Hazbin Hotel - A Dream of Redemption

Chapter 52: Sabotage and Showbiz

The morning sun seeps through the stained-glass windows, bathing the lobby in a fiery glow. Its red hues paint the room with warmth, casting long shadows that dance along the polished floors. Charlie Morningstar, ever the picture of grace and poise, glides through the lobby with purpose, her presence commanding attention amidst the quiet bustle of the morning routine.

Niffty flits about the room like a whirlwind, her movements as precise as they are swift. With each flick of her wrist, she dusts and tidies, leaving behind a trail of cleanliness in her wake.

From the kitchen emerges Husk, a tray of steaming coffee in hand. He moves with the languid grace of a man who has spent years perfecting his craft, his eyes displaying hints of annoyance as he surveys the scene before him. With a nod to Vaggie and a casual wave to Niffty, he makes his way towards the couch where Angel Dust lounges, an accidental grin playing at the corners of his lips.

As Charlie approaches, a smile tugs at the corners of her lips. With a subtle gesture, Charlie summons a swirling vortex of energy, coaxing forth a perfectly crafted Frappuccino into her waiting hand. The chilled beverage sparkles with a hint of magic, its tantalizing aroma filling the air with a sweet and creamy scent.

"Morning, everyone," Charlie greets with a warm smile, her voice carrying a gentle melody that seems to soothe the bustling energy of the room.

"Morning, Charlie," Niffty chimes in, pausing momentarily in her cleaning to offer a cheerful wave.

"Morning, boss lady," Husk calls out from across the room, a playful glint in his eye as he pours himself a cup of coffee.

Angel Dust lounges lazily on the couch, a mischievous grin tugging at the corners of his lips. "Morning, Charlie! Got any plans for today?" he teases, his voice tinged with playful curiosity.

Charlie chuckles softly, the sound melodic and reassuring. "Just the usual, Angel. Keeping the hotel running smoothly and all that," she replies, her gaze sweeping over the room with a sense of quiet determination.

Charlie looks over as Zephyr strolls in, his usual air of detached nonchalance emanating from every pore. She watches him with mild curiosity as he saunters over to the nearby seating area, his steps unhurried and deliberate.

"Morning, Zephyr," she calls out, offering him a casual wave as she approaches. "What brings you down here? Need a change of scenery, or just felt like gracing us with your presence?"

Zephyr's lips quirk in a faint smirk as he settles into one of the plush armchairs, his gaze drifting lazily around the room before settling back on Charlie. "Just felt like stretching my legs," he replies with a shrug, his tone devoid of any particular urgency or purpose.

Charlie nods, her expression one of easy acceptance as she takes a seat opposite him. "Fair enough," she says with a small smile. "Well, if you're in the mood for some company, I'm all ears. Or, you know, we could just sit here and enjoy the peace and quiet."

Zephyr's smirk widens slightly, a glint of amusement flickering in his eyes as he regards her with mild bemusement. "Peace and quiet sounds good to me," he remarks, his voice tinged with a hint of irony. "But I'll take the company if you're offering."

Charlie chuckles softly, the sound warm and genuine as she settles back in her chair. "Consider it a package deal," she replies, her gaze meeting his with a playful twinkle. "Besides, it's not every day we get to enjoy a moment of tranquility around here."

At the far end of the room, Alastor hums to himself as he tinkers with an old-fashioned radio, his fingers deftly adjusting knobs and dials with practiced precision. Occasionally, he glances over at Niffty, who continues to dart around the lobby.