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Sep. 19th, 2025 09:18 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
cornerofmadnessBecause the day was boring and I'm still unwell so have fiction
Title: Something to Make My Heart Beat the Faster
Summary: Charlie has decided to make a more in depth infomercial for the hotel. Alastor’s input is to add a little melodrama to it as well to showcase the idea of self-sacrifice as a path to redemption, volunteering Husk for the short movie. Angel can’t wait and he has ideas of his own for how this should go. He’s the movie expert, after all.
Rating: mature
Notes: Written for spikegirl58’s six word challenge. The six words were Wet, Implied, Thirsty, Dress, Grumpy & Surprise. These words couldn’t have been more perfect for a story inspired by (and spoilers for) the S2 teaser if they had tried. Also written for the allbingo prompt of rum and the lyrical titles bingo challenge for the prompt a pre-1950s song. I chose All the Things You Are, originally written for a 1939 musical by Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammestein and covered by many. This version if by Ella Fitzgerald.
This is definitely a spoiler for that little teaser trailer for S2 so read or not accordingly if you don’t want even a hint of spoiler.
Finding your love I've found my adventure
Touching your hand, my heart beats the faster
All that I want in all of this world is you
All the Things You Are
Husk glanced at the front windows with a slight scowl on his face. Angel knew what he was thinking, thought it himself every time some sinner peeked into the hotel. Charlie would welcome them all in; witness the obnoxious Baxter. Now that Emily had sneaked some information to them – Pentious had made it to heaven – Charlie was working overtime.
Angel reached across the bar, pretending to sip his cocktail, bored, as Charlie, Vaggie and Alastor sat on the lobby couches and brainstormed their next move. Husk had been trying to lure Angel into a game of chance to help stave off the boredom but Angel was playing hard to get. He laid his hand on the bar top, palm up, an invitation implied. Husk slipped his big hand into Angel’s. His fingers whispered a caress over Angel’s skin before retreating. Angel didn’t think they were fooling anyone anymore. Alastor was the only one they had to worry about – that and some newbie guest carrying tales back to Valentino – but they wanted to keep their feelings private. That meant play acting when they weren’t alone, him being extra Angel Dust and Husk being his sour puss self.
“Charlie, are you sure this is a good idea?”
At the sound of Vaggie’s voice, they both turned on their bar stools to see what had her concerned.
“We already have a lot of new people here.” Vaggie pointed to the window at the lookie-loos.
“But….” Charlie frowned. “I’m not sure they have the right idea about the hotel or know why they’re here. I think some of them are just here to hide out from whatever trouble they’ve gotten themselves into.”
“Easy to see how they’d feel protected here, Charlie,” Angel said.
“You’d know,” Vaggie replied with a slight frown. “I don’t mean that as harsh as it sounded. But you came here originally for free room and board and to get a break from Valentino. That’s not why you’re still here. We all know that. You’ve become the heart of this hotel as much as any of us.”
“More than some,” Husk muttered, his gaze not flicking to Alastor but Angel knew that’s what he meant.
“Still, I think if they knew how it was Pentious made it to heaven, they could make better choices about if they wanted to come here,” Charlie said. “It can’t have been a fluke.”
“I’m still expecting them to send him back,” Vaggie said. “Emily risked a lot to slip you that information and now that Sera knows she was wrong….” She shook her head. “And Lute…”
“All the more reason to try to redeem others to show it wasn’t a one-off accident,” Charlie argued. “And I think with Alastor’s help to get a new and better…not an ad, per se, but a little infomercial I guess you’d call it. It would give everyone a better idea about what we are really trying to do here and what kind of self-sacrifice and change will be needed. Angel, you’ll be starring in it, if you’re willing and you too, Husk.”
“I’m all in,” Angel said. “How about you, Whiskers.”
Husk narrowed his eyes. “Are you going to be obnoxious if I say yes?”
Angel made a show of mulling it over. “I’ll be more obnoxious if you say no.”
Husk sighed. “I’m no good at memorizing a script. I’m not an actor.”
“I’ll help,” Angel promised. He wet his lips thinking about late night script read-throughs that led to something far more fun. Oh yes, he’d help Husk…straight into bed. “I’m assuming we’re keeping clothes on for this,” he teased.
Vaggie glared. Charlie blushed. Al’s smile didn’t falter but his eye twitched.
“I had in mind something a little more wholesome to showcase the idea of rescue and being selfless. We know that’s what Pentious did so it seems a safe bet that it’ll help others who do the same,” Charlie said. “You’ll get to show us how good you can act, Angel. I know how proud you are of your skill.”
He wasn’t sure he actually was that good but he spent years convincing himself he was so he could keep his sanity through everything Valentino put him through. Angel smiled for her because she was so earnest. “Any ideas about the script?”
“I have ideas,” Alastor said and Angel braced for whatever old-fashioned nonsense he was about to spout. They might have lived through some of the same time periods but where Angel sailed through the decades, Alastor stayed mired in the past.
“First, we’d like some testimonials about what the hotel has come to mean to you,” Charlie broke in excitedly. “Angel, you, and Husk would be the best at that. Do you think Cherri would do it?”
Angel considered it but shook his head. “She’s still on the fence. It’s probably too soon.”
“And I’m not sure I’d be good at it,” Husk protested.
“Who else is there?” Vaggie replied. “Nifty will go mute in front of the camera…and all of hell saw her stab Adam to death. She might not be the face we want to put on this. You and Angel though, everyone saw you protecting each other and your friends.”
“Not to mention Lucifer worked us right into the hotel’s design,” Angel reminded him.
Husk sighed. “Fine.”
“And do it sober,” Vaggie added. He scowled at her.
“I’ll have to be careful of what I say though. Can I have a little time to write something out and run it past everyone?” Angel toyed with his bowtie nervously. “If Valentino thinks I’ve implied being with him was no good, he’ll prove how bad it can be. I still have to go back there.”
“Of course.” Charlie shot him a worried look. “I don’t want you to get hurt for this, Angel.”
“If I’m lucky, he’ll just laugh at me.” Angel sure as hell hoped so. “So, Al, what’s your idea?”
“Something along the lines of The Perils of Pauline where our dashing hero races to the rescue, showing how selfless he is.” Alastor canted his face toward the ceiling. “That bizarre train track that was wrapped around the hotel for no reason I can discern would make the perfect setting for that. Though, I suppose that would be more The Hazards of Helen but who remembers her anymore?”
“Okay, I guess I could swoop down and rescue Angel,” Husk said and Angel’s mouth went dry at the image of Husk, wings spread, soaring to the rescue. “But how much dialogue will that be?”
“We’ll go work on that now.” Charlie beckoned Alastor and Vaggie closer, trying to get them to huddle up so they could continue their planning.
Angel forced himself to stop daydreaming about Husk flying before something entirely expected came up. He tried picturing the opposite, himself as rescuer, only that made it hotter somehow. He tugged on his shorts, trying to get some room for his cock which was in business for itself. He flipped the script so it was Vaggie who needed rescue. Yep, that helped.
“Problems?” Husk shot him a knowing look.
Angel pursed his lips, annoyed his lover knew him so well. “No. Annoy me, and I’ll toss script suggestions Alastor’s way. He’d love to irritate you with writing a big, long speech for you.”
“Don’t you dare!” Husk wagged a finger at him.
“Then pour me another cocktail, Husky. My rum levels are getting dangerously low and let’s talk about that game of chance you wanted me to say yes to.”
“It’s not so much that I wanted you to say yes as it was ‘I’m bored, let’s do something.’” Husk took down some of his liquors and poured them into a shaker. “I’m open to any game.”
“Okay, we can play morra.”
“Hell no!” Husk cringed. “That’s not even a proper betting game.”
“Sure, it is. Morra’s great,” Angel argued.
“What’s morra?” Charlie called over to them.
“The world’s loudest game.” Husk rolled his eyes. “It’s basically Italian rock, paper, scissor only you shout out a number as you throw out your fingers.”
“If you guessed the right number of fingers that are showing, you get a point,” Angel added. “It’s great.”
“Loud. It’s loud. Pick another game.”
Angel shrugged. “Eh, whatever you had in mind is fine.”
Husk pushed him his cocktail and then pulled a box of poker chips out from a shelf under the bar. “Heads-Up poker only the chips aren’t real. I know Valentino’s been throttling back your pay.”
Angel grimaced. “Being a real dick about it too. Okay, five card draw. Best four out of five.”
“Sounds good. I’ll deal first.”
“Sure.”
Angel sipped his rummy cocktail and casually opened all eight of his eyes.
“Uh, kid, why are you looking at me like that?” Husk raised his eyebrows.
“You were the gambling overlord and you’re a stage magician. I’m not saying you cheat but I ain’t met an overlord who didn’t stack the deck, just saying. I figure I need to keep all my eyes on you.” Angel suspected he had just talked himself out of sex tonight but he had to make the game sporting, right?
“It’s unnerving.”
“You should deal with my brother someday,” Angel whispered to him. He wasn’t ready to come clean to Charlie about just how much of his family was in hell. She’d try to round them all up to save them together. “Arackniss can’t keep his closed like I do.”
“Huh, I do know him. He provided guns for my security teams back in the day. Never would have guessed.”
“Of course not. He’s a tiny troll and I’m tall, brilliant, and handsome.”
Husk snorted at that but his dilated pupils said he absolutely agreed with Angel. He dealt and quickly learned Angel had spent a lot of his time at the ‘private club’ talking business and playing cards back in his living years. He was pretty damn good at pool too. They were tied two-two going into the final hand.
“Let’s make it interesting,” Husk said.
“I’m listening.”
“Winner gets to name a favor down the road,” Husk suggested. “Just nothing too kinky, if you happen to win, kid.”
“I like the sound of that. I’ll keep it tame for you, old man.” He smirked.
Husk wrinkled his nose but dealt the cards. Angel did his best to hide his emotions seeing two pair in his hand. He didn’t bother to try to read Husk. His poker face was top notch.
He put a card down. “Just one and make it lucky, Husky.”
“I’m not sure how that’s in my interest.” Husk laughed and dealt Angel a two of spades.
Normally that would not make him want to smile but the lowly two gave him a full house. Husk laid out his flush with a triumphant grin until Angel slapped down his cards. Husk’s jaw dropped.
“How did you…son of a bitch!”
“Did you deal me a low card on purpose?”
“No!” Husk’s shoulders sagged. “It’s gonna be filthy, isn’t it?”
“No….okay a little and I’m calling in the favor now.” Angel twisted on the bar stool and said, “Hey, Al, Husk isn’t good with dialogue but I bet he can cry ‘save me’ just fine. Make me the dashing rescuer and Husk can be the damsel in distress.”
“What?” Husk roared. “Hell no!”
“A bet’s a bet, babe. My favor is for us to change places in this script,” Angel said, leaning across the bar. “That’s what you get for automatically thinking I’d make it dirty.”
“I don’t want to do this!”
“Now, now, Husker, you of all people should know how important it is to honor a bet.” Alastor sounded genuinely amused. “I think that is an excellent suggestion, Angel. It makes the best use of the skill levels on offer. I have costuming ideas.”
Alastor snapped his fingers and Angel found himself in rough denim with chaps over the jeans and a long duster. Cowboy boots rounded out the look and he spotted the hat in the bar mirror but he couldn’t think on it because he was too busy trying not to laugh at Husk’s look of utter surprise and horror. His partner was draped from neck to ankles in a chaste gown. Losing his battle, Angel burst out laughing so hard, tears streamed down his face.
Husk shook his head, flashing his fangs at Angel. “You’re so dead.”
“You look adorable,” Angel said between gasping laughs. “Al is as good as Velvette at this.”
“You look fine, Husk,” Charlie assured him as Angel struggled to control himself.
“Al, can we make a few alterations to this?” Angel asked.
“Like ditching it altogether?” Husk grumbled.
“Oh no you don’t.” Angel ran a hand over the dress’ bodice. “I have the perfect necklace for this.”
“Do with it as you will.” Alastor waved him off.
“Keep it tasteful, Angel!” Vaggie warned.
“No worries, toots. I know what I’m doing.” Angel favored Husk with a hungry, feral look that brought the color to Husk’s cheeks. Oh boy do I know what I’m doing!
# # #
Angel caressed Fat Nuggets’ side as his baby nestled against him on the lobby couch. Vaggie had the camera on a stationary tripod pointed at him. At the bar, Husk studied him with nervous eyes, knowing he was next. Charlie and Lucifer sat at the bar watching as well.
Vaggie pointed at him. “Action.”
“Most of you know me. I’m not bragging when I say Angel Dust is one of the best known and loved movie stars in my field,” he said, deciding not to label it. Fat Nuggets chose that moment to stand up, hoof on Angel’s chest so he could lick Angel’s chin. He laughed and stroked Nuggsy’s snout. “And this is Fat Nuggets and I am bragging when I say he’s the best hell pig in all the rings.”
He smiled for the camera as Nuggets continued to nuzzle his chin. Angel got him to settle, thinking about his script and made a decision. “I had a whole script for this talk but I decided to just talk from my heart instead.”
He paused for a steadying breath, trying not to take it the wrong way over the fact everyone stared at him with panicked expressions at the idea of him being off script.
“I am the first hotel resident. It’s why Charlie asked me to talk to you. She found me on one of my dark days.” That was the best way to describe the fact he was selling his ass because Val had been pissed at him. If he simply said that, Val might jam him back out on a street corner. “It was not a unanimous decision to offer me a room here and I was pissed about that. But you know what? Those concerned were justified. I wasn’t here because I thought redemption was possible. Half the reason I came here was to prove the doubters wrong, because I’m like that. I’ve always been a problem child, challenging everything. I also wanted a place of my own outside of my job. I love my work. I’m proud of it but everyone needs a break, you know? It wasn’t because I wasn’t being taken care off,” he added that just in case Val did see this.
“It was nice to have a safe space and for a while, that’s all the hotel was to me. I didn’t participate in Charlie’s redemption exercises. I was here for selfish reasons, not because I wanted to be redeemed. I didn’t believe I could be redeemed. Not gonna lie, I was a bad man. We all were but after getting to know Charlie, after being here, it got me thinking. Did I truly have a chance? Was I capable of change?”
Angel rested his cheek against Nuggets’ head, gathering his thoughts and his courage.
“It took me a while to realize I had already begun to change. In spite of myself, I cared about the princess. I realized Charlie mattered to me, a lot. I was willing to put up with a lot of punishment to keep her safe. I wasn’t the man I was when I walked through the doors in the beginning. I’m not saying this will be everyone’s experience because here is where Charlie and I differ.” He gestured in her direction even though the camera wasn’t going to pan to her.
“I was more on Lord Lucifer’s train of thought, that we were hopeless but we’ve both changed our minds. I know a shit ton of you love your wicked ways. For example, I still love my coke. I’m a work in progress. I know a lot of you are listening to this and laughing your asses off. You enjoy your evil. You might love your little slice of hell. If you had a chance, you’d keep on doing whatever messed up shit got you here in the first place. I’m not really talking to you right now.”
Charlie raised her hand, nearly slipping off her bar stool before she restrained herself. Angel shifted Fat Nuggets in his arms, to cradle him better.
“I’m talking to the ones who maybe do regret the bad things they’ve done. Sometimes in life we get in over our heads. We do shit we know we shouldn’t have but don’t see any other way. Me, I grew up in the mob and it would be real simple for me to sit here and blame my father for my being in hell. He’s here too, lots of my family are.” Angel shrugged. “I never knew how to say no to him so yeah some of my damnation is his fault but some is mine. I guess I could have run away from home but instead, I tried to be the best mob enforcer my father had working under him. That’s how I chose hell. Only….and I’ve never been this honest about it before, I didn’t like it.”
Angel shuddered, hugging Fat Nuggets, trying to find the courage to go on. He heaved a huge sigh. “I hated the things I did even if I was good at them. I hid from those things by drinking, by snorting coke. I tried to hide my evil away from myself but we all know how that works. At the end of the day, all we have is our own reflection in the mirror. We have to live with ourselves. I couldn’t. It took more and more cocaine to numb me and my family pressured me to kill more, to strive for more, to control as much territory as we could. I should have been an overlord here given my training but I didn’t want it, any of it. I gave up and gave in. Drugs killed me. I thought that was the end of my story.”
Angel ran his fingers through his hair, trying to hide that his hands were trembling. “Now, I think maybe it’s not the end. I get that a lot of you are gonna think I’m an idiot for what I’m going to say next but that’s fine. You stay here in hell and do your thing. But if you do have your regrets, if you wish you had chosen a different path then listen to me. I believe that if we do truly regret our actions, that we try to atone for them, then maybe we can. Maybe that is the point of hell,” he said and Lucifer flinched at it as if reminded that maybe he should have been doing this all along.
“And sometimes it’s not easy to picture heaven. No more cocaine? Harsh. No more punching assholes who piss me off? Might be tough to resist but I’m learning I can be the better person and I allow myself to think about what I could gain. I let myself think about Molly and no one here but my family knows about her. All my friends listening to this don’t know about her, not even my closest ones, except for Cherri Bomb but hell, she’s family. The people in this hotel are too now so they deserve to hear this. Molly is my twin sister and I miss her. Every day. To the point I can’t even talk about her, that’s why no one knows. I miss my twin. She’s one half of my heart and I want to see her again. She’s why I’m here and I believe I can be with her again. I hope I can take Nuggsy with me but if not, I know Charlie will love him as much as I do.” Angel’s voice quavered. “I think I’m done talking now.”
He dropped his face against Fat Nuggets’ warm side, hiding his tearing eyes. He didn’t even realize they had stopped recording until someone touched his shoulder. Charlie sat next to him and held out her arms. Angel let her enfold him and Fat Nuggets.
“That was beautiful, kid,” Husk said. “Don’t know how I can follow that. Maybe we only need you.”
“Maybe,” Charlie said, stroking Angel’s back. “And Angel, if you ever want to talk about Molly, we’re listening. Who knows, maybe we can get Emily to sneak her a message.”
Angel let out a hiccupping sob at that. He covered his mouth, leaving his hand there until Husk approached with a drink in hand. He offered it to Angel. Instead, Angel grabbed him, pulling him close. He buried his face in Husk’s fluffy chest, breathing in the scent of him. Husk massaged his scalp and no one spoke, letting Angel find his calm in his own time. People would probably mock him in the street for this but so be it. He believed what he said and he had to believe one day he’d be at Molly’s side again.
# # #
Alastor had somehow gotten hold, conjured up, or whatever, several good cameras. Angel shouldn’t have been all that surprised that Al could write a decent melodrama. The man had been around for radio dramas, probably loved them. The hotel bar had subbed in for the saloon and Husk was far from the buxom barmaid as anyone could be: the grumpiest maybe. Still, he hit his marks and didn’t fumble most of the dialogue. He even managed a convincing scream when the mustache-twirling melodrama villain bopped him over his head and kidnapped him.
Pentious would have been perfect as the villain. That thought made Angel sadder than he expected. He still didn’t quite allow himself to think about Pen in heaven because it made it all too real. What if I fail? What if I’m irredeemable? No, he couldn’t let himself dream just yet. That said, he still dreamed of his hands in Molly’s again and holding his twin tight. He missed her terribly. What if I am redeemed but I lose Husk in the process?
Yeah, that was another thought that didn’t bear thinking on. It nearly made him forget his line. Cherri was nervous enough in her role as the villain, stepping in for Pentious and doing a decent job of mimicking his mannerisms. Her huge eye grew even bigger waiting for him to remember the script and throw his punch.
Angel slugged her, his fist missing by a hairsbreadth – he wanted this to look good – and Cherri’s flop looked realistic as he yelled, “Out of my way. I’m not letting you hurt my friend!”
“It’s already too late,” Cherri said and in the far corner, Charlie bounced on her heels watching as sounds of the train filled the room.
“It’s not!”
Cherri grabbed his jacket on cue but he’d modified Alastor’s stuffy design into a tear away. He shrugged his lower arms out of the long bottom half of the duster, still in Cherri’s hands. He’d also ditched the jeans and wore nothing under his chaps other than an immodest black panty which was now on full display since he’d lost the duster to Cherri. Vaggie yelled cut but Alastor’s shadow men ignored her. They followed Angel as scripted as he ran through the corridor.
As he ran, dread crept up over him. Was the hotel shaking like a train was rocketing by? Angel had lived in New York, knew that feeling. But the hotel train didn’t really move, right? Oh shit! It’s Al! Of course he’s gonna make this real! Like he cares if Husk gets run over by a train.
True panic on his face, Angel raced into the designated room where he was supposed to be exiting to save Husk. More cameramen would be waiting. He jumped onto the windowsill and threw open the art deco styled windows and prepared himself. Fuck, fuck fuck! The train is really coming!
Husk squirmed viciously, trying to get free but his arms and legs had been bound down expertly and he was on his wings. He was nearly about to tip off the tracks. Were his wings bound too? If not, at least he might be able to control his fall? Unless, of course, he was bound to the track itself and then he’d just dangle, if he could even slip off of the rails. Angel leapt, nearly taking a header. Why was there part of the track missing? Did Lucifer make it broken from the beginning? What the actual hell?
“Will you hurry your ass up?” Husk snarled, rocking back and forth on the tracks as he fought his bonds.
“I’m running towards an oncoming train for you, be nice,” Angel let out a nervous laugh. Holy shit, the train really was racing their way.
He leapt from board to board toward Husk whose stream of swears was not going to be Charlie-friendly. Angel lifted Husk with his lower hands as the train flew ever closer and with a knife, he sliced though the bonds looped around the track with his upper hands. Hefting Husk over his shoulder, Angel jumped back to the hotel ledge, feeling the wind of the train as it screeched to a halt before plunging off the broke-ass tracks. He swept into the room and deposited a still mostly bound Husk on his feet.
“It took you long enough,” Husk snarled.
“Aren’t you sweet, my dear. Your grumpy self knows how to say thank you so well.” Okay so they were now off script by a mile.
Husk glared hot enough to set the carpet on fire. Angel bent him back and planted a kiss on him hotter than Husk’s ire. With just a hint of tongue, Angel kissed him until he needed to breathe.
“We’re gonna need to edit that out in post.” Angel laughed as Alastor called cut from the doorway. Cherri, Charlie, and Vaggie were already in the room, worried expressions on their faces.
“Are you all right?” Charlie asked.
Husk was shaking so hard from rage, he couldn’t answer, his gaze never leaving Alastor. He couldn’t say what he wanted to so Angel said it for him.
“Al, you’re a prick. What if I were slower?” Angel growled.
“I had faith. Besides, it needed to look real. Am I done with this tv nonsense now?” Alastor directed that to Charlie.
She nodded. “Yes, thanks but Angel is right, Alastor. That was a risk.”
He shrugged. “If one of them was redeemed in the process, it would make your point.” Alastor raked his gaze over Angel and Husk. “But it would probably take more than a train rescue for them.”
Angel flipped him off and Alastor simply walked off with this shadow men, leaving Vaggie with the camera.
“Angel, you’ll help me with the editing, right?” Vaggie’s shoulders sagged. She looked as exhausted at having to deal with Alastor as Angel felt.
“Later. I have some business first.”
She eyed him suspiciously but nodded. “Fine. Come on, Charlie, let’s look at this. Hopefully, we won’t need another shot and Angel, we better not see ass cheeks in this.”
He turned around to show that his panties covered all of him. “I didn’t want to ruin the movie but I also didn’t want to race out there looking like some old-timey fuddy-duddy.”
“Be thankful he has everything tucked away,” Cherri snorted. “It would have been one helluva wobble if he hadn’t.”
“I’m known as a twink.” Angel shrugged. “Also, I was afraid Vaggie might spear me if I filled these with the boys.” He pointed to his crotch.
Vaggie rolled her eyes. “I knew I was in trouble when you said you wanted to modify the costumes.”
“I was wondering what happened to your jacket.” Husk wiggled his still-trussed up arms, trying to get free.
“Made it a tear away. Just good cinema there.”
“If it worked for Captain Kirk every time he was in a fight, it can work for you,” Cherri agreed. “Come on ladies, let’s get a drink and see how this turned out.”
“Thanks, Cherri. I’ll be along later but right now I’m thirsty.” Angel smirked at Husk.
“You can join us for dri-oh!” Charlie flushed. “See you later.”
When the ladies left them alone, Husk eyed Angel. “Are you going to finish untying me or what?”
“Or what.”
Angel scooped him up in a bridal carry and walked down the hall with him.
“Angel, what the hell?”
“Your room, babe, because I’m not wasting you in a gown.” Angel laughed and bullied his way past Husk’s door. Angel’s bedroom was all pink and purple and neon. Husk’s was magic crap. Angel loved it and he loved tied-up Husk more than he could say.
# # #
Angel nestled his cheek against Husk’s thigh. His fur was silkier than it had any right to be. Angel licked his lips, tasting the bitter-salty reward for a blowjob well done. Husk yanked up his skirt awkwardly and Angel blinked at the sudden inflow of light. He could have spent even longer under Husk’s gown. Husk showered down a blissed-out smile on him.
“I think you like this costume a little too much.” Husk’s voice was thick and honeyed as he patted the mattress next to him.
Angel levered himself up and rested his head on the pillow. “We’re keeping this. Might even keep the whole roleplay thing.”
“Oh hell.” Husk laughed.
“And you might even be willing to try staying tied up if you trust me.”
Husk caressed Angel’s cheek. “I always trust you, babe. One kink at a time.”
“And you thought my favor was gonna be filthy.”
Husk leaned in, kissing him, having no reservations about tasting himself on Angel’s lips. “That was pretty filthy.”
“Bout to get even dirtier,” Angel promised. “And Husky, just so we’re clear, I couldn’t say I was taking you to heaven with me earlier. I’m taking you and Nuggsy with me.”
“I know. Val would skin you out and nail your hide to the wall as a warning if you had said that.” Husk kissed him again. “And I’m trying to be better too. I don’t want to be left behind.”
“Together or not at all,” Angel promised, rolling onto his side. “Now as to that favor getting dirtier….”
Husk stroked Angel’s erection. Angel had ditched his panties but he’d kept the chaps. “I’m all for it.”
“I’m sure you are,” Angel purred.
If he had known Husk would be into roleplaying, he’d have introduced it earlier. He wasn’t going to forget tonight. He might even forgive Alastor for nearly running them over with a train for real. Fear and adrenaline certainly added some spice to this encounter. And Angel, for one, was not about to complain.
End Note – I like the fan theory that this piece of the trailer was another new commercial for the hotel. It’s certainly plausible. I’m not sure it entirely explains why Angel’s jacket (what’s left of it) looks ripped and I can’t honestly see Alastor putting Angel in tiny panties and chaps but if there’s any merit to the theory I can definitely see Angel having a bit of input in his costuming. As for The Perils of Pauline and The Hazards of Helen, both were real turn of the twentieth century melodramas. It’s almost a shame Pauline’s name went down in history way deeper than Helen’s because Pauline required her man to save her most of the time and Helen mostly rescued herself. As for morra it’s just as described in the story (see end for links)
I fully intended for there to be a much more explicit sex scene but, in full disclosure, I’ve been very ill this week (chronic illness) and I just wasn’t up to it. Hard to think sexy when you’re in pain, sorry all.
The Perils of Pauline
The Hazards of Helen (she did her own stunts)
Both videos do have period typical misogyny and some of the ads are eye opening
How to play morra Nor even pretending I’m not a few weeks away from an Italian heritage festival where I’ll probably be screaming numbers at people (better this than bocce. I’m terrible with throwing balls)
Goodbye For Now 光渊 | Justice in the Dark
Dressed To Kill Torchwood
Chance Meeting Doctor Who
You Are Perfect Final Fantasy XV
Trouvaille The Owl House
Crazy For Trying Torchwood
In At The Deep End FAKE
You're Too Sweet For Me Hazbin Hotel
Freeze Frames Hazbin Hotel
Power to the People Stargate Atlantis
Making Something from Nothing Stargate SG-1/Stargate Atlantis
A Weapon of His Making Hazbin Hotel
Score: i√2 to 𓅧 Elementary
DVD Commentary for Score: Q to 12 Elementary
The Aftershow The Amazing Digital Circus
Barely Holding On Torchwood
A Better Man Buffy the Vampire Slayer
C is for.... Conductor Stargate Atlantis
who cares (i'm fine) The Amazing Digital Circus
Title: Something to Make My Heart Beat the Faster
Summary: Charlie has decided to make a more in depth infomercial for the hotel. Alastor’s input is to add a little melodrama to it as well to showcase the idea of self-sacrifice as a path to redemption, volunteering Husk for the short movie. Angel can’t wait and he has ideas of his own for how this should go. He’s the movie expert, after all.
Rating: mature
Notes: Written for spikegirl58’s six word challenge. The six words were Wet, Implied, Thirsty, Dress, Grumpy & Surprise. These words couldn’t have been more perfect for a story inspired by (and spoilers for) the S2 teaser if they had tried. Also written for the allbingo prompt of rum and the lyrical titles bingo challenge for the prompt a pre-1950s song. I chose All the Things You Are, originally written for a 1939 musical by Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammestein and covered by many. This version if by Ella Fitzgerald.
This is definitely a spoiler for that little teaser trailer for S2 so read or not accordingly if you don’t want even a hint of spoiler.
Finding your love I've found my adventure
Touching your hand, my heart beats the faster
All that I want in all of this world is you
All the Things You Are
Husk glanced at the front windows with a slight scowl on his face. Angel knew what he was thinking, thought it himself every time some sinner peeked into the hotel. Charlie would welcome them all in; witness the obnoxious Baxter. Now that Emily had sneaked some information to them – Pentious had made it to heaven – Charlie was working overtime.
Angel reached across the bar, pretending to sip his cocktail, bored, as Charlie, Vaggie and Alastor sat on the lobby couches and brainstormed their next move. Husk had been trying to lure Angel into a game of chance to help stave off the boredom but Angel was playing hard to get. He laid his hand on the bar top, palm up, an invitation implied. Husk slipped his big hand into Angel’s. His fingers whispered a caress over Angel’s skin before retreating. Angel didn’t think they were fooling anyone anymore. Alastor was the only one they had to worry about – that and some newbie guest carrying tales back to Valentino – but they wanted to keep their feelings private. That meant play acting when they weren’t alone, him being extra Angel Dust and Husk being his sour puss self.
“Charlie, are you sure this is a good idea?”
At the sound of Vaggie’s voice, they both turned on their bar stools to see what had her concerned.
“We already have a lot of new people here.” Vaggie pointed to the window at the lookie-loos.
“But….” Charlie frowned. “I’m not sure they have the right idea about the hotel or know why they’re here. I think some of them are just here to hide out from whatever trouble they’ve gotten themselves into.”
“Easy to see how they’d feel protected here, Charlie,” Angel said.
“You’d know,” Vaggie replied with a slight frown. “I don’t mean that as harsh as it sounded. But you came here originally for free room and board and to get a break from Valentino. That’s not why you’re still here. We all know that. You’ve become the heart of this hotel as much as any of us.”
“More than some,” Husk muttered, his gaze not flicking to Alastor but Angel knew that’s what he meant.
“Still, I think if they knew how it was Pentious made it to heaven, they could make better choices about if they wanted to come here,” Charlie said. “It can’t have been a fluke.”
“I’m still expecting them to send him back,” Vaggie said. “Emily risked a lot to slip you that information and now that Sera knows she was wrong….” She shook her head. “And Lute…”
“All the more reason to try to redeem others to show it wasn’t a one-off accident,” Charlie argued. “And I think with Alastor’s help to get a new and better…not an ad, per se, but a little infomercial I guess you’d call it. It would give everyone a better idea about what we are really trying to do here and what kind of self-sacrifice and change will be needed. Angel, you’ll be starring in it, if you’re willing and you too, Husk.”
“I’m all in,” Angel said. “How about you, Whiskers.”
Husk narrowed his eyes. “Are you going to be obnoxious if I say yes?”
Angel made a show of mulling it over. “I’ll be more obnoxious if you say no.”
Husk sighed. “I’m no good at memorizing a script. I’m not an actor.”
“I’ll help,” Angel promised. He wet his lips thinking about late night script read-throughs that led to something far more fun. Oh yes, he’d help Husk…straight into bed. “I’m assuming we’re keeping clothes on for this,” he teased.
Vaggie glared. Charlie blushed. Al’s smile didn’t falter but his eye twitched.
“I had in mind something a little more wholesome to showcase the idea of rescue and being selfless. We know that’s what Pentious did so it seems a safe bet that it’ll help others who do the same,” Charlie said. “You’ll get to show us how good you can act, Angel. I know how proud you are of your skill.”
He wasn’t sure he actually was that good but he spent years convincing himself he was so he could keep his sanity through everything Valentino put him through. Angel smiled for her because she was so earnest. “Any ideas about the script?”
“I have ideas,” Alastor said and Angel braced for whatever old-fashioned nonsense he was about to spout. They might have lived through some of the same time periods but where Angel sailed through the decades, Alastor stayed mired in the past.
“First, we’d like some testimonials about what the hotel has come to mean to you,” Charlie broke in excitedly. “Angel, you, and Husk would be the best at that. Do you think Cherri would do it?”
Angel considered it but shook his head. “She’s still on the fence. It’s probably too soon.”
“And I’m not sure I’d be good at it,” Husk protested.
“Who else is there?” Vaggie replied. “Nifty will go mute in front of the camera…and all of hell saw her stab Adam to death. She might not be the face we want to put on this. You and Angel though, everyone saw you protecting each other and your friends.”
“Not to mention Lucifer worked us right into the hotel’s design,” Angel reminded him.
Husk sighed. “Fine.”
“And do it sober,” Vaggie added. He scowled at her.
“I’ll have to be careful of what I say though. Can I have a little time to write something out and run it past everyone?” Angel toyed with his bowtie nervously. “If Valentino thinks I’ve implied being with him was no good, he’ll prove how bad it can be. I still have to go back there.”
“Of course.” Charlie shot him a worried look. “I don’t want you to get hurt for this, Angel.”
“If I’m lucky, he’ll just laugh at me.” Angel sure as hell hoped so. “So, Al, what’s your idea?”
“Something along the lines of The Perils of Pauline where our dashing hero races to the rescue, showing how selfless he is.” Alastor canted his face toward the ceiling. “That bizarre train track that was wrapped around the hotel for no reason I can discern would make the perfect setting for that. Though, I suppose that would be more The Hazards of Helen but who remembers her anymore?”
“Okay, I guess I could swoop down and rescue Angel,” Husk said and Angel’s mouth went dry at the image of Husk, wings spread, soaring to the rescue. “But how much dialogue will that be?”
“We’ll go work on that now.” Charlie beckoned Alastor and Vaggie closer, trying to get them to huddle up so they could continue their planning.
Angel forced himself to stop daydreaming about Husk flying before something entirely expected came up. He tried picturing the opposite, himself as rescuer, only that made it hotter somehow. He tugged on his shorts, trying to get some room for his cock which was in business for itself. He flipped the script so it was Vaggie who needed rescue. Yep, that helped.
“Problems?” Husk shot him a knowing look.
Angel pursed his lips, annoyed his lover knew him so well. “No. Annoy me, and I’ll toss script suggestions Alastor’s way. He’d love to irritate you with writing a big, long speech for you.”
“Don’t you dare!” Husk wagged a finger at him.
“Then pour me another cocktail, Husky. My rum levels are getting dangerously low and let’s talk about that game of chance you wanted me to say yes to.”
“It’s not so much that I wanted you to say yes as it was ‘I’m bored, let’s do something.’” Husk took down some of his liquors and poured them into a shaker. “I’m open to any game.”
“Okay, we can play morra.”
“Hell no!” Husk cringed. “That’s not even a proper betting game.”
“Sure, it is. Morra’s great,” Angel argued.
“What’s morra?” Charlie called over to them.
“The world’s loudest game.” Husk rolled his eyes. “It’s basically Italian rock, paper, scissor only you shout out a number as you throw out your fingers.”
“If you guessed the right number of fingers that are showing, you get a point,” Angel added. “It’s great.”
“Loud. It’s loud. Pick another game.”
Angel shrugged. “Eh, whatever you had in mind is fine.”
Husk pushed him his cocktail and then pulled a box of poker chips out from a shelf under the bar. “Heads-Up poker only the chips aren’t real. I know Valentino’s been throttling back your pay.”
Angel grimaced. “Being a real dick about it too. Okay, five card draw. Best four out of five.”
“Sounds good. I’ll deal first.”
“Sure.”
Angel sipped his rummy cocktail and casually opened all eight of his eyes.
“Uh, kid, why are you looking at me like that?” Husk raised his eyebrows.
“You were the gambling overlord and you’re a stage magician. I’m not saying you cheat but I ain’t met an overlord who didn’t stack the deck, just saying. I figure I need to keep all my eyes on you.” Angel suspected he had just talked himself out of sex tonight but he had to make the game sporting, right?
“It’s unnerving.”
“You should deal with my brother someday,” Angel whispered to him. He wasn’t ready to come clean to Charlie about just how much of his family was in hell. She’d try to round them all up to save them together. “Arackniss can’t keep his closed like I do.”
“Huh, I do know him. He provided guns for my security teams back in the day. Never would have guessed.”
“Of course not. He’s a tiny troll and I’m tall, brilliant, and handsome.”
Husk snorted at that but his dilated pupils said he absolutely agreed with Angel. He dealt and quickly learned Angel had spent a lot of his time at the ‘private club’ talking business and playing cards back in his living years. He was pretty damn good at pool too. They were tied two-two going into the final hand.
“Let’s make it interesting,” Husk said.
“I’m listening.”
“Winner gets to name a favor down the road,” Husk suggested. “Just nothing too kinky, if you happen to win, kid.”
“I like the sound of that. I’ll keep it tame for you, old man.” He smirked.
Husk wrinkled his nose but dealt the cards. Angel did his best to hide his emotions seeing two pair in his hand. He didn’t bother to try to read Husk. His poker face was top notch.
He put a card down. “Just one and make it lucky, Husky.”
“I’m not sure how that’s in my interest.” Husk laughed and dealt Angel a two of spades.
Normally that would not make him want to smile but the lowly two gave him a full house. Husk laid out his flush with a triumphant grin until Angel slapped down his cards. Husk’s jaw dropped.
“How did you…son of a bitch!”
“Did you deal me a low card on purpose?”
“No!” Husk’s shoulders sagged. “It’s gonna be filthy, isn’t it?”
“No….okay a little and I’m calling in the favor now.” Angel twisted on the bar stool and said, “Hey, Al, Husk isn’t good with dialogue but I bet he can cry ‘save me’ just fine. Make me the dashing rescuer and Husk can be the damsel in distress.”
“What?” Husk roared. “Hell no!”
“A bet’s a bet, babe. My favor is for us to change places in this script,” Angel said, leaning across the bar. “That’s what you get for automatically thinking I’d make it dirty.”
“I don’t want to do this!”
“Now, now, Husker, you of all people should know how important it is to honor a bet.” Alastor sounded genuinely amused. “I think that is an excellent suggestion, Angel. It makes the best use of the skill levels on offer. I have costuming ideas.”
Alastor snapped his fingers and Angel found himself in rough denim with chaps over the jeans and a long duster. Cowboy boots rounded out the look and he spotted the hat in the bar mirror but he couldn’t think on it because he was too busy trying not to laugh at Husk’s look of utter surprise and horror. His partner was draped from neck to ankles in a chaste gown. Losing his battle, Angel burst out laughing so hard, tears streamed down his face.
Husk shook his head, flashing his fangs at Angel. “You’re so dead.”
“You look adorable,” Angel said between gasping laughs. “Al is as good as Velvette at this.”
“You look fine, Husk,” Charlie assured him as Angel struggled to control himself.
“Al, can we make a few alterations to this?” Angel asked.
“Like ditching it altogether?” Husk grumbled.
“Oh no you don’t.” Angel ran a hand over the dress’ bodice. “I have the perfect necklace for this.”
“Do with it as you will.” Alastor waved him off.
“Keep it tasteful, Angel!” Vaggie warned.
“No worries, toots. I know what I’m doing.” Angel favored Husk with a hungry, feral look that brought the color to Husk’s cheeks. Oh boy do I know what I’m doing!
# # #
Angel caressed Fat Nuggets’ side as his baby nestled against him on the lobby couch. Vaggie had the camera on a stationary tripod pointed at him. At the bar, Husk studied him with nervous eyes, knowing he was next. Charlie and Lucifer sat at the bar watching as well.
Vaggie pointed at him. “Action.”
“Most of you know me. I’m not bragging when I say Angel Dust is one of the best known and loved movie stars in my field,” he said, deciding not to label it. Fat Nuggets chose that moment to stand up, hoof on Angel’s chest so he could lick Angel’s chin. He laughed and stroked Nuggsy’s snout. “And this is Fat Nuggets and I am bragging when I say he’s the best hell pig in all the rings.”
He smiled for the camera as Nuggets continued to nuzzle his chin. Angel got him to settle, thinking about his script and made a decision. “I had a whole script for this talk but I decided to just talk from my heart instead.”
He paused for a steadying breath, trying not to take it the wrong way over the fact everyone stared at him with panicked expressions at the idea of him being off script.
“I am the first hotel resident. It’s why Charlie asked me to talk to you. She found me on one of my dark days.” That was the best way to describe the fact he was selling his ass because Val had been pissed at him. If he simply said that, Val might jam him back out on a street corner. “It was not a unanimous decision to offer me a room here and I was pissed about that. But you know what? Those concerned were justified. I wasn’t here because I thought redemption was possible. Half the reason I came here was to prove the doubters wrong, because I’m like that. I’ve always been a problem child, challenging everything. I also wanted a place of my own outside of my job. I love my work. I’m proud of it but everyone needs a break, you know? It wasn’t because I wasn’t being taken care off,” he added that just in case Val did see this.
“It was nice to have a safe space and for a while, that’s all the hotel was to me. I didn’t participate in Charlie’s redemption exercises. I was here for selfish reasons, not because I wanted to be redeemed. I didn’t believe I could be redeemed. Not gonna lie, I was a bad man. We all were but after getting to know Charlie, after being here, it got me thinking. Did I truly have a chance? Was I capable of change?”
Angel rested his cheek against Nuggets’ head, gathering his thoughts and his courage.
“It took me a while to realize I had already begun to change. In spite of myself, I cared about the princess. I realized Charlie mattered to me, a lot. I was willing to put up with a lot of punishment to keep her safe. I wasn’t the man I was when I walked through the doors in the beginning. I’m not saying this will be everyone’s experience because here is where Charlie and I differ.” He gestured in her direction even though the camera wasn’t going to pan to her.
“I was more on Lord Lucifer’s train of thought, that we were hopeless but we’ve both changed our minds. I know a shit ton of you love your wicked ways. For example, I still love my coke. I’m a work in progress. I know a lot of you are listening to this and laughing your asses off. You enjoy your evil. You might love your little slice of hell. If you had a chance, you’d keep on doing whatever messed up shit got you here in the first place. I’m not really talking to you right now.”
Charlie raised her hand, nearly slipping off her bar stool before she restrained herself. Angel shifted Fat Nuggets in his arms, to cradle him better.
“I’m talking to the ones who maybe do regret the bad things they’ve done. Sometimes in life we get in over our heads. We do shit we know we shouldn’t have but don’t see any other way. Me, I grew up in the mob and it would be real simple for me to sit here and blame my father for my being in hell. He’s here too, lots of my family are.” Angel shrugged. “I never knew how to say no to him so yeah some of my damnation is his fault but some is mine. I guess I could have run away from home but instead, I tried to be the best mob enforcer my father had working under him. That’s how I chose hell. Only….and I’ve never been this honest about it before, I didn’t like it.”
Angel shuddered, hugging Fat Nuggets, trying to find the courage to go on. He heaved a huge sigh. “I hated the things I did even if I was good at them. I hid from those things by drinking, by snorting coke. I tried to hide my evil away from myself but we all know how that works. At the end of the day, all we have is our own reflection in the mirror. We have to live with ourselves. I couldn’t. It took more and more cocaine to numb me and my family pressured me to kill more, to strive for more, to control as much territory as we could. I should have been an overlord here given my training but I didn’t want it, any of it. I gave up and gave in. Drugs killed me. I thought that was the end of my story.”
Angel ran his fingers through his hair, trying to hide that his hands were trembling. “Now, I think maybe it’s not the end. I get that a lot of you are gonna think I’m an idiot for what I’m going to say next but that’s fine. You stay here in hell and do your thing. But if you do have your regrets, if you wish you had chosen a different path then listen to me. I believe that if we do truly regret our actions, that we try to atone for them, then maybe we can. Maybe that is the point of hell,” he said and Lucifer flinched at it as if reminded that maybe he should have been doing this all along.
“And sometimes it’s not easy to picture heaven. No more cocaine? Harsh. No more punching assholes who piss me off? Might be tough to resist but I’m learning I can be the better person and I allow myself to think about what I could gain. I let myself think about Molly and no one here but my family knows about her. All my friends listening to this don’t know about her, not even my closest ones, except for Cherri Bomb but hell, she’s family. The people in this hotel are too now so they deserve to hear this. Molly is my twin sister and I miss her. Every day. To the point I can’t even talk about her, that’s why no one knows. I miss my twin. She’s one half of my heart and I want to see her again. She’s why I’m here and I believe I can be with her again. I hope I can take Nuggsy with me but if not, I know Charlie will love him as much as I do.” Angel’s voice quavered. “I think I’m done talking now.”
He dropped his face against Fat Nuggets’ warm side, hiding his tearing eyes. He didn’t even realize they had stopped recording until someone touched his shoulder. Charlie sat next to him and held out her arms. Angel let her enfold him and Fat Nuggets.
“That was beautiful, kid,” Husk said. “Don’t know how I can follow that. Maybe we only need you.”
“Maybe,” Charlie said, stroking Angel’s back. “And Angel, if you ever want to talk about Molly, we’re listening. Who knows, maybe we can get Emily to sneak her a message.”
Angel let out a hiccupping sob at that. He covered his mouth, leaving his hand there until Husk approached with a drink in hand. He offered it to Angel. Instead, Angel grabbed him, pulling him close. He buried his face in Husk’s fluffy chest, breathing in the scent of him. Husk massaged his scalp and no one spoke, letting Angel find his calm in his own time. People would probably mock him in the street for this but so be it. He believed what he said and he had to believe one day he’d be at Molly’s side again.
# # #
Alastor had somehow gotten hold, conjured up, or whatever, several good cameras. Angel shouldn’t have been all that surprised that Al could write a decent melodrama. The man had been around for radio dramas, probably loved them. The hotel bar had subbed in for the saloon and Husk was far from the buxom barmaid as anyone could be: the grumpiest maybe. Still, he hit his marks and didn’t fumble most of the dialogue. He even managed a convincing scream when the mustache-twirling melodrama villain bopped him over his head and kidnapped him.
Pentious would have been perfect as the villain. That thought made Angel sadder than he expected. He still didn’t quite allow himself to think about Pen in heaven because it made it all too real. What if I fail? What if I’m irredeemable? No, he couldn’t let himself dream just yet. That said, he still dreamed of his hands in Molly’s again and holding his twin tight. He missed her terribly. What if I am redeemed but I lose Husk in the process?
Yeah, that was another thought that didn’t bear thinking on. It nearly made him forget his line. Cherri was nervous enough in her role as the villain, stepping in for Pentious and doing a decent job of mimicking his mannerisms. Her huge eye grew even bigger waiting for him to remember the script and throw his punch.
Angel slugged her, his fist missing by a hairsbreadth – he wanted this to look good – and Cherri’s flop looked realistic as he yelled, “Out of my way. I’m not letting you hurt my friend!”
“It’s already too late,” Cherri said and in the far corner, Charlie bounced on her heels watching as sounds of the train filled the room.
“It’s not!”
Cherri grabbed his jacket on cue but he’d modified Alastor’s stuffy design into a tear away. He shrugged his lower arms out of the long bottom half of the duster, still in Cherri’s hands. He’d also ditched the jeans and wore nothing under his chaps other than an immodest black panty which was now on full display since he’d lost the duster to Cherri. Vaggie yelled cut but Alastor’s shadow men ignored her. They followed Angel as scripted as he ran through the corridor.
As he ran, dread crept up over him. Was the hotel shaking like a train was rocketing by? Angel had lived in New York, knew that feeling. But the hotel train didn’t really move, right? Oh shit! It’s Al! Of course he’s gonna make this real! Like he cares if Husk gets run over by a train.
True panic on his face, Angel raced into the designated room where he was supposed to be exiting to save Husk. More cameramen would be waiting. He jumped onto the windowsill and threw open the art deco styled windows and prepared himself. Fuck, fuck fuck! The train is really coming!
Husk squirmed viciously, trying to get free but his arms and legs had been bound down expertly and he was on his wings. He was nearly about to tip off the tracks. Were his wings bound too? If not, at least he might be able to control his fall? Unless, of course, he was bound to the track itself and then he’d just dangle, if he could even slip off of the rails. Angel leapt, nearly taking a header. Why was there part of the track missing? Did Lucifer make it broken from the beginning? What the actual hell?
“Will you hurry your ass up?” Husk snarled, rocking back and forth on the tracks as he fought his bonds.
“I’m running towards an oncoming train for you, be nice,” Angel let out a nervous laugh. Holy shit, the train really was racing their way.
He leapt from board to board toward Husk whose stream of swears was not going to be Charlie-friendly. Angel lifted Husk with his lower hands as the train flew ever closer and with a knife, he sliced though the bonds looped around the track with his upper hands. Hefting Husk over his shoulder, Angel jumped back to the hotel ledge, feeling the wind of the train as it screeched to a halt before plunging off the broke-ass tracks. He swept into the room and deposited a still mostly bound Husk on his feet.
“It took you long enough,” Husk snarled.
“Aren’t you sweet, my dear. Your grumpy self knows how to say thank you so well.” Okay so they were now off script by a mile.
Husk glared hot enough to set the carpet on fire. Angel bent him back and planted a kiss on him hotter than Husk’s ire. With just a hint of tongue, Angel kissed him until he needed to breathe.
“We’re gonna need to edit that out in post.” Angel laughed as Alastor called cut from the doorway. Cherri, Charlie, and Vaggie were already in the room, worried expressions on their faces.
“Are you all right?” Charlie asked.
Husk was shaking so hard from rage, he couldn’t answer, his gaze never leaving Alastor. He couldn’t say what he wanted to so Angel said it for him.
“Al, you’re a prick. What if I were slower?” Angel growled.
“I had faith. Besides, it needed to look real. Am I done with this tv nonsense now?” Alastor directed that to Charlie.
She nodded. “Yes, thanks but Angel is right, Alastor. That was a risk.”
He shrugged. “If one of them was redeemed in the process, it would make your point.” Alastor raked his gaze over Angel and Husk. “But it would probably take more than a train rescue for them.”
Angel flipped him off and Alastor simply walked off with this shadow men, leaving Vaggie with the camera.
“Angel, you’ll help me with the editing, right?” Vaggie’s shoulders sagged. She looked as exhausted at having to deal with Alastor as Angel felt.
“Later. I have some business first.”
She eyed him suspiciously but nodded. “Fine. Come on, Charlie, let’s look at this. Hopefully, we won’t need another shot and Angel, we better not see ass cheeks in this.”
He turned around to show that his panties covered all of him. “I didn’t want to ruin the movie but I also didn’t want to race out there looking like some old-timey fuddy-duddy.”
“Be thankful he has everything tucked away,” Cherri snorted. “It would have been one helluva wobble if he hadn’t.”
“I’m known as a twink.” Angel shrugged. “Also, I was afraid Vaggie might spear me if I filled these with the boys.” He pointed to his crotch.
Vaggie rolled her eyes. “I knew I was in trouble when you said you wanted to modify the costumes.”
“I was wondering what happened to your jacket.” Husk wiggled his still-trussed up arms, trying to get free.
“Made it a tear away. Just good cinema there.”
“If it worked for Captain Kirk every time he was in a fight, it can work for you,” Cherri agreed. “Come on ladies, let’s get a drink and see how this turned out.”
“Thanks, Cherri. I’ll be along later but right now I’m thirsty.” Angel smirked at Husk.
“You can join us for dri-oh!” Charlie flushed. “See you later.”
When the ladies left them alone, Husk eyed Angel. “Are you going to finish untying me or what?”
“Or what.”
Angel scooped him up in a bridal carry and walked down the hall with him.
“Angel, what the hell?”
“Your room, babe, because I’m not wasting you in a gown.” Angel laughed and bullied his way past Husk’s door. Angel’s bedroom was all pink and purple and neon. Husk’s was magic crap. Angel loved it and he loved tied-up Husk more than he could say.
# # #
Angel nestled his cheek against Husk’s thigh. His fur was silkier than it had any right to be. Angel licked his lips, tasting the bitter-salty reward for a blowjob well done. Husk yanked up his skirt awkwardly and Angel blinked at the sudden inflow of light. He could have spent even longer under Husk’s gown. Husk showered down a blissed-out smile on him.
“I think you like this costume a little too much.” Husk’s voice was thick and honeyed as he patted the mattress next to him.
Angel levered himself up and rested his head on the pillow. “We’re keeping this. Might even keep the whole roleplay thing.”
“Oh hell.” Husk laughed.
“And you might even be willing to try staying tied up if you trust me.”
Husk caressed Angel’s cheek. “I always trust you, babe. One kink at a time.”
“And you thought my favor was gonna be filthy.”
Husk leaned in, kissing him, having no reservations about tasting himself on Angel’s lips. “That was pretty filthy.”
“Bout to get even dirtier,” Angel promised. “And Husky, just so we’re clear, I couldn’t say I was taking you to heaven with me earlier. I’m taking you and Nuggsy with me.”
“I know. Val would skin you out and nail your hide to the wall as a warning if you had said that.” Husk kissed him again. “And I’m trying to be better too. I don’t want to be left behind.”
“Together or not at all,” Angel promised, rolling onto his side. “Now as to that favor getting dirtier….”
Husk stroked Angel’s erection. Angel had ditched his panties but he’d kept the chaps. “I’m all for it.”
“I’m sure you are,” Angel purred.
If he had known Husk would be into roleplaying, he’d have introduced it earlier. He wasn’t going to forget tonight. He might even forgive Alastor for nearly running them over with a train for real. Fear and adrenaline certainly added some spice to this encounter. And Angel, for one, was not about to complain.
End Note – I like the fan theory that this piece of the trailer was another new commercial for the hotel. It’s certainly plausible. I’m not sure it entirely explains why Angel’s jacket (what’s left of it) looks ripped and I can’t honestly see Alastor putting Angel in tiny panties and chaps but if there’s any merit to the theory I can definitely see Angel having a bit of input in his costuming. As for The Perils of Pauline and The Hazards of Helen, both were real turn of the twentieth century melodramas. It’s almost a shame Pauline’s name went down in history way deeper than Helen’s because Pauline required her man to save her most of the time and Helen mostly rescued herself. As for morra it’s just as described in the story (see end for links)
I fully intended for there to be a much more explicit sex scene but, in full disclosure, I’ve been very ill this week (chronic illness) and I just wasn’t up to it. Hard to think sexy when you’re in pain, sorry all.
The Perils of Pauline
The Hazards of Helen (she did her own stunts)
Both videos do have period typical misogyny and some of the ads are eye opening
How to play morra Nor even pretending I’m not a few weeks away from an Italian heritage festival where I’ll probably be screaming numbers at people (better this than bocce. I’m terrible with throwing balls)
Goodbye For Now 光渊 | Justice in the Dark
Dressed To Kill Torchwood
Chance Meeting Doctor Who
You Are Perfect Final Fantasy XV
Trouvaille The Owl House
Crazy For Trying Torchwood
In At The Deep End FAKE
You're Too Sweet For Me Hazbin Hotel
Freeze Frames Hazbin Hotel
Power to the People Stargate Atlantis
Making Something from Nothing Stargate SG-1/Stargate Atlantis
A Weapon of His Making Hazbin Hotel
Score: i√2 to 𓅧 Elementary
DVD Commentary for Score: Q to 12 Elementary
The Aftershow The Amazing Digital Circus
Barely Holding On Torchwood
A Better Man Buffy the Vampire Slayer
C is for.... Conductor Stargate Atlantis
who cares (i'm fine) The Amazing Digital Circus
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Date: 2025-09-20 11:41 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2025-09-21 03:49 am (UTC)