i have been procrastinating so badly and I haven't update Shapeshifter in 9 days. I meant to take a short break to catch up again and I worked on everything but that one then i got re addicted to webtoons and tapas. WHOOPS
I'll have to try and concentrate later.
If I can calm myself, I have another Husk/Charlie started and it'll be a lot longer than the others I had done so far.

This chapter admittedly got away from me with the scene with Husk, Angel and Alastor. I just went with it. i don't plan my stories too often and I wing them lol But Angel would do anything for his friends if he loves them enough I think lol

Poor Husk hadn't been in the kitchen for five seconds when Angel came busting through the door with a stupid grin on his face that said he was up to no good. The cat demon groaned as the spider demon threw his arms around him.

"Husky baby! I have good- no great news!"

"That you're gonna fuck off somewhere else and leave me alone for once?" he growled.

"Nope! Ya wouldn't be able ta guess what I did."

"Meddling in shit that you have no business being in like usual?"

"Ya made it my business! Remember?"

"You make me regret it every second."

"Not this time!"

"I don't wanna hear it ya jackass. I told you I was over it."

Husk pried himself free from Angel's grip and grabbed himself a cup of coffee.

"She didn't fuck Al."

He sighed loudly but the news thrilled him... not that he was gonna tell Angel that. He just wanted to be over that already.

"I don't give a fuck Angel-

"She remembers what happened between ya two that night. All of it."

Husk dropped the cup on the floor with a clatter.

"The fuck you mean-

"I'm well connected baby! I gave her the choice ta know or not."

His poor heart was hammering against his chest.

How in the fuck is that possible?

"You mean more to her than ya thought."

Angel Dust leaned in.

"She knew it was you but she couldn't remember she knew it was you. She knew ya weren't Alastor."

With that, the porn star left Husk alone in the kitchen with his spilled coffee and near a heart attack.

How can I face her now?! FUCK

X

X

That whole day he had expected to see Charlie walking around near him but she didn't. It wasn't until Angel came running through the lobby demanding that he murder a weird bug in his room when anything happened. Angel screeched as high as he could until Husk caved and followed him to his room but they couldn't find the bug.

Cussing at himself and making his way back to the front desk, he was so damn annoyed. He had been high strung after Angel told him that Charlie remembered everything. It didn't make any sense that someone could suddenly remember a black out.

He felt fucking embarrassed. He never ever showed anyone that more sweet sensitive side and he was sure the princess was laughing her ass off about it. That Husk the grumpy cat demon who claimed he couldn't love was a super affectionate demon who was capable of such loving touches.

His tiny bit (they weren't so tiny) of feelings towards Charlie was half because she was attractive but the other half was because she was a nice person and treated him respectably. She always laughed at the stuff he joked about and she even made him smile once in a while.

But now….

He couldn't help but think of those words she had said. Half of him couldn't blame her. He's woken up by someone before and wondered how in the fuck he got there but he never vocalized his thoughts on the situation.

When he had marched up to her room with her jacket, he had knocked on her door to apologize for being so damn rude and it would be alright with him that they were friends but she didn't answer. She wasn't in there. She had been with Alastor and he knew that but some part of him had hoped she wouldn't have followed that manipulative asshole to his room.

There was no way she didn't do anything with him. Alastor was a smooth talking mother fucker and he always got what he wanted. The princess wasn't immune to his charms like almost every other woman. He didn't believe Angel. There was no way in hell she didn't.

He leaned over his bar and grabbed a bottle when he saw something on the front desk. That hadn't been there before…. Right?

Husk got closer and saw the foam container. The smell of the food in it was fucking delicious whatever it was and then his eyes landed on the ice cold mug of beer straight from a tap. His name was written on the container with Charlie's handwriting- he knew her handwriting. His heart fluttered seeing it but he glared at it instead.

He looked behind himself but he didn't see her there.

Husk pulled the lid off and it was greasy philly cheese steak with onion rings coated in nacho cheese. Alright so he knew someone had to tell her liked that shit and that it was from one of the best bars in town. He picked up the container to see a note underneath it.

He carried everything over to the bar and sat down to read it.

Husk,

I plan on making it up to you. I hope this is a good start.

-Charlie

His poor heart was hammering away in his chest. What was she up to exactly? He sipped on the beer, staring at the paper.

What the fuck does that mean? How is she going to make it up to me?

Knowing her it will be something elaborate or a musical number.

He turned around in time to see Charlie walking with Angel Dust towards the hallway. His eyes followed her until she locked eyes with him. She gave him a genuine smile much like the ones she had given him before this shit show happened.

Angel saw that of course and picked her up, throwing her over her shoulder walking towards Husk. The cat demon swore he was going to murder the porn star the moment he was alone. Angel grinned wickedly and plopped her down on the bar stool beside him. Husk couldn't even look her in the eyes.

"Tell 'im Charlie."

"What-

"Tell him what you did!"

She cleared her throat softly. Her cheeks were pink and she looked very shy.

"I um…. Punched a hole in my door."

Husk's eyes snapped onto her face. He frowned wondering why in the hell she was telling him that but he also couldn't help but wonder why at the same time.

"No no! Tell him what ya didn't do!"

"Come on Angel-

"He doesn't know, ya know. Ya gotta tell him babe! He'll feel better!"

Charlie's cheeks turned a dark pink now. She bit her lower lip.

"Then can you walk away?" she asked, "You're making this worse-

"Alright! I'll ask him ta make sure ya told him!"

She gave him a mortified look as he walked away, swinging his hips.

"What do you need to tell me then before that freak comes back."

Charlie rubbed her arm nervously.

"R-right…. I saw you left my coat on my door knob. I was a little upset I had missed you so I took it out on my poor door. Anyways… I think what he wants me to tell you-

"You don't have to tell me shit. I don't want to hear about you and that smilin' freakshow."
"That's the thing… There was nothing to tell."

Husk stared at her, waiting for her to elaborate.

"I um…. Something stopped me… So I didn't do anything. Even dancing with him felt really awkward."

"Because you felt bad?"

Charlie shook her head.

"N-no. He didn't hold my hand right….. It didn't feel right."

Silence fell between them for a minute. Husk couldn't ignore the hammering his heart was doing against his rib cage.

"I kept telling myself stuff like I was trying to convince myself otherwise but it didn't feel right and when Alastor told me he didn't kiss or anything like that that's when I remembered something I had told you and I left. Well, he insulted me a few times and then I left but yea…."

She ran her hands on her pant legs and laughed weakly.

"Then I asked Angel to take me to his friend's place for some help so I could remember and I woke up, dreaming everything I wished I would've remembered."

Her eyes met his and his breathe caught his throat for a moment. He shouldn't be swayed by pretty words but he was.

"Is this shit supposed to make me feel good about myself?"

"Well I wasn't sure if I should tell you. I told Angel I wanted to do something different. And I'm going to show you the Charlie that you deserved because the one that spoke was an idiot and that wasn't really her."

She jumped up from the bar stool with her hands on her hips.

"What the hell does that mean?"

Charlie smiled and took his free paw into her hands.

"I'm going to romance you! You won't regret it! I promise!"

She let go of him and took off out of the lobby.

X

The next morning, there was a basket of muffins for him with a nice bottle of wine. He didn't really drink wine but it was nice. Despite wanting to be pissed about it, he smiled.

That afternoon, he saw there was bucket of bar wings and another mug of ice cold beer. He hadn't even touched the wine yet. Beer in a mug was a lot better than the shit in a bottle but he wasn't picky.

That evening, there was a box in front of his bedroom door. When he opened it, his jaw dropped. Charlie had bought him several different decks of cards. There were some that were made of some kind of crystal. They looked like they cost a pretty penny too.

Where in the fuck did she find this shit at?

X

The next day there was a packet on the front desk. It was for him. The first page was blank and when he flipped it open, it was a numbered list of all the things she liked about him.

She listed one hundred and thirty four things.

How in the hell did she list that much shit when he couldn't come up with ten reasons why he liked himself?

Holy fuck.

Throughout the afternoon, he couldn't help but reread the damn list like it was going to give him new fucking answers. Charlie was trying damn hard. She put a lot of thought into that list. Is this what romance was?

How the fuck would I know?

He didn't know. He never had to actually try to get anyone. He had a string of one night stands over his life and that was all. Now, he had a woman trying to romance him and trying to get him to forgive her. Who the fuck saw that coming?!

Was he being pissy? Was he being selfish?

She apologized a few times but he couldn't help but feel she just felt guilty.

In a way…. It felt…. Exciting.

He wondered what else she was going to do.

All the bubbly thoughts disappeared when Alastor sat down at the bar drumming his sharp claws on the bar top. Husk went over to him even though he felt like he was marching to his death in a way.

"What do you want?"

"Nothing to drink."

Fuck my life.

"Then what the fuck do ya want?" the cat demon asked, looking annoyed.

"I want Charlie."
Husk almost choked on his own spit. He didn't expect that.

"What? What the fuck are you telling me for? Go tell her that."

"I've been trying and she shuts me down."

Oh... so she was telling the truth.

"So you're comin' to me for girl problems? I think you're askin' the wrong person."

"I don't think so… See, I like getting what I want and simply forcing what I want won't give me the desired effect I seek. I know what happened between you two. Charlie won't spill why she continues to turn me down. Now, I know what will get me what I want."

Alastor grinned that creepy smile of his.

"What the fuck would that be?"

"If you tell the princess you don't want her, I'll let you free. You won't have to do anything for me anymore. You can leave the hotel if you choose. What do you say?"

Husk was dumbfounded.

"How in the hell would that get you what you want?"

"She's the type who wouldn't handle rejection from someone she cares about. It's very clear she cares about you deeply. Once you tell her there's no chance, she'll come running to me."

No she wouldn't. She wouldn't do that.

The Radio Demon held out his hand.

What fuckin' twilight zone did I fall into?

"I think the fuck not!" Angel yelled, slapping his hand on the bar, making them both jump.

"Go away you perverted cretin-

"No! If you do that I'll fuck Charlie myself! You want her after I'm done with her?! Hell, I'll love her and romance her and you'll never get her!"

Alastor backed up with disgust on his face.

"Ain't you gay?" Husk asked, looking annoyed.

"Don't fuckin' matter!" the spider demon yelled loudly, as his eyes went to the cat demon, "You gonna allow this asshole take away yer only chance at happiness? Ya want to devastate her? She ain't gonna go running ta him!"

"I told you to go away-

"What in the hell is going on?"

The three of them turned to see Vaggie standing there looking pissed.

"Vaggie will bang her too! We'll have a gang bang so ya won't go near her ever again!"

"WHAT?!" Husk snapped looking appalled at the thought.

"Whoa- whoa!" Vaggie said holding up her hands, "What is going on here?!"

"Husk is in love with Charlie and Charlie wants his forgiveness so she can be happy with him but Alastor wants to fuck her and leave her hangin'! I'll fuck her if it keeps his psycho ass away!"

The moth demon's expression was rather comical. She dropped her clipboard on the floor.

"Wait wait wait!"

"Hey everyone!"

All eyes landed on Charlie. She sensed the awkward tension and started frowning.

"Is everything ok?"

"Everything is fine!" Vaggie said with a fake ass smile, "Hey, why don't we get some ice cream?!"

"Actually, I have to work on something. I came to find Angel and ask for his help."
"Great!" Vaggie shouted and pulled Angel's ass off the bar stool.

She shoved him at Charlie. She looked so confused, as her eyes landed on the porn star.

"Go do whatever!"

Once the two of them were gone, she switched to Alastor and Husk.

"Alright- you stay away from her or I will call Lucifer- no I'll call Lilith!"

Alastor's amused smile started to slip.

"She's been upset, stressed and crying but she's been happy for a good bit yesterday. You had your fucking chance for a year. She threw herself at you and you thought it was just so funny! The first time she ever asked you, you were drunk off your ass and told her she looked like a child and you wanted no part of her."

Husk gaped at Alastor.

"You remember that?"

"Clearly I do you wench-

"Then leave her the fuck alone you self centered bastard. I know you just want some damn control over her and this is another way of getting it. Charlie didn't tell me shit but I had snoop on her fucking phone to get some of the story."

The moth demon turned to Husk next.

"She thinks she's a terrible person and she wants to make it up to you. You blew this out of proportion. I have no idea what she's up to but I think she's doing it for you. Make your choice. Charlie isn't stupid. She was drunk and run by some emotions that couldn't understand because she didn't remember. Yea she feels guilty for what she said but she realized she wasn't about what happened. In fact, she's fuckin' giddy and all cutesy about it like a Disney Princess in love!"

Vaggie grabbed his bow tie and jerked him forward.

"So march your goddamn ass up to her room and tell her you accept her advances. That you wanna see what she wants to do for you. Or tell her you just wanna be friends and you're moved by her actions but it was a one time thing and it's done."

Husk opened his mouth to argue.

"PICK ONE!" she shouted and let go.

She glared at them both and stomped off.

"It's like fucking high school in here! FUCK!"

X

X

It was about midnight when Husk shut his bedroom door and headed to Charlie's floor. He wasn't sure what to say to her.

Vaggie is right. Everything is just stupid now.

It was shocking how loyal Angel was to him. He frowned at the thought.

He took a deep breath and knocked on her door. He could hear shuffling and a thud along with a yelp. The door swung open and Charlie grinned at him brushing hair out of her face.

"Sorry! I tripped on my shoes!"

She definitely looked like she had been sleeping. Her hair was everywhere and her clothes were wrinkled. Husk was at a loss for words. Apparently Charlie noticed this and tried smoothing down her hair.

"S-sorry! I'm a super active sleeper!"

She laughed weakly. When he still didn't say anything, she fidgeted with her night shirt looking embarrassed.

"Um…. It's ok if you wanna tell me you don't like me. I haven't liked myself much lately either but before you say anything can I say something?"

He gaped at her before clearing his throat.

"Sure…."

Charlie pulled him inside. Her room was lit by one tiny pink lamp on her nightstand. She cracked her fingers looking around like she was waiting for something to happen.

"Just…. You can tell me. I won't laugh at you or whatever," Husk said.

"Thanks… Well…. I already told you some of it. I remember everything that happened that night. Everything…. Hell I even walked out on Angel talking to me still. It's really weird to be drunk and right minded at the same time. It was odd feeling my body on autopilot."

She brushed some of her fly away hair from her face.

"So…. I heard some of the things you said to me…. I um, want to apologize for ruining the affection you showed me with such dirty words…. Trust me I would've never said anything like that in the middle of something so sweet. I never ever had someone be like that with me and it was even more baffling because I didn't think that kind of thing ever happened…. I didn't think it would ever happen to me."

She chewed on her bottom lip before continuing.

"Angel asked if I was chasing for a one time thing or was I looking for someone. I didn't have the answer until I remembered everything. I realized I wasn't up for chasing a lay- I wanted to chase you. What I said was wrong even if it was true. I don't want Alastor anymore, even if you decide you would rather be friends."

She smiled and placed her hands behind her.

"I never imagined I would ever have someone like you. I mean it's Hell isn't it?"

"Yea it is."

Silence fell between them again. It was awkward for Charlie because she didn't want to over step and hurt him again. This was all very new for her.

"So… what did you want to tell me?"

He felt frozen to the floor. He had no idea what he wanted to tell her. Charlie just gave him a confession he never thought he would get.

"You don't have to lie to spare my feelings. I know how others see me. I'm not a dumbass."

The princess frowned, "I never thought you were."

"You can't tell me what I said and did wasn't the sappiest thing anyone ever fuckin' said. I know it was fucking stupid."

"It's not stupid to me," she said taking a step toward him, "Anyone would be damn lucky to have someone like that with them."

"Princess-

She closed the distance between them, looking up at him.

"Can you show me how much I mean to you? Again…..?"