Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Crickets chirped; bats flew across the navy-blue sky. The fireflies were all around. A perfect evening, it was beautiful. The forest was lit by fireflies, small balls of light that flew around. Yet, here Husk was, being dragged along by his crazy roommate. How fun. It was a beautiful night all the same, the navy-blue sky, hints of the stars could be seen poking out of the clouds as the sun further vanished, the moon slowly taking its place upon the stage. The moon was a beautiful thing after all.

The trees were older, a few had scrapings of hearts and letters of past couplings. Husk was dragged past Vaggie and Charlie’s tree a while ago.

Before there was Valentino and Victor. tT

heir tree was a mess, filled with multiple hearts with their initials. Most of the hearts were scratched out, an attempt to hide their couplings, but they got together again just the week afterwards.

Husk always did want to do that with someone. Have their own tree, damage its beautiful bark to simply show their love in ways that most will never come across. A beautiful secret to have.

But here Husk was. Being dragged along by a moron with a far too wide grin and a hand that gripped his wrist as he was dragged further into the night. If only the bartender could enjoy the world around him for a bit longer but Alastor seemed to be in a bit of a hurry, he considered himself a busy man after all. Even if he truly had all the time in the world...

“Alastor. Where the fuck are we goin’?”
Husk asked, irritated. His eyebrows further furrowed, his dull teeth showing through an infuriated expression. He sighed as Alastor further dug his sharp fingernails into his arm.

Guess he wasn’t going to receive an answer any time soon. At least not one that he wanted. He knew better then to ask these sorts of questions, to instead be quiet and go along with it. But Alastor knew at this point that Husk was not a quiet man.

“Be patient my darling! You shall find out soon, I wouldn’t lie to you!”

“Yes, you fucking would.”
Husk responded, a baffled look on his face. Alastor had just lied by saying he doesn’t lie, when he does indeed lie. The older appearing man shook his head, starting to hurt his mind with that thought and so he cut it off right where it started. Like cutting the head off a snake.

Husk glared when Alastor looked back at him with a face that spoke volumes of how much Alastor did not appreciate being called out. What liar enjoyed being called out, announced that he was indeed a liar and not as innocent as he wished to appear? No liar, that would be the answer, take notes class.

The fireflies floated around Alastor and Husk stared on in slight disbelief. It had only been around a few months since they started living together. The bartender learned even more of Alastor’s odd and annoying quirks he possessed.

Such as Alastor’s tendency to have Niffty clean only when he was asleep. Husk still found himself trying to catch that little rat but with no luck. He was still quite annoyed by that issue in his life. Adding onto the ever-growing list of odd quirks, Alastor enjoyed sitting next to Husk and simply brushing his hair and petting it. Not romantically, even platonically would be a stretch. Simply petting Husk like you would a cat. He hated it with a passion.

Alastor’s reasoning was always “Twas a long day” or “You never brush your hair, it bothers me”. The vampire has specified numerous times that it was not indeed romantic, simply a stress reliever. While Alastor’s days never got too stressful, he’d get irritated quite a lot throughout the day. Husk learned right off the bat when he learned of Alastor’s radio and began listening to it that many people liked to attempt to woo or flirt the broadcaster. Alastor would always simply hang up, give a snarky and passive aggressive response, before moving on from it.

And now, that seems to have gotten worse in this current month. Not necessarily flirting anymore, but simply being nosy. People took quite a liking to the idea of Alastor and Husk being the new small town lovers.

Gossip is wildfire in a town like this. The questions were ridiculous, things like, “Are you and Husk dating?”, “Hey, how’s Husk in bed?” (Husk’s least favorite question). Every time Alastor adored giving the shittiest, most sarcastic responses. For example, and this embarrassed Husk to no end, is when Alastor responded to that latter question, “How is Husk in bed?”. Alastor had asked, and this is the exact way it went down.

“How is Husk in bed?”

“Why do you ask my good fellow?”

“Because I’m betting, you’re the bottom. My bud thinks you’re a switch. We got 50 bucks on it!”

“Now! Let me ask you this, why is that any of your business?”

“Oh c’moooon! Answer the question radio man!”

“I’m afraid you’re both wrong! The radio broadcaster you all know and love, I’m afraid I am quite the degenerate. Obviously, I, who has made my sexual disinterest startlingly clear, sleeps with our grumpy Husk. I absolutely enrapture him in bed every night. I commit sexual sins none would dare speak of!"

The two had promptly hung up, presumably upset that both of them were “wrong”. Alastor’s tone had very clearly been sarcastic, it simply oozed from his voice like custard from a doughnut with a bite in it..

But unfortunately, a few of the town’s folk simply couldn’t tell it was sarcasm and proceeded to question Husk about Alastor “being the top”. It bugged Husk to no end and he ended up tossing glasses at their heads, and almost being fired by his boss due to it. When Husk told him that story afterwards, Alastor found it both infuriating and absolutely hysterical.

Alastor, you see, he was what Anthony referred to as asexual. Someone who wasn’t interested in sex and instead, viewed a person and dated them for personality and such. If Alastor were even capable of dating, that was up for debate. Essentially, it was when someone asked “what’s your type” and an asexual would answer “I don’t have one”. That was Alastor and his relationship with sexual pleasures in a nutshell. Alastor shared a bit with him the other day that he had tried it and while it wasn’t bad, he simply didn’t enjoy it.

It didn’t hurt, it wasn’t terrible in the moment. But he simply wasn’t interested nor actively looking for it. And according to the vampire, "Clean up is horribly messy too. My 'partner' I tested it out on was passed out during clean up.".

And Husk was understanding and went on with his day. But Alastor had his quirks, all in all, if we were to get back to the original point. Husk hated it. Hated Alastor’s quirks with a passion, his loud voice, his idiotic special talent of pissing Husk off. And no matter how much Charlie may insist that Husk would fall for the radio broadcaster, Husk knew in his heart that he never would. Alastor simply wasn’t his type. Right? Husk preferred women for the most part. But when he fell for a guy, it usually wasn't a vampire that looked skinny as a chicken bone.

Light brown eyes shot up, seeming orange in the reflection of fireflies. The bartender’s hand had been jerked especially hard before Alastor came to an abrupt stop. They were in a small area, only grass and a clear open spot that was surrounded by trees. A small creek ran not too far behind the spot. It was...stunning.

The perfect place to hide out, to read a book and relax. Or to quietly ponder the mysteries of life if one were poetic enough. The bartender continued staring, his face expressing pure child-like wonder.

He finally looked up, seeing that Alastor was staring at him with a rather blank expression.

“Come along Husker! I do have plans after all!”

“Oh goddamnit, Alastor, won’t you tell me?”

Alastor looked to the other with an erratically large smile that was all Husk needed to know. Whatever Alastor was about to do...he wasn’t gonna like it one bit.

The man dressed in red pivoted on his heel, turning around and he pulled out a radio from behind the boulder. Alastor’s back was to the other as quiet noises came from Al’s direction before soft music began.

Husk was in shock at what his companion did. His companion spun around, grinning like a madman as he did, before holding his hand out to Husk. A quiet offer that was yet to be spoken. At least, not until Husk got that baffled expression off his face.

“Care to dance, my dear?”

“Al. Seriously? I- Ugh fine. But take this as romantic, I’m punching you in the noggin.”

“Ah Husker, you know I am not one for such menial things.”

Husk nodded, rolling his eyes as he quietly swung his arm away from him, slapping his hand into Alastor’s. He let out a yelp when he was yanked closer to the other.

“Now come on, don’t be such a sore bugger of a man. It’s about time I saw a hint of a grin on your face besides when you drink a vile liquid.”

Alastor’s grin widened when Husk glared at him. The bartender’s shoulders tensed as he grabbed Alastor’s waist, Husk seemed to think he’d be taking the lead. The radio man quietly pulled away before speaking. He grinned more, his tailcoat whipping a bit here and there in the wind.

“Oh Husker! You have it mistaken, I am taking the lead, please and thank you!”
Alastor exclaimed, gripping Husk’s hand once again. He spun the other around, right into his arms.
“Now, it is time for good, ol’ fashioned entertainment!”

Husk glared upwards as he pulled himself away, still grasping the vampire’s hand. He squeezed it spitefully before they finally began to dance.

It was a calming dance, even if neither of them would admit it. Their feet danced around each other, narrowly avoiding each other. It wasn’t graceful. But it was rather fun. The slower song continued, no words, just a soft melody that echoed throughout the small part of the forest they were in.

The sound of the wind rustling the leaves, the crickets singing their beautiful song, all of it. It all vanished in return for the beautiful music, the soft sound of the vampire’s breath, and their feet softly hitting the ground as they danced. It was a peaceful moment for both, and whether Husk would ever admit that was debatable.

Husk was looking at the ground, his shoulders a bit tense as they continued. The bartender was embarrassed as he realized how fun this truly was. He wasn’t one to blush thankfully. But he felt like he could vanish into the grass and that even then, the embarrassment would still engulf him. Perhaps it would, these sorts of moments always followed him. Husk couldn’t begin to count the number of events that have followed Husk throughout his lifetime simply due to second-hand embarrassment. Seems like this would be added to the list...

Husk yelped once again as he felt Alastor spin him around into his chest. The human was wide eyed, staring outwards as he was spun outwards once again.
“Alastor, quit fucking doing that-”

Alastor let out a loud laugh, cutting Husk off. He spun Husk once again into his arms, whether it was spiteful or not was to be let up for interpretation.

The vampire then dipped the other, leaning over him, his arm behind Husk’s back and his other hand still gripping the bartender’s hand. Alastor took note of how rough his companion’s hands were, he could feel it through his gloves even.

He kept his grin as he stared down into his companion’s shocked face. Husk’s eyes were wide, his mouth in slightly open. It was unlike the grumpy man. He looked shocked as if someone slapped him and told him it didn’t happen. It was amusing and Al found himself wanting Husk to always keep that face on him. While this was empty wishing, simply impossible unless one were to wish on a genie in a bottle.

But of course, such myths and stories weren’t real sadly. Otherwise Alastor would wish that a thousand times over, simply wanting Husk to keep that wide-eyed, prey look on his face. It was truly funny!

“Husker, don’t be so shocked!”

“Oh, shut the fuck up.”
Husk snarled out, grabbing Alastor’s tie and yanking it down, pulling Alastor to his level. Alastor lost his footing, they both fell to the ground with a loud thud. Groans erupted from Husk as he landed, Alastor landing atop of him.

Husk finally opened his eyes, rubbing his eyes with his right hand before pulling his arm away. He opened his eyes to see Alastor straddling him and simply staring down at him.

Husk and Alastor stared at each other, both with wide eyes, albeit for different reasons. The bartender stared and stared at the other with a shocked expression. Husk was so confused, he wanted to vomit. He was slowly piecing it together as he continued looking into the vampire’s eyes.

Meanwhile, Alastor was staring at Husk for a different reason. A very different one. He looked at Husk, who was currently staring at him, Husk who quietly shrunk in on himself as he stared upwards.

God, Alastor could smell the fear radiating from Husk and his blood smelled so...amazingly bitter and foul. Alastor found himself slowly leaning in, still staring into Husk’s eyes. The more Husk backed away and shrunk, the more Alastor found himself craving the other’s lifeforce.

That look in Husk’s eyes that screamed ‘prey’ spoke to Alastor like the moon did to the stars. It was enchanting and Alastor was stuck in a trance as he leaned into the bartender once more. He was startled when Husk placed his hands on Alastor’s chest and roughly pushed him away.

“What the fuck Al?!”
Husk yelled, holding his hands to his chest as if to protect them. He watched Alastor’s now bright red eyes with a look of confusion.

“I can’t tell if you were trying to kiss me or drink my fucking blood! And either one is not okay!!!”, he yelled once more at the other who was sitting only a few feet away from him.

Alastor was staring at Husk, his red eyes narrowed. He could just feel his rows and rows of teeth splintering through the roof of his mouth, a light prickling sensation. He wanted to absolutely devour Husk, to consume his fear, his anguish that Alastor could smell faintly. God, it was irresistible and he managed to ignore Husk’s look of almost fear and anger.

“God, it was okay! Fucking seriously Al! I was actually kind of having fun for once around you, dumb fuck!!”

Husk stood up abruptly. He watched as Alastor stood up as well. Husk walked over to Alastor before roughly pushing him and watched as Alastor stumbled backwards. He seemed to snap out of his trance.

“You...were having fun dear Husker?”

“Yeah Al. Yeah, I fucking was and then you pulled that bullshit, whatever it was!!!”

And so, they stared at each other, Alastor looking shocked and Husk narrowing his eyes. The tension was so high. The wholesome and almost sweet moment they had just shared only moments ago, the bonding, it vanished into the night air along with Husk’s hopes. The hopes that maybe Alastor would quit trying to bite him.

But it seemed that simply was not going to happen. Husk sighed, shaking his head, before storming off.

Alastor watched the human’s form disappear into the shadows of the trees, the fireflies floating around himself as he was left behind. He turned to his radio and changed the station, playing one of Husk’s favorite bands, The Rolling Stones. And so, the vampire watched as Husk slowly turned around, an angry look that hid bewilderment.

...And a sweet flip of his stomach at the gesture, albeit a small one, it was appreciated nonetheless.

“C’mon Husker. Won’t you sit beside me, we can forget what just happened, shall we??”

 He offered, a smile on his face still. But it seemed more...sympathetic. More genuine. And Husk found himself yearning for that smile more often. He walked over to Alastor reluctantly, a distrustful look on his face as he made his way over.

Husk sighed as he sat on the boulder, watching as the other followed his lead and sat on the large boulder beside him.

They were quiet, enjoying the song, mainly Husk was enjoying it but still. They were looking in their opposite direction, simply enjoying the forest and its ambient noises. It was awkward and neither of them acknowledged each other.

The bartender found his gaze wandering over to the vampire, a look of boredom. His eyes landed on Alastor’s face. Alastor didn’t notice his staring.

Husk looked at his red eyes that were slowly turning back to its usual brown. And he was so...entranced? It was odd, Husk found himself wondering how it would feel, to be domestic with the other, to hold his hand while they read books together. To hear Alastor’s voice on the radio and feel free to openly comment on how much he enjoys the other’s voice. Husk had a startling realization and he quickly stood up.

“I think we should go back home. Seems like its gonna rain.”

“Oh, you think so darling?”

“Quit with the fucking pet names, now come on. Let’s head home...”

Alastor raised an eyebrow at Husk’s sudden discomfort with his usual pet names. He did it either condescending or for coming off as charming. And he was questioning to himself what changed. He knew the other didn't like it, but by now Husk simply didn't comment. What changed to make Husk begin telling him to stop again?

He looked a bit down at Husk, seeing the other before wiping the confused expression off his face. He laid his right arm around Husk’s shoulder.

“Now, now! Any ideas what to do tomorrow?”

“Not entirely. But we aren’t playing chess again, you fucking cheat.”

Laughing erupted from Alastor as Husk quietly pondered. He...liked Alastor didn’t he? It was too early to say love. But he definitely liked the vampire. And he didn’t like it. He grimaced as he looked up, wiping the grimace off his face quickly when he noticed the vampire looking at him. This was going to be rough, how do you hide your crush from a vampire who fucking lived with you?

Things were about to become much more awkward for the poor bartender, weren’t they?

Chapter Text

It was a silent day. Oddly silent as Husk searched through the aisles, looking for food. It was a day for shopping. Sadly, Husk did not have nearly enough money to get all the groceries he needed. But he had enough to get groceries for the week, at the most. He got 2 cans of peas, 3 boxes of kraft mac and cheese, 2 bags of assorted frozen vegetables, and a 6 pack of beer. This...might last him 2 weeks, if he were to heavily ration food. It wouldn’t be the first time he’s gotten away with that. And for those 2 weeks, everyone in town was silently concerned as he quietly starved.

Well, Anthony kept jokingly asking him what his secret was to being so “skinny”. The answer he gave?...
Poverty.

It shut the other up real quick. Honestly, Husk felt bad for Anthony when he thought about it. Valentino was a dickhead to Anthony and the nightclub owner was a dick even to his own lover.

It was quite sad to see it, but even more sadly, nobody bothered to help. God knows what Valentino was like when he was angry, and nobody wanted to find out with how aggressive the man usually acted despite not being angry. It was infuriating to see Anthony be so mistreated, and thankfully Charlie was always there to help, even if Vaggie was more hesitant on helping.

Husk found himself pondering about his fellow townsfolk, not wanting to think about Alastor at the moment. Not after the last night, not after their tender dancing, the quiet enjoyment before it all went to shit.

“Huusk!”
A voice called out, sounding smooth and sweet. Husk looked up when hearing his name called.

Husk looked up, seeing Charlie standing there, Vaggie next to her who was busy looking at the tomatoes.
Oh no.

“Hi.”
Husk blankly responded, wanting to be polite as Charlie was charming and sweet as always. But he wasn’t going to force himself to let a sugar-coated greeting escape his lips. Hell no.

Charlie had her bright blonde hair in a side ponytail, a soft white button up, and a dark red skirt that went to her ankles, all with a pair of white flats to match. She looked nice as always, Charlie was always one to dress up and look nice even for the smallest of things. It was a nice look on her and Husk watched as she came over, leaving Vaggie in the dust to continue examining vegetables.

“Oh Husk. How have you been doing?”

“Fine. And you?”
Husk was never one to make small talk, but Charlie got the best out of everyone and that included Husk.

“Ah wonderful! Vaggie’s youtube career is really taking off! And more people are coming to church. I even have Victor coming, shocker, am I right?”

“Damn. Even Victor?”
Victor was...not religious, no siree. He heavily considered religion to be bullshit as he once mentioned to Husk in a chill conversation, and Victor seemed to be a man after his own heart with a cynical outlook on life.

“Yeah. You know how he is with Valentino, Victor’s been coming to confession lately. It’s a bit more like a therapy session, but I don’t mind.”

Husk nodded, listening as Charlie continued to ramble. He moved his cart, beginning to check out and get food as Charlie talked at him. It was out of good intention, he knew this, and so he quietly listened. He spotted Vaggie coming over.

“Charlieee! If we don’t get home and cook, we won’t ever be able to finish dinner in time.”
Vaggie suddenly yelled, scolding her social butterfly of a wife.

“Ah that’s right! Yeah, we’re trying to get date night started again. We’re making spaghetti, we got this amazing recipe from Anthony!”

“Well, then go on. I hope you two have fun.”
Husk said, a plain expression as he handed food to the cashier for them to scan it.

Charlie finally left, going to the self-checkout line. Vaggie followed behind and they finally checked out all their food and left, rather quickly. Guess they really were in a hurry to get home. It was sweet that they were trying to do date night and they truly were the perfect example of small-town lovers.

Husk finally looked to the cashier, grabbing his groceries and leaving with his cart in tow.

He found himself walking home, groceries in hand as he left the store, attempting to return home. It was a long day, thankfully he didn’t have work today and he was truly grateful for that.
It was a long night of drinking after he and Alastor returned home...So least to say he had a killer hangover and he all he wanted to do was get home and sleep the day away.

It was an even longer day the more he had to interact with the people around him. Safe to say, his head was killing him to no end. What a buzzkill...

He finally wandered into his home, walking up to his door and knocking. Husk, sadly, had forgotten his key and it seemed he had to pray that Alastor hadn’t left for work yet. Even if he couldn’t bear the face the vampire right now.

Husk knew how intuitive Alastor could be. He could spot you’re anger, even if you are smiling and cheerful. He just knew. And that worried Husk...

The door creaked open to reveal Alastor with a smile and his usual outfit. A red, pinstriped tailcoat, a red buttonup to match with a black tie. A classy, predominately red look that Husk found himself liking more and more by the day.

“Oh my dear! Forgot your key again I assume? And you have groceries, wonderful!”
Alastor exclaimed, moving aside to allow Husk into their home before snatching the groceries from his hand. His brown eyes lit with excitement until he looked into the bag.

“Husk.”

“Yeah?”

“What, in the name of Lucifer himself, is this? Why, these hardly count as groceries!”
Alastor sighed, walking to the kitchen and began putting the food away, still rambling.

“It was all I could afford.”

Silence ensued. It went for a few minutes, Alastor busy putting food away, and Husk opening up a can of beer.

“You know Husker, if your job doesn’t help you get by, you may always ask me to pitch in. I’m...staying here, you are allowed to ask me to help with financial situations.”

Husk turned to Alastor, taking a sip of his drink before slowly placing it down. They stared at each other, Husk just busy examining the vampire’s expression, looking for a trace of dishonesty. Any sign that Alastor was simply treating him like a fool to be joked with. And... there was no sign of such a thing. Alastor seemed to be genuine, truthful, and while that worried Husk. He felt hopeful, maybe Alastor wasn’t truly the worst, right?

“Whatever, I don’t fucking need your help.”
Husk snarled out, seeming offended at the mere offer and idea of needing help.He didn’t need anyone, fuck that noise. He hated asking for help and he never asked.

Even when he was damn near evicted and the entire town knew, he refused help. He simply got himself out of the mess on his own and he was still barely scraping by from that incident from a few years back.

“If you say so my dear! Just be aware that you may ask. I won’t hold you to some sort of deal or expectation of having the favor returned if you do ask.”

“Uh huh.”
A distrustful response and Alastor found himself feeling disappointed. Did he expect that response from Husk? Of course, he did. But maybe one day there won’t be...such a gap between them.

And so they went about their days, Alastor doing his own thing, and Husk drinking himself stupid. It was still awkward; they’d never discuss last night. Even if they both wanted to. Even if Husk wanted to scream at Alastor to just be honest and quit smiling. Even if Alastor wanted to tell Husk to put the fucking can of beer down and just...talk to him.

If only these two were able to put down their facades...but it seemed this was impossible. Their reluctant "friendship" wasn't entirely out of choice to be fair. 

Husk didn't expect this to go well from the very beginning anyways.