Angel nestled himself deeper into the plush armchair, feeling perfectly content. Fat Nuggets, his beloved hell hog, snuggled close to him under the pink fluffy blanket they shared. They were quite the pair, wearing matching sweaters that Angel had custom-made, complete with little wings on the back. The TV in front of them played his latest guilty pleasure, a ridiculously dramatic soap opera about a Baphomets and a succubus falling in love against all odds. The cheesy dialogue and over-the-top acting were just what he needed to unwind.
Angel cradled a steamy cup of coffee in his hand, savoring the warmth that seeped into his fingers. It wasn't just any cup; it was Husker's favorite mug, the one that declared "Fuck Mondays" in bold, rebellious letters. Angel smirked every time he read it, remembering the grumpy mornings they'd shared together. Angel moaned at the bitter taste of the coffee, even after the generous amounts of sugar and cream he'd added.
Fat Nuggets was happily munching away on a bowl of popcorn that lay forgotten in Angel's lap. The little pig's content snuffles and the crunch of the popcorn were the only sounds aside from the melodramatic music and dialogue of the soap opera. Angel absentmindedly stroked Fat Nuggets' fur, his eyes glued to the screen. He was completely engrossed in the unfolding drama, the steamy love scenes, the betrayals, and the dramatic declarations of love. It was all so delightfully over the top.
He sighed with contentment, feeling a rare sense of peace. The preparations for the grand opening of the Ace of Clubs had been exhausting, and this was the first time in ages that he allowed himself to simply relax and enjoy himself. No deadlines, no rehearsals, no demanding patrons or business partners. Just him, his hell hog, and his absurdly addictive soap opera.
The coffee was a small indulgence, a bitter reminder of Husker's presence even in his absence. Angel closed his eyes for a moment, moaning softly as he took another sip, the rich flavor washing over his tongue. He could almost hear Husker's gruff voice in his ear, teasing him for his sweet tooth.
"Damn, this is good," Angel murmured to himself, savoring the taste. He stretched his legs out, his toes curling in the soft carpet beneath the chair. The soap opera took a particularly dramatic turn, with the incubi hero making a grand romantic gesture to win back the heart of the succubus. Angel found himself leaning forward, completely absorbed in the storyline.
Fat Nuggets paused his munching to glance up at Angel, as if sensing his excitement. Angel chuckled, scratching the pig's head affectionately. "Can you believe this, Nuggets? This show is ridiculous," he said, though his tone was full of affection. He loved the ridiculousness of it all, the way it allowed him to escape from reality for a while.
As the episode ended with a cliffhanger, Angel groaned in frustration. "Oh, come on! You can't end it like that!" he exclaimed, though he knew he'd be back for the next episode, eager to see what happened next. He set the empty coffee mug on the side table, feeling a lazy contentment settle over him.
Angel glanced down at Fat Nuggets, who had finished his popcorn and was now snuggling even closer. "Alright, buddy. Time for a nap," he said softly.
Angel pulled the blanket up a little higher and settled back into the chair. He closed his eyes, letting the peaceful moment wash over him. As he drifted off to sleep, his last thoughts were of Husker. He wondered what Husker was up to and when he'd be back.
Angel stirred awake, blinking sleepily as he heard the soft click of the penthouse door closing. He beamed when he saw Husker entering, his boyfriend looking tired but pleased as he took off his diamond dice cufflinks. The sight of Husker, even in his work attire, was enough to make Angel's heart flutter. He watched with rapt attention as Husker carefully placed his staff in its specially made case, then started undressing, shedding his suit jacket and unbuttoning his shirt.
Angel snuggled deeper into the armchair, enjoying the impromptu show Husker was putting on. He loved watching Husker unwind after a long day, the way his muscles moved beneath his fur, the way he seemed to sigh in relief when he changed into his silk pajama pants. Husker never wore shirts at home; they bothered his wings, which Angel found endlessly endearing.
Husker caught Angel's gaze and shook his head, chuckling. "Enjoying the view, babe?" he teased, his voice a low rumble that made Angel shiver with delight.
"Always," Angel replied with a flirtatious smirk.
Husker crossed the room in a few strides and effortlessly picked Angel up from the armchair. Angel giggled, wrapping his arms around Husker's neck as he was carried back to the chair. Husker settled into the armchair, placing Angel on his lap. Fat Nuggets, not wanting to be left out, jumped up and made himself comfortable on Angel's lap. The three of them cuddled together, a perfect picture of cozy domesticity.
Husker nuzzled Angel's neck, peppering it with soft kisses. Angel giggled, squirming slightly from the ticklish sensation but cuddling closer, relishing the warmth and affection. "Missed you today," Husker murmured against his skin, his breath warm and soothing.
"Missed you too," Angel replied, his voice soft and affectionate. He ran his fingers through Husker's fur, feeling the soft, luxurious texture beneath his touch. "I was just telling Fat Nuggets here about how excited I am for the grand opening of the club. But I'm also nervous, you know? I want everything to be perfect."
Husker smiled, his eyes filled with understanding and support. "You've worked so hard, Angel. It's going to be amazing. But if you're worried about what to wear, why don't we go shopping? Pick out something that makes you feel like the star you are."
Angel's eyes widened in delight, and he turned on Husker's lap to kiss him, his lips warm and eager against Husker's. Husker laughed, a deep, resonant sound that vibrated through Angel, making him feel giddy and cherished. They kissed for a few more moments, the world outside forgotten, before Husker pulled back slightly.
"Let's get you to bed first," Husker said with a playful smirk. "Can't have you falling asleep in the middle of our shopping spree tomorrow."
Angel giggled, nodding. "Yes, sir," he said teasingly, earning a chuckle from Husker.
Husker stood up, carrying Angel effortlessly. Angel wrapped his arms and legs around Husker, feeling safe and adored as they made their way to the bedroom. Fat Nuggets trotted along behind them, his little hooves clicking on the floor. Once in the bedroom, Husker gently laid Angel on the bed, tucking him in with a tenderness that made Angel's heart swell.
Husker slid into bed beside him, pulling Angel close. Angel nestled against Husker's chest, sighing in contentment. "I love you, Husky," he whispered, his voice filled with warmth and affection.
"I love you too, Legs," Husker replied, his voice a soothing rumble. He kissed the top of Angel's head, wrapping his wings around them both, creating a cocoon.
The following morning, Angel's excitement for the shopping spree Husker was taking him on began to wane. As the limousine rolled towards the shopping district of Pentagram City, a realization struck him—it had been one year since he joined The Cat's Den, and in all that time, he had never truly left Husker's territory. The safety and security of being at the heart of his boyfriend's domain had become a comforting constant. No one ever breached Husker's security. Even when Valentino had tried to cause trouble, he couldn't step inside the casino and resort. Everything happened at the borders, far from where Angel felt safe.
The Cat's Den had become a fortress, keeping out crazed fans and unwelcome visitors. The security was impeccable. Anyone who dared approach Angel without his consent was promptly ejected from the property. Angel hadn't realized how much he relied on that protection until now, as the limousine drove out of Husker's territory. Cold sweat broke out on his skin as fear crept in. It felt absurd because he had fought Valentino and won. Sinners should be afraid of him, not the other way around.
Taking a deep breath, Angel tried to collect himself, but his fingers fidgeted nervously in his lap. When Husker's claws gently moved to cover his hands, Angel flinched, his body reacting before his mind could catch up. Husker's eyes widened in surprise, and the hurt that flashed across his face made Angel's heart ache with guilt. Husker was perfect, more than Angel deserved, always treating him with such sweetness. He didn't deserve Angel reacting this way.
"I'm good, Whiskers," Angel tried to smile, but his attempt fell flat, resulting in a tense grimace. Husker's gaze softened, but it was clear he didn't believe Angel. He didn't push the matter, though, choosing instead to offer silent support. The rest of the drive passed in uneasy silence, with Angel clinging to Husker's hand, trying to steady his breathing.
The cityscape of Pentagram City blurred past the windows, but Angel couldn't focus on the vibrant chaos outside. His mind was a whirlwind of anxiety and self-recrimination. He hated feeling this vulnerable, this exposed. The shopping district was close now, and he needed to pull himself together.
"Hey," Husker's voice broke through his spiraling thoughts. "We don't have to do this if you're not up for it. We can turn around, go back to the Den."
Angel shook his head, forcing a more genuine smile this time. "No, it's okay. I want to do this. I need to. Just… give me a minute."
Husker squeezed his hand, a gesture of reassurance that Angel appreciated more than he could say. He took a few deep breaths, focusing on the warmth of Husker's hand, the steady rhythm of his breathing, the reassuring presence that had become his anchor. Slowly, the panic began to recede, replaced by a determined resolve.
When the limousine stopped, Angel was half-expecting Husker to get out immediately like he normally did. However, Husker simply remained seated, waiting. Angel furrowed his brow, puzzled, until it dawned on him that Husker was waiting for him. Angel's heart melted at that. Of course, the sweet and attentive Husker wouldn't push him to move before he was ready. His smile was dopey and bashful at the same time. He truly didn't deserve a man like Husker, but Angel was selfish, and he intended to keep him.
Once Angel nodded, feeling more like himself, Husker smiled warmly, and the two of them exited the limousine. They strolled down the bustling streets, passing various stores. Angel looked at the window displays, liking quite a few styles but not brave enough to point them out. It was clear that Husker had a specific store and style in mind, and Angel didn't want to mess this up. Even if he ended up hating the clothes Husker made him try on, with their uncluttered styles, boxy lines, and old money vibe, he was willing to endure it for Husker's sake.
Their first stop was an upscale boutique known for its classic and sophisticated designs. The store exuded elegance, from its minimalist decor to the carefully curated racks of clothing. Angel's heart sank a little as he looked around. The clothes were beautiful, but they weren't his style. He was used to bold, flashy outfits that screamed his personality. These were subdued, elegant, and a far cry from what he usually wore.
"Let's start with something simple," Husker suggested, picking out a navy blazer with gold buttons and matching trousers. "Try this on."
Angel took the outfit with a polite smile and headed to the dressing room. As he changed, he couldn't help but feel out of place. The blazer was stiff, the trousers too formal. He looked at himself in the mirror, trying to see the elegant figure Husker probably envisioned, but all he saw was someone pretending to be something he wasn't.
When he stepped out, Husker's eyes lit up. "You look amazing."
Angel forced a smile. "Thanks."
Husker picked out several more outfits, each one more sophisticated than the last. Angel tried them on without complaint, feeling like he was playing a role in a play. He twirled and posed, mimicking the elegance he thought he should embody. Husker seemed pleased, which made it worth it, even if Angel felt like he was losing a piece of himself with each outfit.
Noticing something was wrong, Husker entered Angel's private dressing room. One of the perks of being an overlord was having access to VIP rooms others couldn't. Inside, he saw Angel glaring at the pile of clothes Husker had chosen for him to try on. Angel's eyes were fixed on the garments, his shoulders tense, and his face scrunched up in frustration.
When Angel realized Husker was looking, he was startled and quickly opted for a teasing smile. "Hey, Husky," he said, his voice dripping with forced cheerfulness. "Do you want me to put on a show for you? Daddy?"
Husker frowned, his brows knitting together in concern. He could see through Angel's facade. He realized that Angel was dissociating, retreating into a persona to cope with whatever was troubling him. Something must have triggered Angel's trauma, bringing back memories he would rather forget. Husker sighed inwardly, hating that the path to healing was never linear, and despising even more the suffering Angel had endured at Valentino's hands.
Gently, Husker cupped Angel's face in his paws, his touch soft and reassuring. "Angel," he said, his voice filled with care and concern, "what's wrong?"
The genuine care in Husker's voice was too much for Angel to bear. His facade crumbled, and he broke down, tears streaming down his face as he hid in Husker's neck. "I-I'm sorry, Husky," Angel sobbed. "It's just... none of these clothes are my style. I'm trying so hard to be someone I'm not because I'm not a porn actor anymore. I'm the lover of an overlord, and I should look the part, right? But it's so hard. I don't feel worthy of any of this. Valentino always said I didn't deserve nice things, and now, it's like his voice is stuck in my head."
Husker's heart ached at Angel's confession. He knew that the road to recovery was long and arduous, filled with moments of doubt and pain. But hearing Angel's struggles, his fears and insecurities laid bare, made Husker more determined to show Angel just how much he deserved everything good in his life.
Husker wrapped his arms around Angel, holding him close. "Angel," he whispered, "you deserve all the good things in this world and more. You're not just my lover; you're my everything. You don't have to change who you are to fit some idea of what you think you should be. I love you for you."
Angel's sobs quieted as he clung to Husker, the words soothing some of the pain in his heart. Husker pulled back slightly, looking into Angel's tear-filled eyes. He leaned in and pressed a gentle kiss to Angel's forehead, then his cheeks, and finally his lips, each kiss filled with love and reassurance.
"Let me show you how much you mean to me," Husker murmured, his voice husky with emotion.
Without waiting for a response, Husker slowly guided Angel to the plush bench in the dressing room. He gently laid Angel down, his eyes never leaving Angel's. He started by kissing his way down Angel's neck, his lips trailing soft, worshipful kisses along Angel's skin. Angel shivered, his breath hitching as Husker's hands roamed over his body, caressing and soothing him.
Husker moved lower, his mouth leaving a trail of kisses down Angel's torso, his paws tenderly caressing Angel's sides. When he reached Angel's thighs, Husker glanced up, his eyes meeting Angel's. There was a silent question there, asking for permission, and Angel nodded, a mix of anticipation and vulnerability in his gaze.
Husker gently spread Angel's legs, his paws moving with reverence. He lowered his head, his warm breath ghosting over Angel's most intimate area. Angel gasped as Husker's tongue made contact, a jolt of pleasure shooting through him. Husker's tongue was rough but gentle, lapping at Angel with a tenderness that brought tears to Angel's eyes.
"Whiskers," Angel moaned, his hands clutching at the fabric beneath him. Husker didn't stop, his tongue moving in slow, deliberate strokes, worshipping Angel's body. He took his time, savoring every moment, every moan and gasp that escaped Angel's lips.
Angel felt his body tremble with pleasure, the sensations overwhelming him. He could feel Husker's devotion in every touch, every lick, and it made his heart swell with love. When he finally climaxed, it was with a cry of Husker's name, his body arching as waves of pleasure washed over him.
Husker didn't waste a single drop, his tongue eagerly lapping up all of Angel's release. He continued his ministrations until Angel was trembling with aftershocks, his body spent and sated. Only then did Husker pull back, his eyes filled with love and adoration as he looked at Angel.
Angel, still catching his breath, reached up and cupped Husker's face, pulling him down for a tender kiss. "Thank you, Husky," he whispered, his voice hoarse with emotion. "I love you."
"I love you too, Angel," Husker replied, his voice equally filled with emotion.
They stayed like that for a while, wrapped in each other's arms. After a while, they slowly got up, and Husker helped Angel straighten his clothes. They left the dressing room together, hand in hand, Husker's expression soft. "Let's find something that is you. I don't want you to wear anything you're not happy with."
Angel felt a wave of relief wash over him. "Really?"
"Really," Husker confirmed, smiling. "Let's find something that makes you feel as amazing as you are."
They left the boutique and continued down the street, this time with Angel pointing out stores that caught his eye. Eventually, they entered a store filled with vibrant colors, bold patterns, and eye-catching designs. Angel's eyes lit up as he took in the racks of clothes. This was more like it.
Husker watched with a smile as Angel excitedly picked out outfits to try. There were dresses with sequins, tops with plunging necklines, and pants with wild patterns. Angel tried on each outfit with enthusiasm, twirling and posing in front of the mirror. He felt more like himself with every new piece he tried.
When Angel stepped out in a bright pink blazer adorned with rhinestones, paired with a matching mini skirt, Husker's eyes widened in appreciation. "Now that's the Angel I know."
Angel beamed. "You like it?"
"I love it," Husker said, pulling him into a hug. "You look incredible."
They continued shopping, each finding pieces that spoke to Angel's unique style. By the time they left, Angel felt like he had a wardrobe that truly reflected who he was. He was no longer pretending to be someone he wasn't. Husker had seen him, accepted him, and celebrated him for who he was.
As they returned to the limousine, laden with bags of new clothes, Angel's heart swelled with gratitude. Husker had given him more than just a shopping spree; he had given him the freedom to be himself.
"Thank you, Husky," Angel said, leaning against him as the limousine started moving.
"For what?" Husker asked, genuinely puzzled.
"For everything," Angel replied, his voice soft but filled with emotion. "For letting me be me."
Husker smiled, kissing the top of Angel's head. "Always, Angel. Always."