They’re sitting on two lawn chairs on the edge of alastor’s bayou, watching the fireflies do their thing whilst sharing a bottle of wine when alastor asks a question that has husk choking on his drink.
“Do you still wish to kiss me?”
And yes. Yes, he does. Forehead, nose, mouth, neck. Husk hasn’t stopped thinking about it since Angel and his chat.
The silence from alastor is awkward. He’s rigid in his seat. Spine ramrod straight, shoulders up where his human ears would be, wine glass creaking in his grip. His grin is strained.
But husk is patient. He waits alastor out. Lets him formulate his words, his sentences with care whilst sipping on his drink. He’s bluffing utterly and completely. Inside his heart is rattling against his ribs, his stomach is queasy with excitement and nerves he refuses to acknowledge cause this really, honestly, could be nothing.
“I was under the impression that you had romantic feelings towards our resident spider.” He throws back the rest of his drink in one gulp, “but nothing has come of it. Is that correct?”
Husk shrugs, “we talked about it. Hell, we even slept together a few times - not like we do, Al. We had sex.” It’s the damnedest thing because Al looked most put out by that admission, “it’s fun. Friends can do that too, if they talk it out and are honest. And we’re both single besides. I’m monogamous at heart - S’too much work otherwise.”
“You’ve really taken therapy to heart, dear husker.”
“Might as well. If I’m spouting that bullshit or the princess is around most of the day, something’s gonna stick.” Husk refills alastor’s glass, “but we realised we’re better staying friends. He’s got too much energy for an old man like me if you catch my drift-“ Al’s face said he didn’t, “-and he’s got a lot of growing to do, besides. He should learn who he is on his own.”
“Besides, we both realised that despite my best interests, my heart hadn’t put out an old flame I’d been carrying around.” He grins despite himself, “Yeah, turns out this guy owns my soul. But pretty comfortably lives rent-free in my heart as well. He’s like the energiser bunny, bouncing around causing mayhem and chaos. Biggest pain in the ass. But he’s also got his quiet side. Likes reading by the fire, a good whiskey and gossiping about the other overlords and this rag tag group we call a family here. He’s cruel, vindictive and has a sadistic streak. But he’s also capable of kindness when he deems someone worthy enough. Guy brushes my fur and helps preen my wings, and keeps me well fed besides. I’ve not looked this good in decades, Al.”
Al regards him fondly, “You do look rather well put together, old friend. Your fur is utterly delightful.”
“Helps I’m taking in more nutrition than alcohol for the first time in decades.”
“Your diet really is atrocious, darling.”
They share a small laugh before they go quiet. After a few moments of listening to the night, husk moves his chair closer to alastor’s and sits on it sideways, leaning closer to alastor. He breathes, steadies his nerves and reaches for Al’s hand. Squeezes it gently before he meets alastor’s wide eyes.
“Al, we’ve been at this table before and I want to ask if I can deal you in. If you don’t want it, then that’s it. I’ll give you whatever space you want and there’ll be no hard feelings. But… I’m all in. I feel a lot for you, Al. I want to take this chance and see where we go.”
Al squeezes husk’s hand back, “I admit I have grown attached, husker. It’s not something I find myself able to easily admit. But I… do adore you, husker. Despite how surly you are, you’re a good time. My, you even keep up with me on the dance floor! For a time.”
He patted husk’s hand, “but i may never share your interest in the carnal pleasures. Is that something you’ve considered?”
“Sure I’ve thought about it, Al. You cut a fine figure in that suit, or hell, even out of it! As few times as that’s happened. And as much as I hope you’ll try, I ain’t gonna force you or expect it. It’s more important to me that you’re comfortable and happy.”
“And if you do desire to dance between the sheets?”
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