IC Inbox - Seasons

[dealtinthebar]

You've reached Husk.

Leave a message and, if it isn't bullshit, maybe I'll get back to you later.

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[dealtinthebar]

"If it was a joke, I'd say you were slipping."

Husk moved to sit next to the spider, leaning on the arm so they were halfway facing. He was already pretty much set to leave for work, which was to say his fur was a little tidier than he usually had it. But not by much. So Angel had his undivided attention.

[legsfordays]

"Alright, so. You know how we fucked and it was -" fucking amazing. Incredible. The best sex he had in years. "Great." Nailed it. "I mean I told ya I was in it the whole time, which is a big deal because I haven't really, you know, been in the moment for a long time." Especially not during a shoot and not even when he sought partners outside of it. It was just to scratch an itch, and no one ever cared about his well being like Husk did in and outside the bedroom.

"I was just... thinkin' about it. A lot. And I - fuck me this is so stupid." Angel was clearly getting nervous and uncomfortable, both wildly out of character for him.

[dealtinthebar]

For a moment, Husk was sure he'd known where this was going, but then Angel kept going, and his obvious discomfort made it clear this wasn't going to be just a "Hey, so when are we gonna fuck again?" conversation. That was enough to really make the old bartender curious, and a little concerned, because what could possibly make Angel Dust nervous that was even remotely related to sex? The man literally talked about waterboarding while at the club like it was a minor work annoyance.

[legsfordays]

A 'hey, when are we gonna fuck again?' Would have been so easy he would have just texted him that to start with. Angel, frustrated by his own stumbling and nerves, balled up his fists and held them against his thighs, pressing hard enough to hurt. "I -" he flinched. "I like ya, alright? Not just for the sex, but for... everything. You made me feel somethin' I haven't felt in forever and it's driving me fucking crazy."

[dealtinthebar]

Husk's eyes widened. That was the absolute last thing he'd expected this to be about. Mr. I Can See Through Your Bullshit himself was blindsided...admittedly not by bullshit. And it was obvious as he stared at Angel in shock.

Several thoughts ran through his head at once. It was a joke, it was just the good sex talking, Angel wouldn't joke about a crush, and no way the sex was that good. He was trying to find the logic, the words to respond...anything. And it wasn't coming.

"Angel, I..." He what? He hasn't had feelings like that in years? He doesn't know if Angel should be having those feelings for him? He doesn't know what to say? All of those are the truth.

[legsfordays]

That really was the problem with crushes, wasn't it? There often times wasn't logic to it. Although Angel could definitely see how he got there himself. Husk understood him, he didn't use him for his body and, frankly, didn't seem to give a fuck about any of that up to and including the sex until they had it. And when they did he was courteous and aware and he looked at Angel like a person and not... an object. A thing. He saw him for what he really was now and back before when he first called him out outside the club.

"You don't feel the same. I get it." He said, rubbing the heel of his palm against an eye. "Just forget I said anything." They didn't have to make this weird. It didn't have to be weird.

[dealtinthebar]

"It's not that. I...fuck..."

Husk groaned, half-frustrated, and dragged his paw down his face. "I don't know how to feel, Legs. I...I gave up on my feelings a long time ago." He rested his chin on his hand and sighed. The least he could do was be honest about this. "So I didn't see this coming and I don't want you to think I'm just blowing you off."

[legsfordays]

"And you think I did?!" Angel snapped, defensive and recoiling now. Allowing himself that vulnerability had been a mistake, even if he trusted Husk not to abuse it like most would. That was the problem, wasn't it? That he trusted him so much. Of course he didn't see it coming.

He sank down into the cushions, legs tugged to his chest. "I know you're not. I shoulda just kept my mouth shut for once."

[dealtinthebar]

Husk almost flinched when Angel snapped at him, but only almost. The spider had every right to be testy. But he didn't know what he expected. They both knew this wasn't some fairy tale. But still.

"I'm glad...you didn't though."

[legsfordays]

He didn't expect much, really, although Charlie had certainly helped him get his Hope's up a little bit.

Angel sighed and glanced over to Husk. "Why?"

[dealtinthebar]

"Because even if I don't have a clue where I stand, I know where you do. I'm not gonna act like this changes everything, but I'd rather know so I can treat it seriously than not and end up confused when I do something that hurts you."

That was the truth of it.

[legsfordays]

Angel sighed. This would have been so much easier if Husk just laughed in his face. Now, he had to deal with the weight in the pit of his stomach and the knowledge that he had no fucking idea where this could go.

"Ya ain't gonna hurt me. No more than I hurt myself already." Having feelings and all.

[dealtinthebar]

"You're putting a lot of faith in this old man."

If they hadn't connected as strongly as they have, he would have laughed. Said it was the worst attempt to get him in bed yet. Now? He had some stuff to figure out in his own time.

[legsfordays]

"You gave me something I haven't had in a long time." He said softly. "Hope that I could be... different. That I could be more than just some piece of shit who was only good for one thing."

Charlie had helped too, of course, but not quite like Husk had.

[dealtinthebar]

"Glad I could help."

Husk smiled. He wasn't optimistic about much of anything, but he was attached. They were a bunch of losers and misfits, but they were together and damn if he wasn't protective of them, Angel especially. Maybe because he was the youngest, maybe because they were the most alike. But it was there.

"Because you couldn't be, you ARE more."

[legsfordays]

Angel shrugged and started to unfurl himself and move from the couch.

"I need a drink."

[dealtinthebar]

"I'd join you if I didn't have work." Husk watched him move, considering for a moment before he spoke up again. "I could go in a bit early, so you can come with and have a drink there."

[legsfordays]

Angel's plan was to get absolutely smashed and forget he had just, potentially, made a huge mistake by confessing his feelings. Who did that anyway?

"Yeah. Sure." Why not do so near the guy he confessed to! Probably fine!

[dealtinthebar]

On the bright side, Husk wouldn't judge him for it and a good distraction might walk in the door? But mostly, he just didn't want to leave the spider alone with his feelings. Not like this anyway.

Husk stood as well and straightened his suspenders. "Then let's get outta here."

[legsfordays]

It was probably for the best, honestly. Alone in the apartment, Angel would probably get a lot more self destructive than he might with Husk around.

Angel nodded and grabbed his phone, heading out to follow Husk. He wasn't quite sure what to do now - playing it off would be pointless with how easily the bartender could read him.

[dealtinthebar]

"...I'm still thinking about that club, you know?"

Husk led the way to the nearest teleporter, opting to move the conversation into a mre comfortable direction. It took the pressure off of Angel, but didn't pretend the rest of the conversation hasn't happened. Just...he didn't want to seem like he was pulling away.