Charlie ended up hiding in her room the next day too. She couldn't bear having Alastor stare at her like he did yesterday. She had wanted to talk to Husk and clear this whole thing up but she had a feeling the Radio Demon would be lurking near her room. She needed to see Husk first before she said anything to Alastor.

She went from wanting to fuck his brains out to actively avoiding him. She couldn't look at him now without seeing Husk's hurt face.

God. Did he like me and I didn't know about it? I just fucking messed things up so bad.

She had been avoiding Vaggie too. She didn't want to talk to her about what she had done. She messed up so badly. She hated herself more than usual and the thoughts in her head wouldn't stop coming.

Anytime she thought about it, she cried. She was a coward and not all that strong anyways. She destroyed her friendship with Husk just like that and she hurt him deeply. That wasn't something that could be forgiven so easily. She paced her room more than once trying to rack her brain for blurry memories. She wanted to make things right but words or actions would fix the damage done?

She wasn't looking for a way to make her innocent, she just wanted to know what the hell she said.

I'll never drink like that again.

So, around midnight, she left her room. She was sure everyone was asleep. Alastor always turned in around eleven so this was her chance. She knew she looked like an absolute mess and hadn't showered since yesterday.

Showering sounded too much like a damn chore while she was hating herself. She made it to the second floor and found Husk's door. It wasn't cracked open like last time. That was a shame.

She took a deep breath and knocked on his door. She didn't want to pound on it like she was trying to wake the dead. For all she knew, Alastor would pop from the shadows. That was the last thing Charlie needed right now.

The princess knocked on the door again and she held rustling around. The door flew open and she yelped in surprise. Husk looked a little shell shocked himself seeing her standing there. Charlie didn't look like her usual cheery self. Her hair was a mess, her eyes were puffy and she was wearing an old t-shirt and baggy pajama bottoms. She looked worse than he did.

"Husk-

He tried slamming the door in her face but she pressed her hands up to stop the door, making her palms sting.

"Christ woman, will you go away-

"No!" she hissed, "Let me in just in case Alastor pops up. Please."
Husk groaned and grabbed her arm, pulling her inside. He locked the door behind her and she looked around. His room looked like a mess still- maybe even worse than yesterday.

"Husk-

"I get it Charlie, it was fucking mistake."

"No-

He turned to look at her, eyebrow arched as she rubbed her hands together.

"I was the one who was wrong. I really was and I do not blame you at all. In fact, I'm so sorry and I'm terrible. I don't even remember leaving Angel's room. I panicked at first because I actually thought I slept with him by accident. So that didn't help anything."

"You thought you slept with Angel?"

Charlie laughed weakly, "All I saw was white and I was with him last from what I remember."

"I guess I would have a heart attack too."

She giggled softly, "Yea… That would've been bad…."

The two of them stood there staring at the floor.

"So you like Alastor huh?"

"Kind of- I think," she said quietly.

Husk made a face. That didn't make any sense.

"I know."

"So that stuff was directed at him. Not to me."

She turned bright pink as tears stung her eyes.

"Whatever I said um…. I can't even tell you honestly. I don't know what the hell I said and I wish I could remember to apologize for it but I can't. But I definitely don't think you forced yourself on me and you aren't like that so don't worry about that."

"Ok."

"Can you forgive me?" she whispered.

"I don't know princess. I don't think I can right now."

Charlie nodded silently, letting tears slide down her cheeks. She expected that.

"Um, would… would you like a hug?" she offered.

Husk stared at her like she was nuts.

"You're shittin' me."

"N-no. I know you aren't big in physical affection…. Um, usually. I mean I would like a hug only if you want one too."

"I think you can find someone else to hug you because I don't want you touching me."

He turned around.

"I'll think about your fuckin' apology but don't hold your breath."

"O-oh o-ok."

Charlie couldn't hold it together and started sobbing into her hands. She sucked in a sharp breath, grabbed the door knob to unlock it when she felt Husk grab her arm.

"W-wh-what?" she asked, pressing herself against the door not looking at him.

"I…." he trailed off.

Charlie glanced at him and she saw the hurt on his face again. He couldn't get the words out

"I'm sorry for hurting you," she whispered, "You're the last person I would've hurt."

She pulled away and took off out of his room leaving him standing there.

X

X

The next day, Husk forced himself to go to the front desk. It seemed like Charlie actively avoided the lobby at all costs. He was actually glad for that a little bit. He was glad she took off instead of staying behind last night.

It pulled at his heartstrings to see her upset like that to the point he almost hugged her. It would've made her feel better but not him. It would've broken him into a million pieces if she would've stayed longer. He would've wanted to comfort in so many ways but that wouldn't have been right with them high on emotions. Things just needed to be ok in time.

He couldn't forget her words.

"You're the last person I would've hurt."

What in the fuck did that mean? He wasn't sure and he didn't wanna hear some stupid ass speech about friendship. As far as he knew, there was nothing between them remotely close to that. Not anymore.

"Still beating yourself up?"

Husk looked away from his beer bottle to glare at Angel Dust.

"Does it matter?"

"It does ta me. Did ya know she went looking for ya?" he asked quietly.

"I don't care."

Angel frowned.

"That's a lie."

"She already apologized to me then started bawling in my room."

"Fuck, did ya have sympathy sex with her?!"

"No you moron! She asked me for a hug and I told her no. I would think about her apology but I just don't give a fuck about it."
"Are you dense?!" Angel hissed, "Why didn't ya tell her about how ya felt then huh?"

"Because it was a fucking lie-

"No it wasn't."
"What the fuck do you know?!"

"Ya wouldn't have been close to tears if ya didn't care. Husky baby, ya care about her a lot and maybe ya didn't realize it until she came in there and said all those things to ya. If ya told her, she wouldn't even attempt to sleep with Al now. In fact- you two could just make up and maybe she would return your feelings."

"Oh really? Because it fuckin' sounds like she would pity date me because she feels guilty."

"Want me ta talk ta her?"

"So you can make it worse?"

Angel huffed, "Hey now! I wanna help! I'm tryin' damnit!"

Husk made a face as he picked up his beer.

"I don't care anymore. She can feel bad about herself all she wants."

Angel shook his head.

"Is it because ya think ya aren't worth the time or ya think she's above ya?"

"What bothers me the most is the fact she thought she was in Alastor's room!" he snapped a little too loudly, "That's my goddamn problem!"

"Oh."

"Can you just leave or some shit? Fuck."

"Alright but answer me something."

"Fine."

"What did ya do ta her? I want a play by play."

"You want me to try and remember that?"

Angel leaned in with a devious grin, "Ya remember the whole fuckin' thing I guarantee it."

"I ain't tellin' you shit."

"Did you plow her tiny ass into the mattress?"

"No-

"Then ya were sweet and sensual with her weren't ya?"

Husk whipped around to drink his beer without staring at Angel.

"Ya like her. So quit hurting yourself and get her before it's too late."

"Shut the fuck up."

"If she was able ta make ya change how ya fucked for a night, there's some feelings there whether ya like it or not. If you didn't feel that strongly, you wouldn't be hurtin'. Even if she thought it was his room she was in, the one who had her cummin' was you. All those noises and sweet words she said ta ya- not him. You held her tight all night I bet too."

"Can you just go the fuck away already?"

"Yup. Because I got my answer. Just don't wait too long because Charlie might be hurtin' but you're the one who is really gonna suffer."

"Her apology isn't enough. I don't give a fuck what I feel."

"Think about it this way. Do ya wanna forgive her and see if there is something there or do ya wanna watch her walk into the arms of that asshole?"

Angel walked away not giving him the chance to say anything. He hated when that spider asshole was right.

X

X

Charlie managed to make herself a little more presentable for her clients and worked. She refused to head for the lobby all day. Vaggie was nice enough to bring her food and paperwork to sign. She didn't question why she didn't want to go to the lobby so that was good.

She had to resist asking Angel if Husk was ok. She wanted to ask him a million times but she didn't have the guts to do it. She didn't want to wrangle him into her drama. Was it drama?

It felt like it.

She sighed and laid her on her desk. She didn't feel like herself at all.

I was so stupid to ask for a hug. I just made him feel more guilty when I was there trying to apologize. I feel so goddamn stupid. I wish Vaggie would just slap me. Fuck, maybe she could just knock me out for-

"Hello dear."

Charlie jumped and fell out of her chair. Alastor came around the desk and helped her to her feet.

"Thanks Al! Sorry I was busy thinking about other stuff."

She laughed weakly.

"I would say so since I was trying to get your attention. You seem a little better today."

"Trying."

Charlie started twirling her hair, avoiding his eyes.

"So, Charlie..."

She looked up at him.

"Y-yea?"

"Do you have a little crush on me?" Alastor asked, staring at her.

"Wh-what?"

"There's no point in playing stupid darling. It doesn't suit you."

She looked hesitant before she nodded stiffly.

"So, whose room did you wander into?"

The princess looked away.

"I already know who, considering Angel Dust was covering for him. That's what you were doing last night wasn't it? You were apologizing for going to the wrong room."

Charlie opened her mouth and closed it. There was no point in hiding it at all. He pieced it together while Vaggie hadn't yet. Probably because of those damn shadows of his.

Alastor took another step towards her. He leaned down, making her flush with embarrassment by how close he was. She hated that he could read her so well.

"How about I show you a wonderful time in my own room tomorrow?" he asked brushing his fingers over her cheek, "Since it seems you were planning to ask me anyways. How does that sound for you sweetheart?"

The princess shivered.

"Are you sure Al? It won't ruin anything?"

"We can still be partners. We already do everything else together, yes? Why not that as well, hm?"

Charlie almost stopped breathing.

"How come you never asked me sooner?" she asked softly.

"Ah, well… I wasn't sure how you felt as of late. It would be crass of me to jump to conclusions but considering everything that happened before…. I suppose I am sure of your feelings now. You are aware I don't believe in love Charlie. So just don't get attached, alright darling?"

The princess nodded.

That had been her intention the whole time. She wanted one romp around to get it out of her system so she wouldn't think about it so much. That's all she needed right now. Some detached sex she would actually remember.

"Tomorrow night. I'll meet you in the lobby darling. I would love a dance or two."

"Alright Al. Sounds good."

It did sound good. It sounded good in theory.

Charlie went to her room without dinner. She hadn't been that hungry anyways. It wasn't as if anything would change for her. She's had a few friends with benefits before. None were like him though. Now she had to wonder why now when he never gave her the time of day like that before.

She should've been a little more excited since she had been wanting it for a while but her stomach was twisted in knots and Alastor wasn't who she was thinking about. She was thinking about Husk and what she couldn't remember.

Something had to have happened. Something that he knew and didn't want to tell her. Something she knew subconsciously...

Can't talk to Niffty. She would probably tell Alastor. Husk pretty much doesn't want to speak to me. Vaggie would probably just berate me.

She sat up and messaged Angel.

Charlie: need to talk to you asap

Angel: why

Charlie: guy issues

Charlie: i need help now please

It didn't take Angel five minutes to get there. He was practically beating down her door, eyes sparkling with delight. The man loved drama. The fact Charlie had drama was new because she stayed away from trouble at all costs. Once she got the door closed, he threw himself on her bed, relaxing like a kid getting ready for a bedtime story.

"Alright babe, spill the motherfuckin' beans!"

"If I tell you, you cannot tell anyone! I swear Angel!"

"Oh yea?"

"If you do, I'll call you Anthony until you leave this hotel."
Angel looked deeply offended and scoffed.

" Fine- whatever! Tell me!"

He looked way too giddy for her humiliation. So, Charlie spilled the beans that the spider demon was dying for. Charlie was near to tears when she was finished.

"Are ya grossed out it was him?"

"N-no! I would never be grossed out! He's not the first animal like demon I've been with..." she hissed, wiping her eyes angrily, "I blame myself and I don't know what to do."

Angel Dust looked deep in thought.

"He's probably deeply hurt."

"Did he ever say anything about liking me?" the princess asked.

"He hasn't said anything but ya can tell he looks down as fuck."

She groaned loudly.

"Ya really want Deer Daddy that bad?"

Charlie hesitated for a full twenty seconds before nodding. Angel's eyes narrowed. He didn't believe her.

"So he's the one ya were talking about the night we drank?"

"Y-yea."

"Sleepin' with our favorite bar kitty didn't change yer mind? None at all?"

The princess looked conflicted.

"Should…. It?"

"I'm askin' you ya dumbass!"

"H-hey! I don't know because I remember anything Angel!"

Angel grabbed her hand.

"Look at me."

"Y-Yea?"

Charlie looked at him like he asked. He looked dead ass serious and when Angel looked like that, he was about to lay some harsh ass truths.

"Are ya lookin' for a lay or are ya lookin' for someone ta care for ya?"

The princess fell silent. She hadn't thought about it. Hell wasn't exactly the place for fairy tale love like romance.

"I know someone who has some special shit ta help remember memories. She's made me some shit before because I party fuckin' hard. Ya know I do!"

Charlie bit her lip.

"If ya decide yea, let me know."