" Barkeep's Tales [oneshot]
? Hazbin Hotel
× Huskerdust
# fluff
!! Nowhere NEAR canon. I haven't watched the show much, this was just demanded of me by my friends.
!! I gave husk a non demon name bc I wanted to [ Leonardo-Alfonzo (Ardo) ]
!! Original character!! Ethol is named after ethanol because I'm boring and just needed a name.
!! This hasn't been proofread
Enjoy? Maybe?
~~~
The door chimed softly as you entered one of Hell's many cheap bars. It was closing in a couple hours, but you had time. And money. You sat down and ordered something boring. The bartender introduced himself as Ethol and asked if you had any questions.
You, being the nosy bitch you are, asked about the hotel nearby. Specifically, if the alcohol there was any better.
Ethol shrugged with a laugh, but then spoke with a sort of conspiratory tone.
" I don't know much about the hotel itself, but a couple members of staff have stopped by every now and then. One of em in particular, actually. I think his name's Husk? Being a fellow bartender and all, he uh... Knew quite a lot, y'know? Made for some interesting conversation. When he and that uh, Angel character, when they finally made up it was over a drink, for sure. I knew Husk had been all over my vodka since they went on a break. Took a couple shots, ran some blackjack with that killer luck of his, walked back to the hotel that princess opened up. But before he left, we held a little conversation. For a, what, 60 year old fella, he's pretty pleasant to be around after some 200 proof. He was talkin about his boyfriend. Y'know, I thought it was kinda weird for his beau to be so young, but what do I know? Anyways, I'll tell you what he told me..."
----
The two sat across from each other. Closed off. Tense.
The boys had known each other for a sizable chunk of time at this point. They'd been together plenty of times, gone on plenty of breaks. But still, they didn't consider the fact that a relationship meant at least a little commitment. Husk, a gambler, had a hard time committing to anything but his whiskey. Angel was literally a sex worker. The two didn't *click*.
Until they did.
Angel spoke first.
"...this whole thing we've got going on... it's.."
Husk filled in.
"Complicated? I know."
Angel exhaled, then continued.
"Look. I know I'm not much of a partner-"
"Tch, yeah. No kidding..."
Angel shoots him a glare.
"I'm tryin' to be open with you and you insult me?"
"Fine. Keep talking."
"As I was saying..."
Angel clears his throat.
" I don't know what we are. But if we're doing this, then it's gotta be real. This deal ain't one you can just...back out of, kitty."
Husk glared, as much as he could at least, but remained silent.
"Even if you fold...or you've got a bad hand..."
The two fall silent for a moment.
" You still gotta keep playing."
Husk let out a sigh that more resembled a groan.
" And what if this all is just... Casual. What if we're just meant to be friends?"
Angel breathes out a laugh.
" I've fucked enough of my friends to know that's bullshit. Are you in or out, playboy?"
Husk picks at the fur on his wrist for a moment, then replies.
"Fuck it. I'm in."
He continues before a word could escape from Angel's stupid grin.
" But you owe me for leaving all those times. Like a massage or something."
"Deal."
Husk stood, then Angel towered over him. The two walked together without much thought, chatting just under their breaths. They stopped at Angel's door.
" Sleep well."
Husk patted Angel's hand like a parent comforting their clingy toddler.
"That's it?"
And Angel looked down at him like he was crazy.
"...yeah? What else am I supposed to say?"
Angel shrugged, then pressed a gentle kiss to the tuft of fur on Husk's head.
" Whatever. Night, kitty."
He turned to leave, but stopped.
" But seriously, thank you...Ardo."
Husk froze where he was.
" No problem, Anthony."
The two stared at each other, before Angel's door closed and Husk was left on the other side completely alone.
----
" And he said that's when he decided to come here. I'm not gonna lie to you, kid, that part confused the hell outta me. You've got one of the top actors downright letting you on em and you just... don't? Crazy. Plus he's got such a fancy royalty bar and he chooses this lousy joint? I know I'm a great conversationalist but that's just...I dunno. Weird."
The clock chimed. It was closing time.
"Well, you've got me rambling. It's closing time, bud. Sorry. Have a nice night."
You stood up and left after paying, unsure of what to do now.
You could continue strolling... or maybe visit the hotel yourself.
The only thing you knew for sure is whoever just started following you sounds a lot like the guy Ethol was talking about.
This totally won't end badly, right...?
~~~
Thanks for reading!!
My motivation has been garbage lately so I have NOT been on my game...
Uhhhh stay peachy and I'll see y'all next time
