Hellbound (Hazbin Hotel x Reader)

Chapter 45 : Poker Rematch

As I heard the familiar knock at the door, my heart skipped a beat with excitement. Opening it, I was greeted by the sight of Vox standing there, looking dashing in the outfit I had picked out for him the other day. "Hey" he said with a warm smile, and before I could say anything, he pulled me into a tight hug. "Hey!" I exclaimed, returning the hug. "You're wearing the outfit I picked! It looks fantastic on you". He chuckled, releasing me from the hug. "Thanks! I figured I'd give it a try. Hope I'm not too underdressed for the occasion" he joked, flashing me a charming grin. "Not at all! You look great," I assured him, stepping aside to let him in and noticing the bottle of whisky in his hand.  "And bringing whisky too? You're full of surprises tonight". He grinned mischievously. "Well, you know me, always prepared for a good time". With that, we headed inside, ready to enjoy the evening ahead.

As Vox and I entered the room, the lively atmosphere immediately greeted us. A large table dominated the center, adorned with a poker set ready for the game. Charlie was seated next to Vaggie, their expressions eager and welcoming. Angel Dust lounged next to Husk, their banter already in full swing. Sir Pentious sat with Nifty, engaged in conversation, while two vacant seats awaited our arrival. Sir Pentious's egg bois scampered around in a corner, adding to the lively ambiance. The table was adorned with an array of drinks and snacks, inviting us to indulge as the night unfolded. As all eyes turned towards us, a chorus of greetings and smiles filled the room, signaling the beginning of a night filled with laughter and competition. As we took our seats, Vox effortlessly slipped into his charismatic TV persona, charming everyone with his presence. I grabbed a couple of drinks for us, passing one to Vox as we settled in for the game. "Thanks" Vox said, flashing his signature grin. "Let's see if I can bring some luck to this table". I chuckled and rolled my eyes at him, clinking my glass against his. "May the best demon win". As soon as we go to start, Nifty spots a bug running out of the roof and chases after it with a little knife. With drinks in hand, we delved into the game, the sound of shuffling cards filling the room as the competition heated up.

As the rounds progressed, Vox's luck seemed to dwindle, eliciting playful groans from him and sympathetic chuckles from the rest of us. Pen's struggles with the game earned him teasing remarks and exaggerated sighs, which only fueled the friendly banter around the table. "Pen, you're making it too easy for us," Angel quipped with a smirk, looking at the serpent. "Maybe you should stick to, uh, well, not much, really". He chuckled weakly, acknowledging his lack of skills in just about everything. "Hey now, cut me some slack. I'm doing my best here". Meanwhile, Angel and I found ourselves in a heated rivalry, each of us determined to outwit the other. Our competitive spirit sparked lively exchanges and good-natured jabs, punctuated by laughter and the occasional triumphant shout. "I see you're trying to play the big shot, huh?" I teased Angel, eyeing his growing stack of chips. "Well, don't get too comfortable. I've got a few tricks up my sleeve yet". He chuckled, flashing me a mischievous grin. "Bring it on, toots. Let's see what you've got". Husk, on the other hand, maintained a steady lead, his poker face betraying nothing as he raked in chips with each successful hand. His calm demeanor only added to the amusement, prompting jests about his hidden talent for gambling. "Of course the heavy gambler's winning" Vox remarked with a wry grin, eyeing Husk's ever-expanding pile of chips. "I swear, it's like he's got some kind of deal with the devil". Husk chuckled at Vox's comment. "Maybe I do, maybe I don't. But hey, if it keeps working in my favor, who am I to complain?".

As the game progressed, Charlie's luck took a turn for the worse, eliciting sympathetic glances from Vaggie and amused chuckles from the rest of us. "I don't understand this game at all" Charlie admitted with a frustrated sigh, frowning at her dwindling pile of chips. "It's like trying to decipher a cryptic language". Vaggie reached over to pat her hand reassuringly. "You're doing fine, babe. It just takes a bit of practice and strategy". Angel leaned back in his chair, grinning mischievously. "Hey, at least you're not at the bottom of the pile like Pen over there". He shot Angel a mock glare, feigning offense. "Hey, watch it. I may not be a poker pro, but I've got my own talents". Vox chuckled, taking a sip of his drink. "Yeah, like burning toast and scaring small children". Pen rolled his eyes, but couldn't suppress a grin. "Very funny, Vox. Remind me to never invite you over for breakfast". Husk, ever the stoic gambler, maintained his focus on the game, his expression unreadable as he surveyed the cards laid out before him. Meanwhile, I glanced at my hand, trying to conceal my excitement at the promising cards I held. "Looks like luck might be on my side this round". Angel smirked, eyeing me playfully. "We'll see about that. Don't get too confident just yet".

As Husk continued to dominate the game, I found myself slipping further behind, much to the amusement of Angel and Vox, who wasted no time in teasing me about my misfortune. Angel flashed me a mischievous grin. "Looks like your lucks abandoned you" Vox chuckled, his smirk widening. "It's quite refreshing to be beating you for once". I shot them both a playful scowl, flipping them off. "Oh, just you wait. I'll make a comeback". Charlie and Vaggie shared a knowing glance, while Pen watched the scene unfold with mild amusement. Even Sir Pentious seemed to be enjoying the spectacle, his serpentine grin stretching across his face. Charlie chimed in, her tone lighthearted. "Come on, guys, let's not forget we're here to have fun, not just win".   Vaggie nodded in agreement. "Yeah, it's all about the experience". "Fun? That's what losers say when they're losing" Husk quipped, a smug grin playing on his lips. His comment elicited a round of laughter from the group, albeit tinged with a hint of playful rivalry. Charlie rolled her eyes, shooting Husk a mock glare.

As my losing streak persisted, I couldn't help but vocalize my frustration, albeit with a touch of humor. "I swear, I'm single-handedly keeping this game interesting by being the worst player" I remarked, a wry grin on my face. Angel, always quick with a witty retort, couldn't resist adding his own twist to my comment. "Well, if that's the case, then keep it up" he quipped, a mischievous glint in his eye, "I'm thoroughly enjoying your performance". His remark elicited a round of laughter from the group, with Vaggie playfully swatting Angel on the arm. "Behave yourself, Angel" she chided, though her own laughter betrayed her amusement. Vox, ever the observer, couldn't resist adding his own commentary. "I must say, I've never seen poker played quite like this before" he remarked, a hint of amusement in his voice. "It's like a comedy routine with cards". Husk, still leading the game, simply smirked, enjoying the banter and the opportunity to maintain his winning streak. "Keep the jokes coming" he said, a glint of competitiveness in his eyes. "Maybe they'll distract you enough for me to secure another win".

As the game progressed, the tables turned, and Vox found himself on the losing end of the next round. I couldn't contain my excitement, letting out a triumphant cheer as he revealed his less-than-stellar hand. "Looks like the tables have turned, Vox!" I exclaimed, reveling in my small victory. Vox, ever the good sport, flashed me a wry smile. "Congratulations, I suppose" he replied with a chuckle, "I'll graciously accept defeat this time". Angel, never one to miss an opportunity for humour, seized the moment to interject with a playful quip. "Don't worry, Vox" he teased, as he looked back and forth between me and Vox, giving us a wink, "I'm sure you'll have better luck with a different kind of hand later".  His suggestive comment elicited a round of laughter from the group, with Charlie rolling her eyes in mock exasperation. "Angel, please" she admonished, though a smile tugged at the corners of her lips.

As the final rounds unfolded, Angel managed to mount an impressive comeback, overtaking Husk and emerging as the unexpected victor of the game. I couldn't help but marvel at his sudden reversal of fortune, offering him a congratulatory pat on the back. "Nicely done, Angel!" I exclaimed, genuinely impressed by his turnaround. "Who knew you had such a hidden talent for poker?". Angel grinned in response, clearly pleased with his triumph. "Beginner's luck, I guess" he quipped, basking in the glow of his victory. Meanwhile, Husk took his defeat in stride, offering Angel a good-natured nod of acknowledgment. "Well played" he conceded, a hint of amusement in his voice. "Looks like I'll have to up my game next time". Vox, though not emerging victorious, seemed content with his improved performance, albeit still trailing behind. "Not bad for a novice" he remarked with a smirk, clearly satisfied with his progress. Even Sir Pentious, notorious for his lackluster poker skills, managed to fare better than expected, eliciting a round of applause and encouraging nods from the group. Charlie, ever the supportive host, clapped enthusiastically. "Great job, everyone!" she cheered, beaming with pride. "Win or lose, it's all about us spending time together!" We all nodded in agreement, the competitive spirit of the game giving way to a sense of shared enjoyment.