Vaggie The Moth Babe

Chapter 14: A Surprise Visitor

The sound of quick footsteps echoed down the hallway of the Hazbin Hotel. Charlie sat in her office, now fully dressed, her mind already focused on the tasks of the day. The morning sun filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow across the room, but the air of calm didn't last long.

Suddenly, the door burst open, and Angel Dust, his lanky form leaning against the frame, smirked. "Yo, princess. You've got a VIP at the door."

Charlie looked up, brow furrowing. "VIP? Who?"

Angel casually adjusted his hair, his many arms moving in sync as he lazily strolled inside. "Your old man. Big, bad Lucifer himself. He's waiting at the front door and says he wants to see ya. Something about being bored stiff."

Charlie's eyes widened. "My dad?!" She immediately shot to her feet, her chair rolling back as she dashed toward the door. Her heart raced, excitement and slight apprehension coursing through her. Her father's visits were always... unpredictable.

Angel snickered as he watched her sprint past him, his spider-like form still lounging in the doorway. "Yeah, you might wanna hurry. He doesn't seem like the waiting type, ya know."

Charlie didn't need further encouragement. She bolted down the hall, practically flying down the stairs, her mind racing. Why was Dad here? He never just 'stopped by' without a reason.

Reaching the large front doors of the hotel, she paused for a second to catch her breath before pulling them open with a flourish. There, on the threshold, stood Lucifer Morningstar, the ruler of Hell himself. Dressed impeccably in his signature black and crimson suit, with his slicked-back hair gleaming under the fiery skies, he grinned down at his daughter.

"Charlie, my darling!" he exclaimed, his voice rich and smooth, dripping with charm. Before she could react, Lucifer swooped forward and wrapped her in a tight embrace, lifting her off the ground with ease.

Charlie squeaked in surprise but quickly returned the hug, burying her face against his shoulder. "Dad! What are you doing here?" she asked with a laugh, her earlier nerves fading in the warmth of his familiar presence.

Lucifer set her down, brushing off his suit before giving her a wink. "Oh, you know, same old, same old. I was getting terribly bored in the palace. No one around to keep me company, and well..." He sighed dramatically. "I can only make so many rubber ducks before the novelty wears off."

Charlie blinked, half expecting a joke. "...Rubber ducks?"

Lucifer chuckled, shaking his head. "Don't ask. Let's just say I've been feeling a little... unproductive. So, I decided to come visit my favorite daughter and see what you've been up to."

Charlie couldn't help but laugh. Her father always had a flair for the dramatic, but there was genuine affection in his voice. "Well, I'm glad you're here! But you didn't have to sneak up on me like that. You could have just... I don't know, called?"

Lucifer waved a hand dismissively. "Where's the fun in that? Besides, I figured I'd make a grand entrance." He looked around the hotel, his sharp eyes taking in the details. "I must say, the place looks... lively."

Charlie smiled sheepishly. "Yeah, we've been busy. But it's been good! Things are... improving, I think."

Lucifer raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. "Improving? With this lot?" He gestured vaguely to the chaotic nature of the hotel. "You've always been too optimistic for your own good, my dear."

Charlie rolled her eyes playfully. "Someone has to be."

Lucifer laughed again, the sound deep and booming. "Touché, touché." He leaned in, lowering his voice conspiratorially. "But really, I'm here because I wanted to spend some time with you. It's been too long since we had some father-daughter bonding time."

Charlie's heart swelled at his words. Despite his many titles and the weight he carried as the ruler of Hell, moments like these reminded her that, at his core, Lucifer was still her dad. "I'd love that," she said softly. "We can catch up, maybe have some tea or something. I can show you all the changes we've been making here."

Lucifer's eyes twinkled. "Tea? Oh, darling, you know I prefer something a little stronger." He winked, causing Charlie to chuckle again.

"Fine, tea and something stronger for you," she teased, leading him inside the hotel.

As they walked through the lobby, Lucifer continued to admire the space, nodding approvingly at some of the decor changes. He hummed under his breath, as though mentally taking note of everything.

"So," he began, "where's that girlfriend of yours, Vaggie, hmm? I haven't seen her around."

Charlie grinned. "She's probably upstairs, getting ready for the day. I'll introduce you later."

Lucifer nodded. "Good, good. I'd love to see how she's managing things around here with you." He paused, then added with a sly smile, "And maybe grill her a little about your well-being. You know, fatherly things."

Charlie groaned playfully. "Dad, don't embarrass me."

Lucifer simply laughed. "No promises, my dear."

As they ascended the stairs to Charlie's office, she couldn't help but feel a sense of comfort settle over her. Despite the chaos of the hotel and the occasional doubts she faced, having her father around—even if just for a while—was a reassuring presence. Lucifer's visits were rare, but when they happened, they reminded her of where she came from, and just how much she still had to prove to him... and herself.

"Well, let's get you settled, then," Charlie said, turning to her father with a smile. "You're staying for a while, right?"

Lucifer grinned. "Oh, yes. You're not getting rid of me that easily." He leaned in, his voice lowering to a mischievous whisper. "Besides, I've brought a few... rubber ducks to share."

Charlie burst out laughing, shaking her head in disbelief. This was going to be an interesting visit.