Vaggie The Moth Babe

Chapter 4: A Drink and a Word

Vaggie descended the staircase slowly, her mind still spinning from her time on the terrace. The weight of her conversation with Charlie clung to her like a heavy fog, and no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't shake it. Her steps echoed softly as she made her way down to the bar, a place where she hoped she could find even a moment of peace, or at least distraction.

As she reached the bottom floor, the familiar sight of the Hazbin Hotel's lounge came into view. The bar was dimly lit, casting long shadows across the room, with only a few scattered patrons occupying the worn-out velvet seats. At the far end of the bar, Husk—the grizzled, sharp-tongued cat demon who acted as the hotel's bartender—was arranging bottles of liquor on the shelves. His tufted ears flicked as he muttered under his breath, probably cursing at a stubborn bottle that wouldn't stay in place.

Vaggie walked toward the bar and slid onto one of the stools, letting out a soft sigh. She rested her elbows on the polished wood, staring blankly at the rows of bottles. Her mind was still racing, but there was a small comfort in the quiet routine of Husk's work, the clink of glass, the faint scent of alcohol that lingered in the air.

Husk, noticing her presence, glanced over his shoulder. His golden, feline eyes scanned her face, taking in the tense expression and the slight furrow in her brow. With a raised eyebrow, he grabbed a bottle from the shelf and poured a glass of something strong, setting it down in front of her.

"Looks like you could use this," he said, his voice gravelly but not unkind.

Vaggie blinked, her attention snapping back to reality. She stared at the glass, the amber liquid shimmering under the dim light. Normally, she wasn't one to drink much, but tonight... tonight it felt like she needed something to calm her frayed nerves.

"Thanks," she murmured, lifting the glass to her lips and taking a small sip. The alcohol burned on its way down, but it was a welcome distraction from the turmoil in her mind.

Husk leaned back against the counter, folding his arms across his chest. He watched her for a moment before speaking again. "So, you wanna tell me what's got you all twisted up? You look like someone kicked your favorite puppy."

Vaggie snorted softly, a tiny smile tugging at the corner of her lips. Husk had a way of cutting through the tension with his bluntness, and while she wasn't sure she was in the mood to talk, something about his easygoing presence made her feel like maybe she could.

"Didn't think you were the type to listen to other people's problems," she said, taking another sip of her drink.

Husk shrugged, his wings twitching lazily behind him. "I'm not usually, but I've got ears, and I know a little about everyone in this place. Plus, you look like you could use someone to talk to. Doesn't hurt to try."

Vaggie stared at him for a moment, surprised by the unexpected offer. She hadn't expected Husk, of all people—or demons, rather—to offer any kind of support. He usually kept to himself, only speaking up when someone bothered him or when it was time to pour a drink. But there was something about the way he looked at her now, with a quiet understanding, that made her feel like maybe he wasn't just the grumpy bartender everyone saw him as.

She sighed, running a hand through her hair, feeling the soft fabric of her bow against her fingers. "It's Charlie," she began, her voice quiet. "We had a talk, and... I don't know. I feel like I'm screwing things up."

Husk's eyes narrowed slightly as he listened. He didn't interrupt, just let her speak at her own pace.

"I've got this... anger," Vaggie continued, her gaze dropping to the glass in her hands. "It's always been there, ever since—well, ever since I lost everything. And I've tried to control it, to keep it under wraps, but it's hard. Sometimes, it just... comes out. And it's hurting her. I don't want to hurt her, Husk. She's the one good thing in my life, and I'm afraid I'm going to ruin it."

There was a long pause after she finished, the silence between them filled only by the faint hum of the lounge and the distant murmur of voices in the hotel. Husk didn't say anything for a moment, just took in her words with a thoughtful expression. Then, after a beat, he let out a small sigh and reached for another glass, pouring himself a drink.

"You're not the only one with demons, you know," Husk said, taking a sip from his own glass. "Hell's full of 'em, literally and figuratively. But you've got something a lot of folks down here don't—you care. That's worth a lot more than you think."

Vaggie looked at him, a little surprised by the softness in his tone. Husk wasn't usually the type to give heartfelt advice, but here he was, offering her something that felt like it came from a place of real understanding.

"Sometimes, a word is worth more than silence," he continued, his eyes meeting hers. "You and Charlie... you've got something real. I've seen the way she looks at you, and it's not something that's just gonna fall apart because of a few rough patches. But you gotta talk to her. Really talk. If there's something eating at you, don't bottle it up. That only makes it worse."

Vaggie sat quietly, mulling over his words. She knew he was right. She had been keeping so much inside, trying to deal with it all on her own, but maybe that wasn't the answer. Maybe what she needed was to open up, to let Charlie in on what she was feeling instead of pushing her away.

"Thanks, Husk," she said softly, offering him a small smile. "I didn't think you'd have any advice for me, but... that helps. A lot."

Husk smirked, his usual sarcastic demeanor slipping back into place. "Hey, don't go getting all sentimental on me now. I'm still the same old bastard you know and love. But even I can see when someone's got their head too far up their own ass."

Vaggie chuckled, the tension in her shoulders easing just a little. She took another sip of her drink, savoring the warmth that spread through her chest.

"Yeah, I guess you're right," she said, setting the glass down with a soft clink. "I'll talk to her. For real this time."

"Good," Husk said, pushing off the counter. "Now, finish that drink and get out of here. I've got bottles to organize, and you're taking up prime real estate."

Vaggie shook her head with a laugh, but there was gratitude in her eyes as she glanced back at him. Husk might be a grouchy, sarcastic demon, but in his own way, he cared. And sometimes, that was exactly what she needed.

4o