Chapter 6:

Luck Be a Lady

Note: Sex in this chapter

In his room, Husk tossed and turned in his bed. He exhaled a deep breath frustrated as he was unable to get comfortable. He reached over to his nightstand, grabbing the flask of his nighttime booze as he sat up. Bringing it to his lips and drinking a large swig to hold him off until he could get to the army of bottles on his storage trunk at the foot of his bed. Waking up in the middle of the night sucked balls. Waking up after having a nightmare about Alastor in the middle of the night- was an anticlimactic level of bullshit. Husk shivered as he relived the images from his dream. It had been in relation to the drunk cat's arrival in Hell. He had set up a makeshift home for himself in a poker bar on the far side of town. The Radio Demon had approached him one night when he was having a bad string of luck and Husk didn't give two shits about the stares of absolute horror as the red coated killer made a bet.

"Do we have a deal?" He had asked Husk.

"There's no way I'll lose. Lady Luck loves me in her own sadistic way."

Husker brought the bottle to his lips as he cursed his famous last words. Along with that fucking fanged smile accompanied by those glowing red eyes. Husk lost the one round he needed to win and ended up being the fucker's lacky. Might not have been so bad if not for the fact that he always dragged him into his more obnoxious schemes. Always making Husk out to be the heavy or the cannon fodder, or whatever else he needed. Then proceeding to thank him the same way he bought him to begin with; a wink and some cheap booze. The winged black cat was old, but he was old for a reason. No idiot ever made it to a long prosperous age unless he had something no one else did. Husk 'tsked' through his teeth as he forced himself from his room, figuring he'd get a better row of Z's if he went to his bar in the lobby. The hallway was poorly lit. Husk dragged his feet, trying not to stubble into anything. Eventually, he made it down the elevator and into the room of wreckage. It had been repaired little by little over the last few weeks he had spent living there.

Shit. It's been near a month now hasn't it?

Husk fumbled a bit around the room, trying to avoid the carpet, knowing in his exhausted state, it would cause more issues than it would solve. Especially if he dropped his drink. Turning the corner, he needed to get past to go to the far back space of the large front room, Husk picked up his pace. Eager to sit in the warm embrace of his alcohol booth of sacred peace. Once he came within a close enough range, he could begin to make out the silhouettes of the different shapes that made up the bar. All outlined by the green light that came from the signs, relatively undisturbed by the dark shades of red that stopped just past the windows across from it. Husk squinted his eyes, steading his vison as he noticed a shape that didn't belong there. He got closer, reaching out with his tail, identifying Aby to be sitting with her head buried in her arms on the counter. She had a shot glass in front of her and an empty bottle. Husker gave a bop of his head at the sight.

"You too huh kid?" Husker patted her on the back, knowing she already knew he was there as he let his claws catch her hair. Doing so in attempt to comfort her.

He played with it for a second in attempt to relax her before he finished his route to his special place in the booth. He grabbed another bottle, popping the cork off, and proceeded to take a drink. He looked at the girl as she remained still. Using his tail, he tickled at her arm, trying to cox her from her apparent desire to ignore him. Seeing she still refused to move, Husk started to worry about her. Reaching over the bar his long-clawed paws come to reach through her hair. Husk lightly gulped as he went to check her pulse. Aby took a deep breath, scaring Husk enough to jump back as he watch her lift her head up slowly. Husk released a breath he didn't realize he had been holding.

Thank God. He thought. His fear fading.

Aby was now sitting straight, stretching her arms out, waking up from her knockout nap session. Husk moved close again, lightly flapping his wings to shake the last of the ruffle from his feathers. He studied Aby's face before she fully came to. He noticed the tear streaks that had stained her cheeks. Her eyes were red but not too swollen. Husk felt his wings involuntarily drop. His mouth suddenly had a bitter taste filling it.

She had been crying alone again. He concluded.

"Something wrong?" Aby had leaned on her arms watching her favorite bar keeper.

"No. I just can't believe you would sleep on my bar." He explained getting multiple glasses at once. One he filled with water, giving it to the girl who sipped it slowly. Using a second to prep a special concoction.

"Sorry. I just needed to drown in it", Aby explained as she had a plain tone in her voice.

"What made you need to drown- if you don't mind me asking", Husk paused making the second drink as he took a large gulp of booze.

He and Aby had become quite close, so he didn't need much explanation to her lingo. He took another drink for good measure, letting it burn his throat on the way down. Aby waited until he set the bottle down, deciding that she would vent.

"Feeling I haven't spent enough time with Alastor. And- worrying I'm not appealing enough for his tastes." Aby rubbed her arm as she waited for her new drinking buddy to tell her something cold or short.

"Yeah. That makes sense", Husk grumbled before placing the drink in front of Aby.

She smelled it, shifting her gaze between the drink and Husk. Husk had made her a drink made up of vodka, lemon lime soda, and strawberries. She looked at him through her eyelashes giving a cheeky smile.

"I didn't order this", Aby picked up the drink, mixing it with the straw. Sniffing it once more before taking a sip.

"You don't have to drink it."

Husk shot her a smirk. Reaching down, he cleaned a third glass with a towel before taking another drink from his booze bottle. Using his free hand to attempted to take the drink from Aby. She abruptly, but comically, jerked away from him while the drink was still in her hands.

"Now hold up- it's still mine. It also just happens to be one of my favorites"

"I know."

"What?"

"What?"

"How did you know?"

"Know what?"

"Don't play drunk. How did you know I like this type of drink?" Aby stuck her tongue out at Husk childishly, fighting the desire to raspberry him.

"Men's intuition."

"Men don't have intuition."

"Sure, we do. We just don't let women know we have intuition"

"Why?" Aby scoffed at the obvious bullshit humor.

"Because then you would know our secret and we need very advantage we can get."

"Advantage for what", she sarcastically demanded.

"Survival. Women are dangerous. It's unfair really."

Aby laughed. Perking back up to her chipper self, she pulled out a deck of cards. She gave a fancy single hand shuffle of the cards, holding Husk's attention before placing it down in front of him. He cut the deck. Once it was back in a single stack, he picked a card. Looked at it then placed it on top. Aby gave a cute wiggle of her fingers as she prepped for the trick. She had tried to preform a basic card trick, messing it up by mistake. Apparently, she had switched cards at the wrong time resulting in her pulling out the queen of hearts instead of the Ace Husk had drawn. Aby gave a bashful scratch at the back of her head. Husk returned to his booze, acting hard. Like he didn't care about some stupid card trick anyway. Or that Aby had messed it up due to her mind being so bothered by her troubles. Aby could see through him. Knowing he wouldn't relax until he knew she was going to be okay. He could be complicated that way. But he was still very sweet. At least, in Aby's opinion anyway.

"Alright Mister-I-lost-the-ability-to-love-years-ago. So back to the topic of before. I didn't mention that…I also happened…to…get in a fight…with A.D."

"Well, Miss-back-to-the-topic-of-before", he gave a bob of his head as his shoulders shook in a showgirl way, "I can tell you two things right now. The first is: You ain't appealing to Alastor the way you wanna be. And you ain't ever gonna be the way you wants to be."

Aby looked taken aback at the approach to the subject by the grump. Husk knew he struck a chord with her when she shrugged with a look that screamed, 'Here lies my fate. Time to lay in the grave and die'. Taking the drink in hand, she forced it down so she could get a buzz for this conversation. Husk approved of the mentality. Happy to serve her another. He was also approving of the way she could take what she dished when it came to blunt truth. Which is why, he kept going. Small burps, slurred words and all.

"Second: Angel…is a whore. A cock sucking, dick riding, drug sniffing, ass and boot licking whore! You are one of the best things in his life. He knows that. He also knows…you can't be the only one making amends when shit hits the fan. And quite frankly…you shouldn't. He'll come running back when he gets over himself. And if he don't…FUCK 'IM!"

Aby giggled as Husk rewarded himself for his advice with another swing of cheap booze. Regardless, she shook her head at Husk, taking his speech with a grain of salt. Lifting her glass to offer him cheers for the effort as she blew him a kiss. Husk kissed the air to return the gesture. His buzz thoughts were now coming through. You know, those cute little thoughts that the alcohol tells you should get out in the open. And before you say them, you think it's going to be like jumping in a hot tub with your favorite drink in your hand during a cold winter and all your friends are there and take what you say as another reason to cherish your friendship. But for some reason, when you do say them, it comes off more like getting stark-ass naked in a field during hunting season and doing the macarena while making Pterodactyl noises.

"And another thing! To clarify my earlier crap… Alastor isn't a particularly physical kind of guy. Ain't a very compromising guy neither. If…for some reason…you think this- this…relationship is going to go anywhere… then get the idea that you're gonna… swoon him with your body out of you god damn head. Be yourself…trust me. I ain't never seen him with anybody! And…ain't nobody going to outshine you in this…dump. Your odds…they look damn good from where I stand."

"Booze in hand?"

"Booze in everywhere. Baby…I'm sure I bleed alcohol. I-it's great."

Aby said nothing. Just smiled and gave a small shake of her head as she gave him the empty glass. Husk could tell she felt a little better than before. He could also see she was still plagued by uncertainty. Taking a minute to question if it was just a natural curse of being young. Regardless, Husk offered a coin trick. Before Aby could answer, he showed her his paws. Used his claws to ruffle his arm fur, since he didn't have sleeves. He reached over to the side of her head. Pulling the substituting poker chip, he used instead of a coin. Aby gave a low clap of the hands, bowing her head to him. Laying it down on the counter in front of her to challenge her. Aby didn't look at the cat demon as she plainly claimed to not know how to play poker.

Husk studied her face, squinting as he whispered loudly, "Bullshit."

"Now, that game- I can play."

It was, once again, Husk's turn to shake his head. Laughing at the transition. Aby was happy to see him relaxing like this. He almost never showed this side of him. Aby felt a curiosity build in the back of her mind as she asked herself what could have ever happened in life to make him this way. Everyone is in Hell for a reason. She told Charlie that so many times. Mainly so she could believe it herself whenever she had moments like this. Moments that made her doubt the non-existent humanity of redemption. She knew there were rarely mistakes in the judgement prosses. So- Why did Husker seem like he didn't fully belong?

*#*

Earth- Las Vegas, Nevada 1946.

The city is bright, loud and the streets leading up to the strip are overrun by dreamers. Most of which are still just glad for the war to be over. Those who are back, are searching for jobs. Those with money are just looking to blow it. Women have left the work field and returned home to run the household. Meanwhile, the city was expanding and redesigning some of its old structures. Husk is an older man, in his early forties, running the blackjack table in his family's casino. The undisturbed, modestly lavished, simple casino called The Cat's Eye. Currently in his family's overlooking office, sitting lazily on the couch, he sips from a glass filled with a cheap booze. He had been brought up by a pair of the casino's bouncers to address a certain issue.

"A strange dame keeps winning in the joint." His father stated.

"Give it a minute. She'll start losing if she keeps playing. They all do", Husk responded. Boredom apparent in his voice.

"That's just it. She's been at it for an hour. Spent most of the time on the slots", one of the lacky's reported.

"Husker. Investigate. Try getting her to play your table."

Husk had very little doubt his pops was overreacting. Regardless, he returned to the floor. After relieving his substitute and scaring off the few players at the table as a result. He managed to spot her walking around after leaving the roulette table. She caught him looking at her. He flagged her down. When she came up to him, Husk got a better look at her before she took a seat. She was thicker than most ladies he had seen in his day. Her body structure was wider, taller. She was built. As though moderate physical labor wasn't foreign to her. Unusually, maybe, but he still noted the expensive looking clothing. He estimated she came from a wealthy family. She was young too. Barely old enough to be legal by his best guess. Which would explain why she could waste so much time here even if she wasn't loosing. If all the pieces fit the way Husk thought they did, she was using daddy's money. Out fishing for a husband as most girls her age should be.

He felt a pre-prejudice opinion forming about her. Having seen so many come through under his eye, he thought he knew the type. But, something about her intrigued him. Getting a closer look at her, he noted every detail. Her hair was a dark red, she wore a matching strapless red dress that came all the way down to the ground, dragging slightly behind her. Her breasts weren't too accentuated since she had a transparent shawl over her shoulders. Husk noted the absence of jewelry with the exception of a locket around her neck. A cheap, silver one. Things weren't adding up. Husk had thought he could figure her out but none of the clues were connecting properly. Before he could theorize further, he caught another individual approaching out the corner of his eye. The walking attendant brought her her drink; a shot of Brandy. They quickly struck up a conversation.

"So- how about a round. Does a dame like you know how to play blackjack?"

"Sorry buster. No clue." She crossed her legs, resting her head on her hand. She gave a flirty smile to Husk as she lifted her drink. Husk looked at her, scoffing at the obvious lack of interest the lass displayed.

"You've been going all over the casino, playing everyone's table except the cards. But you can't play this?"

The female shrugged. "Don't mind me. Ich lüge…nien. Ich bin eine lüge." She took the shot without a chaser. Husk was impressed.

Girl can handle her liquor. He congratulated her in his mind. Dismissing the lady's use of German.

They sat there for a minute. Not saying a word. Not needing to. He could read what he needed to know. He knew he was wrong about his original assumption. Earlier, it had been mischief in her smile; not disinterest. And she wasn't here to catch any fella. She was here to forget. This encouraged Husk to pull out his secret stash from under the table. Pouring himself a cup of booze. He offered the bottle to her as a peace offering. She offered the shot glass for him to pour into. Wanting to taste the drink before committing to it. Once Husk was confident, she wasn't going to run, he spoke again.

"I'll teach ya. Since it's a slow night. Might as well learn something while you're here."

"I didn't know casinos had slow nights."

"They do when I'm on the floor."

Husk leaned onto the table, giving a confident smile. The girl looked deep into his eyes, smiling cutely before setting down her glass. She shifted her stare to the table before speaking.

"I've no doubt you are a wonderful man. No matter the unparalleled misfortunes one might suffer, the eyes reveal one's true nature." When she looked up to find Husk was confused and glancing around a tad uncomfortable, she laughed.

"Captain Walton. From the book Frankenstein. It's a quote."

Husk shook his head with his eyebrows up high on his forehead. He shuffled the deck. Dealt the cards. Then began the lesson. Letting her know the goal was to get as close to 21 in card value as possible. He let that lead into the card values, showing her how each card of the deck fell into a tier. When she understood how to break it down in values, he moved on. He explained how to ask for another card by saying 'hit' or waving to herself. If she wanted to keep her cards her way, she would need to say 'stay' or wave her hand over the table. He explained the '16 or under' rule. Followed by the '17 or over' rule. He told her what happened when she got a bust. He also explained how, if she won, her winnings would be earned.

If she's able to count cards, this will make it easy to snuff her out. He thought to himself. Silently hoping his pops was wrong.

They went a total of thirteen rounds. His guest had caught on after two, but she had been fun to play with. At least from what Husk could make out. Discovering she had not been cheating; just lucky. He eventually lit a cigarette, to which the dame reached over the table and yanked from his lips, snuffing it out on an ash tray.

"Hey", he told her. A childish pout in his tone.

"You shouldn't smoke. It's bad for you."

"Says who", he demanded.

"Just trust me on this one. Besides you drink too much to add to the list."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"Exactly how its interpreted. You're too much a sweetheart to hurt your body with crap."

"Thanks ma'."

"Your welcome little shit."

She gave him a snarky smile. The two laughed as they continued to talk. Eventually, she reached over the table again. Reaching just past his ear. Husk did something even more random- he stood still letting her conduct what she had planned. When she pulled away, she showed him a poker chip in her hand that he hadn't seen before. He took her hand, kissing the back on it. Taking the chip from her. He couldn't remember the last time he had this much fun. With anybody. They stayed there like that, going back and forth with more magic tricks for three hours. Finally, the dame got up to claim her winnings and return to her hotel room. Husk, having found no evidence of her being a troublesome client much less cheating, let her go. Asking her to come back.

The lovely bird smiled back at him saying, "Can't wait. Bis spӓtter."

German again. Husk noted. Raising a cigarette to his hand. Before the match could lit it, he stopped. Blowing out the match, he dropped the nicotine stick in the trash.

It was rare in his life, that ladies who didn't make him wanna puke ever gave him a second glance. It was even more rare that he let them. By this point in life, Husk didn't want to be another stone in a raging river stuck at the mercy of the tide. Yet, for better or worse, that's all he seemed to be. He was bored with this life. He was bored with people. But time wouldn't move fast enough. So, he drank to force it to go faster. Needless to say, he never thought there would come a day I wanted to pay attention to anything that wasn't a bottle filled with the liquid. Until the next night. Returning to the casino the next night, was a darling dish with the same face. Her hair was now an ebony color. Her dress was a shimmering gold. Despite all these changes, Husk was capable of making her out from the poker table.

He dealt the cards. Played the game. Dominated the players who dared stepped to try their luck. Taking time to look at her between games. It didn't take long before he granted her the honor of being his official 'Goodluck Charm'. He waited for her to make a move. To come to the table. To play the floor. But she does nothing. She doesn't play at all as she watches from the bar. After several games, the table slows down. People pas but no one plays. It didn't take long after that for Husk to grow bored. Shortly after that, he called for a substitute. He leaves early to go to the bar. However, just when he parts from the table, he looks the see his charm is gone. The bar had no doll in gold. Husk swallowed the dryness in his throat.

Ready to leave the casino to make a booze run, he turned around. Husk practically jumped out of his skin when he found the 'charm' behind him. Husk scolded her for sneaking up on him. She retorted by laughing and apologizing from behind a hand that covered her smile. Husk studied her current fashion. How the dress was more form fitting. The pattern taking some inspiration from a Chinese design. Tonight, she had no shawl. The way her hair was pinned to one side and curled, draping over her shoulder. She greeted him with a magic trick involving cards. Husk and she started talking about the excitement of a night on the town. She tagged along as he made his booze run. When they were on their way back inside, she slowed her pace. Husk caught on, allowing them to stop in front of the building. Her eyes lit up as she took in the sights of the lights on the street. When he questioned it, she explained how she adored the glitter of lights. Claiming it to be like magic in the night.

Upon going back to Husk's room on the upper level, he offers to teach her how to play poker. She seems reluctant. Thinking her skills far too limited to hold any talent at the game. The two drank for a moment, talking about the skills they thought they had. The things they'd do if their skill set were different. The people they would fraternize with if they were in their ideal setting. After the bottle ran out, Husk pulled from his personal stash. Then the lesson began. Husk started with the ten ways to win. The doll seemed annoyed at the grand push of information. Regardless, she said nothing. She sat with her drink and watched, absorbed and played. She learned fast. Not as fast as she had picked up blackjack, but it was to be expected. Once they both felt she was starting to get the hang of it, they bumped up the stakes. A friendly wager between comrades. Husk thought he was on the verge of winning the $6000. Too bad for him, the tables turned. Even worse for him, she did the unexpected. Beating him but leaving the money. As she makes her way to the door, he finally has to know what he had denied himself.

"What's you name anyway?"

"I haven't thought one up since I've been in town long. I don't socialized much anymore. What do you wanna call, me? As a thank you, I'll let you pick."

Husk thought to all the things they talked about. She liked old stories. Mentioning she enjoyed the poetry and art of the Greece or Rome. He recalled a named he came across in a random book from his youth. It meant Honeybee based on how you translated it.

"Melissa", he said without a second though.

The girl was surprised as she blinked at the older gentleman. She smiled sweetly, her eyes building tears. Husk was confused but did all he could to keep it from showing. He hoped he hadn't insulted her. Maybe it was more a tragic trigger for her. Just as he was wanting to speak up to reconsider it, she spoke.

"What an honor. Thank you. I'll cherish this name you've given me", she shifted her weight before opening the door, giving he casino boy a wink and leaving.

*#*

"Bust!" Back in Hell, Aby tossed her card down on the table as she gleefully called out.

The demons playing against the dealer all started laughing. Mostly out of mockery, since this had been the 6th time in a row that the girl had lost. She played it off as another demon bought her a drink and watched her chug it down. The other demons had taken advantage of her head being tilted back to look at her cleavage. Husk caught on, flaring his wing over her as he used his hands to turn her around. He got away from the table, taking her to the bar lounge with him. It was a darkly lit room full of pool tables where the demons who hated the bright lights could go to drink and play whatever games they wanted. Aby claimed a table in the back corner by sitting on it, leaning back on her hands, resting the back of her head on her shoulder blades, striking a rather 'poster girl' pose. Seeing her like this confirmed Husk's original suspicions.

"You were losing on purpose again, weren't you?" Husk flagged for the first round of their drinks. Glad he decided to play on the order disk early on in their arrival to the first casino.

"I don't know what you mean." She waved her hand playfully, taking the glass off the server's tray.

Husk said nothing as he took his bottle from the same tray. Never taking his eyes off her. Though he finds more to look at as he acknowledges her dress. Aby wore a black strapless dress that hugged her torso. He noticed the pattern was cut in relatively one piece. The skirt of the dress flared out by about three inches off her waist all the way around, falling to the ground. Layers of thin, transparent fabric rested over a satin slip. Large white feathers were stitched in a symmetrical downward pattern from the waist. A large shawl was pinned to the left breast of the dress. It draped over her shoulder, falling down her back. It would wave behind her as she walked around the casino. She felt his stare but only looked at him in response. They two drunks stayed still waiting for the other to take down their walls first. After what he had seen earlier in the night, it only seemed right- to him at least- that it be Husk. Just then, Aby hopped off the table.

"What do you think? It's not too horrible on me is it?" She gave a slow twirl, allowing Husk a look at her from all angles. Husk stared with a pondering expression.

He smiled contently saying, "Not even Grace Kelly could pull it off better. You look lovely, kid." Aby gave a triumphed puff of her chest. Her bright red lipstick made her smile even more beautiful. Husk, however, wanted the last jab.

"But your poker face needs some work, kid."

Aby chuckled at the old cat's words. Moving in closer to him, she does the card trick she had attempted earlier again. Doing it perfectly this time. Husk shrugs, finishing is drink. He gestures to Aby, the desire to go out to the next casino. Aby is more than happy to oblige since he's such an introvert. She had been excited at the chance of dressing up again. This time in a more fitting casino hopping dress. Husk wasn't surprised in the least at her choice. It was clearly drawing inspiration from an old Frank Sinatra movie called High Society.

The two made it out the door of the fifth casino without any issue. Per their agreement, the two would finish the night at Husk's favorite place. This casino was called Lucky Trinity. It was here, they had their first real obstacle; the bouncer. He gave them trouble at the door. Denying them entry due to Husk having a bad rep. Apparently when you owe money after getting spirited away by the Radio Demon, you tend to piss a lot of demons off. Especially if the guys you owe think you were making excuses to get out of paying. However, had he been allowed to lay his hand down, Husk would have won the pot. And of course, Husk tried to explain this the only way he knew how. This entailed him flipping off the bouncer while cussing him out. Before things could get out of hand, Aby blows powder in the taller male's face. The larger demon backed up a few steps, his pupils expanding. Husk put together that whatever she used, it made him more chill. They were permitted inside as Aby took Husk by the arm. Just when he thought he was off the hook, she scolded him. Warning him to behave. The grump mumbled his innocence but didn't argue against it too hard. His passive behavior rewarded by a kiss to the cheek. Her attention moved to her surroundings as er HerAby was astounded by the lights. Stopping them in their tracks, she observed the room. Trailing off into her thoughts before Husk interrupted.

"Looks like magic doesn't it?"

"That's exactly what I was thinking. How'd you know?" Aby took him by the hand, petting the fur there. Leaning on his shoulder as she kept looking at the glow of the building.

Husk looks at her. A star gazed expression in his own eyes. Letting his own head rest on the top of the lady's, squeezing her hand. Husk let himself enjoy the doll on his arm.

*#*

Back in the Cat's Eye casino, Husk starts to see Melissa on a regular basis. Moving her into a guest room after three days. She mentioned she would be checking out of the hotel explaining she wanted to leave town. But Husk talked her into staying. Not long after, she started working at the bar in his family's casino. Melissa even assists in revealing cheaters and sexual harassers. Business increases as she informs some powerful gamblers of the comfort of the casino. This, being her way of telling Husk's pops there was no bad blood over him assuming she had been cheating the first night. When he would get off shift, Husk would rush to find his doll in the casino. They would drink, dance, and show off little magic tricks to one another over an impressive conversation. Impressive to Husk due to the fact he could stand to talk to her and never tire of it. Melissa would sometimes cheat when it came to the tricks, she showed him, wanting to impress her companion. Though Husk could figure out she had done it, he couldn't understand how. However, he didn't seem to care on the 'how' when he saw how proud Melissa would be that he enjoyed the show. So far, the only drawback being that she refused to call him anything other than Husker. He hated his full name. But he didn't hate it as much when he heard her call to him.

It was about two weeks later. Husk was called off the floor; not by his family. Word got to him that there was trouble after an inside man from another casino rushed to get him. Melissa had gotten into a face off when she visited another casino. Her string of good luck leading to the same issues it always did. Currently held at gun point in an office by a group of thugs, the owner believing she had cheated. Melissa stood her ground. Spitting on the carpet as she warned the dumbasses in the room to let her go with the money. The casino head didn't take long to get pervy. Offering to give her the money if she earned it. Melissa headbutted him in the nose. Getting smart, she states she'd rather die.

Just when it looked like there would be no way to avoid things turning uglier, Husker got involved. Storming like a bat out of hell through to doors leading into the room just as the first shot is fired. Catching on to his presence with barely enough time, Melissa pushes him to take the hit in her arm. The chaos was pushed back when the rival owner ordered his shit-for-brains lackeys to hold their fire. Huck made it to Melissa, taking her in one arm. Pulling out his own gun, voguing for her. Melissa feel him pull her with him as he edges slowly over to a table. The two leaders share threats at one another. The other giving signal for the raid of bullets just as Husk had gone to tip the table for cover. More shots are exchange, leaving Husker exposed long enough to get nicked in the shoulder.

Leaning back into the table, Melissa examines the wound. Husk pushes her back telling her to stay low. She continues to fuss over the blood staining his once white shirt. Husk insists its not as bad as it looks. Upon winning the argument, Melissa is able to confirm this as she verifies the wound was a through and through. Removing her shawl, she folds it, pushing it against the area, instructing husk to apply pressure. Not wanting to be coddled, he tries to act like it doesn't hurt. This didn't stop Melissa from getting angry at the ones who caused this. Kissing Husker on the cheek, she thanked him. For his time. For his effort. For everything. Taking his gun from him, she lets him know she will handle it. She begs him not to look, but he looks. He's stunned as her eyes turn a sickening shade of green, her hair darkening out into a deep, rich brown. A drastic change from the once dirty blonde it had been. Fangs protruded from beneath her upper lip. She had begged him not to look. But he looked. She stepped out from behind the table, the bullets not phasing her. Husk noticed they didn't seem to hit her. Those that had, only pushed her back an inch. He watched as she killed the men who hurt him. One by one, without leaning too far out from the table, he watched every moment of it as the screams would fill the room and die after. She broke the neck of one with just her hand, throat slammed another out a window, grabbed one by the hair and forced his back against her knee. Literally breaking him with an ear deafening snap. Only five minutes had passed before all, but the owner, lied dead in the room. The glow in her eyes disappeared.

She took the cash threatening him in the process. The owner was too busy cowering on the floor in a fettle position. Baffled by the display he had been forced to witness. His hands out in front of his face as he waited for a violent end that never came. Wailing helplessly, he soon defecated himself. Melissa paid no attention to him. Helping the would-be hero to his feet, she kissed Husk once more. This time taking him by the lips. Having been surprised for a couple seconds, Husk didn't need much coxing to kiss back. He felt a burning sensation on his injured shoulder. Using every ounce of his will to ignore it. Instead, letting the flutter in his stomach and the tightness in his chest command his attention.

When she pulled away, she carried the briefcase in one hand as she walked ahead of Husk. The shawl in the other hand caught his eye next as he hadn't realized she had taken it back. But that didn't make him cock his head half as much as what he noticed when he went to touch his shoulder. The pain was gone. The bleeding- gone. His shirt wasn't even stained anymore. No evidence of his injury could be seen. Without looking back, Husker caught up to Melissa, taking her back to his room. Once there, she offers the cash and tries to leave. Hopelessly apologizing for having put him under such stress mixed in with compromising circumstances. Husker stopped her. He had to stop her.

"I'm fine. All because of you", he grabbed her by the arm. Holding her to make her talk to him.

"If not for me- you wouldn't have been there at the start", she pulled half-heartedly against him. Feeling she had to hear him out at the very least to repent.

"It was a rival casino. A dirty one at that. It was bound to happen. Now thanks to you they won't come buggin' round here. Ever!"

Melissa starred at him. Taking in the desperation on his face. Not for himself, but for her. He was worried about her. Choosing to believe that his words were true, she nodded her head. Husk wrapped his arms around her, holding her close to him. Running her hand over his shoulder, her hand mildly shaking, she spoke.

"It doesn't still hurt, does it?"

"No."

"Not even a little? You can't lie to me if it does."

"I'd never lie to you."

Husk had answered without giving even a second between Melissa's questions. He held her tighter, comforting her. She may have been shaking, but he was still and calm. Melissa buried her face into Husk's vest, gripping his clothes in her fists. She believed him. Nothing in her wide range of senses told her she couldn't. Husk, meanwhile, was thinking how he was overjoyed to have her in his life. He had never known anyone like her. Right now, seemed liked a decent time to show her that. Husk palmed at her back, bringing one hand down to her hip. He planted kisses against every part of her he could reached. Pulling away to aim for her lips. Trying to use as few words as possible. He couldn't bring himself to say it out loud. He got a single kiss away from her lips before her turned her head from him. He caught her biting her lip. She would do his when embarrassed. It only added to his suspicions when he saw her face flush.

"Sorry, its just- I've never known such a humdinger dish like you." He noticed the look on her face right away she looked sheepishly amused. He grunted through his words as he asked, "I'm showing my age, aren't I?"

"Just be happy I'm showing mine too."

"At least you don't look it. I'm willing to bet money- that you'd be just as darlin' and beautiful forever. Like a picture. Stuck in time."

Melissa smiled as she massaged at Husk's biceps before bringing her arms down. Running her hands down his until she made it to his hands. Husk took the hint as he intertwined his fingers with hers. He kissed her forehead. Taking a shaky, deep breath. He leaned his head in to rest against hers. They stayed like that for a long, peaceful moment before he spoke again.

"Listen. I don't want a nice dame like you ending up alone. You deserve more than that. I don't care if its with me. Just find yourself a good man. One who'll treat you right. Who'll shower you in all the love this crummy shit wasteful whole-lot-of-nothing world has to offer."

"Then maybe- just for tonight- you could be someone I let sweep me away for a moment", she whispered the words as she pointed her face up. Her nose brushing against his.

"Be sure to take the money with you. I don't need it."

"I don't know what you mean", she responded in a sarcastic voice.

"You're a quick study, little miss. But your poker face needs some work."

She draped her arms around his neck, bringing their faces even closer. He took a second to feel her breath on his skin. Moving past, she took his ear in her mouth, sucking and biting his lobe. Husk couldn't help the sound that emanated from the depts of his throat. When she pulled back an inch, she blew air onto it before whispering, "Then show me cool cat."

*#*

Husker moved in closer to Melissa. She stood perfectly still as she let him get comfortable. He wanted to take his time, but another part of him wanted to ravage her. He felt foreign to the urge to be patient as he made this connection with her. Husk was starting to understand why Melissa had compared it to dancing in the past. It took timing. It took rhythm. It took desire overlapping with passion. Above all else, it took the will to keep your sanity. Even if just for the start of the song. Husk ran his hands over her body. Feeling her through her dress. Closing his eyes, he leaned his face into hers. His palms covered her ass, squeezing the muscle there. Pulling her pelvis closer to his, grinding his hips forward. She could feel how hard he was through their clothes. Husk grunted as he kissed her cheek, her forehead, and then her neck. He found a spot there that made her give a soft moan. He could tell she holding in the noise.

"No…let me…hear it." He nipped at the spot, eliciting a noise that made his blood rush south.

His hand traced up her back. Searching for the zipper that allowed for the annoying fabric to stay in place. His judgement was fading as the music became distorted. Like a record on the phonogram that was reaching a winding point.

If this was a song. He wondered in his mind a split second. What kind would it be?

Husker held her tightly as he kissed her roughly on the lips. He parted the dress, using his whole hand to sense her once more. The skin was soft, warm and addicting. While the firm, tight muscle tensed as she stiffened. Bringing her leg up to wrap around his waist, pulling him closer to her as she deepened the kiss. Holding him by his shirt collar than placing her arms around his neck. Eventually her hands came up to comb through and pull at his hair. Her tongue rubbing against his teasingly. The last note groaned on the record in Husker's mind. Then- it stopped. That's when it happened. Husker's self-control smoked out and vanished. He grabbed Melissa by the other leg, hoisting her off the ground. Tossing her on the bed with his own body not far behind. He practically ripped the dress off her. Underneath, she wore only lace red panties. Pushing them to the side, he used a single finger to run from her entrance to her clit. Melissa became flushed, attending to close her legs.

"We can call it here if you want", he explained. Though he really didn't want to stop. He also didn't want to end things with her on bad terms either.

"I-it's just embarrassing." She blushed as she told this to Husk.

Melissa was clean in terms of hygiene. But she was also modest in some ways more than others. Self-conscious even. In this case, she thought there might be something horribly wrong with her…down there. Call it a virgin's fear. But it didn't stop Husker from parting her legs. Melissa didn't watch as she made the decision to trust the older man knew what he was doing. Once he saw she was in a much better state about the situation, Husk continued. Bringing her mouth to her lower set of lips, he separated them as he played with her most sensitive parts. His tongue flicked side to side. He pushed his lips together firmly as he sucked on it. Alternating between fast and slow at just the right intervals. When the amount of secretion increased and Melissa cried out arching her back, he pulled away. Using the handkerchief from his vest pocket, he cleaned his face, tossing it aside. Melissa caught her breath before sitting up in the bed, keeping Husker between her legs. She undid his bowtie, followed by working on his vest. Husk had taken it upon himself to reach for her breasts. Melissa hardly fumbled over the buttons of Husker's clothes as she felt him rub over her nipples, massaging them between his index and thumb. Proceeding to encircle them slowly, sending shivers over her chest.

God, I didn't know that was a possibility. She though.

Pushing the clothing from Husker's shoulders, he took the hint as he leaned back just enough to get his top off. Meanwhile, Melissa made use of the new angle, unfastening his belt and pants. When he felt the cloth of his underwear create a friction over his penis, he lunged forward. Forcing Melissa onto her back, he sucked on her breasts with great fervor. Melissa clawed at his shoulders as she struggled to get a hold on her partner. Instead, she used the one hand to clench onto his hair while the other pushed his pants down further. Once it was free, Melissa took his length into her hand. The pressure from her grip made Husker gasp before blowing a breeze of air from his lungs. Causing him to blow warm air onto her breast. When it hit the wet spot created by his saliva, it made a 'cool' sensation that Melissa gasped to. Her hold on him tightened. Husker used one of his hands to guide hers. He wanted her to move. She went straight from the medium pace, which he was grateful for. Melissa gave lots of attention to the tip and under the shaft. Husk moved up the bed to get closer to her face as he braced himself, supporting his weight on his forearms. Rolling his hips forward, allowing Melissa's hand to hit the base of his cock more strongly. Slowly, but surely, his pants slipped even further down his legs. The pressure built in his lower half as he felt himself coming closer. Again, he placed his hand over Melissa's. This time ceasing the movement.

"How… would you feel about… putting it… in your… mouth", he asked between pants.

Without answering, she rolled them over. Husk only had a second to adjust before Melissa was kissing and biting her way down his chest. When she made it to his dick, she made the classic mistake of looking it in the 'eye'. Watching it stand proud and tall. The twitching and pulsating caused the manly piece of flesh to bounce steadily. A bead of clear, liquid dripped down the side. Even before she did anything to it, it had become so wet. Husker was about to speak up. The anticipation making his need for release build a little too much. Just then, Melissa draped her lips over the tip. Taking the time to have her tongue lap at the salty substance from every angle she could make it reach. Husk threw his head back in to the pillows. The noises he made were gruff, unhinged and protruded from the back of his throat. Melissa felt her face heat up as the blush deepened. Taking the sounds as a sign that was, in fact, granting Husk a pleasure. Taking him deeper into her mouth. Careful not to gag due to how thick he was. Luckily for her, he wasn't too long. If she concentrated hard enough, she could touch the base of his penis with her lips. Husk felt the back of Melissa's throat. The tingle rushed over his body. The muscle contracted pushing and releasing his top to their mercy. Then Melissa swallowed. Husker's hands slammed against the bed as he searched desperately for something to grab onto. His breathing became rapid, his hands clenched the sheets and his legs shook as his hips gravitated towards the source of this glorious, sinful, mouth. Melissa chocked on him, not expecting him to push back. Recovering quickly, she held his hips down. Positioning herself back to where she had been before.

Husk couldn't stand it anymore, "Move. For all that's good! Move your mouth along it."

Melissa blinked a couple times. Taking a breath as best she could before steadily bobbing her head up and down. Her lack of experience was starting to show. She kept hitting the back of her throat only to pull back faster than she could go down. It didn't help her that she didn't go more than an inch away from the base at most. She had very little technique to how she sucked on his, easily losing rhythm. To top it off, she would nick him with her teeth whenever she hit her gag reflex. Husker brought one hand to rest on the back of her head, stringing his fingers through her hair.

"Relax your throat a little more. Come up to the tip and take a short break so you don't exhaust yourself. You can play with it and use your tongue instead of your whole mouth. Breath through your nose when you come up and hold it when your down. If you can moan or swallow while down- all the better. Otherwise don't force yourself."

Melissa blushed harder than she had been. Husker's voice had still been masked with lust, but he didn't struggle as much to talk. It told her that she had messed up enough to make the experience dull for him. Pulling away from his shaft, Melissa took a couple deeps breathes as she pumped him fast with one hand. Husk could see there was a new determination in her eyes. He gulped as he saw the look of pure fire.

God, that's incredible. He mentally slapped himself for getting so worked up.

Melissa took the tip back into her mouth, roughly swirling her tongue in a 'crazy 8' motion. Keeping her jaw wide open so not to catch him on her teeth. Once, she was got a decent pattern going, she looked up at Husk. His face was flushed as he looked down at her, chest heaving, his hand pushed her head down more as he silently wished for her to keep going. Seeing she hadn't killed his buzz, she did as he asked. Taking him all the way in her mouth once more. Using the tip of her tongue, she brushed under the shaft of his cock. Once more, she found her confidence quickly. Speeding up her pace. Husker grunted as he flung his head back. Reaching his release as Melissa held on to the tip of his penis with her lips; not moving. Surprised by the sudden string of warm, bitter cum in her mouth, she drank it. Giving Husk a couple more licks before pulling away entirely, Melissa looked around for something to get the taste from her mouth.

"You can use my handkerchief, its on the nightstand", Husker peeped at her with one eye as he gathered his remaining stamina. Preparing for the next round. Melissa looked at Husker confused.

"For what?" She asked.

"Y-you s-swallowed it?" Husker felt the blood rush south instantly. He picked up his head to get a better look at Melissa, who then looked concerned.

"What? Is that bad?

"No…no. Not at all. Just- most girls… don't care for it." Husker wasn't sure how to explain it.

He watched as Melissa sat herself on his lap. Bringing her sex dangerously close to his as he leaned forward, reaching over him to pick up the whiskey bottle he had there. She opened it and took a large swig before sticking her tongue out in a sour face.

"And, clearly, you are no exception." Husker tried not to laugh as he watched her fan at her mouth, fighting the look of disgust there. Trying to avoid making a joke about how she didn't need a chaser for alcohol but needed one for cum.

He paused, letting his senses soak up what the could of Melissa. She had noticed him, returning it in kind. Leaning down she got close to his ear, deliberately pushing her breasts against his chest. He exhaled a breath he hadn't been aware he was holding in. Bringing his arms to wrap around her waist. Repeating his mission from the start, he sought out to touch every bit of her skin. Melissa's reaction was a positive one as she buried her face in the crook of his neck. She rolled her hips in a circular motion, causing friction against Husk in a way that only made him pent up. Before he could lose all self-control, he rolled the two over onto their sides. Once Melissa adjusted to the new position, Husker reached into his nightstand, pulling out a couple condoms. Leaving one on top of the stand, he opened the other, rolling it over himself and kicking off the last of his clothes. Husk sat up, placing one of Melissa's legs over his shoulder, kissing the inside of her thigh.

"I'm going to start now. Do you know what to expect?" Husker wondered just what kind of things Melissa's past experience in sex entailed. However, he also felt a pain in his chest at the thought.

"Yes. It's fine. I'll adjust." Melissa turned her face away, shutting her eyes.

Husk kissed her thigh once more, pressing his face to it. Using one hand, he guided himself to the entrance, pushing in slowly. Melissa moaned as Husk glided over the spot at the front of the entrance. Finding that it was super sensitive to the stretching her body endured. Husk kept his pace consistent, fighting to go in all the way. Using the bed as leverage he added a steady bounce to his movement to give some slack inside her. The fluid she produced made it easier for him to push in deeper. It wasn't long before he has panting, the base of his dick hitting the part of her that met with him. Melissa still refused to look at him as she made a series of noises that only made it harder for Husk to keep from moving until she could handle it. Melissa started to squirm her hips as she forced them down despite there not being any more space to close. Husker grunted as he gripped Melissa tight by the thigh wrapped around his waist and her wrists which he pinned over her head with one hand. No warning. No hesitation. And no more waiting. Husk moved his hips as fast as his body would allow. Keeping his thrusts deep but fast and hard. He was sure he would wear himself out but was confident he could outlast Melissa either way. He just needed to make her scream. Just once.

"Shit! Husker! I'm not used to this!" Melissa bit her bottom lip before allowing a louder moan to escape her.

"Sorry. I… can't- stop." Husk wasn't lying. His body was moving on its own by this state.

"D-don't…stop!" Melissa moved her hips to meet his thrusts as best she could.

Husk leaned forward, allowing to roll his hips at different angles. Melissa cried out as she felt him come close to hitting another spot deep inside her. Husk pushed to reach that spot, only able to get within half an inch of it. Even so, Melissa felt his thickness was more than enough to make it easy to finish. Husk pulled Melissa off the bed, turning her over so she rested on it. He kept her legs spread over the edge, pushing back into her. With the new position came another pleasure. Added by how Husk grabbed Melissa by the wrists again pulling her arms behind her. She did her best to meet her partner's thrusts even though she felt she was at too awkward of an angle. Husk kept edging himself, pulling out just in time to change positions. One was a standing position against the wall. One was a sitting position with Husk standing as he kept her on the brim of the bed. Each time, he played with Melissa's neck and breasts to create the same sensation for her when he first penetrated. It was hell for him as he got so close to cumming. Only to deny himself so that he might make their time together last longer. Soon enough, Husk and Melissa were back on the bed with Melissa on top. She rode him, rotating her hips in a diagonal circular motion. Switching off between regular thrusts and the occasional fast hip swish. Husk assisted her in moving as she was experimenting with what angle to take him with. Eventually they decided on the one where Melissa was leaning back, her hands bracing her weight by grabbing Husk's thighs while Husk helped to slam her down on him harder. Making sure to use the bed's bounce to aid him in pushing his hips upward. Husk came violently from pushing it down so much. Melissa had screamed his name, while Husk responded.

"Melissa! Oh, sweet- AHHH", Husker cried out as he swore his eyes crossed, " I love you."

*#*

In Hell, Husk watched Aby playing the game. Currently trying her hand at poker. It had been a slow game, with only two folds so far. A couple raises, a check or two, and another fold later and Aby won. Leaving the table with the pot, Aby starts machine jumping on the slots. Winning after loosing a coin or two, them moving on. She gained spectators fast after the first three flood of coins. Allowing her shadow demon summons to take the buckets to the claims desk for holding. A couple of other gamblers tried flirting with her to get her to give her some money. Another few tried going straight for the ass grab. That got shut down quick when Aby either stabbed them or flipped them over the craps table.

Husk watched with a childish smirk on his face. He and Aby both agreed; Fuck the craps table. He drinks as they go around the casino. Using his wings to keep some of the more polite flirts at a distance. Some of them tried to get physical with him but didn't get far when Aby caught them putting their hands on him. No one was going to ruin their fun. She would see to it since Husk was finally out of the hotel. Doing it by his standards aside, Husk was enjoying himself. The pattern started to fade as Aby got tired of the company, moving to the blackjack table. Unlike at the other casino's she went for broke. He caught her looking more at the lights than anything else. Staring at the ceiling between games.

Husk tried to do the same. He wanted to see what she saw. Even if he couldn't, he still wanted to try. In his drunken state he failed to realize that at some point he fell on his ass and just started laying on his back. Aby appeared in his line of sight. Hovering down at him, she chuckles as she made sure he was alright. Once her check on him was complete he celebrated by becoming more and more intoxicated. Aby never let him get too far from her as she chased after him when he tried to get the next drink. After cutting him off, Husk got clingy. Aby laughed at the commonality between them when alcohol allowed them to bask in the presence of a dear companion. It was even more entertaining for the lass as he griped about being an 'old man'.

"You're not old Husker."

"I'm fucking 60."

"No shit", she looked at him, disbelief all over her face.

"Don't worry. I still function like a young buck."

Aby erupted in laughter, Husk joining her after her laugh transformed into a giggle. His expression holding a more bemused appearance than insulted. When the giddy humor wore off, she told him she loved him. She clarified that he was like the crotchy old man who chases kids off his lawn but who is wise beyond his years. A real sweetheart at his core. The cat gave an agitated purr, flicking his tail as he walked with Aby. After chasing out, Aby and Husk were about to leave. Right when they got just out of line from the desk, a trio of guards line up to block their path. The usual routine of taking the suspected cheaters to a more private VIP room.

Aby runs into more trouble as she is unable to bite her tongue. Feeling outraged at the owner's finger pointing. Forgetting to hold back, even after the guns started getting pointed at her. Aby didn't react. Husk, on the other hand, used his wings to try to protect her. Feeling he failed her last time, his body moved on its own. It wasn't until the two were hidden behind the read and tier patterned feathers that the gentlemen begun to shoot. Aby pushed Husk behind a pillar in the room, her own wings overlapping his. She pulled on one of his ears as he scolded him for having a death wish. Husk, more focused on being submissive so she would release to pressure point she triggered, said nothing in his defense.

Seeing he wouldn't, Aby was forced to let him go. She massaged the spot she had assaulted as a silent apology. The gunfire stopped and their enemies made the deal that they would cease only if the duo surrendered. Aby investigated Husk's body, looking for any bullet wound. She fussed despite him griping that he was fine. Pissed at her instance on being a fanatical mother hen type. When he saw the sadness wash over her face, he stopping fighting her as much. Once she was certain he wasn't injured, Aby smiled before kissing his cheek. Husk saw the remanence of a face he recognized from long ago. He slid down the pillar, unable to stand. He was starting to feel nauseous. Aby graced his face with a comforting touch of her hand. She then looked to the boys on the other side. Husk could make out a series of metallic clanks all across the room.

"I got a better deal for you", Aby calmly but ominously stated. It had been the last thing the old cat heard before passing out.

*#*

Waking up after their night of passion, Husk laid in his bed. The sheets rested on his waist as he had his right arm tucked under his head. After just listening to his own breathing a couple minutes, he sat up in the bed. Getting up to make his way over to the table on the other side of the room. He grabbed the bottle of booze there, taking a large drink with one hand and using the other to take his button up, white collar shirt off the chair. Not sure what else to do as he worked on getting half dressed, he looks out the window. Based on the light outside, Husk could tell it was about midmorning. Most likely around eight. Husk took the clean underwear off the table, laid out by his tryst partner, and ended his dress up at the black dress pants. Leaving them unfastened, he sighed hard. Sitting in the chair, he kept looking out the window. Watching the city pass by. Wishing the day away.

Husk wouldn't bother with food until around sundown. At some point, drinking five bottles of booze that where forgotten, spread out, on the table. Even with all that, staying in his room until night fall. He picked up a pack of cigarettes from his dresser. Pulling a stick out, he fingered it in his hand. He fought against lighting it for a long while. He gave up and puffed on it until it got down close to the filter. Between exhales filled with smoke he talked to himself.

"She was never gonna stay. But she didn't have to go either. Even if I saw her again someday, I doubt she would remember me. Even if I chased after her, I'd never find her. She exists only in my memories now. My memories. The only thing I have left. "

Husk snuffed out the remaining cigarette on the table. Gazing at the city lights, he can't fight the smirk crawling over his face. He also didn't resist the pull as it soon turned into a frown. He feels the pain in his chest. His heart is gone. Taken. Along with the magic.

Fast forward to late 1950. A new song that was all the rage with the people was blasting on the radio. A man that Husk was willing to bet money on that his doll, Melissa, would adore. He imagined her dancing to the music as she painted in the living room of wherever she was now. He told himself he could see her in a flat in New York. Or a beach house in California. Maybe she was even in a café in Paris. One way or another, he hoped she was happy. That gleaming, beaming, gorgeous smile on her face. Husk laughed to himself as he related to the song in the way that only the poor lad could.

"Well- at least I learned something back then. Old blue eyes had it right. Lucky really is a lady."

*#*

Husker groaned tiredly as he woke up. He could make out music playing softly. Recognizing the song as Glenn Miller's The Story Of A Starry Night. The vocalist was Ray Eberle.

God, I haven't hardly heard that song since it came out in 41.

Taking in a deep breath as he looked at the ceiling from the bed, he could deduce he was back in his room at the hotel. It took him a minute to get his bearings before he got the motivation to move. His curtains were drawn, which worked out for him. He could feel the hangover. Fortunately, it wasn't the worst he ever had. In fact, this one was pretty minor. That would prove to help him in having a better day. After all, any day you could start drinking sooner was a good day. He smacked his mouth a couple times tasting nothing that stood out in particular. That was a good signifier he hadn't done something questionable in his drunken state. Just then, the song ended, shifting into Glen Miller's Yes, my darling daughter. Husk pulled at his blankets, feeling something weighing them down on one side. That was where he caught it.

Aby sat in a low sofa chair next to his bed. Her face buried in her arms. Fast asleep beside his bed. Husk chuckled at how she had gone out of her way to stay up with him. He looked to the nightstand, finding a half empty glass of water with a powder medicine that was most likely an aspirin. Next to it, a fat briefcase sat flat. His curiosity got the better of him. Husk opened it to find it full of cash. Aby had won him the whole pot. Planning to give him the entire case based on the sticky note that read, 'For Booze Supply'. He smiled as he closed it back up with a soft click. Husk looked at Aby again. Using one of his claws, he brushed her lips. Thinking how pink and soft they were. If he were still drunk, he would have kissed them. Instead, he settled on playing with her hair. Aby gave a soft moan nuzzling into the comforter on the bed. His smile grew wider as he saw her lips curl upward sweetly. He adored that smile. Its all he ever wanted to see. Maybe if things were different down here in Hell, it would be. That didn't stop his thoughts though.

I was right. She's just as darlin' and beautiful as ever. He brushed a strand of hair out of her face so he could admire it. Just like a picture. As if that day never left you.

Husk crawled closer to her on the bed. When he felt he was close enough to her, he rearranged the pillows and blankets to get comfortable whilst also not to disturb the lady. Once satisfied, he brought his wing to drape over Aby like a blanket. He gave it a moment to see it if would wake her. When it didn't, he chuckled to himself. Laying back down, Husk shifted so he could watch her sleep. He noted how tender and surreal she looked. Part of him wanted to stay like this forever. Husk still felt drowsy. Silently grateful for how, if he went back to sleep, he could blame the sentimental thinking on the version of him that lingered in his dreams. Before sleep could overtake him entirely, he remembered the first day here at the Hotel. When she popped up from behind the crates. The way she starred at Alastor even without facing him. He knew that look. The look a dish would give a fella who caught her eye. He also remembered Alastor and her leaving the hotel that night. The sheer bliss on her face as she hung from his arm. Alastor's face as she blushed when he reached for her hand. Husk felt his insides burn. Thinking of how the two just seemed to live in their own little world. He would never belong in such a world. But that wouldn't stop him from holding onto the story. Or the fairytale he experienced in his life; before Hell.

One look. And I knew. You were my magic.