Angel's therapy session was conducted in the comfort of his private hospital room, where he lay recovering from a painful detoxification process. It was grueling, and Angel's body ached and trembled as he fought to rid himself of the toxins that had held him captive for so long. He had begged the doctors and nurses for help, not trusting himself to get through it alone. Their support, however, wasn't the only thing getting him through the dark times.
Every day, without fail, Arackniss visited Angel. Some days were filled with laughter and stories, where the brothers managed to find a semblance of the siblinghood they once had. They talked, joked, and slowly began to rebuild their fractured relationship. But not all days were good.
On the bad days, Angel's cravings and mood swings hit with a vengeance. The withdrawal symptoms were relentless, pushing him to the edge of his sanity. He found himself lashing out, cursing Arackniss and accusing him of the vilest things. Angel would scream that it was all Arackniss's fault, blaming him for every wrong turn his life had taken.
Arackniss bore it all without flinching. He knew his brother needed to vent his pain and anger. After Angel's tirades, when the anger burned itself out, Arackniss would gently take him into his arms. Angel would sob into his chest, mumbling apologies through his tears, and Arackniss would just hold him, offering silent comfort and understanding.
This cycle had become their routine, one Angel desperately wanted to break. During his therapy session, Angel found himself voicing these frustrations. Angel lay back on the plush pillows of his hospital bed, staring up at the ceiling. The room was softly lit, creating a calming atmosphere that was a stark contrast to the turmoil he felt inside. Linda, his therapist, sat nearby in a comfortable armchair, her calm and reassuring presence helping to ease some of his anxiety. Linda was a lynx-like sinner, her feline features adding to her composed demeanor. Her eyes, a piercing shade of blue, seemed to see right through him, but in a way that made him feel understood rather than judged.
"I don't know how to behave with him," Angel admitted, his voice raw with confusion and hurt. "Arackniss was a horrible brother when we were alive. He sided with our father, who hated me for being who I am. Now, Arackniss has sold his soul to free me. Am I just supposed to forget everything and forgive him?"
Angel sighed, running a hand through his disheveled hair. "I can see he's trying to be better. He's changed. But I can't trust him completely, and it makes me feel guilty and ungrateful. He sold his soul for me. Why can't I move on?"
Linda listened intently, offering a reassuring nod. "It's perfectly normal to feel this way, Angel," she said gently. "No one, not even Arackniss, expects you to simply move on from your trauma. Trust is something that has to be rebuilt over time, especially when it's been broken as badly as yours was."
Angel looked up, his eyes searching the therapist's face for understanding. "But I feel like I'm betraying him by not being able to forgive him right away. He sacrificed so much for me."
"Your feelings are valid," Linda assured him. "You trusted and looked up to Arackniss, and he betrayed that trust by siding with your father. It's going to take time to heal those wounds. What's important is that you both are willing to work on it. Your relationship can mend, but it's okay to take it one step at a time."
Angel nodded slowly, absorbing her words. He knew deep down that she was right, but it didn't make the process any less painful. He wanted to believe in his brother's change, to trust that the man who visited him every day was genuinely trying to make amends.
"Just keep talking to him," Linda continued. "Be honest about your feelings. If he's truly changed, he'll understand and support you through this. Healing isn't a straight path, and it's okay to stumble along the way."
Angel exhaled a long breath, feeling a weight lift from his chest. "I'll try to keep that in mind."
"So, Angel," Linda continued gently, her voice a soothing balm to his frazzled nerves, "let's talk more about your relationship with drugs and how it's been a way for you to escape your reality."
Angel took a deep breath, feeling the familiar knot of shame tighten in his stomach. "Yeah, drugs... they've been my way out," he admitted, his voice trembling slightly. "When everything gets too much, when the memories and the pain just won't go away, I used to turn to them. They made everything numb, made it easier to forget how shitty my life was."
Linda nodded, her expression empathetic. "It's not uncommon for people to seek out ways to numb their pain, especially when they're dealing with trauma. But you're here now, Angel, and you're trying to break free from that cycle. That's a huge step."
Angel smiled weakly at her encouragement but quickly turned serious again. "You know, my ego took a real hit with Valentino. I always thought I was smarter than that, more cunning. But he got one over me, and that... that really messed with my head."
He could feel his anger bubbling up as he spoke about Valentino, the idiot who had managed to trap him in a living hell. "He drugged me," Angel said, his voice barely above a whisper. "He used his saliva, which is a strong aphrodisiac, to mess with my head. Next thing I knew, I was his property, body and soul."
Linda's eyes flashed with sympathy and anger on his behalf. "That's an incredibly violating experience, Angel. It's no wonder you've been struggling so much."
Angel nodded, grateful for her understanding. "And it wasn't just Valentino. At V Tower, I went through so much... sexual, physical, emotional abuse. They broke me down in every way possible. And the worst part is, I started to believe all the horrible things they said about me."
His voice cracked as he continued, "I used to love sex work, you know? Even porn. I was always a sexual being, and getting paid for something I loved doing seemed like a win-win. But they... they made me feel like nothing but a whore. Just another piece of meat."
He blushed, remembering the conversation he had with Husker. Husker, with his gruff exterior and surprising tenderness, had seen right through his insecurities. "Husker, he told me there was nothing wrong with sex work, " Angel said, his voice softening. "He said he grew up in Vegas, knew strippers and hookers, and respected them. I don't know how he saw through my façade, and saw my insecurities. He made me feel... seen, I guess. Like I wasn't something to be ashamed of."
Linda smiled warmly at this. "It sounds like Husker is a very insightful and compassionate person. It's important to have people in your life who can see your worth and remind you of it."
Angel's blush deepened as he recalled Husker's words, but then his expression darkened. "But then there's Vox, Valentino, and all those clients. They made so much money off me, yet they treated me like dirt. Called me a whore, like it was something to be ashamed of. It was so hypocritical. They looked down on me for the very thing they profited from."
Linda nodded again, her eyes full of understanding. "That kind of hypocrisy is unfortunately common, Angel. It's a way for them to maintain power and control. But it doesn't define you. What they did and said doesn't change the fact that you are a person with value and dignity."
Angel took a deep breath, feeling a mix of relief and frustration. "I know that logically, but it's hard to internalize. I want to believe in myself again, to find that confidence I used to have."
"That's what we're here for," Linda said gently. "To help you rebuild that confidence, step by step. You're already on the right path by confronting these issues and talking about them. It's going to be a journey, but you don't have to do it alone."
Angel laid back on the pillows, his mind a tangled mess of thoughts and emotions. Linda's presence was a calming influence in the storm of his mind. She listened intently as Angel continued to share his thoughts and fears, her eyes never leaving his.
"You know, Linda," Angel began, his voice trembling slightly, "I can't figure out if what I'm starting to feel for Husker is real or if it's just because I'm so used to seducing my overlords. It's confusing."
Linda nodded, encouraging him to continue. "Tell me more about these feelings, Angel. When did they start?"
Angel sighed, remembering the night he first stepped into The Cat's Den. "When we entered The Cat's Den casino, I was terrified. I wanted to run and never meet Husker. The stories I heard about him... the feared Gambling Overlord. But then, when he won my soul, it was like... like I had never seen a more beautiful sinner in my entire afterlife."
His voice grew softer as he continued, "The desire I felt for him burned so intensely, it scared me. And it still does. I don't know if it's because he's my boss now or because I'm truly attracted to him."
Linda leaned forward slightly, her expression thoughtful. "Did that desire change after you stopped being Husker's contractual soul?"
Angel thought about it for a moment, reflecting on his feelings. "No, it didn't," he admitted. "Even after the contract was broken, the desire didn't go away."
Linda nodded again, her eyes kind and understanding. "Do you think your initial fear was because of Husker himself, or because you were in a situation you had no control over?"
Angel considered this, remembering his life and how he had always used his charms and seduction to control the men around him. "I think it was the situation," he said slowly. "All my life, I've been able to seduce and manipulate the men around me. Even Valentino, who owned my soul, was someone I could handle in a way. But Husker... he's an enigma to me. It leaves me feeling wrong-footed."
Linda smiled gently. "That makes sense, Angel. The last time you were in a situation like this, you lost your soul. It's natural to feel scared and confused."
Angel nodded, feeling a bit more at ease. "Yeah, but I still can't shake the feeling that maybe I want to sleep with him because I think it's expected of me. Like I have to warm the bed of the overlord I work for."
Linda's expression grew more serious, her eyes locking onto his. "That's an important point, Angel. It's something we can explore further in future sessions. For now, it's okay to acknowledge those feelings and recognize that they are complex."
Angel sighed again, feeling a mix of relief and frustration. "I just want to know what's real and what's not. I want to believe that my feelings for Husker are genuine, but I can't help but question them."
Linda reached out and gently placed a hand on his arm. "It's a journey, Angel. Understanding your feelings and where they come from takes time. You're doing incredibly well, and it's okay to have these questions. We'll continue to explore them together."
Angel felt a flicker of hope at her words. He had a long way to go, but with Linda's guidance, he was starting to believe that he could untangle the mess of emotions inside him and find clarity. For now, it was enough to know that he wasn't alone in this journey, and that he had support every step of the way.
He smiled weakly at Linda, his heart feeling a bit lighter. "Thanks, Linda. I appreciate it."
"Anytime, Angel," she replied with a warm smile. "We're in this together."
As Angel lay back and closed his eyes, he felt a sense of calm wash over him. It wasn't perfect, and the road ahead was still long and uncertain, but for the first time in a long while, he felt like he might actually have a chance at finding peace and understanding his true feelings. And that was a start.
Angel collapsed back into his hospital bed, utterly exhausted after the intense therapy session. The effort of going cold turkey combined with the emotional strain of therapy was taking a heavy toll on him. He pulled the blanket over himself and fell into a deep, dreamless sleep.
Throughout the day, he woke up only when the nurses came in to check his vitals and bring him meals. The food was a small comfort in the midst of his struggle. Valentino had starved him for so many years, obsessing over maintaining Angel's perfect figure without any regard for his health. Now, Angel was free to eat whatever he wanted, and he relished every bite.
He thought about all the delicious Italian dishes he could now indulge in: gnocchi, lasagna, pizza, risotto, tiramisu. Just the thought of them made his mouth water. Today's dish was Pollo Alla Cacciatora. The chicken was fried to perfection, seasoned with traditional warming spices, and then stewed with olive oil, tomatoes, and red wine. It was served piping hot, the aroma filling his small hospital room.
Angel moaned in delight as he took his first bite. The rich flavors exploded in his mouth, bringing back memories of a happier time when food wasn't rationed and every meal wasn't a calculated attempt to keep him thin. He savored each mouthful, eating slowly to prolong the experience.
The food also helped to distract him from his cravings. Keeping his mouth busy with delicious food gave him a temporary respite from the gnawing need for drugs. For a few hours, at least, he could focus on the simple pleasure of eating.
After finishing the meal, Angel sighed satisfied. The Pollo Alla Cacciatora had been a true comfort, warming him from the inside out.
Angel smiled at the nurse as she entered the room, her familiar presence was a comfort. She was the same nurse who had been with him from the beginning, and Angel was starting to warm up to her. She was a goat-like sinner with kind red eyes that sparkled with warmth and understanding. Her nametag read "Felicity," and she wore a black spades pin with pride.
"How are you feeling today, Angel?" Felicity asked, her voice gentle and soothing as she picked up his clean plate.
"I'm hanging in there," Angel replied, flashing her a tired but genuine smile. He appreciated her kindness more than he could put into words.
With a mischievous wink, Felicity reached into her pocket and pulled out a lollipop, sneaking it to him. "Here you go, just don't let the doctors see," she whispered conspiratorially.
Angel laughed, accepting the lollipop with a grin. "You're a lifesaver, Felicity," he said, unwrapping it and popping it into his mouth. The doctors had wanted to lower his sugar intake but having something to entertain his mouth with helped distract him from the cravings. The cravings were getting better, but they still lingered, like a dark shadow at the edge of his mind.
"Anything to help you through the day," Felicity replied, giving him a soft pat on the shoulder before heading towards the door.
Before she left, Angel decided to put on a little show. He started sucking on the lollipop in an exaggerated, wanton manner, making it look hilariously over-the-top. Felicity burst into laughter, shaking her head at his antics.
"You always know how to make me laugh, Angel," she said, her laughter like a melody that lightened the heaviness in the room.
As soon as she left, the laughter faded from Angel's face, and he sighed deeply. Today had been a hard day, and the weight of it settled back onto his shoulders the moment he was alone. The therapy session had stirred up a lot of emotions, and the constant battle against his cravings was exhausting.
Angel lay back on his bed, staring at the ceiling. He felt a mix of gratitude and sadness. Gratitude for the small kindnesses, like Felicity's lollipops and her warm presence, and sadness for the lingering pain and the long road of recovery ahead.
He thought about the therapy session, the conversations he had with Linda, his lynx-like therapist with her calm demeanor and wise insights. They had talked about his dependence on drugs, his bruised ego from Valentino's manipulation, and the abuse he had suffered. Angel had confessed how much he used to love sex work and how it had been twisted into something shameful and degrading by those who exploited him.
His mind drifted to Husker. The attraction he felt for the Gambling Overlord was confusing and intense. He remembered the fear he felt when he first entered The Cat's Den casino, ready to run at any moment. But Husker had won his soul and treated him with respect, a stark contrast to Valentino. Angel's desire for Husker burned brightly, but he needed to understand if it was genuine or a remnant of his past trauma.
Angel took a deep breath, trying to center himself. He had a long way to go, but he was making progress, even if it was slow. Each day brought new challenges, but also small victories. He thought about Arackniss, about their complicated relationship and how his brother was trying to make amends. It was hard to trust, but he could see the effort and it meant something.
He reached for his lollipop, sucking on it thoughtfully. It was a simple pleasure, but in a world that had been devoid of joy for so long, it was a precious thing. Angel closed his eyes, letting himself enjoy the sweetness.
Tomorrow will bring new struggles and new triumphs. He was learning to take it one day at a time, to appreciate the small mercies and to keep moving forward. For now, he allowed himself to rest, drawing strength from the kindness of those around him and the progress he was making.
He smiled to himself, feeling a spark of hope. It was going to be a long journey, but he wasn't alone. With Felicity's kindness, Linda's guidance, and the support of his brother, Angel felt that maybe, just maybe, he could make it through.
Angel's deep thoughts were interrupted when his phone started ringing. He turned to the night table beside his bed, where his new phone with a pink case decorated with purple spider webs lay. This was a new phone that Husker had gotten for him, aware that everyone smart in Hell knew Vox spied on people through the devices he sold via VoxTek.
With an eager smile, Angel quickly picked up the phone. The contact list was short: Husker, Arackniss, Felicity, Linda, his doctors, and Cherri. He had tried to reach Cherri after everything went down, but she was always on the move and often in places without service.
"Hello?" Angel answered, his voice bright with anticipation.
"Where in Hell are you?" Cherri's familiar voice demanded, a mix of concern and impatience lacing her words.
Angel laughed, relieved to hear from his friend. "I'm at The Cat's Den, believe it or not. Valentino lost me in a poker bet to Husker."
"What?!" Cherri's confusion was evident. "Why would Valentino be so stupid to gamble with your soul?"
"It was all part of a plan," Angel explained. "Arackniss set it up to get me free."
"Wait, do we no longer hate your brother?" Cherri asked, clearly bewildered by the sudden change in their longstanding vendetta against Arackniss.
Angel chuckled, feeling a mix of emotions. "Arackniss sold his soul to Husker to free me," he said softly. "Turns out, he's not so bad after all."
"Wow," Cherri replied, her tone impressed. "I guess he's really stepped up, huh?"
"Yeah," Angel agreed. "He's trying to make amends. It's… complicated."
"So, you're staying at The Cat's Den now?" Cherri asked, her voice curious and a bit relieved.
"Yep," Angel confirmed. "And you should come over. I could really use a friend right now."
"I'm on my way," Cherri promised without hesitation.
As Angel hung up the phone, he felt a wave of warmth and gratitude wash over him. Angel clutched the phone to his chest, his heart pounding with anticipation. He was exhausted but knowing that Cherri was coming lifted his spirits. It had been months since he last saw Cherri, and he had missed her fiercely. The mere thought of seeing his best friend again filled him with a joy he hadn't felt in a long time. Half an hour later, a whirlwind burst into his private hospital room, and there she was—Cherri, as vibrant and chaotic as ever.
"Angel, baby!" she exclaimed, her voice full of excitement and relief.
Angel was about to jump off the bed and envelop her in a hug when he noticed something tucked beneath her arm. His curiosity piqued, he tilted his head, eyes widening with interest.
"Surprise!" Cherri beamed, pulling out the most adorable little piglet he had ever seen. The pink hell hog squeaked, capturing Angel's heart instantly.
"Oh my Satan!" Angel gasped, eyes sparkling with delight. Cherri placed the hell hog on his lap, and Angel immediately took the piglet into his arms, cuddling and showering it with kisses. The piglet squealed happily, wriggling in Angel's embrace.
"Isn't he the cutest?" Cherri said, smiling fondly at the heartwarming scene. "I know you've always wanted a pet, but that asshole Valentino never allowed you one. So, I saved this little guy from the slaughterhouse during my last job."
Angel's face lit up with gratitude and affection. "Cherri, you're the best! Thank you so much!"
Cherri waved off his thanks with a grin. "So, what are you gonna name him?"
Angel's eyes twinkled with mischief. "I think I'll christen him Fat Nuggets."
Cherri stared at Angel for a moment, then the two of them burst into laughter, their voices filling the room. They laughed until they were breathless, leaning on each other for support.
"Oh, Fat Nuggets, you're gonna love it here," Angel cooed to the piglet, who nuzzled into his chest contentedly.
Cherri wiped a tear from her eye, still giggling. "That's a perfect name, Angel. Fat Nuggets it is."
The piglet squeaked again as if approving of his new name. Angel felt a warmth spread through him, a sense of belonging and love he hadn't felt in ages. For a moment, the weight of his struggles lifted, replaced by pure happiness.
As they settled down, Cherri sat on the edge of Angel's bed, watching him with a soft smile. "How are you holding up, Angel?" she asked, her tone more serious now.
Angel sighed, his fingers gently stroking Fat Nuggets' fur. "It's been tough, Cherri. Therapy is hard, and going cold turkey is hell. But… I'm making it through, one day at a time."
Cherri nodded, her expression understanding. "I'm proud of you, Angel. You're stronger than you know. Hell, I would never be able to stop, not that I would even want to! The high is a great feeling! But you know what I mean!"
Angel's eyes shimmered with unshed tears. "Thanks, Cherri. I needed to hear that."
They sat in comfortable silence for a while, the piglet nestled between them. The room felt warmer, filled with the quiet companionship that only true friends could share. For the first time in a long time, Angel felt hopeful about the future.
"Hey, Cherri," Angel said, breaking the silence. "I've been thinking a lot about everything. About Valentino, Husker, and… you know, just life. Or, well, afterlifie."
Cherri listened intently, nodding for him to continue.
"I'm scared," Angel admitted. "Scared of what's next, scared of falling back into old habits. But having you here makes me feel like maybe I can do this. Maybe I can really change."
Cherri reached out, taking Angel's hand in hers. "You're not alone, Angel. You've got me, Arackniss… and now, Fat Nuggets. We're all here for you."
Angel smiled, squeezing her hand. "Yeah, I've got a pretty good team, don't I?"
"The best," Cherri confirmed with a wink.
The hours passed with ease as they talked and laughed, sharing stories and memories. Fat Nuggets fell asleep in Angel's arms, a small symbol of the new beginnings and the hope that things could get better.
As the day turned to evening, Cherri reluctantly stood up. "I should get going, but I'll be back soon. And hey, if you need anything, you call me, okay?"
"Okay," Angel agreed, feeling a pang of sadness as she prepared to leave. "Thanks for everything, Cherri. I mean it."
She leaned down, giving him a tight hug. "Anytime, Angel. You're family."
Angel watched as she left, his heart full. He looked down at Fat Nuggets, who was still snoozing peacefully. With a contented sigh, Angel settled back into his bed, feeling a rare sense of peace.