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[wiseoldbartender]

Husk

Fuck off.

VOICE | TEXT | VIDEO | ACTION

🔥 | NSFW

FROM: SUBJECT: FLINS Husk. I'm not sure I know how... FLINS Lottery Number, Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth... ZEVRAN Were you, by chance, aware that your beloved... FLINS It is January 17th, 2025 CE FLINS January 10, 2026 CE FLINS January 3, 2026 CE FLINS December 27, 2025 CE FLINS December 20, 2025 CE ALASTOR Good day, old friend! FLINS December 13, 2025 CE FLINS December 06, 2025 CE SHROUD/HARU I was told you had a pest problem. FLINS November 29, 2025 CE ZEVRAN My dearest of furred friends! FLINS For the sake of convenience... FAMILY CHAT So we got a pig now. LAPIS I know you don't want a big fuss... EDWARD If you want to talk about it or... DIARMUID I heard what happened. CEREZA Knock knock, my little Sourpuss~ CAMILLA Say, Husk, you wouldn't happen to have any recommendations... LAPIS Father's Day SAMPO/LAPIS/JINWOO Husker Agapov. On the next night in... LAPIS Are you at your place right now? EUNIE how's this month's mission mildred

TO: SUBJECT: FLINS Y'know how you think shit can't possibly... ZEVRAN WEE WOO WEE WOO FLINS Okay Baby, I'm gonna need you to do me a solid... JUN Flins asked me to message you... JINWOO Jinwoo, get your ass here... SHROUD Whatever higher power is in control... FAM CHAT What does it mean when you dream DIARMUID So. Are we gonna talk about the thing. FAM CHAT Weird request. One of you needs to come... BLADE Got a sword from that sketchy shopkeeper. ELLIOT Hey, Elliot. Think shit's calmed down enough... DIARMUID Order came. At Jinwoo's place. LAPIS That FUCKING son of a BITCH HUA CHENG Shit's getting bad. LAPIS One of those flying boxes gave me a new phone EUNIE You might wanna stay away from your regular place for a while.

code by cawaii

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[lanternae]

[Flins falls deeper into thought as he paces the walkway, barely even noticing the passing Selkie sailors that tried to wave to him. Miss Cifera had to be a Hummingbird if she was cursed. The fur has to be unrelated. It just has to be.

Maybe she's become an enthusiast? She did seem to lean into the whole cat-girl aesthetic.

Finally, he starts to type again.]

I am fine, physically. I'm simply perplexed about Miss Cifera's condition.

Perhaps I should explain in person. One moment.

[Sorry Husk, he's now popping up under the sheets with you. Completely clothed in his goth lightkeeper get up.]

[wiseoldbartender]

[Husk waits to see if Flins will provide any further insight on ANYTHING he's prattling on about, or prepare himself for the weirdest game of 20 questions he's ever played in his life. He doesn't get much more of an idea what the fae is talking about with the next message. Why the fuck is he perplexed with Cifera's fur? What's he got to be perplexed about? She DOES have cat parts - stands to reason it would escalate.

He doesn't have much more time to wonder because suddenly FLINS IS HERE. He should be used to this happening with zero warning by now, he really should, but it's one thing to have your partner appear in your shadow when you're up and about and a completely different one when you're comfy in your nice and cosy bed which has now dropped several degrees because it now has a snow fae in it. Sure, he has cold resistance, but that doesn't mean he's prepared for the sudden cold (and sudden PERSON) in his nice warm bed.]

JESUS, FUCK!

[Sorry, Flins, you're getting whacked in the head with a flailing wing for the sudden startle. This is what you get. AT least Husk gets over it relatively quickly, heaving out an annoyed sigh and folding his arms. ]

Fuckin' Hell, Kyryll. At least take your damn boots off. What, were you raised in a fuckin' barn?

[lanternae]

[The temperature change was immediate, and Flins finds himself wrapped up in warm blankets upon immediate arrival. Not that he's given long to cherish the feeling, as violence is the answer when you jumpscare your partner. The impact of the wing is felt immediately, and the soft sound of a 'thwap' is heard as Flins ducks instinctively.]

Haha...! Fair enough, fair enough. My apologies for the abrupt arrival.

[At the very least, he should respect Husk's wishes and remove his boots. He turns to sit on the bed, gently unlacing the top and pulling to loosen the laces, expertly removing them. Ah...his whole outfit really isn't suited for the bed, is it? That was indeed a problem.

So he'll next take off his neck guard and the cloak that came with it, and then finally the blazer, unclasping the silver trinkets expertly and letting them fall to the floor. He'd pick them up later.

This leaves him only in his white victorian style blouse and his slacks, which made for a much more comfortable bed meeting.

He sits back down and climbs in, settling under the blankets and smiling at him.]

Very well. Now let me see you.

[Two fingers reach under his chin to tilt it up, peering into his eyes and then examining him not unlike this was a medical inspection.]

[wiseoldbartender]

[ The smack with the wing was earned! He's not even going to be remotely sorry for it. But at least Flins takes the feather assault in his stride. ]

Guess that's on me for not realising "one moment" meant "I'm gonna immediately crawl through your shadow into your bed".

[He's going to disrespectfully watch Flins disrobe - very suddenly forgetting what they were talking about. Something with fur? Probably? He doesn't know. He's too busy enjoying the show. Sweet Jesus, but Flins looks so good. He could look at that man all day.

He returns the smile as Flins gets back into bed, his pupils dilating as Flins looks into his eyes, as those fingers tilt up his chin. He's leaning in for what he assumes is a kiss when Flins suddenly starts examining in a... deeply unsexy way.

What? What is happening? He lets out a confused mrrp? sound, blinking as he kind of sits there while Flins checks him over. ]

...I'm confused. What's happening?

[lanternae]

[Husk may be having some different ideas for this little private moment, but unfortunately Flins was being quite clinical this time around. His thumb and index finger hold his chin gently, turning it this way and that, smiling a little a the chrip that escapes Husk's lips.

He does give the cat a little peck on his nose, but only after he's done looking, and moving on to checking the fur on Husk's upper arm.]

I had to be quite sure that you weren't experiencing any signs of growing scales or your eyelids blinking sideways.

[For the love of all that is holy, Flins, please explain.]

You recall my stand at the Meropide Christmas get together, correct? The one where I provided people's inner animal? Well, due to my frustrations with Alastor slipping through the knot and avoiding eradication, my 'deal' was made uneven.

Because of this, my magic overflowed and in my moment of weakness, expelled that energy.

As it turns out, some of the people I gave results to for that quiz have now started to traits of those very same animals I picked. And yet some people are wholly unaffected. This must be my magic's way of 'balancing the books'.

[He pauses, tracing along Husk's fur in thought.]

I was just making sure it didn't hit you.

[wiseoldbartender]

[Husk had such a different idea and instead he's getting this. At least once it's clear this is not a canoodling sort of time, he relents - accepting this is his lot for now. He doesn't even fight the checkup Flins is doing on him, even if he wrinkles his nose up at the little peck. He doesn't know what's going on, but it's clearly enough that it's got Flins worried- so he'll let him do what he needs to do.]

...What? [ There's a considerable pause. ] ...Kyryll, we really gotta work on your pillow talk. Hate to break it to you, but that really ain't wooing me in any way.

[ BLINKING SIDEWAYS??? Excuse him?????

Luckily, Flins finally brings some context to all of this and understanding finally breaks through the confusion.]

Oh, shit. So... what? Your fae energy got kinda fucky because you didn't get to turn Alastor to paste? I mean... I knew you were mad about it, but I didn't realise you were that mad about it.

[He knows, ultimately, he made the right call, showing Alastor mercy. He doesn't like it, but he also knows he can't pick and choose who gets a chance to redeem themselves. That's an antithesis to what Charlie was trying to teach, and he does so very much believe in what Charlie is trying to achieve. Losing faith in this and turning on Alastor would be as good as turning on what Charlie was trying to do, and he doesn't think there would be any hope left for his rotten old soul if he did that.

Still. This clearly upset Flins on a level he wasn't expecting, and he doesn't like that at all. He doesn't want to cause Flins harm, and this clearly did... something. He makes a soft, sad noise in the back of his throat, shifting a little closer, resting his head on the man's shoulder- his tail twitching, unsettled.]

...I'm sorry. I didn't think it'd do that to you. [ Rare to get some real sincerity without any crabby overtones out of the demon, but if anyone deserves it, it's Flins. ] So... what, you've been accidentally turning people into animals? That's... a new one. How many?

[ He huffs in soft amusement. ]

Nah. No Komodo dragon here. Just the usual fucked up cocktail I got going on. I sure as shit don't need any extra.

[lanternae]

[Flins watches as Husk sidles up to him, curling into his shoulder like he'd felt remorse over breaking his human's favourite cup. Flins is quick to comfort, taking his hands and running them along the man's shoulders.]

It was news to me too. Well, partially anyway. It's best to think of it like a ledger of funds. You keep track of it, and if something doesn't add up at the end, you have to pay your own money to even it out.

A deal was made that Alastor would perish if he came here. Due to certain circumstances, that didn't happen, so the ledger had quite a bit to 'pay back'. My energy surged, and balanced it out by cursing people.

[He pats his arm, reassuringly.] Do not worry yourself. I'm personally checking with everyone I spoke with to give them the same checkup.

I would say about 35-36, at most.

Thankfully, I don't sense any of my fae magic tampering with you.

[wiseoldbartender]

[ He doesn't particularly enjoy causing Flins any hardship, and while this isn't exactly his fault, nor does it actively harm his partner, there will still likely be backlash. And he still hard a part to play in it. He huffs lightly, leaning into the touch. ]

Always learning new and fun surprises about yourself, huh? [ He pulls one of the long strands of Flins' hair over his shoulder, so he can play with it in his claws. ]

And you call us demons out on bein' transactional. [ It's a dry tease. No bite to it. ] SO, duly noted. If you have a deal that falls through, that's gonna bite someone else in the ass. Gonna have to watch for that in the future.

[ SIR? Husk blinks. He's calculating odds in his head, old gambler's habit. ]

...Those ain't good odds, Baby. That's a lot of people. And they tend to get real pissy about being cursed here. Given how often it happens and all.

[Still, he smiles, going back to playing with that hair. ]

'Bout time my luck worked out for me. Maybe that comb you got me really is evening the odds a little. I don't wanna deal with any more bullshit. The demon-cat-bird combo is more than enough for me, thanks. Didn't need giant lizard in the mix.

[lanternae]

Now, now, don't you worry your adorably fluffy head. It's not unlike the fae to curse people, right? I'm prepared to accept their ire.

[What else was to be done? He would likely have to start earning back goodwill with those affected, at worst.] Only young Varian has shown it to me, and that isn't anything new. He's just a tad...spicy, when it comes to me. [Understatement.]

I've also taken countermeasures. I've commissioned Varian to great a device that will absorb that energy if I channel it into my electricity. That way, it can be let out in a healthy way. I may ask him if it can be turned into a backup generator for the lighthouse, in case any of its other systems fail.

[He slumps his head against Husk's, letting out a sigh.] And it was one of the best nights of my time in Kaisou, too. I suppose it was too much to hope that I could just enjoy that merriment.

[And he can only imagine he's now going to be ignored if he makes the call to Cifera for Mardi Gras.]

Ah well. So far you and Jun have not been affected by it, so there is hope.

[wiseoldbartender]

[Husk's ears pin back, as he makes soft, annoyed growl at the adorable comment. ]

You're skatin' on thin fuckin' ice. [He says in a tone that's not even slightly convincing at all. ] I mean, yeah. It happens a lot in March. Your cousins are fuckin' assholes. But if people give you shit, I still wanna know. I can fight 'em for you.

[A beat. ]

Except for Jun. I ain't fighting him. I'm not crazy. Or his batshit fiance, actually. That little weirdo creeps me out. He sounds like someone from my past life and as soon as he opens his mouth, I tune him out outta instinct.

[Sorry, Varian, you were cursed with sounding like Lucifer and as such Husk has a propensity to ignore everything that comes out of your mouth. RIParoonie, little guy! ]

Ain't a bad idea to get something to help you channel that energy, though. Just in case - even better idea to give yourself power, because I can see you dropping into the dark ages real quick once that place loses power.

[It's already a full-time battle to get Flins to make the place liveable. Imagine the horrors if he's allowed to backslide. Terrible! He heaves out a soft sigh, leaning on his partner, fingers moving to tangle in the shorter hair at the back of his head instead. ]

I'm sorry, Kyryll. I know you were having a great time there. I wouldn't let it upset it too much, ain't anything you could do about it. You didn't know what would happen. Don't let it fuck up a good memory for you.

[He's her friend, he can spin it for you, Flins. He'll do his best! ]

Yeah. Maybe it's just a small few instead? Y'know, luck of the draw.

[lanternae]

Well, thankfully I know how to skate quite well. [He noses into that fur, hand running along those ears fondly.] I cannot deny your claims about my woodland cousins. If I were to describe them in the simplest terms, I'd say 'annoying brats'. The snow fae were always so much classier in comparison.

Your desire to protect me warms my heart--though there's no need to fight your grandchildren. Jun far outpaces me in power, and Varian means no harm. He's simply fun to rile up.

[His eyes close at that touch, inching closer into their embrace. Getting into a soft bed with Husk just to have a moment of peace was...nice, actually.

He sighs into him, though. For as much as he was taking this in stride, his comment about the Christmas party was a realization that he had honestly just wanted to get to know the citizens of Kaisou more. It's a vulnerability he's giving Husk that he doesn't show just anyone.]

I will be fine. Even if I must start from scratch, I suppose I have time to make amends.

The needle of a compass moves back and forth, but it will always point north.

[wiseoldbartender]

Har de har har, you been working hard on that comedy routine, Fucko? [ His shifts more into the touch - the purr rumbling out of his chest really making his complaining deeply unconvincing. ] "Annoying brats"? I think most people would call them "obnoxious shitweasels", but maybe that's just me.

...Yeah I ain't fighting Jun for you, he can disintegrate me by fuckin' sneezing. Which means his weird little twink is outta bounds too. But anyone else... I'll fuck 'em up for you.

[As Flins shifts closer, he exhales softly, pulling his arms around his partner and flopping them back down onto the bed. He shifts a wing around Flins, so it cocoons around him. There. Safe, comfy and relaxed. The purring isn't quitting so he'll just cuddle in. ]

I don't think it's that drastic, Маленькое пламя. I don't reckon you'll have to start from scratch. The weirdos here are too fuckin' forgiving for that. I bet worse case scenario? You just gotta eat some humble pie and say sorry. They'll come around.

[ He'll lean in to press a little kiss on his forehead. He understands the vulnerability for what it is, and is touched that it was shared. ]

It'll be alright. And then you can go right back to bonding with them in your own... unique Flins way.

[ He smirks, just a little. ]

...Including the schmaltzy poetry, apparently.

[lanternae]

I thought perhaps it would make us like those couples on the shows you watch. [Those sitcoms with the grouchy husband and the sassy wife, you know the type.] But alas, I'm going to speak with them this February. I will give them my regards and a warning to leave the citizens alone.

[He doesn't expect them to actually listen, so he may end up kicking their asses anyway.

The more he leans in, the more he feels himself fall back onto the bed in Husk's arms, his face buried into the soft chest fur. His eyes close, soaking in the smell of the sheets and listening to the rumble of Husk's purr. It was like the soft rolling of thunder.]

I will certainly own up to it. The citizens of this city have always been kind, so I'll just have to put belief in the idea.

[He'd already survived Varian. The rest would surely not be TOO mad at him.]

...[He smiles into that fur, kissing it gently.] Are you saying I'm strange?

[wiseoldbartender]

[ That makes him rumble out a laugh. ]

Oh, is that what you were aiming for? I see how it is now. If you do your hair up in a 80s perm, I know you're properly committing to the bit, and I should probably be worried. [ Bless Flins, he's such a weirdo. He is so lucky that Husk finds this endearing. ] Good fuckin' luck with that one. They ain't so good at listening, but who knows? Maybe they'll pay attention to one of their own. Mark your territory or something.

[ Maybe fae respect territory. Like. Fancy birds or something. Maybe insane fae logic will win out there! Or... if not, Flins can just kick their asses, yeah.

If Husk isn't getting a roll in the hay, he's at least going to get comfy. Maybe if he plays his cards right, he can convince Flins to actually get some sleep for once in his damn life. Wouldn't that be something! So, he'll snuggle in, warm and cosy despite Flins' constant chill. It's temptingly snuggly, only too easy to close one's eyes and drift off~]

That's Kaisou for you. Buncha bleeding hearts, always ready to reach out and befriend anyone. You'll be fine. This probably doesn't even hit, like, their top ten of bullshit people have put them through.

[ No one can be as mad as Varian! Husk chuckles lightly at that comment. ]

Yes, Baby, I am saying you're strange. I thought I'd already full established that one with you. You're real fuckin' strange. 'S just fortunate for you that I like it. At least from you.

[lanternae]

You need not fret, I do not believe I could pull off the look.

[His head noses into that fur more, seeking out that weird smell of smoke and alcohol. Maybe that was a little too 'lantern fae' of him. To find that scent so comforting. His eyes close, and for a moment, one would never know he could be such a harbinger of chaos.]

I know. It's a fruitless endeavor. They would sneer at their snowland cousins, at how we enjoyed the company of humanity. Said we threw away our pride. And yet we have so much more knowledge of the world than them. They are content to paltry pranks and hiding within their little gardens. It's pitiful, really.

I'll put them in their place, one way or another.

[He sighs in relief. Perhaps he was overthinking things. Maybe some would even see it as a fun addition to their other selection of traits. It was just animals, after all. He smiles at the reassurance, opening an eye to look up at Husk.]

I truly am fortunate. Eccentric as I am, you have taken it in stride. [His eye closes again, shifting so he more comfortably lies against Husk.] How late do you sleep in during the morning? I would like to join you.

[wiseoldbartender]

Good as you do look in a dress, Baby, I don't think the perm would do you any favours, no.

[ Husk certainly wasn't complaining about how close Flins was snuggling into him - the purr only getting louder as he does so. Much as the demon was loath to admit it, he found a great amount of comfort in the action. His smile softens, as he nuzzles gently against his partner's cheek. ]

Just goes to show they're absolute fucking douche nuggets. You guys had the right idea, at the end of it. A little dented pride is worth it for more knowledge and having people who'll actually give a shit about you.

I got faith in you that you can. I'm gonna enjoy watching it.

[ He leans in, pressing a careful little kiss on Flins' forehead. ]

You can count your blessings every damn day, Lantern Boy. [The comment make him hum softly, his wing curling around his partner a little more, like a comfy, feathery blanket. ] Depends on how indulgent I'm feeling. One of the good points of being retired is I don't got nowhere to go, so I can sleep in as long as I want. ...Might feel a little more indulgent about it if I got you with me. Get some sleep, Kyryll, I think you could use some.

[lanternae]

Mm. You're right. I am no Dorothy.

[He DOES pay attention!]

I remember debating this once with a high ranking Wood Fae. That the Snow Fae brought the Wild Hunt upon themselves for being so close to the humans, which were the god's primary targets. And they wonder why we preferred the human's company.

[He snorts, as if finding the whole thing ridiculous. As if the Wild Hunt wouldn't trample the forests, too.

Those feathers cast over him, and he can feel his body start to warm from the body heats of his partner. It only accelerated how sleepy he felt, his lantern left on the bed now dimming to a soft, lazy glow.]

Is that so... then I too will be indulgent. It will just be an hour or two. Casimir can...surely handle the lighthouse until then. I won't keep you...long...

[His eyes shut, snuggled into fur and feathers as his silent snores take over, one hand threaded through Husk's chest fur as he drifts into a light sleep.

[wiseoldbartender]

Hah, exactly, you ain't no Dorothy. You've been doing your homework.

[ He's so proud of you!!! ]

What? That's bullshit. That's some finger-pointing victim-blaming nutjob bullshit. If anyone brought that onto the world, it was those fuckers. They're the ones that're always meddling.

[ This is why the wood fae are the WORST. Forever.

Still, he's getting Flins sleepy and that takes precedence over everything else. His gaze catches the dimming lantern, his fingers brushing gently through the hair at the back of Flins' head. He just hum in response, watching as his partner drifts off to sleep, joining him in slumber soon after. He'll quite happily stay there as long as Flins lets him- this is nice. ]