"Oh, fearsome demon who wants to stay, rested in the light of day. Should nightmares come and cause a plight, sleep in love till dawn's fair light."
Angel murmured contently as he heard Thorne's voice through his dreams. Whenever he was feeling on edge or frightened, he always heard Thorne saying the same thing. He could also smell chocolate and picture his sister Molly. That was weird, but not unwelcome. It helped calm him down. He hadn't been sleeping well, well not till that walk round the hotel with Thorne.
Angel felt a gentle tapping on his face, he didn't care what the time was, it was always too early to get out of bed.
"Noooooooo", he moaned, pulling the covers over his head.
That didn't stop the perpetrator, who went under the covers and started bumping their snout against their masters' face.
Angel cracked an eye open and was met by the round and very happy face of his pet pig.
"Hmmmm, Nuggsy." Angel yawned, "Mama's trying to sleep. What's the time?"
Angel sat up in his bed and looked for the clock. 2am. He could take Nuggets for a quick walk to tire him out, then he could cat nap till mid-morning. Pulling the covers off, Angel stifled a yelp as his wrists started burning in agony. That could only mean one thing. Val was summoning him, and unless he wanted to end up a smouldering mess, he'd better turn up. Pulling on his usual pink stripped suit and gloves, the spider demon slunk downstairs. He tried to make as little noise as possible so as to not wake any of the residents. He'd almost made it to the front door till a loud grunt came from the bar.
Angel winced fearing he'd been caught, till he realised that it was just Husk, passed out. As usual. Judging by the state he was in; it would be hours before he was awake. Making his way out and shutting the front door with a click. Angel made his way through Hell.
Angel wasn't sure where Val wanted to meet him, but the burning in his wrists would ease if he went in the right direction. Using that as a guide, Angel wandered around the back-streets and alleyways of the city. He drew a few shifty glances from the early rising denizens, but since everyone knew who he 'belonged' to, glances were all he got.
"Fucking… shit, bald… fuck… dirty piece of…" Angel grumbled to himself as he made his way to his rendezvous. He often swore to himself when he thought about Valentino, he'd had a bellyful of men like that when he was alive, except usually they were working for his father. Angel thought back to one of the last exchanges he had with his father back in the living world.
"Ya aint gonna end up like one of these sissy fags are ya Tony!"
From his father it was more a demand than a question. Angel promised that he wouldn't but when he was caught using Molly's make-up, then women's clothes he gave the excuses of going undercover to spy on members of the other families as no one would be looking for a woman, but when he was caught kissing another man and arrested under the sodomy laws. His father tried to throttled him. Fuck the States were a nightmare back then. When he finally overdosed and landed down in Hell, he thought he'd get the same treatment. But instead, not only was he accepted, he was celebrated.
"Angel." Came a familiar voice.
Angel turned round and noticed that he was standing by Valentino's new limousine outside the 666 club. Of course, he thought, the exact place he fell, and where he made his contract with Valentino. Where else would that pompous shit-head want to meet. The car door swung open and Angel got inside. The car drove off.
The interior of the new car was just as plush as the last. Pink neon and hearts, and the stench was the same. Like cheap booze and cigarettes, through the scarlet haze of the smoke Angel saw his 'owner'.
"Well?", Valentino murmured seductively, pulling himself through the smoke and making eye contact with the spider. "What do you say sweetheart?"
"I've missed you daddy."
"Good boy." The moth chuckled. "I have a special request for you Angie baby."
"Yer?", Angel knew he'd fucked up as soon as he spoke. Val's gloved hand shot out from the dinginess of the interior and gripped his face.
"Not like that. GET IT RIGHT." Val bellowed before releasing Angel's face.
"What would ya like me to do Mista Valentino?" Angel simpered with a smile. Fuck he felt like vomiting every time he was forced to smile at that heart-shaped glass wearing motherfucker.
"Thorne." The moth demon snarled, taking out another cigarette and lighting up. "Tell me everything about him. I want his weaknesses; booze, drugs, women, men, children? The fucker landed himself down here for something and you're gonna tell me what it is."
"Why?" Angel asked concerned.
"That game we're supposed to play. Well, his royal-fucking-highness took a bloody apple to the head and moved the game to tonight, and you're gonna give me the edge I deserve."
The only fucking edge you deserve, Angel thought, is the edge of a knife.
"But don't worry baby. Daddy'll win you back from that stupid bitch and back in my pocket where you belong."
"He aint got no weaknesses." Angel stammered. "I've been with him practically every day and I aint got shit on him. Even if I did, I wouldn't tell you."
"Oh really?" The moth's eye's narrowed in anger.
"Nah, he's kind, funny and wicked smart… he's my… friend and I won't let you hurt him." Angel squeezed his eyes shut expecting a punch or something to hit him squarely in the face. But instead, Val just laughed.
"Ohh, Angle Cakes." Valentino crowed, reaching out and stroking the spider demon's face. "Your habit has caught up with you and making you say stuff I'll make you regret later, don't go around thinking he cares for you. Only I care about you. He's just using you till he finds something else. If you don't know any of his weaknesses, then you can help me ruin his game tonight."
Most days Angel would have just caved and given in to Valentino's commands. But he thought back to something Thorne said. Bravery isn't a lack of fear, but instead doing what needs to be done in spite of it.
"No."
"The Hell you just say to me."
"I said no." Angel spat defiantly.
Val seethed for a few moments before snapping his fingers, bringing the car to a stop.
Valentino opened the door before stepping out into the cold Hellscape air.
Suddenly a red mass of smoke tendrils filled the car and pulled Angel out.
"Angel, I think you're forgetting one important detail." Valentino purred menacingly before back-handing Angel, causing him to spin into the hood of the car. "I FUCKING OWN YOU!"
Angel went to turn around, but the moth demon kneed him in the back, causing him to yelp in pain, as Val's second pair of hands held him in place.
"When I say dance." Val spat, cocking his gun. "You say…"
"Yes Val." Angel muttered, as Val traced the curves of the spider's body with his pistol.
"When I say, suck a dick. You say…"
"Yes Val."
"When I say, get high and ride me. You say…"
"Yes Val." Angel sobbed as tears started falling down his face.
"And when I say, help me beat twitchy twatty Thorne. You say…"
"Yes Val."
"Damn straight." Valentino sneered, grabbing a fist full of Angel's hair and throwing him to the ground.
"Time you learnt your fucking place Anthony." The moth hollered, returning to his seat in the car, Val smiled and looked back. "And don't dress like a whore all the time, you ain't on the clock. See you later." The demonic pimp blew Angel a kiss. "Schnookums."
With that Valentino slammed the car door shut and left Angel alone on the sidewalk, the car speeding off down the road.
Angel picked himself up and wiped his eyes, couldn't let anyone see the tears. That's what Molly told him all those years ago. Looking around he didn't recognise what part of Hell he was in, but all the same he couldn't stand still. He started to walk, fumbling with the pack of cigarettes he always kept on him, holding his lighter with trembling hands tried to light one. Not getting a spark, Angel's pace quickened as he started grumbling to himself.
"Fucking… shit, bald… fuck… dirty piece of…"
Thorne quietly walked the exterior of the hotel. Not exactly in a trance, but all the same it helped him relax and think. He was in a world all of his own, which is why he nearly walked into Angel as he walked up the path to the front door.
"Oh, hello Angel. Didn't realise you were out."
"Yer, I had shit I had to do." Angel sighed as he walked up the stairs.
Thorne stood still in silence for a few moments, "You realise that he wouldn't try using you to get to me if he thought he could win."
"Wha?"
Thorne sighed, "The scratches on your hands from where you fell, the smudged eye shadow and your mascara is running. That, plus you reek of his cigarette smoke."
"Shit…", Angel whimpered, folding his arms and turning away. "Shit, shit, shit.". He started sobbing.
Thorne stepped forward and put his hand on Angel's shoulder.
Angel span around, his eyes glowing angrily.
"WHY'D YA GET INVOLVED?" the spider screamed.
"Angel, I…"
"I WAS FUCKIN FINE WHERE I WAS!"
"No, Angel you weren't fine."
"HOW DO YA KNOW? JUST COZ YA GOT LOTS A'FANCY ASS DEGREES 'N SHIT DON'T MEAN SQUAT. YOU'VE FUCKED MY LIFE UP MORE THAN VAL EVER COULD."
Angel gave Thorne a large shove and stormed into the Hotel. Thorne rubbed his arms and gave a shuddering breath as he felt a single tear fall down his face. He hadn't cried in a very long time, not since Abigail.
"Kid?"
Thorne looked up and saw Husk standing in the doorway with a concerned look on his face.
"Kid?", Husk asked again walking down the steps.
Thorne stopped rubbing his arms and locked eyes with the bartender.
"He didn't mean it doc." Husk said.
Thorne sniffed, closed his eyes and put his hands behind his back. Trying best to compose himself. Husk made it harder by pulling the doctor into a hug.
"Damnit Thorne." Husk sniffed, "Why ya gotta make me feel emotions 'n shit?"
"What if he's right Husk?" Thorne muttered, "What if I have made things worse?"
Husk growled, broke the hug and took a step back.
"Now listen 'ere doc." Husk commanded, pointing a finger at Thorne's face. "You're fuckin' clever, you sorted me out more than once. Now you're gonna go in there and figure some shit out on how to get Legs away from Valentino."
By the time Husk and Thorne reached the landing Charlie and Vaggie were huddled round Angel's door, lightly tapping on it.
"Go away!" Angel cried from the other side of the door.
Charlie crestfallen spoke. "But Angel we just…"
"No!"
Charlie turned to the two felines, "What happened?"
"Hope", Thorne said before Husk could speak. "It's more addictive than any drug and several times more destructive."
Thorne stepped forward and lightly wrapped his knuckles on Angel's door.
"Angel?"
"Fuck off, Thorne!"
Thorne exhaled slowly and prepared what he was going to say, but Husk stormed forward and starting banging on the door.
"ANGEL! GET THE FUCK OUT HERE AND LISTEN TO THORNE HE'S TRYIN' HELP YOU DAMNIT!"
The demons remained in silence for a few moments before the door clicked opened and Angel emerged slowly.
"Thorne…" Angel began, "I…"
"Don't worry about it." Thorne interjected with a soft smile. "I have a plan. But it requires you wearing your sluttiest dress. And this…"
Thorne reached behind him, untucked his black shirt and let his long white tail unfurl behind him.
The game was to be played at Iscariot Palace, late in the evening. That gave Thorne plenty of time to prepare. As per the rules, all visitors to the palace had to walk, and with 5 minutes to spare; Thorne, Angel and Charlie made their way up the gravelled drive, where Lucifer, Lilith and Valentino were waiting.
Valentino snorted as he saw the three approach, the red smoke from his cigarette curling and coiling in the cool evening air, "Angel baby." He cooed, eyeing up Angel in his pink sparkly mini-dress, "I knew you couldn't resist wearing the outfit I bought just for you.", his smile dropped as he noticed the cat, "bout fucking time Thorne. Thought you pissed yourself."
The moth leered at both the cat and the spider, but grabbed the back of his neck as the assembled company heard a sizzling sound. Valentino turned about to see Lucifer, his eyes glowing menacingly.
"Language please." The demon king smiled, "There are ladies present."
Lilith smiled and proceeded to bend down and whisper something in Lucifer's ear.
"Lilith", Lucifer said in astonishment, his eyes widening. "I did not know you had such a naughty mouth."
Lilith gave a knowing smile as she locked eyes with her husband.
"All right, yes I did." Lucifer chuckled, planting a small kiss on her cheek.
"Now, everyone." Lucifer commanded in a booming voice. "Shall we begin?"
"Overlord Thorne." Lucifer said, sitting at the poker table. "What is it you desire?"
"Angel Dust's contract sir." Thorne replied, locking eyes with Lucifer.
"Overlord Valentino." Lucifer said in the same tone as before. "What is it you desire?"
"Thorne's contract… sir." Valentino sneered.
"Ah." The king said with a smile. "Then we have a problem. Since the good doctor is worth more to me as an Overlord then as one of your prostitutes. You will have to… fund the difference Valentino. That is, if you want this game to go ahead."
"I do."
"Well in that case." Lucifer beamed, "Ante up."
Thorne placed his tie-clip and a wad of cash on the table as Valentino dropped a larger stack of bills and a pair of fluffy hand-cuffs.
Angel moved behind Thorne, gave a suggestive wink at Valentino as Lucifer started dealing.
The game went for hours, and Thorne was losing. Badly. It was if Valentino could see his cards. He knew when to bet, when to fold and Thorne was looking desperate. In the end it came down to Thorne throwing his clip into the pot.
"Hmmmm." Lucifer hummed, "Getting desperate Thorne?"
"I don't understand." Thorne muttered, "I never lose."
"You better get used to losing." Valentino roared with laughter, "Soon your ass will be working corners for me."
Thorne winced at those words as Lucifer dealt the final hand of the game.
Thorne looked at his cards and kept his poker face. Valentino looked at his cards then at Angel before laughing hysterically.
"You might as well resign now kitty!", he mocked.
"You have to meet his bet first." Lucifer tutted.
The moth demon frowned before pushing the majority of the money he had and the handcuffs to the centre of the table.
Lucifer dealt the five cards; a six of spades, an ace of diamonds, a five of hearts, a nine of hearts and a ten of spades.
It took all of Val's self-restraint (which wasn't great) to not giggle and stomp his feet in triumph. He had an ace and a jack and judging by what Angel was signalling to him, Thorne was fucked. He knew Angel wanted to come back to him, all his property did. And just like a million times before, Angel would go behind the mark and signal to Val what they were holding. That worked till Angel got too well known in Hell, but not like that mattered here.
"Y'know doc." Valentino scoffed. "You really should've spent more time playing with your chemistry set. A two and a three aint shit compared to my Ace and Jack. You really think I'd come to this game without a plan, we were told to play the game, not to play it fairly."
Charlie stepped forward to protest but Lucifer held out his hand.
"Why?" Thorne asked with a smile. "Is it because Angel was signalling you my cards for most of the game?"
Val's smile lost a few teeth. "What?"
Thorne turned to Angel, "You know, I thought you did it very well."
Thorne brandished his tail, "I'd swipe Angel's legs and he'd signal you my cards."
Val's smile turned into an expression of horror.
"You just couldn't resist could you Val?" Thorne mocked, "I knew you couldn't control yourself if presented with a kill-shot, more fool you."
Thorne turned over his cards, an ace and a ten.
"Well," Lucifer muttered, "Thorne wins."
"NO!" the moth pimp screamed, lunging forward to grab the winnings.
Lucifer's hand was faster and was soon crushing Valentino's fingers in their vice like grip.
"I said." Lucifer growled, "Thorne wins."
Lucifer gestured and the cash, tie-clip and cuffs slid their way to Thorne.
"One more outburst like that Valentino." Lucifer threatened with his trademark smile before releasing Val's hand, "and I'll send you to your room."
Thorne picked up the handcuffs and briefly studied them before handing them to a trembling Angel.
Angel gasped with excitement with tears in his eyes, 70 years of servitude over. His hands grasped the cool metal links and he felt a shockwave pass through him as his contract to Val was broken.
"Angel" Thorne asked, "Is there anything you'd like to say?"
"Yes." Angel said turning to his now former owner, "Hey Val."
The moth glared at him angrily.
Angel flipped the bird and spat defiantly. "Fuck you!"
"FUCK YOU, YOU SHITTY PIECE OF…"
Valentino's retort was cut short by the vortex of scarlet fire that engulfed him.
"Dad." Charlie asked concerned, "What did you do to him?"
"Exactly what I said I would." Lucifer replied, "I banished him from the castle and sent him back to the studio. With strict instructions to abandon any ideas of ever owning Angel Dust again. This has caused me enough of a headache. As you still have a job to do." He nodded to Thorne.
Angel turned to Thorne, "That was brave right?"
"Yes," Thorne smiled, "Now it's time that I was to."
Angel looked at Thorne confused and muffled a squeak of surprise as Thorne leant forward and kissed him.
Two altered scenes from the sources below:
/madelezabeth/status/1267449800301195270
/R2ninjaturtle/status/1290063538027786241
Please let me know what you would like to see next, or where you think this story is going.