Hazbin/Helluva Ink Edition: Book of Amore

Panic (Husk x Matilda)

Husk hadn't said a word. The fireworks for the annual Lucifer Day celebration have been going on for hours. In case you don't know, Lucifer Day is a day to commemorate the day Hell received it's ruler and most powerful demon. It was even celebrated on July 28th, the day Lucifer fell from Heaven. At the moment, he was trying to ignore it, having a chat with Matilda while having a drink.

Matilda: Lucifer Day? What happened to Independence Day?

Husk: Yeah....that's not really a thing here.

The former Mayberry noticed that Husk was jittery from the fireworks. She just thought it was private biz, so she didn't say anything. But one firework went off right next to the Hotel. So loud, it sent Husk into a bit of a frenzy.

Matilda: Husk?

The cat started to hyperventilate as nearly collapsed at the bar. He rapidly backed away and slid to the floor, his back and wings touching the wall. He couldn't focus, he felt like he couldn't breathe. It was almost as if he was...back on the field. The gunshots, the explosions, the screams of his fellow soldiers. It was official, Husk was having a panic attack.

Not knowing what to do and panicking herself as Husk's breathing became more rapid and tears were forming in his eyes, Matilda took out her phone and did the one thing he could do. Text someone close to her lover.

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Bendy was practically alone in Charlie's old bedroom. Lucifer and Lilith had invited him, Charlie, Vaggie, and Vivian to the castle for a party. They also brought Moxxie and Millie so the 5 lovers could have some time to themselves and the young Siren could get to know her 2 new parental figures a bit better. Vivian was put in a separate room, the only ones other than him in the bedroom were his four lovers and they all have fallen asleep in the huge bed.

Her was about to get up to take a piss break, but he notice his phone had been buzzing on the nightstand. Yawning, he picked up the phone on the way to the bathrrom and noticed several texts from Matilda.

Matilda: I need your help.

Matilda: SOS

Bendy frowned at this, quickly typing out a response.

Bendy: Why? What's wrong?

Matilda: Husk. He's been jumpy and not himself all night. Firework went off and he just broke. I need u.

Bendy recognized the signs that his friend was having a panic attack. After all, he's had a couple himself, especially after he came back from Heaven. He typed what to do.

Bendy: Keep him calm. Talk to him. Take him to his room. Soundproof walls and all that.

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After reading the text, the former school teacher walked up to Husk and helped him up. He was a bit shaky, but still responded to her.

Matilda: Come on, Husky. We're going to your room. Everything's gonna be fine.

After a ride in the elevator, Matilda forced the door to their conjoined room open. Husk pulled away from his lover and stumbled into the room, resting halfway on the bed and covering his ears with his hands as he quietly whined.

Matilda rushed to his side, hugging him close and softly talking to him while running her hand down his back.

Matilda: It's okay. It's okay, everything's okay. You're safe, there's nothing going on.

His breathing eventually steadied as he shakingly looked at Matilda, who was worried as all Hell.

Husk: You didn't have to do that, y'know.

Matilda kissed his temple as Husk hugged her back. She soon pulled a away a little for him to look her in the eye.

Matilda: What the fuck was that, Husk? You scared the Hell out of me.

Husk: Panic...attack. The fireworks set me off.

Matilda: The...fireworks?

Husk: Yeah. I was a soldier when I was alive. Lots of loud noises. Bloodshed. Not too good of an experience. The explosions just took me back to those times. Like I said, you didn't mave to do anything, Tilda.

Matilda: *kisses his cheek* Yes, I did. The fireworks were making you think of those dark times and you were seconds away from basically disintegrating mentall.

Carefully, she wiped her thumbs under the cat's eyes, catching the few tears that had managed to escape. Husk just shrugged, slightly embarrassed by the fact that he let his past get under his skin again.

Matilda: Come on. Let's get into bed and relax, forget about all this. Agreed?

husk: *smiles* Agreed. 

After helping Husk to his feet, the two disrobed into sleepwear *Husk taking off his hat and tie* and trudged into the bed, snuggling up to one another.

Pressing a kiss to Husk's lips, Matilda sighed.

Matilda: Did you....have these before? Panic attacks?

Husk: *hesitant* A few. Mostly with this one time seeing a blimp explode, I almost spiraled. And along with the turf war feed on the News. It....It really gets to me sometimes. I jst keep hearing the weapons and the screaming and- 

He cut himself off, breath escalating into hyperventilation, eyes widening in alarm. He was panicking, mind racing, preventing him from focusing or thinking. All he could feel was a tightness in his chest. His attention was once again grabbed by Matilda.

Matilda: Husk. It's okay. You don't have to hold back.

Husk buried his face against her shoulder, allowing himself to cry freely, feeling her arms wrapping around him, holding him tight as he shook.

Matilda: That's it. Just let it out and breathe. Slow breaths, as slow as possible. In... and out.

He followed the rhythm, eventually evening his breaths into a calmer pace. Once he stopped shaking, Matilda cupped his face in her hands, kissing him on the lips. The two closed their eyes on the lip lock and separated as they sunk into each other's embrace. 

Matilda: It's all going to be okay, Husk.

He repeated, drowsy from the hugging and warmth he got from his girlfriend. 

Husk: You're right, honey. It's....going to be.....okay.

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After Lucifer Day passed, Husk was given the day off from his duties, due to needing a mental health day from his panic attack. At least two good things came from that night.

One was that now Matilda did everything she could to help Husk whenever he had a panic attack, even getting him some noise cancelling ear buds as a gift, to show her love for him and to show him he came come to her when it came to these things.

Second was that by Charlie's request, Lucifer banned any and all use of fireworks in the Pride Ring. And anyone who disobeyed were not only sent to the Helltentrium, but had to sit through five hours of Alastor telling dad jokes, as per Bendy's request.

THE END