1.9 Constant as the Stars above 🌟 ❤️💜
Summery: Angel talks to everyone except Pentious, Charlie, and Niffty.
⚠️TW: Lying, crying, feeling like a failure, making deals, Abusive relationships, possible manipulative behavior, hiding emotions, hiding one's true self. Lmk if I should add.
'You're not alone, together we stand
I'll be by your side, you know, I'll take your hand
When it gets cold and it feels like the end
There's no place to go, you know, I won't give in.' ~Keep Holding On, Avril Lavigne
~~~Charlie and Vaggie:~~~~
Vaggie leads Charlie to her office, where she can have a quiet place and some space to calm down.
“Charlie? Sweetie, are you okay?” Vaggie asks as soon as she closes the door.
Charlie shakes her head and sobs. “Everything is falling apart! We're going to lose Angel!” She cries. “We can't do this without him! We can't! I won't-"
“Honey…we'll be fine. We still have Pentious, right?” Vaggie asks her.
“I promised Angel I was going to help him!” Charlie explains, moving away from Vaggie. “But, I failed him, I fucked everything up!”
Vaggie felt a sharp pain in her chest… this wasn't on Charlie. “Babe, breathe, okay? I was the one who yelled at him, not you. If anyone failed Angel, it was me.”
Charlie shakes her head. “But-”
Vaggie holds her girlfriend’s shoulders. “No, this is on me, not you. I'll talk to him, make it right with him, and he'll want to come back.” Vaggie promises, moving some of Charlie's hair behind her ear in attempt to comfort.
“But, then what? We only have a few months left.” She says.
“We'll figure it out.” Vaggie says. “You've come too far to quit now it'll be alright. We will be okay.”
“He's right…I'm a failure.” Charlie says.
“He?” Vaggie asks. “Who's he?”
Who said that to Charlie, she'll fucking kill them!
“Remember when my dad called earlier this week?” Charlie asks.
“Uh- yeah. What- what did he say?” Vaggie asks her.
She did think that call was…suspicious. Was Lucifer trying to get her to give up?
“I lied to you.” Charlie admits sorrowfully. “It wasn't him.” She sighs angrily, there were too many different emotions pumping through her. “it was Seviathan.”
Your ex boyfriend? What did he want?” Vaggie asks her.
Charlie had told Vaggie about her ex, mostly mentioning small stories about what an asshole he was, but then would quickly change the subject because it always seemed to upset her to think about him.
Vaggie never really asked questions about him… because she knew how upsetting it was for Charlie to talk about.
“He told me he saw our ad and felt sorry for me.” Charlie says. “Because it was clearly a huge train wreck and wasn't going anywhere.” Charlie sighs,
“He's wrong.” Vaggie says seriously.
“I don't know why I care…I shouldn't.” Charlie says, wiping away some tears. “I'm sorry I lied to you. I just didn't want to talk about it, and I panicked. I just wanted to ignore it.” her breathing comes out in gasps and hiccups. ”But his words play in my head over and over again! Just like before, I can't get my brain to stop-!”
Vaggie takes her hand. “Hey, it's okay. I'm not upset. Some things are hard to face, I know.”
“I'm so sorry, Vaggie! I should have just told you the truth. You're not like him, you would never hurt me.” She says. “Or anyone for that matter.”
Vaggie cringes internally- this felt worse than losing her eye... “I… I forgive you, Charlie.” Vaggie says to her. “I don't want you to worry about that right now. I'm just sorry it happened.” She says.
“But, what if he's right? What if it doesn't work?” She asks. “What if we fail?”
Vaggie takes her chin and looks Charlie in the eye. “But, what if it does work? What if you succeed?” Vaggie asks her.
Charlie hugs Vaggie tightly. ”Thanks, Vaggie.”
“I'm sorry I yelled at Angel.” Vaggie says. “I was being an insecure idiot, I shouldn't have lashed out at him like that. You've worked so hard and I may have blown it all for you.”
“You didn't.” Charlie says.
“I'll make this right, I promise. I'll talk to Angel and convince him to give this another chance.” Vaggie promised her.
Charlie nods, wiping away a few tears. “Yeah, that would be good.”
“Are you okay?” Vaggie asks.
Charlie nods, her horns suddenly becoming visible…
Which would mean one or two things.
Either Charlie was mad at someone, or-
Vaggie smiles. “Is someone little?” she asks her.
Charlie's eyes widen and touches her horns, realizing she had slipped. “...mmm maybe a lil bit?” Charlie says, holding her arms. ”I'm sorry.”
Vaggie shakes her head. “No, it's okay. It's a good thing. You need a break, especially after a day like today. Maybe we should cuddle for a bit so you can relax, okay?”
“No! We gotta talk to Angel!” Charlie argues.
“I will talk to Angel later, right now I have to make sure you're okay.” Vaggie says.
“Noo!” Charlie wines again.
“Charlie.” Vaggie says sternly. “Listen to me, sweetie, I promise I will find Angel and talk to him, but you need to take some time to calm down and let yourself be little. Repressing won't help Angel, will it?”
Charlie crosses her arms. “No..”
“I promise I'm going to take care of it.” vaggie says, “Just trust me, okay?”
Charlie nods, her thumb slowly making its way to her mouth. “Kay.”
Vaggie gently takes Charlie's Thumb out of her mouth and takes her hand. “Alright, babygirl. Come on.” Vaggie leads her little one to the couch.
“M’ tired, Vaggie.” Charlie whines as Vaggie sits down and pulls her on her lap. “It was too much for today.”
“I know.” Vaggie ran her fingers through Charlie’s hair. “Just relax. We'll take some time to breathe, and then we'll figure this all out.” She reassured.
Charlie nods. “Okay.” Charlie was crying again softly, even though she was trying her best not to.
She knows it's okay now-
She was safe…
Safe with Vaggie.
And Vaggie is gonna make everything okay again, she always does.
Vaggie continued to pet her head gently to try and soothe her, but it didn't seem like enough to calm her little one down…
So, Vaggie did what Charlie always did for little ones, she sang: “Constant as the stars above, always know that you are loved; And my love shining in you, will help you make your dreams come true, will help your dreams come true.”~
Charlie snuggles closer to Vaggie and rests her head on her shoulder.
Vaggie smiles and continues: “The lamb lies down and rests its head, on its mother's downy bed. Dolphin plays in the moonlight's glow. And butterfly dreams of a violet rose.”~
Vaggie brushes hair away from Charlie's face and kisses her little forehead. “Dreams of a violet rose”~
Charlie’s breathing becomes slower and her eyes start drooping. “I'll cradle you in my arms tonight, As sun embraces the moonlight. The clouds will carry our songs tonight, Our dreams will run deep like the sea.”~
“Our dreams will run deep like the sea.” ~ Vaggie covers Charlie with the blanket that rested on top of the chair next to them.
Charlie makes grabby hands at the coffee table, wanting something inside.
Vaggie knew exactly what she was after, so she grabs Charlie's spare pacifier from the drawer and hands it to her.
Charlie hums at Vaggie with gratitude once she puts her paci in her mouth.
Vaggie rocks her softly back and forth. “Constant as the stars above. Always know that you are loved. And my love shining in you, will help you make your dreams come true.” ~
Charlie's eyes fall and she starts to drift to sleep.
“Will help your dreams come true.”~ Vaggie sang the rest of the song.
Charlie was finally calm, snuggled up close to Vaggie.
Everything was going to be okay.
~~~Husk and Angel:~~~
Angel grabbed a bag and started shoving his clothes into it.
His piggy, fat nuggets oinks at his spider with confusion.
“We're going back to Val's, Nuggs. They don't need us here anymore." He explains to the small piglet.
The pig suddenly gets really scared upon hearing Val's name, he squeals in fear and hides under the bed.
Angel exhales. “That's fine, you can stay, they'd rather have you anyway…” he wipes away a tear.
Why the fuck was he crying?
This was his fault!
He did this to himself!
He fucked everything up-
…like he always does.
But, he knew this wouldn't last- that they'd kick him out eventually!
Give up on him.
'You are an important part of our family, Angel. But, you uh-'
'Constantly make us look bad, sexually harass the staff, and literally never once tried to improve.'
'That was so good, Sir Pentious. You'll get redeemed in no time!'
Not that he can blame them...
It's not like he's never heard it before…
'You can be replaced easily, Angel Dust. Do you have any idea how many wh*res would love to be in your place?'
'You looked absolutely dreadful in these shots, baby. You need to do them over.'
'I've killed bitches for less than this attitude you're giving me! You're lucky you make me money!'
'Angel cakes, you're part of the family. You know I love you.~'
He's never been good enough...
For anyone.
Not his parents...
'Damn it, Tony. Why can't you be more like your brother?'
'One day you'll meet a nice girl and settle down, and everything will suddenly make sense.'
His friends...
'Of course I like you, Tony. I just like other people more. It's not personal.'
Not even his siblings...
'Sei un deficiente!'
'It's just a sickness, Tony. There are people who can help you, they can fix you.'
No...
He couldn't be fixed...
He's always been fucked.
Just not the way she thought.
He died because the world couldn't accept him, and he couldn't take that…
because he wasn't good enough for it...
And one day, he'll die for real and no one will even care...
...
How did his life get so bad?
It was never really perfect but-
Surely there was a time someone…liked him.
At least a little...
Right?
He hears a knock at the door.
"Go away." Angel says.
"It's Husk."
"Couldn't give a shit if I tried." Angel says in a mockery tone.
"I'm not here to criticize...I just want to make sure you're okay."
Angel scoffs. "Right."
"I mean it!” Husk sighs. “Just please open the door so we can talk this out?” He asks.
Angel takes a second to consider it...
He does want to talk to Husk...
Out of anyone else in the hotel, Husk was absolutely the most...
Well, he was the most nosey and judgemental.
He shouldn't want to talk to Husk at all!
But he does…
And he hates himself for it.
He walks over to open the door. "What?" Angel asks him.
"Can I come in?" Husk asks, sounding a little annoyed with Angel, but to be fair Angel was annoyed too.
The spider gestures for him to walk inside, and the cat does.
“I thought you were leaving.” Husk says.
“I'm working on it.” Angel mumbles.
"Sure. Look, I don't know what just happened down there, but do you really think running away is the solution?" Hust asks.
“Here we go.” Angel sighs.
“I'm serious, what do you benefit from running away from your problems?” Husk asks.
"I'm not running away, I got kicked out! You were there." Angel says.
"That's bullshit. Sure, Vaggie was pretty clear about not wanting you here. But, the princess was just as adamant about you staying."
"It doesn't matter!" Angel says, slamming his bag against the bed.
Husk sighs heavily and rests a hand on Angel's shoulder. “Look, why don't we just take a step back so we can figure this out, alright? Why did you need blackmail, what happened? What did Alastor do? I know you wouldn't have taken those tests without reason. Just tell me what's really going on.”
"He- he just-”
Angel holds his arms...
He can't bring himself to say it…
Not after everything…
All the years of him making sure Valentino didn't know about him...
Making sure Vox and Velvette didn't suspect anything...
Just for Alastor to broadcast his secret to the world? He couldn't risk it!
If people know the Angel Dust was a little?...
It wouldn't be embarrassing- it would be dangerous.
And for Husk to know? The person he cared about the-
…
A person he cared about?
No.
He couldn't let Husk know…
“They would have given up on me eventually, everyone does.” Angel says, turning away from Husk. “It's only a matter of time before Charlie realizes that she made a mistake by asking me to come here."
“I don't think she will.” Husk says. “And I think you know that too. You are just too scared to accept help because you're too afraid of rejection! You're rejecting them before they can you.”
Angel doesn't respond to that.
"Look, I understand. It's hard to trust people. That test exposes a lot about a person, and it's not always easy to accept." Husk sighs. “Believe me, I didn't exactly appreciate what the test said about me.”
Angel looks at him with confusion. "What do you mean?”
"As you probably know, I'm what they considered a guardian." Husk says.
Angel looks over to him and nods hesitantly.
He didn't mean to look at Pentious's test results, he only meant to find Alastor's. He didn't really see Vaggie's or Niffty’s...
But he actually looked for Husks...he wanted to know-
And he knew it was wrong to look, the least he could have done was ignore everyone else's results.
"Basically, I have this instinct inside to...protect certain people." Husk explains. "...and right now the only person I've felt protective of is...well, you."
Angel blushes slightly as he looks at Husk, but he doesn't know how to respond.
What did that even mean?
Husk looked away from Angel, he hated this!
He hated to admit that he did feel for the spider!
That he did care…
Caring has never benefited him before.
It has only hurt him…
But for Angel? It might be worth the pain.
“I worry about you.” Husk admits. “Not only that but…I enjoy our stupid conversations, our late night drinking, I'd miss you if you disappeared.”
"Almost sounds like you care." Angel says.
"Of course, I care, you idiot! I'm your-” He sighs. “I'm your friend." Husk says.
“I didn't think you had friends.” Angel says.
“Me neither.” Husk says. “But, I do. And as your friend, I want to see you succeed, and I want to see you heal. If you can't stay for yourself, can you at least stay for me?" Husk asks him.
~~~
'Did you really think I was going to spend eternity with you?' A voice echoes in Angel’s mind…
Every time he got too close to someone, his mind reminded him…
Reminded him where love got him.
‘I- well…’ Tony hesitates. ‘I thought-’
‘Oh my God, you actually thought we were going to spend eternity together? Do you have any idea how long that is? We'd get sick of each other so fast!’ His lover said.
‘I could never get sick of you.’ Tony said to him.
Tisk. ‘Well…’
Tony deflated. ‘Oh…’
'Of course I like you, Tony. I just like other people more. It's not personal.'
~~~
Angel looks down, still holding himself, that memory plagued him, it always had. "I don't know.”
Husk frowns and nods. “Okay, I just want you to know…no matter what you do, you can always call me, it doesn't matter if you're here, or what time it is…I'll be there.” He says.
Angel nods. "Thanks, Husk."
Husk rests a hand on his shoulder before walking out of the room.
Angel sighs...
Husk will want nothing to do with him once he learns the truth.
The closer he gets to Husk...
The harder the rejection will be.
At the very least... he should apologize to Charlie...
For failing her...
And the others for taking the tests in the first place.
Who cares who Alastor tells at this point?
He was never going to make it to heaven anyway…
He doesn't deserve it.
~~~Alastor and Niffty:~~~
Alastor laughed as he walked back into his room.
‘Oh, what fun that was.’ He thought to himself. ‘I do adore the chaos.’
He hears a small knock on his door which causes his ears to perk up. Who could that be?
He walks over and opens the door to find his small mouseling crying.
“Niffty? What's wrong, my dear?” Alastor asks.
To his dismay, Niffty runs over to him and climbs up his coat to wrap her tiny arms around his neck. “I didn't mean to ruin it, Alastor!” She cries. “I don't want to leave! They're nice here!” She says.
“We're not leaving.” Alastor says, not understanding her at all. “Why would you think that?”
“Because Charlie is mad at me! I didn't mean to make a mess.” Niffty cries against her Handler's shoulder.
Alastor resists the urge to roll his eyes, he knows his tiny mouse was genuinely upset, and therefore he needed to fix that. “Niffty, it wasn't your fault, Charlie isn't upset with you." He promises.
"Are you sure?" Niffty asks him.
Alastor nods. “I am. So, dry your tears, love. Everything is going to be alright.”
“But Angel- he's not really leaving, is he?" Niffty asks.
“Husk is talking to Angel right now, my dear.” Alastor says.
“He is? Is he going to make Angel stay?” Niffty asks him, wiping away some tears.
“Perhaps? I think if anyone can convince Angel to stay, Husker can.” Alastor says.
So long as he's not a complete idiot, it was clear Angel worshiped the winged cat.
Niffty nods. “Okay. But, if he fucks it up, will you make Angel stay please?”
Alastor pets Niffty gently. “I can't make him stay, dear. He has to choose to stay here.”
“But you make me and Husk stay.” She says.
“Yes, but Angel isn't one of my souls." Alastor says.
“Could you get his soul?” Niffty asks him.
“No, he's already taken.” Alastor says, setting Niffty down on the bed. “But, I'll tell you what. If Husk can't convince Angel to stay, I will talk to him myself. I've been told I can be quite the negotiator. Deal?” Alastor asks, holding out a hand to her.
Niffty grips only his pinkie with hers. “Deal!”
“Alright. Now I have a question for you.” He says. “Are you regressed right now?”
Niffty yawns loudly. “Kinda…m’ fuzzy.” Niffty explains. “Only half mouse.”
Alastor nods understandingly. “How about you take a nap, it may help.” He suggests, petting her tiny head.
“Can I nap here?” Niffty asks. “I don't wanna be all alone.”
Alastor taps his chin as he thinks it over. “I suppose that would be alright. But you actually have to get some rest, alright?” Alastor asks her.
Niffty nods. “Okay.”
~~~Husk:~~~~
Pentious walked out of his room with a small yellow box with a red ribbon around it.
"Hey." Husk says to him, he had just left Angel's room and saw the snake headed downstairs.
"Oh, hello. Husk." Pentious says, hiding his box behind him. “I was just about to…uhm. Check on Vaggie and Charlie. They seemed awfully upset. I'm not doing anything suspicious!” He says defensively.
Husk tilted his head, but chose not to question the snake. "Uh alright, I just wanted to ask how you are holding up? You know, after what just happened.” Husk asks him.
"I'm fine.” Pentious says. “I think... I mean, I wasn't exactly ready for all of you to know yet...but I suppose it isn't a bad thing…I do think I trust you.” The snake says. “…most of you.”
Husk nods. “Well, I don't care what the test says, you're alright in my book. And you don't have to live your life based on some random test just because of what Charlie says.
Pentious looks away from Husk for a moment before turning back to him. “I appreciate that. But, I am not ashamed to be a regressor, I'm glad I do it. When I did, for the first time since actually being a child..I felt safe.” He admits.
Husk hums.
“Speaking of...How's Angel?” Pentious asks him.
“I'm not sure…I tried talking to him but I don't know if it did any good.” Husk explains. "If he does talk to you, will you try and go easy on him? I have a feeling there's a lot more to this he's not telling us."
“I am not mad at Angel. Well, not after thinking it over.” Pentious admits. “Whatever the reason...I'm sure he had one." He sighs. "Sure, Angel can be a little…much sometimes, but he's no monster. In fact, if I had to choose one soul to put my life in their hands…it would probably be Angel…I trust he had his reasons, and I trust him when he said that he didn't mean for all of this to happen.”
Husk nods. "Not sure of his reasons, but I do trust he has them...even if they're stupid."
Pentious nods. "Yes...well, I really need to talk to Charlie now." Pentious says. "Make sure she's alright."
Husk nods and watches as Pentious makes his way downstairs.
Husk decides to head to his own room.
~~~Alastor and Angel:~~~~
Alastor overheard Husker and Pentious's conversation…
That stupid bird-fucking-cat! He had one job!
Well, it seems as though Alastor had to fix this himself…
Niffty was fast asleep, so he wasn't too concerned about her, he'd just have to be back before she woke up.
No little one should have to wake up from a nap all alone after all.
He uses his shadow magic to appear in Angel's room. "Oh, Angel, dear?" ~ He greets in a sing-song voice.
The spider did annoy him to no end, but he needed Angel to stay here.
Because of his deal!
He has to keep Charlie happy...
Has nothing to do with him not wanting to disappoint Niffty.
Not at all.
“I don't want to talk to you." Angel says, arms crossed as he turns away from Alastor.
“You're in a fine mood.” Alastor rolled his eyes while his smile stayed the same.
Angel looks at him, glares at him, then turns away again.
"Come now, Angel. What's really troubling you?" Alastor asks him.
“You know exactly what, asshole! You couldn't just let it go, could you?” Angel asks. “What is with you, Husk, and Charlie not minding your own business anyway?”
“If it's easier for you to blame me, then go ahead. But, I wasn't going to tell anyone about you, you palooka. I couldn't possibly care less if you're a little."
"What?" Angel asks.
"I have more important things on my mind. I only wanted you to think I was going to.”
“What!? You're such an asshole.” Angel mumbles. “How could you-?”
“Oh please, you pester me all the time with your advances, it was about time I got you back.” Alastor says, rolling his eyes.
Angel drops the anger immediately. “I guess I did deserve it...” Angel admits sorrowfully. "I'm sorry."
“Think nothing of it, just stop this senseless self pitying and apologize to Charlie and then tell her you'll stay at the hotel.”
“Why do you care if I stay?” Angel asks. “You've never cared what happens to me.”
“I don't care, but everyone else seems to. Charlie seems to believe your presence in the hotel is crucial to its success.” Alastor explains. “The princess of hell thinks you are worth her time. Clearly that says something.” Alastor says.
Angel doesn’t respond to that, he frowns and holds himself. She'd belive in anyone…
Alastor sighs internally, why can't people just hide their emotions properly? It's so easy! And Angel used to be so good at it too till Husker corrupted him with his sorcery he called 'friendship.'
Tisk.
"Unless there's more to this than you're letting on?" Alastor asks, raising an eyebrow.
"Are you really a little too?" Angel asks him, as if that was important for him to know.
Alastor ponders that for a moment. Could he trust the spider with that kind of information?
He supposed enough people know about him now that one more really wouldn't matter. Angel wouldn't be the worst one to know about him. He's not afraid of anyone Angel could accidentally tell.
But, just to be sure…
"You keep my secret, I'll keep yours. We got a deal?" Alastor asks, holding out his hand.
Angel agrees and shakes his hand...
The deal was binding.
"Alright, I do regress on occasion." Alastor admits. "But I may have exaggerated a bit on the test to mess with Charlie and Vaggy."
“Huh. Suppose you and I got more in common than I thought.” Angel says.
Alastor rolls his eyes. “You have no idea." He mumbles.
There was a pause.
“I can't tell anyone anything you say, and vise versa. So, you don't have to be afraid of me. Just say whatever you need to.” Alastor tells him.
The tension leaves Angel’s face… he’s right. He could say anything, Alastor has no choice but to keep it a secret.
"If you really do regress, you should understand why I wouldn't want everyone knowing about it." Angel says.
"Well, I understand why you wouldn't want me knowing about it, or anyone else. But the rest of the hotel?" He asks. "They care too much to use that information against you."
"I know...it's just- I don't tell anyone about me being a little...the only person who knows is someone who...can't be around very often."
"It may surprise you to know that I understand your situation. I once had a 'caregiver' who couldn't stick around for five minutes." Alastor explains. "But, once I met a better caregiver, regression became less...much."
"Do you ever feel lonely?" Angel asks him.
Alastor raises an eyebrow. "Do YOU?" Alastor asks him back.
"...sometimes." Angel answers reluctantly.
"Perhaps Charlie and Husker could help you with that?" Alastor suggests.
"But, what if I'm just too much for them to handle?" Angel asks.
Alastor chuckles. "My good man, as a difficult little myself, I guarantee you that if they really care about you, they'll learn how to make it work."
Angel doesn't look reassured, but instead more nervous.
Alastor sighs.
This stupid fucking spider.
If he wasn't forced to be here-
Smile, Alastor....
“How about this…If they do reject you for being a little, I promise not to. In fact, I'll go as far as to swear that if they do, I'll even be your…caregiver.” He says, barely getting the word out.
“Seriously?” Angel scoffs. “You'd be willing to do that?” He asks, not convinced in the slightest.
Alastor rolls his eyes. “Hah. No. Of course not! But, that's how certain I am that Charlie will not give up on you.”
"You put a lot of faith in her." Angel says.
"Someone should." Alastor shrugs. "She's never done me wrong before."
And she won't so long as he keeps playing nice...
Angel looks away for a moment, considering. “No offense, I'd rather find a turtle for a caregiver than to ask you." Angel chuckles.
"Fair enough." Alastor shrugs.
Angel sighs. "Husk is right...I do want to trust them, but- I've trusted the wrong people before, I don't want to go through that again- I- I... can't go through that again." Angel says.
"Everyone has trusted the wrong person before, Angel." Alastor explains, holding Angel's shoulders, forcing the spider look him in the eye. "The gamble is part of the fun. If you never trust anyone, you're robbing them the opportunity to prove to you that they're trustworthy."
Angel raises an eyebrow at Alastor, confused as to why the radio demon cared at all.
"You can always go back to your master, but you won't always have the opportunity to redeem yourself." Alastor says.
"You don't even believe in the hotel." Angel says.
"Then pray tell, why am I here talking to you?" Alastor asks him.
Angel looks up at Alastor, so he offers his hand.
And once Angel takes it, Alastor leads him out of his room.
“Wait a minute, where are we going?” Angel asks, but still follows Alastor through the hallway.
They stop at the door and Alastor knocks.
As soon as he hears the paws walk up to the door, Alastor disappears to leave Angel and him alone.
~~~Angel and Husk:~~~
The door opens, and a winged cat answers.
“…Hi.” Angel says, looking at Husk with those huge, complicated eyes that made Husk melt internally.
Husk raises his eyebrows. “You're still here.” He says.
“Yeah…Can we talk?” Angel asks.
Husk smiles and opens his bedroom door wider. “Always.”
~~~Pentious, Charlie, and Vaggie:~~~~
Vaggie was still cradling Charlie in her arms when they heard the knocking.
“Charlie, Vaggie? May I please enter the room? It's Pentious.” The snake asks on the other side of the door.
“Is it okay if Pentious comes in?” Vaggie asks Charlie.
Charlie nods, taking her paci out of her mouth so she can talk. “Is otay.”
“You can come in, Pen.” Vaggie tells him.
Pentious opens up the door and slivers inside. “Hello, my dears. Are you both alright?” He asks.
“Yeah, we're okay.” Vaggie says. “Are you?”
“Yes, I'm quite alright as well. I just wanted you to know, Charlie, that…well, I'm sorry the test didn't work out or help Angel in any way…but, it did help me-”
“Before you continue, I should probably let you know that Charlie is currently little right now.” Vaggie explains. “Any big talk may have to wait til later.”
“Oh really? How- how young is she?” Pentious asks, tilting his head.
Charlie looks at Pentious, confused by the question.
“How old are you, Charlie?” Vaggie asks her.
Charlie slowly raises three fingers happily, so proud of herself to know how big she is!
"Good job, little one." Vaggie praised, causing her little one to giggle happily.
Pentious thinks it over and decided that she’s probably old enough for this. “I made this for you to show my gratitude.” Pentious hands her his box.
Charlie takes it and looks at Vaggie for guidance.
"It's okay, go ahead." Vaggie says to her.
So Charlie opens it and sees a small wooden snake toy painted in reds and yellows.
“I am eternally grateful for you, Charlie. You helped me become a better person, took me in. And you truly inspire me every day.” Pentious says. “I would be lost without you.”
Vaggie smiles at Pentious…
The snake started off trying to kill them, and now he's so kind and-
…
Angel wasn't a bad person either, she knows that.
He's just scared…
He's been through hell and made one mistake-
Sure, what he did was still wrong…but-
She lied to Charlie about being an Angel, she tried to kill Pentious…what made her any better?
“Snek!” Charlie says, showing the snake to Vaggie by shoving it in her face.
Vaggie closes her eyes tight and flinches at the sudden contact, then pushes the snake toy away gently. “Yes, I see it.” Vaggie chuckles. “What do you say to Pentious?”
“Tank oo’ Pen.” Charlie says, reaching out to hug the snake tightly.
Pentious is not exactly sure what to do with the hug...but, he smiles at her and softly returns it as best as he can.“You are very welcome, my dear.”
Pentious let go of her, and Charlie sits back down. "Snek snek snek. Daddy wa' a snek, gonna get all da apples!" ~ Charlie sings, playing with the snake, it was very well made, it actually moved like a snake when you played with it correctly.
"Has Angel left yet?" Vaggie asks Pentious.
Pentious shrugs. "I don't think so, but Husk mentioned that he tried talking to him, it doesn't sound like it went well.”
"Angel gon' stay, Vaggie?" Charlie asks her.
Vaggie nods and pets Charlie's head. "Yeah, everything will be okay. Don't worry about it. Pentious, do you think you can watch Charlie for a bit while I talk to our strange spider friend?” Vaggie asks.
“Can do.” Pentious says, saluting. “The little princess is in safe and capable hands.” He promised.
Vaggie nods. She kneels down beside the couch and kisses Charlie's forehead. “Be good, I'll be right back.”
Charlie is a little confused, but she doesn't argue. “Mtay mommy.” She says.
“That's my good girl.” Vaggie says, kissing her forehead again for good measure.
She loved Charlie so much!
She can't let her down!
She won't!
~~~Husk and Angel:~~~
“So…you're a little?” Husk asks him.
Angel and Husk are sitting on the bed, the room was pretty quiet, but not in an awkward way…in almost a comfortable way?
He's not sure why, he usually hates the quiet.
Angel hugs his legs tight to his chest as he nods. “I started regressing sometime in my twenties but didn't really know what it was…then many years later, ‘few decades in hell, I found a post on Velblr about it…explaining what it was.” Angel explains.
“It was something so pure, so non-sexual, something…safe.” Angel moved to hold his arms, he couldn't stop fidgeting. “It was so innocent and it made me feel…comforted. I hadn't felt that way since…well…before hell, and then some.” Angel says.
Husk nods, humming quietly, he's not sure what he's supposed to say…he doesn't fully understand regression, he doesn't know what would be appropriate.
“I understand if you think I'm weird, if you feel differently about me…I know it's weird- it is weird, it's very very weird.” Angel says.
“It is weird.” Husk agrees. “But if it helps you…I think it's pretty cool.”
“R-really?” Angel asks.
“Yeah.” Husk confirms. “This doesn't change anything either, I don't feel any different. I still care for you the same way.”
Angel smiles. “Thanks, Husk.”
“And if you ever want to talk more about it, I'd love to hear anything you want to share.” Husk says. “Learn more about your regression.”
“Why?” Angel asks.
“It's a part of you.” Husk says. “The real you. I would even like to meet your regressed self, if that's okay.”
“Husk, you would hate my regressed self.” Angel says. “He's loud, and whiney, and needy-”
“And how is that any different than regular you?” Husk asks.
Angel rolls his eyes. “Funny.”
“I honestly don't care what you're like when you're small, or how needy you get. Whatever it is you need, I'm here for you." Husk says.
Angel turns away from Husk, hoping the cat can't see his expression.
What was he feeling?
Flustered?
Giddy?
“Nervous?”
He's not sure.
But it was a lot!
But it was..kinda good?
He felt safe with Husk.
It felt like…
He was home.
But, he's not really sure if that's a good thing.
He's not sure if that was…okay.
But, he did like it.
~~~Vaggie and Angel:~~~
Vaggie walked upstairs and knocked on Angel's door. “Angel?” Vaggie calls out. “I'm not gonna yell again- I just want to talk…if you can hear me, I just wanted to apologize.”
“Okay, if you don't say something, I'm going to open the door…” Vaggie says. She waited a few seconds before opening the door.
“Angel?” Vaggie asks, but doesn't see him.
She walked over to Husk's room, maybe he can have an idea. She knocks on the door and the cat answers. “Can I help you?” He asks her.
“Angel isn't in his room, do you have any idea where he might be?” Vaggie asks him.
Husk looks behind him at Angel who stands up to look at Vaggie.
“Oh thank fuck, I thought you left.” Vaggie says with relief.
Angel crosses his arms awkwardly. “I thought that's what you wanted.” He says, a bit confused.
“Can we talk in the hall please?” Vaggie asks.
Angel shrugs. “Yeah…I guess.”
Angel walks towards the door, and Husk smiles at him, an attempt to comfort him maybe? Angel wasn't sure.
Vaggie walked through the hall and sat down on the top of the staircase.
Angel sits next to her, rather reluctantly, scooting as far away from her as possible. “So…uh-” Angel isn't sure where to start- explanation? Apology? Should he ask where Charlie is? Was she okay?
“I'm sorry I yelled at you, Angel.” Vaggie says.
“What?” Angel asks. “You're sorry? But I'm the one who-”
Vaggie doesn't let him finish. “I get so insecure about being a little sometimes.” She admits. “My old friends, they weren't exactly the kind of people I could open up to…Charlie was the first one I knew I could trust since ditching those old friends. I got defensive and lashed out at you instead of talking to you, and I'm really sorry.”
“I get that…” Angel says; He's known to lash out at people when he's upset. “You have nothin to apologize for…I should have just talked to Alastor, it wasn't right to get everyone else involved…I'm the one who's sorry, your reaction was justified.” Angel says.
Vaggie disagrees, but she doesnt want to sit and argue with Angel all day. “Well, everyone makes mistakes, Angel. But, we can get through this. Let's just take today as a lesson, to be more understanding and respectful of others in the future. Second chances is what this place is all about after all.” She says, rubbing her arm awkwardly.
Angel nods. “Sounds good…” he awkwardly rubbing his arm while Vaggie fiddles with her hair, none of them are fans of these awkward emotional conversations. And they've hardly spoken to each other at all- this was whole new territory.
“Angel, I don't know what you go through every day, I don't know what's going on… but, we can handle it. It's okay to talk if you want to. Even if we can't really fix it, we can at least be there for you. Especially Charlie, she's an amazing listener if you give her the chance, I guarantee you, she can make this a safeplace for you.”
Angel sighs, deciding maybe he should talk now? “It's not easy to talk about,” Angel admits. “I was scared, because I know if I took that test, Charlie and you would know that I'm a little too…I'm not sure if I'm ready to face whatever that says about me.”
Vaggie grabs his shoulder. “It doesn't say anything bad about you. Trust me, I know what you're going through. It's not easy to trust people, especially when you have had a bad experience trusting before. But, we're willing to listen, we'd never force you to do anything you're uncomfortable with, and-” Vaggie pauses until Angel looks at her, “we will be there for you, whatever you need. We want you here…I want you here.”
Angel blinks a little faster, not really expecting this from Vaggie…
“I promise you, Angel. We won't let you fall.” Vaggie swears.
'Keep holding on'
Cause you know we'll make it through, we'll make it through
Just stay strong'
Cause you know I'm here for you, I'm here for you
There's nothing you could say (nothing you could say)
Nothing you could do (nothing you could do)
There's no other way when it comes to the truth
So keep holding on'
Cause you know we'll make it through, we'll make it through
Hear me when I say, when I say, "I believe"
Nothing's gonna change, nothing's gonna change destiny
Whatever is meant to be will work out perfectly.'
~Keep holing on, Avril Lavigne
Possum: The song Vaggie sings is from Barbie as rapunzel 💜
Sorry for the late update! I tried so hard (and got so far) to finish this chapter on time!
I tried updating earlier but so many new ideas for this chapter kept arising, and then I had no ideas because they were all overwhelming me and then I thought it was good enough to post- then decided it absolutely was NOT!
Hope this chapter was alright. I stayed up every night since the last update working on it lol
I'm not sure how I feel about it...I think I like it alright, but im too tired to tell
But I hope you all like it!
I am so tired. Lol 😆
I need to sleep but my body doesn't know how!
I'll sleep when I'm dead in hazbin he'll.
Actually...I'll probably write fanfics from there too lol
Oh! Also confirmed Niffty is a mouse pet regressor hahaha! Okay- bye!!!
Tag: @todayimfour @trophyxtissues2 @ask-dusty-boy @dex-dawn @abby5577 @babiegurlmuffin 💕
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