Hellbound (Hazbin Hotel x Reader)

Chapter 41 : Getting A Telling Off

Throughout the day, the three of us worked tirelessly, pouring over fabric swatches, sketching out design ideas, and trying on outfits. Despite the hectic pace, there was an undeniable sense of joy that filled the air as we brought Velvette's vision to life. As the afternoon stretched into evening, I couldn't help but snap a picture of Velvette and me together, our faces flushed with excitement and satisfaction. With a quick tap, I sent the photo off to Vox, wanting to share the excitement of our progress with him. As the day drew to a close, I bid farewell to Velvette and Val, feeling a sense of gratitude for the opportunity to work alongside them. With a promise to reconvene soon to continue our preparations, I made my way back to the Hazbin Hotel, eager to share the day's adventures with my friends. As I stepped through the doors of the hotel, a sense of warmth and familiarity washed over me, and I couldn't help but smile at the thought of the day's events. With a quick glance at my phone, I checked for any messages from Vox before heading to my room, feeling a sense of contentment settle over me as I prepared to unwind and relax after a long but fulfilling day.

As I attempted to continue on my way to my room, Husk's stern demeanor halted me in my tracks. His usual laid-back expression was replaced by an unmistakable aura of annoyance, and I braced myself for whatever admonishment was about to come my way. "Hey there" Husk greeted tersely, his tone sharper than usual. "We need to talk". I nodded apprehensively, sensing the gravity of the situation. "Sure, what's on your mind?" I replied, trying to keep my voice steady despite the growing sense of unease. His gaze bore into mine, his frustration palpable. "I heard what happened with Angel" he began, his voice tinged with disapproval. "Dragging him back to work like that was a low blow, even for you". As he criticized my actions, I felt a surge of defensiveness rising within me. "What's that supposed to mean?" I retorted, my tone sharper than intended. He leveled me with a steady gaze, his expression unyielding.

"What I mean is" he began, his voice firm, "you willingly work for Valentino. You know what he's like". I bristled at his implication, feeling a surge of frustration at being called out. "That's not fair" I countered, my voice tinged with indignation. "Just because I work for him doesn't mean I agree with everything he does". Husk regarded me with a knowing look, as if he could see through the facade I was desperately trying to maintain. "Maybe not" he conceded, his tone softening slightly. "But it does mean you're complicit in his actions".  His accusation hit me hard, and I felt another surge of defensiveness rise within me. "I know it's wrong" I replied, my voice tinged with frustration. "But what am I supposed to do? I can't just quit my job. And as much as I hate it, I can't change Valentino". His expression remained stern, his anger simmering beneath the surface. "That's not an excuse" he retorted sharply. "You're just as guilty as he is for allowing this to continue, or at least for being a spectator to it".  I felt a knot tighten in my stomach at his words, knowing deep down that he was right. "I know" I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper. "But I can't just abandon everything. It's not that simple". Husk's gaze bore into mine, his frustration evident in his eyes. "Maybe not" he conceded begrudgingly. "But that doesn't mean you get to wash your hands of this".

As our heated discussion continued, I could feel the tension thickening between us. "Look, I know it's messed up" I replied, my voice tinged with frustration. "But technically, Val owns Angel. He signed that contract willingly. There's nothing I can do about that." Husk's expression darkened further at my words, his frustration boiling over. "That doesn't make it okay" he countered vehemently. "Just because Valentino has some piece of paper doesn't give him the right to treat Angel—or anyone—like garbage". I winced at his blunt assessment, knowing deep down that he was right. "I know" I murmured, feeling a pang of guilt gnawing at my conscience. "But technically, Val can do what he's doing. It's wrong, but there's nothing I or anyone can do to stop him".

As our conversation reached a tense impasse, I could sense his frustration mounting. "I've heard enough" he grumbled, his voice strained with irritation. "Angel's back at the hotel. He's been at the studio for days, and he looks... awful". A pang of guilt stabbed at my heart as his words sunk in. Angel, suffering because of Valentino's actions, while I stood idly by, powerless to intervene. "I'll go check on him" I promised, my voice heavy with remorse. Husk nodded in approval, though his expression remained stern. "Good" he replied curtly, before turning to walk away, leaving me alone with my thoughts. As I watched him disappear down the hallway, a sense of determination surged within me. With a deep breath, I set off towards Angel's room, ready to offer whatever support I could in his time of need. And with each step I took, the weight of my guilt grew heavier, driving me forward with a fierce determination to make things right, no matter the cost.

As I approached Angel's door, a sense of trepidation washed over me, my heart heavy with concern for my friend. With a hesitant knock, I waited, my ears straining for any sign of life from within. "Come in" came his weak voice, barely audible through the door. With a deep breath, I pushed open the door and stepped inside, my eyes immediately falling upon the figure huddled on the bed. There, nestled amidst a sea of blankets, was Angel, his fragile form curled up protectively around Fat Nuggets, his beloved pet pig. The sight of him sent a wave of sorrow coursing through me, his usually vibrant demeanour overshadowed by an unmistakable aura of pain and exhaustion. "Angel..." I murmured softly, my voice barely above a whisper as I approached the bed. He looked up at me, his eyes bloodshot and weary, a faint glimmer of recognition flickering within their depths. "Hey" he greeted weakly, his voice barely a whisper.  I felt a lump form in my throat at the sight of him, his frailty a stark contrast to his normal bubbly demeanour . "Hey" I replied, my voice tinged with sorrow. "Are you okay?". He offered me a weak smile, though it failed to reach his eyes. "I've been better" he admitted, his voice tinged with resignation. "But I'll survive. I always do". My heart ached at the sight of him, "I'm so sorry" I murmured, tears pricking at the corners of my eyes. "I should have done something to stop this, I shouldn't have brought you back to the studio". He reached out to me, his hand trembling as he grasped mine weakly. "It's not your fault" he insisted, his voice filled with a quiet strength. "Val's the one to blame here doll, not you". I shook my head, unable to shake the feeling of responsibility that weighed heavily upon me. "I should have done more" I whispered, my voice choked with emotion. He offered me a weak smile, his eyes filled with a glimmer of gratitude.

"Just being here is enough" he assured me, his words a balm to my wounded soul.  With a heavy heart, I settled onto the bed beside him, wrapping my arms around him in a gesture of comfort and solidarity. And as I held him close, I vowed to do whatever it took to ensure that Angel never suffered alone again. As tears clouded my vision, I turned to him, my voice trembling with anguish. "Should I quit?" I asked, the weight of guilt pressing down on me. "Surely, I can't keep working for someone who treats you like this". His gentle gaze met mine, filled with understanding and empathy. "No, you shouldn't quit" he replied softly, his voice carrying a note of resignation. "Having a friendly face who cares about me at the studio makes it a little more bearable. And knowing Val, if you were to leave, he'd probably take it out on me even more. He seems to really like you". A heavy sigh escaped me as I absorbed Angel's words, feeling a mixture of frustration and helplessness wash over me. "But it's so wrong" I protested weakly, my heart aching for Angel's suffering. He gave me a small, sad smile, his eyes reflecting the pain we both felt. "I know," he murmured, his voice tinged with sadness. "But sometimes we have to do what we can to survive down here, even if it means enduring the cruelty of others",  I nodded in silent agreement.