READ THE NOTES BEFORE PROCEEDING!
Even though this chapter is a part of All It Takes, it is not necessary to know the context to understand what's happening here. BUT! If you want to read the rest of the story, you will come across some spoilers. Just know that the rest of the fic is more on the drama-sprinkled fluffy side and has no more smut in it. Many people expressed to me how this particular chapter made them feel uncomfortable, so please, before you start reading, make sure you are okay with the CW. If not, feel free to skip to the next chapter, you won't miss any crucial information except for what really happened at the hotel party.
CW: dub-con, infidelity, mild violence, blood, alcohol and generally weird demon sex
I intentionally tried to write this chapter as a one-shot to make it skippable in case you are not comfortable reading it. I was also asked to improve my writing, so I tried and came to this - my very first smut - a year later. I did a little tweaking and got a bit more descriptive, trying to not hold back. It's still not perfect, but I hope you enjoy it a bit more now.
About a year and a half ago...
Charlie ascended the staircase with unsteady steps, her eyes clouded by the haze of intoxication while Caiphus supported her with an arm draped over her shoulders, a gesture that felt friendly enough. She kept excitedly rambling on about the hotel and its residents and her redemption plan while clinging to the railing for dear life, trying not to lose balance.
"I just... I just want everyone here to be happy, you know?" Charlie's words were slurred, and she drowsily blinked a few times. "It's all I've ever wanted! A place where demons could... could find peace. Like, real peace ."
Caiphus made a show of nodding, a smile twitching at the corners of his mouth. He pretended to listen, while his eyes scanned the surroundings, noting the placement of security cameras blinking in the darkness and tracking their every move. He was mapping out the way, considering his options.
"Yeah, yeah, I get it, sweetheart. Now, tell me, which of these rooms is yours?" He inquired with a sly smirk, his voice sounding flirty.
Charlie squinted, waving a hand clumsily toward the far end of the corridor, almost losing her balance. "Th-there! But oc-occupied rooms are not part of the tour!" She hiccuped and gave him a lopsided grin as if she'd said something terribly clever.
Caiphus's smile widened, sensing an opportunity. "What if I asked real nicely?" he coaxed, giving her a playful wink. "Would you make an exception for me? I've always wondered how Hell's royalty lives..."
Charlie gave it a quick thought, tapping an index finger against her lips. "Okaaay," she finally conceded with tipsy enthusiasm. "But it's really nothing special. Every guest can deco-decorate their own room ho-however they like! And...and believe me, some have waaay f-fancier rooms than me!" A memory of her surprise at seeing the swamp in Alastor's over-the-top room for the first time crossed her mind, prompting an amused snort.
She then slipped out from under Caiphus's arm, stumbling over to her door. Her hands fished through her pants pocket, finally producing a small black key. She fumbled with it, trying to fit it into the lock, missing the mark over and over, her drunken mind struggling to keep up with the simplest task. After finally succeeding, she reached for the doorknob, trying to pick the real one out of several blurry ones dancing before her eyes.
"What is wrong with me?" she thought as she leaned against the wall, closing her eyes for a moment to steady herself. "I barely drank anything..."
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All it takes (A charlastor slow burn)
FanfictionSometimes, all it takes is a moment, a single reckless choice... When Charlie, with the help of her friends, decides to throw a party to support her struggling hotel, little does she know that nothing will ever be the same. A few weeks later, her li...
