Husk knew Alastor got scared when he got violently drunk, even when he wasn't being violent towards him. He'd never admit to it though, but the look of fear in his eyes and his smiles subtle downturn was proof enough for him. The first time he noticed was once when he threw a bottle at some asshole that tried to cheat him out of his jackpot! He noticed how Alastor's ears pulled back ever so slightly, his smile turned to a thin line on his face, and fear would spark in the deers eyes. Husk tried his best to wait til they'd gotten home before talking to Alastor about the incident, knowing full well Alastor would never open up in front of a crowd, would probably tear him apart for even attempting that. So he didn't say anything about it until they got back to Alastor's home, to which the feline gently held the deers claws as he asked what was wrong. Alastor's ears lower flat against his skull, clearly uncomfortable with the topic as his eyes drifted down. "I just...I was reminded of something from my childhood" Alastor mumbles softly, this taking the cat demon off guard completely. Husk had known Alastor for a long ass time, and never had he ever heard his boyfriend sound so sad, he even sounded a bit scared. "We can talk about it when you're ready Al" Husk whispers in the deer demons ears, Husk had to lay in the deers oversized bed and cuddle with him that night, but Husk didn't mind.

   The second time, Husk will live in absolute enteral guilt for. It haunts him every night he doesn't sleep with Al by his side. He'd gotten a bit too drunk again, he got pretty pissed off and yanked Alastor's hand when trying to leave. Alastor visibly flinched, but Husk disregarded it completely as he dragged Alastor out of the casino. When they were far enough away from people, he heard Alastor whimper. Husk turned back and his heart sank at the sight before him. Alastor's ears laid flat against his skull, his lips trembling as he struggled to keep up a smile, and he looked absolutely terrified. Husk let go of Alastor's hand and gently cups his cheeks, wiping away tears that threatened to stain his beloved deers face. "Shit-Al I-shit I'm so sorry Al, I didn't mean to scare you like that" Husk said softly, petting Alastor's hair to try and soothe his shaking deer. Alastor hugged Husk tightly, scarlet tipped claws lightly digging into Husk fur, normally Husk would complain about the pain, but he could put up with it for now, at least until Alastor has calmed down.

Husk started to drink just a little less after that incident, maybe a bottle or two less, he never wanted to repeat that incident ever again. Yet, he couldn't seem to prevent himself from getting violently drunk. He'd never hurt Alastor and he doubted the radio demon would let him, but it still felt like a punch in the gut when he saw the arrogant overlord trembling in fear from him. What did he have to do to make Alastor understand he'd never hurt him? Then again, what if it wasn't a lack of understanding, what if he's just naturally learned to fear violent drunks? Who could have left that big of an impact on Alastor though? Then it struck Husk, Alastor lived during a time period creole people were heavily discriminated against, he knew Alastor was very close with his mother but the deer demon hadn't mentioned his father once in the decades they'd know each other. A lump formed in Husk throat as he thought of Alastor seeing his drunk father every time Husk got violently drunk, he had to do something about it.

Husk cut down a lot, maybe three or four bottles a day, this was a rather drastic change, and Alastor took notice of it quickly. "This might be the lowest amount of alcohol I've ever seen you consume my dear Husker! I have to admit I'm a bit concerned" Alastor voices. Husk stares into those crimson eyes he loves so much, a part of him wanted to snap, but there wasn't a reason to snap at Al, he-for once-did nothing wrong. Husk sighs as he attempts to keep himself some level of calm, "got tired of seein' you cower from me...I put two-and-two together Al, I know about your asshole dad and I ain't gonna put you through that shit". Alastor's ears lower just a bit at the confession, as he steps back behind the bar counter, he wraps his lengthy arms around the felines shoulders from behind. "Darling, you didn't have to go through all this trouble for me minou~" Alastor whispers, nuzzling his face into the scruff of Husk neck. Husk rolls his eyes, "don't you minou me, I hate seeing you looking like that. We're dating Al, seein' you scared of me feels...wrong" Husk sighs. Alastor pulls back looking surprised, as his boyfriend's words started to slowly sink in, his smile softening as he kisses the cheek of his beloved cat. "You're too kind to me darling" Alastor whispers.

  That night, Husk held Alastor tightly in his arms, slender claws gently running through scarlet hair and petting extremely soft ears, 'what is this man doing to me?' Husk asked himself. Husk never would have cut down his alcohol intake as much as he was now, but for Alastor, it just felt like he had to. While he didn't like having to be mostly sober all day, seeing Alastor scared of him was worse then some everyday annoyances. Husk sighed as he stares down at his sleeping lover, a low, static laced purring escaping the deer demon as he slept peacefully in Husk arms. Husk couldn't help the fond smile that crossed his face as he kisses the bucks forehead. Yeah, for Al, it's always worth it.