𝐇𝐇 𝐒𝐇𝐈𝐏𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐒 𝐆𝐔𝐈𝐃𝐄 - Hazbin Hotel

pt 4

Days at the hotel were passing peacefully. Charlie tried not to think too much about it, but Alastor and her dad seemed to be getting along great. They bickered (oh gods did they bicker), but it was almost...sweet? Endearing, she'd settle on. Like an old married couple. The idea made her giggle, and of course she'd gush about it to Vaggie, and never ever breathe a word of it to either of the boys. But she would smile at them sweetly, and find excuses to send them out on errands together ("Who else can I trust to make sure this gets done right?" She'd coax, with puppy-dog eyes on full blast) whenever she could. Friendship was a huge step toward redemption - even though she was well aware that neither of them would ever step foot in heaven, redemption was about more than just getting to the pearly gates; it was about living a happier life.

Vaggie would listen and nod along to Charlie's happy chattering about her dad's 'friendship' with the Radio Demon. She had her own theories about the whole situation, but she knew better than to put those ideas into Charlie's head. Once she was stuck on something, there was no coming back from it. They'd all be in for a really awkward couple weeks of Charlie playing matchmaker for two men who would not be into it at all.

She could only hope that by the time Charlie figured it out, it would be so painfully clear that there was something going on between them that there wouldn't be any need for her to interfere.

She could not have foreseen the day that Alastor's migraines began.

-

Alastor didn't handle illnesses well. If his annual shedding wasn't evidence enough, there was always the week that his antlers would begin to grow back. It would start as a familiar dull ache, one that immediately alerted the demon to the misery to come. It wasn't as bad as shedding, but it was damn inconvenient and made him want to shut himself off from anyone and everyone.

Except...this time around, he did find himself wishing for one man's company.

He had no idea how to go about asking for the king's help. Lucifer had butted in on his own accord the last time, so there had been no need for Alastor to degrade himself to the point of asking for help. He didn't even really want the help, but he couldn't shake the desire to have this over and done with as quick as Lucifer had made the shedding happen.

Alastor began to hatch a plan. He would not be asking for help...but maybe he could make it clear that he wanted it.

-

Lucifer woke up early. He stretched, rubbed his eyes, and stared at the ceiling for a couple minutes while contemplating his day. He vaguely remembered Charlie talking about some trust exercises she was holding in the lobby and thought that he could stop by and boost morale a bit. The residents were always more keen to participate when the king was involved.

He set out his suit, as he normally did, but felt weirdly disdainful toward the outfit. He just was not in the mood to keep up his neat-and-tidy appearance today. He whisked it away and grabbed a cozy, dark red turtleneck and comfortable pants. So much better.

He made his way down to the lobby and greeted everyone along the way. Charlie brightened at her father's appearance, wrapping him in a tight hug as a 'good morning.' Lucifer noticed Alastor seated in the lounge, looking a little out of it. He didn't comment on it right away, instead heading to the kitchen to grab himself a cup of coffee. He filled it with plenty of cream and sugar, turning the bitter liquid into a delicious dessert to start off his day. He poured a second cup, leaving it black, and brought both cups to the lobby to join his deer friend.