hurriedly. “It’s your wings. They’re beautiful. People would love them.”
Husker ruffled his feathers. “They should try sleeping with these. They’d find it a lot less sexy.”
Angel laughed lightly. “I know. Wings get everywhere. At least Val could tuck his around him so they took up less bed space.”
“Yeah, can’t wear mine like a coat.”
“Doesn’t change the fact I think they’re beautiful.” Angel drummed his fingers on the portfolio he’d brought. “Thank you for giving me a second chance.”
“You’re welcome. I’d say you could have a spot on my stages if you wanted it but…there are certain things an overlord shouldn’t do.” Husker hoped Angel took the hint so he’d be less of a laughingstock.
Angel lifted his chin defiantly. “Valentino performed.”
“And he was a known psychopath. People were afraid to laugh at him. You don’t share that reputation.”
“I could. If they knew how I got to hell, they’d think I’m psycho too,” Angel said, anger tightening his jaw. “But yeah, I wasn’t thinking of stripping. I’d like to sing. I do have a nice voice.”
“Maybe you’ll let me hear some time,” Husker said.
“I thought maybe you hate me and wouldn’t want me here more than necessary.”
“I don’t hate you,” Husker said. He kept the truth about finding Angel’s body lust-worthy but he wanted to know the man better than he did before he’d admit that. “It’s the flirtation I don’t like. I get it. You don’t need to keep hitting me with it.”
“Okay,” Angel said in a soft voice.
Husker steered the conversation back to the point of Angel’s visit. “I’ll look these over and let you know who I want to audition, sound good?”
“Perfect.”
“Do you have to go now to go on set?” Husker asked.
“Shortly. Maybe I can arrange for you to pay us a visit on set. You’d probably like Jody. Speaking of nice singing voices, you should hear his. He was a vaudeville actor with a taste for audience members back in life.”
Husker snorted. “I’ll keep that in mind.”
“Join us for dinner some time. I’ll cook. No worries about the meats. Jody does eat things other than other humans.” Angel chuckled. “I’m a good cook.”
“I may have to take you up on that,” Husker said, wondering if he could suggest Arackniss be invited too. He seemed to keep Angel slightly under control.
“Thanks. Okay, I’d better get going.”
Angel stood and sashayed toward the door with more jiggle than Betty Boop.
“Hey, Angel, one question.”
Angel turned, cocking a hip at him with a sly smile. “Yes, kitty cat?”
“No to that nickname too.” Husker held up a claw. “Is Vox right? Did you kill Valentino?”
Angel’s smile widened. “I’ll tell you what I’ve been saying since the beginning. Someone sent a gift to Val, a bottle of lube in theory. Instead it ignited into hellfire when the liquid inside hit air. I barely jumped out of the inferno myself. If I had set Valentino up to die in one of the few ways that can destroy a sinner, would I have done it when I was at the top of Vee Tower with him?”
“If you wanted to watch him burn,” Husker replied.
Angel laughed. “Now you sound like Vox. Goodbye, Whiskers.”
Husker growled in reply but that only made Angel laugh more. As a gambler, Husker knew how to read people. Their faces were a book if only you knew the language it was written in. Angel had just lied to him. Oh, it was a good lie, a very smooth one. He might even be wrong about that but Husker wouldn’t bet on it. Vox was right. Angel had murdered Valentino.
Good for him.
With a new respect for Angel, Husker stood up and picked up Angel’s empty glass. His subtle cologne clung to the chair, sweet like cotton candy and strawberries. Husker’s mouth went dry, the desire to lick Angel to see if he tasted as sweet as he smelled overwhelmed him. His cock stirred at the thought.
“Good thing he’s gone,” Husker muttered and put the glass on the tray next to the cut crystal decanter for cleaning later. “You stupid traitor.” His cock didn’t care if he insulted it.
Husker settled back with the portfolio of performers. Maybe he could survive dealing with hell’s newest overlord. Maybe Angel Dust would drive him nuts and he’d end blowing up part of his own casino to rid it of spiders. Maybe they’d fuck until the furniture broke.
Husker was a betting man but on this subject, he didn’t know where to place his bet.
Dead Hand
The Ace Of Hearts Teen Wolf
Taking Care Of Business Torchwood
Anywhere With You FAKE
a knife between your ribs. The Murderbot Diaries
Our bestie SecUnit! The Murderbot Diaries
you’re so pretty, it kills me Arcane: League of Legends
All About the Accessories Stargate Atlantis
Munch. The Murderbot Diaries
solemnly swear 陈情令 | The Untamed (TV)魔道祖师 - 墨香铜臭 | Módào Zǔshī - Mòxiāng Tóngxiù
Safety in Numbers The Murderbot Diaries
Taking Care Of Business Torchwood
Reborn Buffy the Vampire Slayer
A Night With Diglett Pocket Monsters | Pokemon (Main Video Game Series)
Let’s Dating Nerd The Owl
Rocky Road Deadpool (Movieverse)/X-Men
Chris Reaches Out 911
Killcode The Murderbot Diaries
Birthday Cookies The Owl House
Fevered Faint Sherlock Holmes (1984 TV)
Voxtimization Hazbin Hotel
So have the fannish 50 fandom recs including a story by me. But before that you might find this to your tastes
Alan Tudyk Launching New Podcast with Nathan Fillion called ‘Once, We Were Spacemen’
Title: Bad Reputation
Fandom: Hazbin Hotel
Summary: Husker needs some new security after an attack on his casino and he was always on the lookout for new acts to entertain his patrons. He could handle Arackniss when dealing with the security issues. However, entertainment meant he needed to turn to hell’s newest overlord now that Valentino was gone. All Angel Dust brought to his new role was his bad reputation and his never ending boundary crossing. Husker was not looking forward to this.
Rating: teen
Author Note - written for Overlord Husk week day 6 wild card and for spikesgirl58s 6 words challenge. The words were Bikes, Fragile, Legs, Theory, Efficacious, & Imminent
Spiders in your house was supposed to be a good thing in theory. Husker had serious doubts about it, especially when they wore suits, smoked like a train and carried more guns than anyone was comfortable with. His personal assistant, Hex, showed them into Husker’s office and he sent up a little prayer that there would be an emergency in the casino that required his attention. He could handle Arackniss, figured the other overlord was here to help with Husker’s security shortage after someone had blown up the front door and the safe in an attempt to rob him.
Hell’s newest overlord was a whole other story. Angel Dust had done what no one expected after Valentino had gone up in a blaze of hellfire: he’d grabbed his former owner’s entire empire. The first few overlord meetings after that Angel had been manageable, visibly nervous, but now feeling more confident in his role, he was a complete brat. He’d openly eye bang Husker in the meetings and flirt mercilessly with him after them. There were only a few reasons he hadn’t punted Angel over the pentagram in the sky. For one, he liked using Arackniss and Henroin’s services to protect his casino. Secondly, he couldn’t quite dismiss Vox’s claim that he believed Angel Dust had been the one to set up Valentino’s assassination.
Husker studied the tall spider in his grey pinstripe suit with its hot pink stripes, shirt and pale pink tie. He didn’t look dangerous. Rumor had it he was something of an idiot and his best skills were shown flat on his back. Husker couldn’t argue the latter. He’d seen enough of Angel’s movies to know that when he was trying, when he was given a script worthy of him, he was hotter than the hell he was surrounded by. If only he’d accept Husker had no interest in a porn star fawning over him.
No, he didn’t look or act dangerous but Angel was Arackniss’ brother. They’d both been raised by Henroin. That meant Angel was most assuredly dangerous, maybe more so because no one expected it of him. That said, Husker had no idea why the spider was creeping into his casino. He didn’t think Arackniss would have him along for no reason. The wide smile on Angel’s face said sexual harassment was imminent. Maybe this time Husker would just drop a mildly charged exploding die down Angel’s pants, just enough to sting and get his attention. Maybe then he’d stop crossing Husker’s boundaries.
“Husker,” Arackniss said in way of greeting, his voice rough from a lifetime – and afterlife – of chain smoking. He hefted several file folders. “Got some security guards for you to look over.”
It would be easier to do this by email but somehow both men preferred to do it on paper, in person. It was their time period showing, no doubt. Besides, Husker didn’t mind spending a little time over cigars and whiskey with the man. Arackniss liked silence, was content to let Husker talk if he so desired, usually without interruption.
“Thanks.” Husker indicated for them to sit in front of his desk. He pushed a box covered in the suit symbols for playing cards at them and opened it to reveal cigars.
Arackniss held up his barely smoked cigarette in a pass on the offer. Angel snuffed out his nearly done cigarette and picked up a cigar.
He helped himself to the cigar cutter on Husker’s desk. “Don’t mind if I do, thank you.” Angel nipped off the tip with the cigar cutter. When Husker held out his hand for the cutter, Angel traced the heart in Husker’s palm with the sleek art deco feather side of it, slow and purposefully.
Husker snatched his hand back, pulling the cutter from Angel’s grip. Without a word, Angel lit up, making a production of sucking at the unlit end, puffing as the tip glowed. His brother casually slapped him the back of Angel’s head so hard, the cigar was nearly propelled out of his mouth. Angel glared but neither brother said a word. Husker assumed they didn’t need to speak. Had Angel always been like this? Husker couldn’t imagine it, not in the 30s when they’d all been young, himself included.
“Do you need a decision on these today?” he asked Arackniss.
“Nah, take as long as you need.” Arackniss blew a streamer of smoke at the ceiling. “Do you think you’ll have more trouble today with the robbery crew?”
Husker shook his head and ran his free claws through his hair, regretting it when Angel’s eyes tracked the movement. He didn’t want the spider to think he was flirting. “Mimsy and the loan sharks after her were behind the attempt. She made the mistake of calling in Alastor to back her up and let’s just say the Radio Demon was not happy about that. He promised her if she tried to make her gambling debts his problem again, he chain her and her loan sharks onto bikes, drop them in Rosie’s territory, and tell them to ride to safety if they could.”
Arackniss snorted, smoke curling up around his head. “Serves her right.”
“It was extremely efficacious.” Husker smiled ferally and Angel’s eyes lit up. Great, just what I need.
“So, you’re probably wondering why I’m here,” Angel said, with surprising seriousness. He took a drag on the cigar like a normal person. He’d shut off his porn star persona like flipping a switch.
“I assumed you were either out with your brother for the day – though I’ve never seen you do that or you wanted to see me even though you aren’t on my calendar.”
“Told you,” Arackniss said out of the corner of his mouth.
Angel waved him off. “Sorry about horning in there. I didn’t want to slot out a half hour of your time, Whiskers, if you didn’t want to talk business with me.”
“Call me Whiskers again and I’ll have Arackniss’ security men drag you out by your chest fluff.” Husker puffed on his own cigar trying not to smile at the mental images.
Widening his eyes, Angel put a hand over his chest fluff now buried under the pink shirt and jacket. “Not that! Sorry,” he said without the single hint of actually being contrite. “All I wanted to say was I know you got your dancers and stage acts from Valentino. You haven’t asked me for anyone or anything new. Do you want to work with me or are you going to go with my competitor? If you want to work with me, I’ll have your assistant put me on the books. I have new performers coming in weekly and some…the ones Valentino really hurt, they’d prefer to retire if you and I will let them. If you ain’t interested in me and my services, I won’t bug you anymore.” Angel’s gaze raked over Husker and he felt as naked as Angel usually was on stage.
“I hear you give better deals than Valentino ever did,” Husker replied honestly with a little glare that he hoped would back Angel down.
Angel shivered. “Val hurt everyone, me more than most. I want to be better than him and I think that I’m accomplishing that.”
Now that sounded honest. He could also see the hurt haunting Angel’s eyes. Husker believed he wanted to be a better person than Valentino, which was admittedly a low bar to set. “All right then. If you can behave yourself, by which I mean stop fucking flirting with me constantly, then we can do business.”
Arackniss let out a bitter laugh. “Find someone else.”
Angel grabbed his brother by his tie, lifting him out of his seat one handed, not that Arackniss looked the least bit alarmed by this. It proved one thing though: Angel was as dangerous as Husker suspected he might be and stronger than he thought.
“I can behave.” Angel let Arackniss drop and he turned to Husker. “I can.” He popped his cigar back between his lips.
“We’ll do this on a trial basis then.”
Husker held out a hand and Angel shook his, all business, no play. This might be an interesting turn of events.
# # #
“Yes, Bun Bun has retired,” Angel said as Husker poured over a portfolio of headshots, body shots and theatrical resumes.
“That’s a shame. I liked her movies,” Husker muttered as he tried to decide who to add to his casino’s acts. Also, he didn’t want to look directly at Angel who was still partially in 1930s mode with a black suit with red pinstripes and his ruby red shirt open to allow his fluff to escape. His pants were so tight Husker could see Angel had not tucked his manhood away as he often did in the movies. Granted, he’d seen Angel fuck others on screen and knew the length and girth the man was packing. He was a porn star for a reason.
“Val hurt her bad so she’s my home assistant now. She always treated me well so I thought it was the least I could do. I didn’t want her to retire and then be at the mercy of whatever bastard came next. She’s actually pretty damn good at organizing and running herd over my home decorator. Getting my new place looking sweet,” Angel purred as he reached for the whiskey Husker had poured him.
Husker looked up at that, trying not to notice Angel’s man-spreading or the fact he tucked himself down the left leg today. He tapped the files. “Glad you’re settling in. You aren’t wrong, you’re offering a much better deal than Valentino did. I hear you pay your performers way better too.”
Angel snorted, draining his whiskey. “They do all the hard work, the dangerous work sometimes. They deserve more. Do you know how much I was worth under Valentino?”
“I try to know how much all the big movers and shakers are who come into my casino are worth,” Husker said. He liked to know how much he could shake out of his clients. “I also know Valentino barely ever gave you fun money to enjoy yourself when he brought you with him.”
“Yeah well, he didn’t even leave me enough to eat and if I didn’t live at Vee studios, I’d have been one of those souls you see out there begging and homeless.” Angel frowned, his eyes so distant Husker wondered if he realized what he’d just revealed. He was somewhere in the past, revisiting his trauma. “I don’t want that for my people.”
“Is it true you’re looking for someone to buy the prostitution side of your business?” Husker offered him a top off on his whiskey and Angel accepted. “Not that I’m looking to buy it nor do I run hookers through here.”
Angel pounded that shot too so Husker gave him more. “Didn’t know that was common knowledge but yeah. I…I just don’t have it in me to be a pimp, not when I was alive and that was part of the family business and not now, not after I….” Angel cleared his throat and polished off the whiskey again.
Husker didn’t refill it this time. He didn’t want Angel’s inhibitions to be lowered more. He wasn’t even sure the man had any. He could guess the end of Angel’s statement. Angel had been pimped out by Valentino. Everyone knew that and a good many overlords – and the 666 News – laughed about the whore who thought he could be lord.
“I’m going to ask you the same question I asked your brother, can I have a few days with these so I can really study them?” He thumped a knuckle against the portfolio.
“Sure. I’ll be happy to come.” Angel licked his lips before adding, “back.”
Husker narrowed his eyes.
“Take your time, baby. And just know I’m available for…special performances.” Angel ran his hands up his knees. “I have the legs for it.”
“What did I tell you? Performers like you are a dime a dozen. I can find anyone to help staff my stages,” Husker snapped.
Angel quelled. For a moment he looked so fragile, Husker instantly regretted his tone. Angel needed to cool his jets, yes, but he’d hurt the man. It was a peek behind the curtain. Angel wasn’t nearly as confident as he pretended. He didn’t want Husker thinking of him as a simple whore playing at being an overlord, even if he was acting like it.
Anger replaced the fragility with anger. “Maybe you could but not as good as my performers. But fine, if that’s what you want. I need to leave anyhow. I have to be on set to film with Jody on Murder in the Park.”
“Is that the sequel to Murder Under the Pentagram?” Husker asked in spite of himself. He could have left the flirt leave and never deal with him again.
Angel looked shocked. “You know that one?”
“It’s your first movie since Valentino died, the first you had creative control over. I didn’t think you’d go with playing a detective who seeks help from a forensic psychologist who’s a cannibal.” Husker took stock of him. “That was one of the best things I’ve seen you in.”
A little of the anger bled out of Angel’s expression. “You liked it?”
“That was one helluva 69, kid. Not sure I’d be that comfortable having a cannibal suck my cock.”
“Jody is really a sweet guy, taste in proteins aside.” Angel shrugged.
Husker spread his hands in concession. “Still…glad there’ll be a sequel. Your acting in that was probably your best.”
“Thanks. So…you saw stuff you liked.” Angel’s tone went throaty and honeyed.
Jesus, he’s right back into it. He can’t help himself, can he? Husker gave it a moment’s thought. Maybe he couldn’t help himself, not with how Valentino had him trained for years. Still, he couldn’t let this go on.
“What did I say, Angel? Behave or you’re leaving as you’re dragged out by chest fluff, which you thoughtfully left exposed.” Husker pointed to it.
Angel buttoned up his shirt another notch. “You don’t have to be so….hard.”
“Angel, you of all people should respect no means no,” Husker growled, striking another direct blow.
Angel folded his arms over himself, his head drooping. Husker had triggered him and he knew it. He swore under his breath. He hadn’t wanted to do that. He’d just wanted Angel to stop flirting. He’d seen this demeanor when Valentino was alive. This was the Angel Dust who expected to get beaten.
“Sorry,” Angel whispered.
“Just don’t keep pushing me,” Husker sighed. “And I don’t want to find another entertainment provider. I want to work with you.”
Angel nodded, not unwrapping himself from his arms.
“So, let me look these over and get back to you,” Husker said more mildly. He wanted to comfort Angel. He didn’t hate the guy. He just hated the innuendos. “Can you tell me anything about the sequel or is that a trade secret?”
Angel canted his gaze over to Husker, his eyes glistening, ready to spill tears. He took in a deep, shuddering breath, steadying himself. “Secret. Gonna be about a serial killer. Victory is making it one of her last movies.”
“I know she’s in semi-retirement too. Another shame but I’m a betting man and I bet Valentino was no kinder to her.”
“Not at all. She’s my personal assistant now. If she wants a role, I consider her for it but otherwise, I don’t bother her.” Angel let his arms drop. He studied Husker for a minute. “You’d do good in my movies. That’s not me hitting on you,” he added hurriedly. “It’s your wings. They’re beautiful. People would love them.”
Husker ruffled his feathers. “They should try sleeping with these. They’d find it a lot less sexy.”
Angel laughed lightly. “I know. Wings get everywhere. At least Val could tuck his around him so they took up less bed space.”
“Yeah, can’t wear mine like a coat.”
“Doesn’t change the fact I think they’re beautiful.” Angel drummed his fingers on the portfolio he’d brought. “Thank you for giving me a second chance.”
“You’re welcome. I’d say you could have a spot on my stages if you wanted it but…there are certain things an overlord shouldn’t do.” Husker hoped Angel took the hint so he’d be less of a laughingstock.
Angel lifted his chin defiantly. “Valentino performed.”
“And he was a known psychopath. People were afraid to laugh at him. You don’t share that reputation.”
“I could. If they knew how I got to hell, they’d think I’m psycho too,” Angel said, anger tightening his jaw. “But yeah, I wasn’t thinking of stripping. I’d like to sing. I do have a nice voice.”
“Maybe you’ll let me hear some time,” Husker said.
“I thought maybe you hate me and wouldn’t want me here more than necessary.”
“I don’t hate you,” Husker said. He kept the truth about finding Angel’s body lust-worthy but he wanted to know the man better than he did before he’d admit that. “It’s the flirtation I don’t like. I get it. You don’t need to keep hitting me with it.”
“Okay,” Angel said in a soft voice.
Husker steered the conversation back to the point of Angel’s visit. “I’ll look these over and let you know who I want to audition, sound good?”
“Perfect.”
“Do you have to go now to go on set?” Husker asked.
“Shortly. Maybe I can arrange for you to pay us a visit on set. You’d probably like Jody. Speaking of nice singing voices, you should hear his. He was a vaudeville actor with a taste for audience members back in life.”
Husker snorted. “I’ll keep that in mind.”
“Join us for dinner some time. I’ll cook. No worries about the meats. Jody does eat things other than other humans.” Angel chuckled. “I’m a good cook.”
“I may have to take you up on that,” Husker said, wondering if he could suggest Arackniss be invited too. He seemed to keep Angel slightly under control.
“Thanks. Okay, I’d better get going.”
Angel stood and sashayed toward the door with more jiggle than Betty Boop.
“Hey, Angel, one question.”
Angel turned, cocking a hip at him with a sly smile. “Yes, kitty cat?”
“No to that nickname too.” Husker held up a claw. “Is Vox right? Did you kill Valentino?”
Angel’s smile widened. “I’ll tell you what I’ve been saying since the beginning. Someone sent a gift to Val, a bottle of lube in theory. Instead it ignited into hellfire when the liquid inside hit air. I barely jumped out of the inferno myself. If I had set Valentino up to die in one of the few ways that can destroy a sinner, would I have done it when I was at the top of Vee Tower with him?”
“If you wanted to watch him burn,” Husker replied.
Angel laughed. “Now you sound like Vox. Goodbye, Whiskers.”
Husker growled in reply but that only made Angel laugh more. As a gambler, Husker knew how to read people. Their faces were a book if only you knew the language it was written in. Angel had just lied to him. Oh, it was a good lie, a very smooth one. He might even be wrong about that but Husker wouldn’t bet on it. Vox was right. Angel had murdered Valentino.
Good for him.
With a new respect for Angel, Husker stood up and picked up Angel’s empty glass. His subtle cologne clung to the chair, sweet like cotton candy and strawberries. Husker’s mouth went dry, the desire to lick Angel to see if he tasted as sweet as he smelled overwhelmed him. His cock stirred at the thought.
“Good thing he’s gone,” Husker muttered and put the glass on the tray next to the cut crystal decanter for cleaning later. “You stupid traitor.” His cock didn’t care if he insulted it.
Husker settled back with the portfolio of performers. Maybe he could survive dealing with hell’s newest overlord. Maybe Angel Dust would drive him nuts and he’d end blowing up part of his own casino to rid it of spiders. Maybe they’d fuck until the furniture broke.
Husker was a betting man but on this subject, he didn’t know where to place his bet.
Dead Hand
The Ace Of Hearts Teen Wolf
Taking Care Of Business Torchwood
Anywhere With You FAKE
a knife between your ribs. The Murderbot Diaries
Our bestie SecUnit! The Murderbot Diaries
you’re so pretty, it kills me Arcane: League of Legends
All About the Accessories Stargate Atlantis
Munch. The Murderbot Diaries
solemnly swear 陈情令 | The Untamed (TV)魔道祖师 - 墨香铜臭 | Módào Zǔshī - Mòxiāng Tóngxiù
Safety in Numbers The Murderbot Diaries
Taking Care Of Business Torchwood
Reborn Buffy the Vampire Slayer
A Night With Diglett Pocket Monsters | Pokemon (Main Video Game Series)
Let’s Dating Nerd The Owl
Rocky Road Deadpool (Movieverse)/X-Men
Chris Reaches Out 911
Killcode The Murderbot Diaries
Birthday Cookies The Owl House
Fevered Faint Sherlock Holmes (1984 TV)
Voxtimization Hazbin Hotel
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Date: 2025-07-12 11:35 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2025-07-12 02:24 pm (UTC)