Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Husk is gonna be honest. He doesn't know how any of this happened. In fact, he didn't even know where to start. Actually, scratch that, he does know where to start, he just has to back a little bit. Was it when he ended up at the hotel? No, farther back than that. Was it when he met him? No, still not it. Was it when he was a bartender? No, he could still trace it farther. In fact, now that he thought about it, he could trace it all the way back to the first couple of years he had spent in Hell. It all started with, ironically, a game of Poker.

Husk had adjusted to Hell pretty quickly. Once he learned he could drink and gamble as much as he wanted without consequence he got pretty comfortable. Except, there were consequences, just... Maybe not for him. He was far too good at it. No one beat him and it was intoxicating. He's pretty sure in the first year in Hell he had already visited every casino. He couldn't count the number of times he won on his fingers... Or well... Claws...

Adjusting to his new form was a whole different subject. To be frank, Husk was pissed with it. It's not that he hated cats, actually when he was alive he quite liked them. He just didn't want to BE one. When he first got here his wings and tail knocked over everything, constantly tripping him and blocking him in doorways. His claws snagged on anything that wasn't smooth and he didn't even want to get started on the fact that he had FUCKING PAWS. Having fur was weird, like, really weird. It's like his fur could feel the vibrations in the air, causing his skin to feel like it was covered in bugs. One perk was his eyes, being able to see at night had saved his life many times.

But the biggest thing that happened the first year he got here, the thing that caused all of this, was a Poker game with a little bird. A finch to be exact…

♠♡♦♧

“HA! READ EM AND WEEP FUCKER!” He yelled, slamming down his cards, causing some of the chip piles to fall. Chips that were now all his. He took a swing from his almost empty bottle. The finch was shocked into silence, staring at his own trashy hand. Husk smiled smugly, swaying heavily as he got up from his seat, his tail swishing and hitting the many bottles on the floor. He may be drunk, but that doesn't mean he doesn't win. They were in a run down casino near the border of Pentagram City. There was a dingy little bar with broken stools and a drunk bartender, small dirty rooms for people who wanted a little fun for the night, one broken betting machine and tables. Lots of tables. They were all mismatched, with chairs of all different materials, sizes, and colors. It made Husk’s fur itch with discomfort. If he ran a casino it wouldn’t look anything like this, it would have beautiful lighting, matching outfits for their workers, his own unique chips and cards, Husk almost sighed just daydreaming about it. This was the last casino he needed to play a game at before he could claim he’s been in them all, and so far, it was… Disappointing… And pretty disgusting. Husk was winning right from the start of the game. Most people had folded out of the game, realizing they had no chance of winning, but the little finch had been too stubborn. They thought they could win. Soon it was late, though time didn’t really matter in Hell, many bottles had been acquired on the ground, and Husk held the winning hand.

The finch finally started up again as Husk stood, holding out his hand, “You played well lil Finch, but a game ‘sa game.”

Husk may have been drunk, but he still had manors… Kinda… Honestly his win was a little ironic. A cat winning over a finch? HA! There was a joke to be made there…

The finch flew out of their seat, running in front of him, “Please! Another round! One more! I’m begging you!”

Husk snorted, looking down on them as they looked up with pleading eyes, “Whatcha gonna bet with? I’ve got everything, jus’ take the loss like a good player.”

Husk turned, starting to collect the chips, thinking about how he might use them at his favorite casino. The finch was muttering to themself, on the verge of a breakdown. Husk just shrugged it off, can’t say he hadn’t done that in life, still, it was the finches fault they had bet EVERYTHING. Husk finished up and went to leave before the finch grabbed one of his claws.

“MY SOUL!” They blurted, “I STILL HAVE MY SOUL TO BET!”

Husk froze. This was new. Nobody had ever bet their soul before, not in life, not in death. Husk looked down at his prize, and then at the finch. He could turn the offer down, go crash in his apartment only to wake up the next morning and do the same thing he did everyday, casinos. Or he could take this deal and do the same thing, just with the possibility of a soul. Husk stared at the finch’s black pleading eyes a moment longer. This sinner was crazy.

Husk smiled and held out his hand, “I win, I get your soul. You win, you get all your money back, plus more. Do we have a deal?”

The finch stared at his clawed paw, as if debating if they should actually do this. They held true to their word, they grabbed his hand and shook, “Deal.”

There wasn’t anything special. No lights, no chains, no symbols. It was like any other handshake, like one you’d make while going into an interview. It felt… Simple… Easy…

It wasn’t the handshake that was special, no. It was when Husk won the soul. That was special. As soon as the cards were placed down there was silence. The area around them quickly faded to black as the finch released what exactly they had done. Husk was confused at first, thought he was drunk, but he sobered up really quick once he felt it course through him. Every hair stood on end, practically vibrating, his wings swung out, seemingly way bigger than they were. The finch fell, staring up at the growing tower before them. His eyes shone a piercing yellow, his poker like symbols glowed, and his tail slashed about. He grinned at the finch below him. He had no clue what he was doing, but it felt fucking great. It was a new high he had never experienced before. It was far past drinking, far past drunks, far past gambling. This. This was the power over a soul. It was his now. Husker pulled out a card from the finch’s losing hand. The finch let out a shriek as it was slowly dragged into the card.

Husk was suddenly placed back in the casino, people lumbered about like nothing had happened. Maybe it didn’t… His sober mind thought. He shook out his fur, smoothing it down. He looked normal, he felt normal, besides a slight buzz. He felt slightly disappointed, he already missed that weird high he got. He looked down at the card he held in his hand. He did a double take.

Husk burst out laughing, causing the few people there to stair at him like he was crazy. Maybe he was… Husk smiled, flipping the card over, looking over every inch of it.

“Ace of finch huh?”

Chapter Text

Husk looked down below at his grand casino. It was like a dream come true. Table games everywhere, sections full of machines (supplied by Vox), lights and sounds all about. The cheering of someone on a roll, the wails of someone who had lost it all, he loved it. The frantic dinging of machines claiming outsiders' attention, the sound of the dice hitting the sides, the snaps of cards… His ear flicked. His eyes wandered about, looking up at the chandeliers on the ceiling. He looked back down at the betting souls. Souls that would soon be his...

His eyes were drawn to the reds, blacks, and whites of HIS cards, the colors of the chips, the flashing of dice, the green baize, it was all perfect. And he stood above it all. Husk wasn’t dramatic, but he did have a flair for show. He was a... Performer in a way... There was a grand staircase on either side of his balcony with a red carpet leading to the second level filled with staff rooms. All his souls resided in his casino, or casinos. They were everywhere in Hell, snuffing out all the weaker, less important ones. No longer are there dingy little bars with a betting table or two. Now his beautiful great casinos were on every street. They became iconic, their black cards with red and white designs, staff all wearing matching outfits, strong colorful drinks, bright machines and the best part, Husk himself.

Husk wouldn’t call himself a charmer, but he had a damn good way with people. He just had an aura that people loved to be around. Most times they would forget Husk was an Overlord in the first place. He always reminded them…

Husk smiled as he breathed in the air, closing his eyes. The air smelled of booze, mistakes, and dread. His favorite. He moved his claws over the railing, feeling them lightly scrape over the fine wood. He let his wings spread slowly outward. He made his casinos in his own image. He settled into a comfortable high that he found came hand in hand with being an Overlord. It made you feel invincible if you weren’t careful…

“Ummm Lord Husk?” Someone squeaked behind him.

Husk gave a small breathless grumble, brow furrowing. He opened his eyes and straightened his suit a bit with a snap. He turned smoothly, tail swishing across the ground, wings slowly closing. He smiled, looking at his staff member.

“Yes?” He said gruffly, leaning back on the banister, making the air more comfortable. He didn’t need this imbecile dying of fright, that has happened one too many times…

“I have the contracts for the day! I uhhh…. I left them in your office…” He mumbled, looking at his toes, shuffling back.

Husk grinned, pushing himself off the banister. He ruffled the staff members' hair, Harvey? He couldn’t remember, as he walked by. Husk watched out of the corner of his eye as he skittered away back down to the tables, likely to brag to the other staff that Husk had touched his hair. Husk turned down a hallway, letting his facial expression drop as he thought about the contracts. His shoulders drooped a bit, wingtips dragging across the ground.

Husk hated contracts. He preferred a good strong handshake, like he had started out with. But he had learned in time that it was the best way to collect the most souls. Make them sign the contracts when they were drunk, or when they walked in with hope. It was too easy. Husk loved playing games in his personal gambling room, those were a nice challenge. He never bet his soul, he’d rather lose money only to get it back again the next day. But his challengers, sometimes even other (former) Overlords, were always too happy to sign away…

He wasn't a cruel Overlord, he was far from it in fact. He treated his staff with respect, gave them a home to stay, and free meals. But that didn’t mean he was nice, he IS an Overlord after all. Being a bit… Eccentric, kinda went with it. So he's killed a staff member or two cause he was angry, what Overlord hasn't? Besides, they always came back with a better, more respectful, attitude.

He walked into his office, looking at the pile on his desk. He quickly sat down, tail and swings making a giant SWOOSH sound. He sighed, taking off his hat and scratching his slicked back fur. He sat back, putting his feet on the desk as he pulled the first one off the pile. He swirled around a glass of alcohol he had left in here recently, already feeling too sober to deal with this.

Once he was done with a contract he crushed it into a bright yellow ring, letting it glow in the dim light. He liked to keep his shutters closed and his light off, letting his eyes settle. It also let him appreciate the design of his rings as he held them up, smiling to himself. Most Overlords loved to use collars, chains, cuffs… He preferred something more simple, more stylish. They all had the soul's name engraved on the inside and his own on the outside. He was their owner after all. He went into his suits’ inside pocket to look for a pen and landed on his deck of cards. He pulled it out with a reminiscing smile.

When he first started collecting souls they ended up in cards. He would pull them out of the losing hand and watch with glee as they were sucked into them. He quickly learned he could pull them out of the cards when he needed, and return when he wanted. Anytime, anyplace. It was quite useful, and watching the soul go into the card never got old. When he built his first casino and started using his souls as staff, he decided rings were more fashionable, a tip from Velvette.

Now he kept the cards as a form of punishment. Murdered another staff member? 10 years in the card. Pissed him off? 20. The list went on and on. There was one soul who just preferred to stay in their card. He slipped it out.

All the cards looked much like the ones down in his casino, another choice he made, like the rings. They were mainly black, with intricate designs in red on the back, and numbers and symbols in white. The ones down in the casino had images of him as the King, and as a tribute (and a deal) to his favorite Overlords they were the Queens, Jacks, and rare Jokers. The main difference was that on his personal cards the sinner was on them.

The Ace of Finch flashed in his lowlights. He had brought them out many times and each time the finch begged to be put back saying they’d rather be stuck for eternity then be owned by someone. Husk respected that, bringing them out once and a while to show them the new generation. He didn’t even know their name. Husk snorted. He didn’t actually care about the mother fucker, he just considered them his first achievement. Something to be hung on a wall.

He finally finished and opened his office door to see Alastor smiling down at him. He jumped with a yowl, “FUCK! ALASTOR WHAT THE HELL?”

Alastor smiled, like always, his laugh track playing from his microphone, “Husker! It’s lovely to see you, quite lovely. It’s been a while!”

Husk sighed, flattening his fur and putting his hat back on. He needed a drink. He passed by Alastor, not even giving him a glance, “What do you want?”

Alastor followed, walking beside him, “Whatever do you mean dear friend?”

Husk glared at him as they walked into his elevator, much faster than his staircase. There was a ding as they stepped in. Husk fit the main floor button with his fist as jazz music played softly.

“Every time you come here you fucking want something. That or you come to berate me on my drinking habits. So what do you want this time?” Husk grumbled.

Alastor leaned down to Husk’s ear, annoying him greatly. He glared at the wall as Alastor spoke, “Actually I come with interesting news about the princess of Hell.”

Husk’s ears perked up. Alastor might be annoying, but his information was never to be ignored. Husk brushed off invisible crumbs from his suit at the doors of the elevator opened up with a ding. They both stepped out, walking over to the smaller bar, separated for important guests and Overlords, Alastor's mic playing faint music. Husk shooed away his staff, going behind the bar and grabbing his favorite booze. He took a long swing and set the bottle down with a slam. He looked at Alastor’s eye as it twitched, looking at his drink. He smiled, Alastor knew how to push his buttons but that didn't mean he didn’t know how to push his.

“What about the little fucking rainbow is so important?” Husk said, taking another swig.

Alastor cleared his throat and said, “Why didn’t you hear? She’s opened a hotel!”

Husk vaguely remembered seeing her do a boring little interview on the TV, singing about something annoying. He didn’t know, he had been drunk and on a roll.

Husk shrugged, “And?” He started to down the rest of the bottle.

Alastor smiled and his eyes narrowed, meaning he knew something Husk didn’t. “It’s to rehabilitate sinners.”

Husk inhaled, getting liquor in his windpipe. He spit it out, dropping the bottle on the table. His esophagus FUCKING BURNED! He coughed heavily, eyes watering, banging on his chest. His fur stood on end and his ears flattened down. Alastor looked down with a grin and just watched. When Husk finally caught his breath he looked up. His claws sunk deep into the wood, his tail thrashed about, wings flairing.

“Tell me you're kidding.” Husk said, glaring, giving a final pound on his chest.

Alastor shook his head, “I cannot my dear Husker, for it is true!”

Husk’s nose wrinkled and he let out a snort. Then a laugh. Then he thought about it and laughed some more. Soon he found himself laughing almost crazily at the idea, it made him lean heavily on the wood, causing his staff to head the other direction and steer everyone away.

“A hotel?” He laughed, holding his side, “For rehabilitating sinners? Oh that must be a show to watch!”

Alastor nodded, grinning deeply, “Oh it is quite enjoyable indeed.”

Husk stopped for a moment, giving Alastor a questioning look, “What do you mean?”

Alastor clinked his mic on the ground, leaning in, “Why I’m her sponsor, my fuzzy friend!”

Husk raised an eyebrow, ignoring the stupid name, and shrugged, “You? A sponsor? You must have a lot of fun there for you to stay…”

Alastor nodded, looking out at his casino, “There are plenty of spots for other sponsors you know…”

Husk realized what Alastor was getting at as he turned and grabbed another bottle, “I don’t know Alastor. That’s not really my style…”

Alastor snapped his neck back and tilted it, “Up for a little bet my friend?”

Husk laughed as he popped the cork on his bottle, “Please Alastor, I’d never make a bet with you. I’m not fucking stupid. Knowing you, you'd somehow trick me into betting my soul. Only my staff was stupid enough to do that.”

Alastor looked slightly hurt at the idea that Husk saw him that way. Husk shrugged it off, you could never be too careful down here, even with your closest friends. Especially as an Overlord…

A staff member approached the two. It was one of the older ones, less timid but more respectful. One of Husk’s favorites. She bowed in respect to the Overlords.

“Lord Husk, Velvette is here and requests your presence.” She said, looking down, still bowing, “Lord Alastor, lovely to see you, as always.”

Alastor simply played music on his mic, not acknowledging her, as most visiting Overlords did at his casino. It was mainly out of respect for the owner of the soul. They were the Overlords property after all. To address an Overlords soul was disrespectful, it was like addressing furniture in someone's house.

Husk set down his drink, “Send her over my way.”

Husk looked back at Alastor as she left, he took a swing from his bottle, “Thanks for the info, I’ll… I’ll swing by sometime, check the place out.”

Alastor nodded and turned, giving a slight wave, “Next time Husker.” He melted into shadows on the floor leaving, taking his nostalgic music with him.

Husk smiled, leaning onto the counter, hearing the click of high heels as they stormed his way.

“Velvette, always a pleasure dear.”

Chapter Text

Husk poured Velvette her drink, passing her a glance as she angrily tapped at her phone. Velvette was a bit strange in the fact that she liked her drinks spicy. Usually she just liked a good Bloody Mary, but tonight he could immediately tell she wanted something much stronger. Velvette slammed her phone on the table immediately sitting on a stool. She gave a long groan and let her forehead fall onto the counter. Husk raised an eyebrow as he passed her the drink. Husk let his wings droop a bit, relaxing his appearance a bit. While he loved putting on a good act he didn’t need too around Velvette.

Husk cleared his throat, “I thought you were busy with your show…”

Velvette sat up properly, smoothing out her hair, and sipped her drink before setting it down and glaring at it, “I was until that FUCKER killed one of my best models!”

Husk raised an eyebrow, leaning forward, “Which fucker are we talking about?”

Velvette hissed, “Valentino! I swear I’m gonna kill the bitch…”

Husk nudged her arm, “If you do I’m next in line when he comes back.”

Velvette gave a snort, and gulped down the rest of her drink, raising her hand for another one. Husk turned, grabbing more out as he prepared her second, she was gonna be here long.

Husk didn’t look at her while he rimmed her glass with salt, “I thought you talked Vox into possibly getting rid of him…”

Velvette’s nails scratched the counter, something he’d have to fix later, along with the claw marks he had done himself.

“I DID!” She spat, “But then he fell for Valentino’s whole act AGAIN! Every single time Vox just forgives him and moves on!”

Husk smiled as he passed her her drink, leaning on the counter, tilting his head in one hand, “Sounds like you need a bartender to rant to…”

Velvette gave a short laugh before taking a drink, “And what? That’s you? And here I thought you were some gambling Overlord.”

Husk shrugged, tail flicking, “Maybe I’m both.”

Velvette gave a sigh, “I just don’t get it! Valentino can do whatever the fuck he wants and we just supposed to bend to his will?! He’s a FUCKING IMBECILE! And don’t even get me started on how thin the walls are there!”

Husk paused as he was wiping a glass, eyes darkening “He’s still… WITH Valentino?”

Husk had hoped that his talk with Vox would’ve made him see reason. Guess it didn't work. Damn it! Husk hissed in his head. His tail lashed a bit at the idea. Too many memories of Vox showing up at his Casino with a broken bone or cracked screen flooded his head.

Velvette rolled her eyes, “Yea. Why wouldn’t he? Valentino is ‘oh so charming’.”

Husk sighed, placing down the glass, “I tried to talk to him. Guess he wasn't ready...” Husk didn’t think the TV ever would be.

“Whatever,” She snorted suddenly, “‘Love’ is stupid. Give me a good fashion show any day.”

Husk gave a laugh before setting his booze down, “You’re like Alastor in that way.”

Velvette stuck out her tongue, “Eww, don’t compare me to that tacky piece of shit. His outfits are terrible.”

Husk rolled his eyes, “You say that about everyone's outfits.”

Velvette shrugged, “Not my fault none of you have a REAL fashion taste.” Velvette looked back at his casino, mainly at the rings on his waiters. Velvette had done a similar thing. All her souls had “bracelets”, fashionable ones Velvette claimed. They were pretty well hidden but a solid reminder.

Velvette and Husk sat in comfortable silence for a while, just drinking away. Velvette was mainly scrolling on her phone and taking pictures of his casino, likely for her forms of social media. Velvettte was on some of the Queen cards for a reason. It was a moment of peace that Husk actually enjoyed. Velvette was always enjoyable to be around, mainly because they just could sit in silence and drink together. Other times she was really fucking annoying, not as much as Al though.

Velvette seemed to remember something as she suddenly grabbed his paw, “You HAVE to come to the Overlord meeting tomorrow!”

Husk pulled back, hissing, wings flaring upward, “You know I don’t go to those shitty things!”

Velvette rolled her eyes, “You're such a bitch. Come OUTSIDE of your fucking casino for once!”

Husk huffed, fur puffing up a bit, “I DO… Sometimes…”

Velvette raised an eyebrow, “Do you know how hard it is to keep up your social media? It’s dead. You barely get out of your office, much less this place!”

Husk grumbled, “I’m paying you for a reason, it’s not my fault if you can’t do your fucking job…”

Velvette smirked, “And here I thought you were a kind old bartender…”

Husk glared at her silently before taking a swig from his bottle, “Why do you want me there so bad? You barely go to them you fucking hypocrite.”

Velvette just smiled at him, waiting for him to guess. Husk set down his drink and stared at her, waiting for a fucking answer. They did that for a few moments, waiting until the other relented.

Husk sighed, raising an eyebrow, “You're gonna do something really fucking stupid aren’t you?”

Velvette smacked his wing, “Whore.”

Husk whacked her with his tail, “Bitch.”

Velvette’s phone started to ring again, she turned and started yelling at someone on the other line, something about ruffles? Husk sighed, and stumbled a bit as he turned, the alcohol starting to catch up with him. He vaguely listened to Velvette’s screaming match. He heard a bit about Valentino and tomorrow. Husk rolled his eyes, looking at his empty bottle. Velvette finally hung up, turning back.

Velvette passed him her glass as she sat up, “Are you coming tomorrow or not?”

Husk sighed, “Are Alastor and Zestial gonna be there?”

Velvette rolled her eyes, “Yes Tacky and Zest-Fest will be there.”

Husk groaned, looking her up and down before he sighed, nodding. He threw his rag onto his shoulder, glaring at her. Velvette grinned at him, placing her head into her hands, leaning her elbows on the counter.

“Such a pushover.” She poked his nose.

He hissed and swatted her away, “Out. You're done.”

Velvette rolled her eyes and got up, looking back a her phone as she left, “See you tomorrow asshole!””

Husk waved Velvette goodbye as her heels clicked away. Husk quickly cleaned the area and her glass with the snap of his fingers. The only reason he cleaned glasses by hand in the first place was because he liked the feeling of it. He looked back across his selections, trying to decide which drink he wanted to take up with him and which he would just teleport. He was already borderline drunk, but another drink didn’t kill anyone… Husk grabbed a strong one, planning on drinking until he fell asleep, one of his favorite pastimes.

“Hey bartender, pour me strong on eh?”

Chapter Text

Husk stood there staring at the newcomer out of the corner of his eye. The spider was nursing a fruity drink and staring out at the casino. He looked a little out of place. His overall self didn’t look like it fit into the casino scene. Husk wasn’t gonna kick him out though, he hadn’t been annoying. Yet…

Husk clicked his claws along the glasses absentmindedly. Overlords didn’t get stuck in predicaments… BUT if Overlords DID, Husk felt like this would be counted as one. The spider had caught Husk right as he had been leaving, asking for a drink. At first Husk had stared at him blankly for a few seconds, not startled, more confused. Husk had the choice between two things.

One, he could’ve corrected the demon in his inferior position, taken his bottle, and drank himself blind all the way to his bed and woken up hungover tomorrow. Or two, serve the demon the drink he wanted and stay silent, go to bed drinking, and wake up only slightly hungover. Husk had chosen the second.

If anyone had asked why Husk had done that he wouldn’t have been able to give them a straight answer. Most Overlords immediately wanted to assert dominance whenever they walked into a room. They demanded attention, respect, and recognition. Husk was a bit… Odd when it came to Overlords. He liked to blend into the background, act like he was on the same level as the sinners around him. Although he would never admit it, he was a bit like Alastor, except less full of himself. To outsiders, Husk looked soft, but those who knew him realized how cunning he was. Because of his charming nature and showmanship he had friends in all areas of Hell, even some in other rings. His souls were known for obeying and being the most loyal ever seen. And on top of it all, his casinos and business were literally everywhere, choking the competition out.

But there was one thing that happened no matter where he was. Someway or another he was recognized as an Overlord. The one exception being this Spider sitting at his personal bar. If anything, Husk found the situation… Hilarious.

Husk did go out, he wasn’t a recluse unlike what Velvette had said, but most times he sent his own souls to do things outside his area. He could easily go out himself, he just preferred to stay. He was well known by name, but not by face. Which led to the situation he was in now. The spider didn’t recognize him as the Gambling Overlord, and obviously never made the correlation of Overlords having red scleras.

Either way, it was rare that someone didn’t recognize an Overlord when they saw one, between their looks and their aura. He was also pissed that none of his staff stopped the sinner from approaching the bar. He’d have to punish someone later.

“Like what you see?”

A surprising voice grabbed Husk out of his thoughts and dumped him back in his feet. Husk’s eyes snapped up to see the Spider leaning heavily on the counter, practically splayed on top of it. His eyelashes fluttered and he shamelessly looked Husk up and down. He grinned, showing his sharp white teeth, his gold fang flashing in the light.

“Gotta pay baby, this ain’t for free.” He murmured, reaching over and touching Husk’s wrist.

Great. Another horney sinner thinking they can get free booze if they flirt hard enough. Husk hated sinners like these. They had fake, built up, disgusting personalities. He could see the hard porcelain mask on this one. His flair and fake emotion dripped off his pale fur. It made Husk’s skin crawl underneath his fur, which was rising up in anger. And worst of all, they were extremely touchy, something Husk couldn’t STAND. Husk yanked his hand back, gave a snort, rolled his eyes and turned around, rearranging some glasses. He needed to keep his cool. Husk had learned that getting angry with these monsters only made them hornier.

The spider behind him gave a low chuckle, “Dark and silent? I can work with that.”

Husk gave a hiss, turning around, and snatched the empty glass out of his hand.

“Either get another drink or get out. I already deal with enough shitty people like you.”

The spider jerked back a bit, surprise in his face. Husk secretly pinched himself with his claws, a bit pissed he had reacted so quickly. So much for keeping calm.

The spider gave a glare before muttering, “Something sweet.”

Husk raised an eyebrow as he turned around. The spider was staying… Intriguing.

Husk couldn't stand sweet drinks. Heck he couldn’t stand anything sweet at all. Not in life and not in death. He liked flavors that punched your face, not suffocated it. Husk grabbed some of the more colorful bottles out, along with the syrups that he despised. His tail swished the ground as he moved about, his wings rustling a bit. The spider seemed to have recovered from his minor setback and was now staring at Husk again. Husk mentally gave a groan.

“What color is that? Lilac?”

Husk’s ear flicked in surprise. Husk turned around to see the Spider sitting more normally leaning his tilted head on his hand. Finally, he seemed to have gained some self control. Husk brushed off his sleeves a bit, straightening his red bow, looking down at his suit that Velvette had personally tailored.

“Pale Indigo actually.” He grunted. Husk knew that because Velvette had screamed his ears off for hours when he incorrectly called the dusty rose fabric “red??”. Velvette trapped him in a room and would threaten to spray him with water if he left. Husk threatened to tear up her entire wardrobe if she didn’t let him go. Afterward Husk knew the names of too many colors of his liking…

The spider watched with a bit of fascination and something else Husk didn’t want to know as Husk placed his drink down, “How long are those claws?”

“Shut the fuck up and drink.” He growled.

The spider went back to pouting again, nursing his drink. He raised an eyebrow when he watched Husk pop open a bottle and take a swing. He then shrugged and went back to watching the people gamble their souls away. Husk’s earlier drinking had already worn off and he was too sober to deal with this sinner. Lately he’s had to drink more and more to get as drunk as he wanted. Husk glared a bit at the bottle as if blaming it.

“Hey, ain’t this the Gambling Overlord’s place?” The Spider asked, waving his hand in the air, motioning the area.

Husk almost choked on the alcohol he was swallowing. He coughed and set the bottle down, leaning a bit on the counter and looking out at his grand casino. His ears twitched as he listened for a bit, the familiar sounds flooding back in. He slid back into that comfort space he had felt on the balcony. The spider looked back and he just simply gave a short nod, not looking him in the eye.

“They fuckable?” The Spider chucked. Husk doubted that he was joking.

Husk gave a glare and went back to cleaning the spider's older glass. What did he expect the spider to ask? It’s clearly the only thing on his mind. Husk’s wings folded tighter to his back and his ear flicked in annoyance. Husk should just send the spider away. Reveal his Overlord status and ban him... Or he could continue to humor himself for a while. Overlords usually didn’t get this kind of entertainment.

“Where are they anyway?” The spider questioned, tilting his head and swirling his glass a bit.

Husk shrugged, “Probably drunk up in his room or something.”

It’s what Husk wished he WAS doing. Fucking hell, a bottle of good old whiskey and his bed sounded really good at the moment.

The spider raised an eyebrow, “And how would you know?”

This. This was the moment everything changed. This is the moment that would lead Husk down the longest road he had ever taken. This was the moment that would destroy everything he worked so hard for. This was the moment that Husk would think about for years. He could’ve easily said it was him, he could’ve kicked the spider out, he could’ve just said it was a guess. But that’s not what Husk did… Instead he looked the Spider in the eye and said something he would regret for a very long time.

“Because he owns my soul.”

The Spider’s eyes widened and then shot down, staring intently at his drink. Husk carefully breathed through his nose and began to clean the counter. What the fuck was wrong with him? That wasn’t something to joke about. Husk would know… Husk’s fur was vibrating with the massive lie he just told. The alcohol in his system was not helping the onset of jitters and the amount of shock flooding into his veins. For once he wished he was sober, either that or really really REALLY fucking drunk. Husk’s ears tilted back a bit and his wings shifted as the small bar went dead quiet. Husk needed something to fill the overbearing silence he had caused.

“What’s your name kid?”

The Spider looked up at him, confused, “You don’t….recognize me?”

Husk looked the Spider up and down. He was a bit confused, and he didn’t like being confused. The spider felt familiar, like a distant memory Husk couldn’t put his finger on. It didn’t help that wherever he had come from, it wasn’t from around here. Maybe he had passed him in the street or something…

Husk raised an eyebrow, “Am I supposed to? Is it my job to keep track of every shitty sinner in Hell or something?”

Husk noticed with surprise that the Spider’s façade slightly cracked, a small little chip. There was something deeper in there. Maybe he wasn’t like all the others… The Spider smiled at him, it was an odd smile, not strained, but definitely not that genuine.

“No. Name’s Angel Dust.”

Husk gave a snort, of course that was his name. He grabbed Angel’s now empty drink and began to clean it. His golden eyes flicked up to meet the sinner's pink ones.

“Husk.”

Chapter Text

Husk gave a strained smile and his eye twitched. There was the smoldering pile of a soul at his feet, the ashes giving out a burnt flesh smell. Everyone in the kitchen froze, all of them staring at him with wide fearful eyes. The cooks didn’t even dare nervously glance at their burning food, the smell mixing disgustingly in the air. The only sound that seemed to be in the room was the echoed cries of the now obliterated soul and the suppressed growl in the back of Husk’s throat. He looked down at the small stain on his suit, distain clear on his face.

“Anyone else want to come to work drunk?” He asked, grinning at them, eyes blazing, straightening his blazer with an audible snap.

Silence.

Husk debated killing the entire shift right here and now. He’d just call up the night workers and make them work overtime until they regenerated. He felt his phone give a light buzz, likely Velvette reminding him for the thousandth time that there was a meeting today. Husk gave an internal frustrated growl. That's the last time he allows his workers to drink off the clock.

He gave a light tired sigh, closing his eyes and pinching the small bridge of his nose as it crinkled in annoyance, “Stephanie, sweetheart, please come pick this up. If you could send them up to my office when they regenerate that’d be lovely.”

His head chef gave a curt nod, looking everywhere except his burning eyes, and grabbed the broom. The room was still silent, everyone else still frozen as Stephanie began to sweep. Husk gave a hiss of annoyance, causing several to flinch like spooked deer. Alastor would’ve liked that.

“Well? Get back to work!” He growled. Everyone rushed, immediately going back to what they were doing but with a new sense of urgency. He gave a disappointed look at the pile being swept up into a bucket. Such a waste of power. It took a flick of the wrist, but it was the fact that they even had the gull is what pissed him off. Husk made a mental reminder to have their card ready in his pocket when he saw them in his office. Husk turned around and gave a snap of his fingers, the small stain disappearing like it had never been there. Husk was a bit hungover and already had a headache. He took in a breath and pushed the kitchen doors open.

He walked across his casino with a flashing grin, shaking hands, ordering around souls who somehow already heard about the incident in the kitchen, and also personally signing some contracts. Husk walked to his front doors, giving himself a quick checkover, glancing a bit longer at the spot where the stain had been.

“Clarence?” He asked to the empty air as he pulled up his phone. Immediately his favorite Victorian soul appeared next to him. Clarence had been Zestial’s soul, but he'd been gifted to Husk a while ago after a deal. He had died young, but was very respectful, something Husk liked. His short white fur and black stripes always matched perfectly with the outfits Velvette had helped Husk design for his staff.

“Yes my Lord?” He replied, bowing low, his sharp eyes pointed towards the floor.

Husk scrolled on his phone, checking Velvette’s messages quickly. He rolled his eyes at all of the crap she had managed to send in under a minute. Clarence lifted his head a bit, his tail flicking. He was waiting for Husk to speak further. Good. It was annoying when souls tried to yammer on and fill the empty silence.

“You're in charge until I’m back. Don’t mess this up like the last one. I’d hate for one of my favorites to miss the next decade.” Husk said, giving him a look from the corner of his eye. He was quite serious. He didn’t want to put one of his best souls away just because they messed up a simple instruction.

Clarence nodded, fluidly catching the clipboard that suddenly appeared in his white paws, “Yes sir. I won’t disappoint you.”

Husk looked up from his phone and gave him a warm genuine smile, “Glad to hear.” He pretended not to see Clarence give him a small beam of pride and puff out his chest a bit. Husk waved him off and Clarence was careful not to rush away in an excited hurry.

Husk walked out, his smile disappearing as he read more recent messages about Vox from Velvette. Husk had never been a fan of the new technology, connecting with Alastor in that way, but Velvette had begged and begged him. He’s not gonna say he gave in, the Gambling Overlord giving in to some annoying persistent whining? He just needed a phone for…. Other reasons…He gave a small growl as his phone glitched, Vox appearing on everyone's screens, angrily ranting about Alastor’s return.

Husk wasn’t an idiot. He had noticed that Alastor had been missing for 7 YEARS, but he had really been hoping that Vox wouldn’t have paid attention to it. He didn’t know much about their drama, just half mumbled rants through a phone from Vox, and a couple of buzzed mentions from Alastor. Back when they had all been younger Overlords, Vox and Alastor had been pretty close. It had been the only time Husk had seen Alastor care for someone that deeply. And though Vox may deny it, Husk SWORE he saw them hug once. They had all been pretty good friends... It was the only time he had seen Vox happy. SOMETHING had happened that warranted that much hate from both sides, Husk just didn’t know what. He was sure it had to do something with that FUCKING moth though. Husk’s fur stood on ending just thinking about the shit.

Husk fluttered his wings a bit, his mind being dragged back into the present with the annoying sound of heavy static. Husk was using every bit of self control to not have his ears pressed against his head. All this noise and static in the air was giving him a migraine at this point. People saw him walking in the street and walked the opposite direction rather quickly. The air around Husk snapped with annoyance and an Overlord not to be tempted.

Husk turned off his phone and put it in his pocket. He slipped through the doors into the building where the meeting was being held. He made his way to the elevator, sparing a glance at the lights as they flickered. The glass elevator doors closed as everything shut off, he rolled his eyes and his tail flicked. He glanced down at his watch, the time ticking away. In a few minutes everything started up again and the elevator headed upwards. With a shutdown like that Vox was gonna be grumpy for a while. Husk’s ear flicked as he stared at his muted reflection in the tinted glass. His red and golden eyes slightly twitched, trying to water and rid the burning feeling in them. He blinked a couple of times to make sure that wouldn't happen again.

Husk’s ear flicked as the doors dinged open. He walked down the hall to the meeting and pushed open the doors with a flourish, wings spreading out wide, tail thrashing in a bit of excitement. All the Overlords stopped for a moment, pausing their conversations to see who entered. Husk flicked his wings back in, his tail trailing across the ground as he made his way to an open seat. He gave a blinding grin to anyone Overlord who looked his way, also fistbumping Zeezi as he made his way over.

Carmilla raised an eyebrow, seemingly a bit confused, “Husk. You made it…”

Husk gave her a warm smile, leaning back in his chair and putting his feet up on the table, causing an Overlord or two to glare, “Of course my dear. Wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

Carmilla narrowed her eyes at that comment. Husk mentally rolled his eyes. He had respect for Carmilla, he did, in fact, they were usually on good terms. He was on good terms with all the Overlords. He was just pissed off today. What did some of his younger souls say? He was on his thirteenth reason.

Alastors walked in, sitting next to Husk and Rosie (the lovely darling) who flashed them both a sharp smile. Al gave Husk a strained look, his eye twitching as he stared at his feet. Husk raised an eyebrow. Al continued to look at them like they were the scum of the Earth. Husk gave a small hiss of annoyance. He stretched, glaring at Alastor, and took them off, sitting up properly. He waved his hand across the table with a fake sigh, a bottle of strong booze appearing. Husk flipped Alastor off, gulping it down. Alastor just stared ahead, his eye still twitching.

A couple Overlords threw him an odd glance. Husk never came to these things, meaning that something interesting was bound to happen. Zestial appeared with a nod to Carmilla and a warm pointy smile as Husk. Husk gave a small wave, setting the bottle down and folding his hands into his lap.

Carmilla started talking about why she called them here today, how important it was, bla bla bla. Husk kinda blocked it all out, his mind wandering to his paperwork and booze at home. It also wandered back to that spider. What was his name again? Angel Dust? Angel sounds better.

Husk watched with curiosity as a large living egg hid under Alastor's chair, trembling a bit. Al made no move to remove it, even though he clearly knew it was there. It probably had something to do with that stupid, fucking, definitely boring, hotel. He glanced down at his empty bottle, suppressing a bored yawn. He was pretty much just here for appearances and drama. Talking to the other Overlords was always a bonus.

Carmilla’s eyes landed on Al, Husk raised his eyebrow mid swig of his new bottle, “Alastor?”

Alastor smiled, waving her off a bit, staring at his nails, looking around, “Yes I know I’ve been absent for some time. I’m sure you’ve ALL been wondering.”

Husk gave a silent grumble, slumping just an inch. Some FRIENDS had actually been CONCERNED. But did they get a fucking answer? No.

Carmilla shrugged, “Not really.”

Alastor’s eye twitched.

Carmilla looked back at the other Overlords, “But welcome back anyway.”’

Husk almost snorted his drink again. He hunched over a bit, hiding it by conjuring another bottle in his lap. He carefully kept himself from laughing by giving a small suppressed cough. Alastor gave him a glare while Rosie gave him a concerned look. Husk was so thankful he had come. If Velvette didn’t come he’d still be satisfied with that whole scene in his memory. Maybe he should go to more of these…

Velvette burst into the room, the doors slamming into the walls, “Yes I’ve got it handed Vox, are you doubting me? Really? Me?! That's what I thought...”

Husk rolled his eyes, typical Velvette making an exaggerated entrance. He completely ignored the fact that he had basically done the same thing. Overlords liked to be overly flashy in their own ways. Alastor had his shadows and mannerisms, Husk had his cards and magic, Carmilla had her pointy shoes, the list went on and on.

Carmilla looked pissed, her eyes narrowing as Velvette gave a laugh, rolling her eyes, glancing back at them, “Yes I know. They’re all a joke.”

Velvette’s eyes passed over to Husk, her laugh and smile turning a bit more genuine. Husk gave her a smirk and a small wave. He gave her a pointed look meaning that she better fullfil her promise on that “big thing that you totally have to go to the stupid fucking meeting for, seriously Husk if you don’t I swear I’m gonna do something, I don’t know what but once a figure it out you’ll regret it, xoxo bitch”.

“Thank you V, see you soon, Husk says hi, hugs and kisses darling!” Velvette looked back at Husk and gave a wink. He gave a smirk back. Alastor gave Husk a weird look, something akin to jealousy.

Carmilla carefully breathed in through her nose, her kids looked up at her, “Nice of you to join us Velvette… Will your…. Colleagues be joining?”

The Vees in general usually never came to these things, a bit like Husk in that way. They both usually had too much work and didn’t give two shits about some boring meeting. Vox usually came, but there was no way he was going to deal with anyone after that shut down. Husk wondered how many smoldering piles of ashes were being cleaned up there. Valentino almost never left his studio or the Vee Tower. And there was no way in Hell that Velvette or Vox were going to let him come to a meeting. Husk let his claws drag across the table a bit, imagining stabbing them into the bastard's throat.

Velvette rolled her eyes and then glued them back to her screen, her fingers moving rapidly across the screen, “No! They have better shit to do than to listen to an old windbag that thinks she’s tough shit. I’m here to represent.”

Velvette snapped a picture with Husk giving a grin in the background. He was enjoying this whole meeting thoroughly. Velvette quickly took ones of Carmilla while she started talking again.

Husk felt his phone buzz as Velvette texted him photos of what he was sure were unflattering pictures of Carmilla. Alastor nudged him under the table to pay attention. Husk gave a low growl, puffing out his wings, but looked back over at her. He took another swig, leaning into his arm a bit. Carmilla continued on with her speech, Husk tail thrashed in anticipation as Velvette interrupted halfway through by waving her hand.

Carmilla gave a light annoyed sigh, “Yes?”

Velvette gave on of her grins, one where you just know she was gonna do something either really fucking stupid, or really fucking good, “On the subject of discussion-”

Everyone's eyes grew wide as Velvette threw out an angel's head, the golden blood splattering as it bounced towards Carmilla who looked at it with distaste. It pushed some of Husk’s empty bottles off, causing them to crash to the ground. All the Overlords began to mutter, Al commenting something about it looking tasty. Husk stared at its blank mask as it staired emptily back at him.

A slow grin grew on his face and he looked back at Velvette.

“Ain’t no fucking way.”

Chapter Text

Husk wheezed with laughter, wings flinging outward, claws wrapped around his chest as he leaned heavily onto the counter. He leaned away and backed up, tripping over his own thrashing tail. He was still howling with laughter, even on the floor. Velvette’s cackling laugh echoed across the room. The staff nervously skittered away, laughing Overlords was never usually a good sign. They had been laughing for a couple of hours at this point, talking all about the meeting. After the serious conversation about what an Angels’ head could mean they did what any normally functioning people would do.

They laughed their asses off about everyone's reactions.

“YOU BITCH! I STILL CAN’T BELIEVE YOU DID THAT!” Husk laughed, wiping away a tear and pulling himself back up.

Velvette, still laughing to herself as she threw her hair over her shoulder, chuckled, “Whore, you knew I was always one for dramatics. AND THE LOOK ON THAT OLD WINDBAGS FACE?”

Husk was riddled with laughter again. He sloppily placed his half drunken bottle down. Its contents sloshed over the end, spilling onto the wood. He winced mentally at that, but he was a little too buzzed to fully care.

Husk cleared his throat to try and be more serious. She snorted. He snorted. It led to another round of laughter between the two.

It took him more than a couple of minutes to cling to his composure, “I should be nice though, we ARE allies after all.”

Velvette also winding down, snorted and sipped her spicy drink, “Yea. But you like me more.”

She booped his nose which he swatted away with a growl. She stuck her tongue out at him and he poked her face. They swatted at each other, waiting until the other one got more irritated.

She wasn’t wrong though. While Camilla and him were allies that didn’t mean they were friends. They were just on good terms, that’s all. He could actually talk and gossip with Velvette, something she called “girl time” much to his distaste. The thought of trying to do that with Camilla almost made him throw up all the alcohol he’s consumed today. Which, let’s be honest, was quite a lot at this point. But he was the Gambling Overlord! Drinking heavily was kinda his thing.

He rolled his eyes and replaced Velvette’s drink, “I hate you actually. Heavily. You're my worst enemy.”

Velvette raised an eyebrow, “I thought that was reserved for the moth.”

Husk froze, setting a bootle down with a small clatter, his heart skipping a small beat. The lighthearted moment slowly disappeared. His claws sunk into the wood silently. She looked down at her phone quickly typing.

She gazed back up into Husk’s eyes, a knowing look on her face, “Did you think I wouldn’t notice? Please Husk, I KNOW you.”

She quickly looked back at her phone mumbling, “You're not the only one who kinda wants him dead you know?”

Husk said nothing, but he did begin to move again. There was an awkward silence between the two, only being filled with Velvette’s nails typing on her phone. He had hoped his hate towards a particular moth hadn’t been so…. Outward. He had hoped he’d kept his composure around the subject, but apparently he had failed at that. It was a bit comforting to know that if Husks’ anger really did take a hold of him, Velvette would be on his side.

Husk had dealt with anger issues in the past. His oldest souls could tell you all the horror stories about it. He had been younger and emotions in general were a very… interesting subject. It didn’t help that he had been quite sensitive at the time. It took him years of self control and so many talks with Zestial to fully take control of it. He had a tendency to push his emotions down a bit if he couldn’t handle them in the moment, but it was way better than the shit he used to do. He thought he had fully mastered it, but apparently Velvette could see right through him. It made him shiver a bit, but in all honesty, it didn't bother him too much. If any lesser sinner tried to point it out he’d burn them.

Velvette gave him a smirk, "Maybe I should steal his hair."

Husk inhaled his mouthful of alcohol and choked heavily on it while Velvette cackled over him. He wheezed, clawing at his throat for air as she delighted in him having a near death experience. He had his hands on knees, one of them flipping her off, his tail knocking over her drink.

Once they calmed down a bit, and Husk cleaned up, they fell back into their usual insulting banter and gossip. It was interrupted by a staff member walking up. He tripped a bit as he walked over, his hands lightly tapping each other. His big ears flapped a bit in nervousness.

“Lord Husk?” He said, his voice barely above a whisper. It was kinda funny considering that the sinner was a giant fucking elephant.

Velvette made a snort at the title but continued to stare at her phone, her typing getting more aggressive. Husk rolled his eyes, knowing full well her staff had called her much more dramatic things.

Husk looked back at him and gave a sigh, “Yes?”

The elephant looked quickly down at his feet and mumbled, “There's a spider asking for permission to drink over here?” Velvette stopped typing and swung her head at Husk. She gave him a ‘wtf??’ glance.

Husk paled a bit, his tail going still, “What?”

The elephant took a breath and began again a little louder, “There's a spider-”

Husk snapped his wings in frustration, hissing “Yea yea I fucking heard you! Go tell him I’ll see him in a sec!”

The elephant let out a nervous squeal and ran away, his steps surprisingly quite light. Husk wildly looked around near the front and saw Angle talking to some of his staff. It seemed he was getting pissed. Velvette looked around and tried to follow his gaze.

She squinted her eyes, “Husk what the fuUUU-'' Husk grabbed her by the shoulders, dragged her over the bar and threw her on the ground next to him. He tucked in his tail and wings, sitting underneath the counter. Velvette looked furious, she opened her mouth to yell at him but he quickly placed his claws over her mouth. He glanced a peak over the counter, the elephant talking to the spider. His ears were back tight against his head.

Husk’s ears flicked up in surprise, he drew his claws away quickly looking at them in disgust, saliva dripping from them, “Ewwww did you just lick me?”

Velvette gave him a glare that could’ve shot him dead, “Your fucking lucky thats all I did you little BITCH! What the Hell was that for?!”

Husk shushed her, sending her glare right back, he whisper-yelled, “SHHHHHHH! QUIET THE FUCK DOWN!”

Velvette’s anger died away and was now replaced by confusion, “Husk that the fuck is going on?? Do you owe someone money or something? Please don’t tell me you downloaded one of Vox’s apps, we DELIBERATELY told you about those!”

Husk glared, peaking another glance past the counter, the spider was impatiently waiting, his foot quickly tapping on the ground. Husk’s ears flicked.

Velvette quickly looked up and finally saw what he was looking at. Her eyes widened a bit, recognising one of Valentino’s whores. His favorite to be exact. Husk grabbed her again, dragging her back down quickly.

He snuck his claws into her shoulders a bit, ears down, hissing, “What the hell? He’ll see you!”

Velvette sent pinpricks of electricity back through his hands, she ripped her shoulders out of his grasp saying, “Husk that’s just one of Val’s-”

Velvette stopped herself and looked at Husk. He wasn’t paying attention at all, he was staring across the room with wide eyes, his tail threshing about. He had a small curious cat noise in the back of his throat that he was clearly trying to suppress. His ears were down as he tried to hide his head while peaking over. His wings fluttered a bit in anticipation. She looked back at her phone, then back to Husk again. Velvette quickly snapped her mouth shut just in time.

Husk looked back, confused, “What were you saying?”

Velvette staired at him for a moment and the huffed, “Nothing, explain to me what the fuck is happening?”

Husk gave a sigh, sliding down behind the bar, “Ok basically he came to the bar a day or two ago, it was after you came for a drink, he thought I was the bartender, he wanted a drink, and I may or may not have gone along with it.” He clamped his mouth shut with a snap. His eyes were owlish as he stared back at a very confused Velvette.

She gestured to the spider underneath the counter, “And he didn't notice you were, oh I don’t know, the Gambling Overlord!?”

Husk shook his head, “I don’t think he’s from around here.”

Velvette slapped her hand onto her forehead, “Well no shit Sherlock of course he isn’t he’s-” Velvette quickly cut herself off again, dragging her hand over her face, being weary of her makeup.

Husk raised an eyebrow, a bit suspicious and a bit confused, “What do you mean?”

Velvette quickly thought up an excuse, her eyes flicking to her phone, “I mean, with his looks he’s clearly a stripper of some kind and you don’t have that around here. You specifically set yourself up here to avoid that. Whatever, it doesn’t fucking matter, what MATTERS is why the fuck didn’t you just say you were an Overlord?”

Husk gave an odd chuckle, “About that…”

Velvette stared at him, waiting for him to continue. He was silent and he picked at his suit a bit, avoiding her glare.

Velvette, a bit fed up with the silence game, spat out, “What… The fuck!.. Did you do!?”

Husk mumbled something under his breath. Velvette slapped his wrist signaling for him to be louder. He pulled back his hand with a hiss, wings fluffing up in anger. She glared back. Velvette knew she was going to win this silent game, she did most times.

He gave a sigh and relented, mumbling, “I may or may not have told him my soul... Is... Owned by the Gambling Overlord...”

Now it was Velvette’s turn to sink her nails into Husk’s thin shoulders, “YOU DID WHAT?!”

Husk quickly looked back over to see the Spider making his way past the anxious staff, “Be quieter! Look, an opportunity to mess around like this NEVER happens, and I haven’t had this much fun in a VERY long time, please just let me have this!”

Velvette stared into his pleading eyes and sighed. It was her turn to relent even if she REALLY didn’t fucking want to. She pinched the bridge of her nose feeling a headache forming, “Fine. FINE! What do you want me to do?”

Husk pursed his lips, he opened and closed his mouth several times thinking, then hesitantly said, “I don’t actually know?”

Velvette gave a louder groan, “Oh you’re fucking helpless! Ok, I’ll go, just… Pretend to be the head bartender or like, a person in charge or something!”

Velvette quickly stood up, Husk following close behind. Velvette hopped over the counter and downed the rest of her drink. She slammed the glass back onto the counter. She gave him one last glare and flicked him off. Husk winced a bit, knowing full well he had ended “girl time”. Velvette was always pissed when he ended “girl time” early.

She threw her hair over her shoulder and began typing on her phone as she walked away, not even waving goodbye. Husk rolled his eyes and started to clean her glass. Husk grabbed out his phone when he felt a small, -PING!-. He opened the texts from Velvette.

don’t mes this up bitch 🖕🏿

Thx for the drinks

Not paying tho >:P

U ruined girl time >:(

U owe me >:3

Husk smiled at the horrible grammar and excessive amount of emojis that was just soo… Velvette. He quickly texted back, his claws stumbled a bit, making him have to delete and redo it a couple of times.

Next time I promise to buy us those facemasks you’ve been wanting my dear.

Also fix your grammar, you whore.

He was still smiling down at the messages when a silky voice was suddenly right next to his ear, “Who you texting hot stuff?”

Husk nearly jumped out of his skin, throwing his phone across the floor and his wings flared out in surprise, hitting the counter.

“SHIT!” He yelped, rubbing his wing and glaring at the spider. Angel Dust smiled at him sweetly, watching as he grabbed his phone angrily.

Husk pocketed it and gave a huff, crossing his arms, “What the fuck do you want?”

Angel rolled his eyes, “Still grouchy I see. I bet a good night in bed would loosen you up.”

Husk gave a shudder, and hissed, ears down, “No way in Hell Spider.”

Why did he want him around again?

Angel pretended to be hit with an invisible bullet, “Oh! My name status has been revoked! And on the second date!”

He looked seductively at Husk, grabbing his face, “Maybe I could change your mind? Bet you'd crack open under pressure.”

Husk huffed, jerking his head away and turning back to his bottles, “Maybe I’ll just kick you out onto the streets instead. Or maybe I’ll ban you so I never have to see your face again.”

Angel glared, a bit annoyed his advances had been rejected, “Whatever, get me what I had yesterday.”

Husk raised an eyebrow, leaning on the counter a bit, “We don’t deal with rude sinners here.”

Angel looked him up and down in disbelief, “Tell that to the front door people, they were SOOOO RUDE! Took them FOREVER to let me through! Something about it being restricted or other.”

Husk gave a snort, setting down his drink in front of him, “That’s cause it is.”

Angel up at Husk in confusion, “Why?”

Husk gave a light sigh of exasperation, “Cause we serve important people here.”

Angel retracted a bit, “Ouch.”

Husk made a small noise in annoyance, “I mean like, Overlords and shit.”

Angel’s eyes widened, “So that WAS Velvette I saw!”

Husk narrowed his eyes at him, “And how do you know her?”

Angel fiddled with his glass, “Cause everyone knows who she is? She’s one of the Vees? Everyone knows the Vees. You drunk or something?”

Husk popped open a wine bottle and took a swing, “I’m buzzed, there's a difference.”

Angel rolled his eyes, “Right. And how much have you drunk to get buzzed?”

Answer: A lot.

Husk shrugged, “Lost count. And it doesn’t matter. I can hold my liquor more than anyone. Well, maybe not the Gambling Overlord but, you know.”

Angle leaned in, seemingly curious, “Well how much does he drink per day?” Husk blinked in surprise. To be honest, he never paid attention. How much DID he drink? Surely it couldn’t have been TOO much. And he was an Overlord, he was the GAMBLING Overlord. It didn't matter if he drank a lot because he could take it just fine. He’d won some of his best poker games being drunk. No. He didn't drink too much, he drank a normal amount… Kinda…

Husk gave a shrug, “More than his staff advises.” This was true. The smoking piles of ash and the cards could attest to that.

Angel leaned heavily on the bar, batting his eyes, “All these important people and yet you let lil old me here.”

Husk shoved his face away, “Keep talking and we’ll see how long that lasts.”

Angel surprisingly stayed in his seat, happily sipping away at his drink, “So what’s it like working for the Gambling Overlord?”

Husk turned his back to the Spider, rearranging some bottles, “Not bad. I get free lodging, free food, other necessities.”

He held up a colorful wine bottle that he was drinking from, “Free booze is always a plus.”

The Spider looks at him curiously, tilting his head, “You're telling me he doesn’t have temper tantrums?”

Husk’s mind flashed back to the soldering pile of ash this morning.

Husk set the bottle on the shelf with a small clink, “I wouldn’t say that. He usually has a reason though.”

Angel gave a snort, “Reason my ass and my ass is expensive.” Husk had no clue what that meant. He wrinkled his nose a bit in disgust, turning away from him and back to rearranging his bottles. Something he definitely didn’t do several times a day.

Angel continued, “Overlords never have an actual reason. They do it for their own sick enjoyment.”

Husk turned around, a little bit annoyed but masking his face, “Well his “temper tantrum” this morning was because someone came to work drunk. I feel like that's reason enough.”

Angel gave a scoff, “That’s hardly a reason! Did he ask why they were drunk? Maybe they had a bad night! Maybe they have an addiction! Hell maybe they were trying to just enjoy their free time that HE gave them! Let me ask you this, does the Gambling Overlord ever come to work drunk?”

Husk stopped, slowly placing his hand down, his wings tightening to his back. He glanced back at Angle out of the corner of his eyes and then looked back down at his claws.

He gave a mumbled, “Yes,” He quickly continued, “But maybe he also has reasons.”

Angel rolled his eyes as Husk turned around, “Well then maybe he would have enough empathy to not get after his employees for doing the same thing.”

Huh… He… Hadn’t thought about it that way…

Husk gave a small huff and went to clean Angel’s glass. He was a bit annoyed that someone was speaking back to him this way, even if Angel didn't know he IS the Gambling Overlord. But who was he to judge how he runs his place? He isn’t an Overlord. Husk is the GAMBLING OVERLORD! He could easily crush this Spider with his claws if he wanted too!

But…

He stared at the Spider as he was telling some, clearly false, wild story about what he did today. His arms were flinging all over the place, his expressions huge. Husk set down his drink, watching Angel’s smile widen as he saw that he was paying attention.

Husk didn't think he wanted to.

Chapter Text

Hi Finches.

I know it’s been a long while since I’ve updated this fic, and I’m sure some of you have thought I have abandoned it. I’m sending this update to let you all know that this fic isn’t ending but is taking a break that is going longer than expected.

I’ve had a lot of personal things going on in my life, mental health issues, physical health issues, I’m moving to a new school, I had finals to deal with when I WAS in school, and I’ve got a job along with summer assignments from my new school. I’ve been dealing with losing old friends and gaining new ones, but I’m happier with the healthier friends I have now. I’ll be living in a city for most of the week once I move into my new school, something I have never done before. I’ll be back home on weekends, but needless to say I’m nervous about the change. I’m used to endless fields, mourning doves in the morning, and a swamp for a backyard. Trips to the city were rare. Now I’ll be living in one for most the school year and I am very excited but also very nervous. And preparing for that is taking a lot of my time.

While dealing with mental health issues that I won’t get into due to personal reasons I’ve also been dealing with physical ones. While what I have doesn’t stop me from doing anything physical, it’s still, for lack of better words, a bitch. I thought I was going in for one thing and ended up with another. I’m waiting to get tested, but unfortunately it may take a while for personal reasons. While this doesn’t stop me from writing it can be really draining at times and leaves me without my usual creative energy.

I love writing this fic, it’s my first one and I’ve loved seeing all the kudos, and comments and bookmarks. It warms my heart every time I see them. I read every one of your guy’s comments, and once I start uploading again I’ll get back to responding to them. Writing is one of my passions and I quite enjoy doing it. It’s a big stress reliever and it’s fun.

Now the next chapter is taking me a long time to finish simply because it’s hard to write. It’s a heavier angst then I’m used to writing and when I started it I wasn’t in the best mental health space. Once finished I will have warnings for the chapter placed everywhere. I have always seen this fic as a safer corner and I don’t want any of my readers to be triggered or uncomfortable in any way. I will have a portion at the end that will tell you what happened in the chapter in a general sense so you don’t feel like you’re missing out on the story if you skip the chapter. If it comes to it, I may scrap this chapter idea and replace it with another.

There is something I feel like I must bring up and that is the Hazbin Hotel fandom. I’m not saying that everyone in this fandom is bad or toxic, but there’s enough of them to the point where I decided to take a break from it. I began to become nervous that my ideas and such would be criticized and ridiculed. I’ve watched the fandom fight over so many things and it just breaks my heart every time a fandom does this. Fandoms are supposed to be a safe place where the fans can talk, and have ideas, and overall, just be a place where people who like the same media can coexist and be social. And I want to reiterate that not everyone in the fandom is bad, I’ve met so many good people in the fandom who have wonderful ideas and creations. But sadly, it seems the fandom is overshadowed by a lot of bad fans with poor decisions. And so I made the decision to take a break from the fandom until I feel comfortable writing this story.

Another thing I would like to talk about is the idea for a second fic I had planned. It was meant to mainly focus on Vox and Alastor and their relationship. I have seen too much discourse on Alastor being AroAce and him being shipped with so many people. As an AroAce person myself this breaks my heart. It’s rare that we get to see representation in big pieces of media, especially how most of it is just to grab our attention and trust. My plan had been to be a slow burn platonic ship between Alastor and Vox, BOTH of them being AroAce. As an AroAce person in a relationship I wanted people to understand that if they WANT to be in one, AroAces can date and be in QPRs (Queer Platonic Relationships). They CAN have understanding partners, who may or may not be AroAce themselves. I wanted the fic to dive into discovering yourself and learning what it’s like to live your truth, even if it’s taken you a long time to figure it out. I wanted to show the struggle that AroAce people have to go through in discovering themself and where that leads them. And while I had this idea in mind and was excited to begin this project I quickly ran into problems. The fandom when it came to shipping Alastor being to fight, saying that AroAce is a spectrum, meaning they could decide where he lands. While AroAce is a spectrum, one I myself is on, the creator (who has her own discourse that I do not know about enough so I won’t talk about it until I learn more) has stated that he is AroAce in the way that means the only love he will ever feel is platonic and NOT romantic. Fans began to continue their excuses and completely ignored the fact that Alastor is AroAce. They used their aro and acephobia and then used OUR spectrum to cover it up. My plan for my story was to have a QPR between Alastor and Vox, nothing romantic, or anything else. But after seeing the discourse and the hate and the excuses, I’ve decided to rethink my idea. I don’t want my fellow AroAce’s to feel ignored or disappointed or rejected. A lot of my characters in my stories (including this one) are AroAce or on the spectrum. This is hugely due to the fact that I’m on the AroAce spectrum and I love seeing representation. This is why the Husk in this AU is Demi/greyromantic and Demi/greysexual. And also why my Velvette and (later) Vox, are AroAce. And to the people may say that I’m just “filling things with my own agenda”, I say this. Don’t read my fics. Go away. This is meant to be a safe place, not only for my readers but for me. You don’t like a good majority being on the AroAce spectrum? Not my problem. We exist. Always have and always will. So my idea for that fic will be paused until I come to a decision.

I am sorry this update wasn’t a chapter or something more exciting. I just wanted to rest some of your hearts and minds by saying I haven’t abandoned this fic. Thank you my Finches, for reading this fic, for leaning kudos and comments, and I just want you all to know I appreciate you with all of my little AroAce heart. Thank you to those who read all of this and thank you so much for those who enjoy my story.

Until next time Finches, whenever that may be. 💜