One Helluva Demon

That Night - Pt 2

(Husk's P.O.V)

          I could hear Al laughing to himself while we were walking. The streetlights lit up the neighborhood, the moon slowly rising up from beyond. Come to think of it, I had never noticed how beautiful the image was. The steel blue sky was filled with glistening stars, while neighborhood houses were bustling with voices and music. It was quite soothing, to be honest. In the day, New Orleans was always crowded with people and noise. But when night came, t turned into a beautiful scenery. Picture perfect, Al would say.

          "So Husker!" Al said. "What did you think of the show, hm?" I chuckled. "Wasn't too shabby. I'll give ya that." Al's face lit up from my remark, and his signature smile spread across his face. Like a snake, Al's arm slid around my shoulder, laughing again. "Well thank you for coming, my good friend." I chuckled along with him, despite the fact I was uncomfortable. I usually didn't let people touch me, mostly because I'd end up fighting them after. But, I could make an exception for Al. As much as it felt off, I also enjoyed it.

          We turned the corner and started passing more houses, until we reached Al's. It wasn't anything special, just a shack. It had clear windows, a perfectly tiled roof, and a brick chimney along the side. We strolled across the lawn til we were at the front door. Al quickly opened it, and we threw ourselves onto the living room couches. The next thing I knew, we were lying on the floor near the fireplace, both of us with a cup of Courvoisier in our hands. "So," I asked. "What was so important for me to spend this night with ya?" Al lifted his head to meet my gaze, then stood up, pulling me up too. "Follow me. I have something I want to show you."

          He opened his bedroom door and I stepped inside, him following behind me. His room was mahogany colored, only filled with a bed, a few cabinets, and a desk in one of the corners. On top was a computer, radio set, a stand up microphone, and a record player. This wasn't the first time I've been in Al's house, but there was something else. He had CD's sprawled on his bed and along the floor. I looked over at him, confused. "What's all this?" His smile faded and he sat on the bed, patting his hand next to him. I quickly sat alongside him, still bewildered. "You know what I like the most about my career, Husk?" he said. I was silent for a few seconds. 'He said that in a sad tone.' I thought. 'He's never sad.' "Uh, no. I don't." I coughed up. "Do tell me though?"

          Al looked at me, then laid back on the bed. "The best thing.." he said. "The best thing is that there's others like me. Many people who've heard me on the radio think it's a waste of time. When someone watches my stand-up shows, they'll say it's shit. When they watch me sing and dance, they'll say I'm a waste of a man. A joke." I could feel my mouth slightly hang open. Out of all my years knowing Al, he'd never open up about things. He's always poised and kept his cool, never showing the slightest affect from others. "Where's this all coming from?" I said. Al sighed and was silent for a minute. "Somewhere I keep hidden inside." he said. "I like seeing others happy. Making them smile. There's always gonna be someone who'll doubt me. That's what you have to go through to get somewhere. But I've just never given up, Husk. I've took all the crap I've gotten and turned it into motivation. To make me stronger. People are going to want to give up on whatever they want to achieve. Dreams. A new life. A business you're trying so hard to make work. I've been there. The temptation to give up was around every corner, but I resisted and persevered, even when it felt like everyone told me to give up. I can only hope for so much, but I know that in the end..it'll all be worth it."

          I was dead silent. I couldn't even begin to think of words to say. Al looked at me and gave a weak smile. From his look, I could tell he knew I was shocked, so we sat there in silence til I could find my voice. "Man..that was..touching." Al chuckled for a bit, then clearing his voice. "My mother was the one who supported me from the beginning. She gave me the confidence I needed, and I slowly evolved. I got to be a part of a family. A family full of creative, talented, and inspiring people. But, none of them were inspiring as her." It took me a while to realize, but there was now something in Al's hands. A small framed picture, something you'd put on a nightstand. I immediately recognized the woman in the picture, his mum. I had met her once, and besides, everybody in town knew her. She could hypnotize anyone with her eyes, and whenever she smiled..oh man, any sane man's heart would melt. I carefully placed my hand on his shoulder, hoping he wouldn't mind it. "You miss her, don't you?" I said. Al didn't say anything. I stared down at my shoes, trying not to make contact. 'Shit. I shouldn't have said anything-' I felt something grab one of my sleeves, jerking me sideways. I snapped out of my thoughts, and whirled my head around to see what was happening. Then, it felt like time stopped.

          Al had me in a tight hug, crying. His arms were wrapped around me, making me barely able to move. It was a complete mess. He was shaking and everythin. He quickly pulled away, staring at me. With a few sniffles, he started wiping his tears away. "You have no idea.." he murmured. At this point I was completely lost, if I hadn't been from the start. I knew Al could be emotional, but this? "I..I'm sorry." he blurted out. He quickly slid away from me and stood up, making his way towards the door. 'No.' Before his hand could reach to knob, he looked over his shoulder back at me, and his eyes widened.

          I stood up, and pulled him into another hug. I felt his body stiffen, but I didn't care. I wasn't sure if I was in fully controlling myself, but I didn't care. In that moment, I felt warmth. The fact that Al could open up to me actually meant something to me. I don't know why, but it did. "You're my friend, Al." I said. "And friends are there for each other. If you need someone, I'm here. I'll take care of you the same way you've taken care of me."

          We were both silent. We didn't say anything to each other, but I didn't let go of him. A silent hug is always nice for someone. I felt Al move for a second. He whimpered, and soon hugged me back. I looked up at him and chuckled for a bit. He was crying again, with some tears were falling onto my face. "You sucker." He sighed and continued to cry. I closed my eyes and stood there, letting him.

          That night, something changed in me. Besides the fact my hair was damp, that is. That night, I didn't go home feeling empty again. That night, I came home feeling good. Relieved. Loved. Knowing that a rugged deadbeat like me could please someone. Knowing that I could be enough for someone. Knowing that someone actually cared me. Me and Al grew closer after that night. We'd meet, drink, talk, laugh, for hours. I still wasn't social as him, but I was improving. I'd shake people's hand, let em touch me, etc. I was opening up. Being more human.

           Yeah, maybe I'm still easily pissed. Maybe I'm still a sour alcoholic. Maybe I'm not the best to be around. But if someone like Al can like me..

          

          ..how bad can I be?

( Hello! Before you read the rest of the stuff I have to say, there's something I need to clarify. I know Husk and Alastor's relationship in the show is kinda rocky, so in this chapter I'm trying to simulate or theorize about their relationship BEFORE what we see in the pilot. Also, some people might see this, but Husk and Al's relationship isn't romantic or sexual. It's just a close n tight bond. I may have made some mixed signals while writing this, which is my fault. The plot of the chapter wasn't suppose to be like this. I had made different scenario drafts and the original, but they got deleted. So, this was what I was finally able to settle on.

Okay. Thanks for making it to the end! This is the second part of 'Who He Truly Is', which is a 3-part chapter. If you have not read the first part and are reading this one, then stop and go back and read the first part! I should've posted this earlier, but things happened. I nearly broke my computer, and I already mentioned I accidently deleted this chapter, so then I had to re-write this all over again, etc. Thank you SO much for hitting over 400 reads! I really appreciate the love and support. Hope you guys enjoyed, stay tuned! )