Hazbin Hotel: Sins and Second Chances

Chapter 8

As Vaggie left the office, her expression was unreadable as she walked up to Charlie who was anxiously waiting just outside. Charlie looked up at her with those wide, hopeful eyes, her nervous energy radiating from her.

"So...what do you think of him?" Charlie asked, her voice eager, but there was also a slight tremble beneath her optimism.

Vaggie crossed her arms, her face going from unreadable to thoughtful. "He's..." She thinks of the right word. "-conflicted. This much is obvious. He seems sincere, but he's unsure of himself. Honestly, I don't know if he's ready or even the right person for this, Charlie." She paused, watching

Charlie's face fall slightly. "But, if you believe in him, I'll support it. You know that."

Charlie gave her a small smile, but it was tinged with doubt. Vaggie could see it. The cracks in Charlie's usually unshakable faith. That was when Vaggie decided to press a little more.

"What are you going to do to protect him though? He's in Hell now. What happens if he falls back into whatever vice he had to begin with?"

Charlie blinked, clearly caught off guard by the question. She bit her lip, glancing away sheepishly.

"I... I hadn't really thought about that." She admitted quietly. "I mean, as long as he stays in the hotel, he should be fine, right?"

Vaggie frowned. "So, we keep him stuck in the hotel the entire time?"

A visible wince could be seen on Charlie's face. "No-no. He's not a prisoner. At least I don't want him to think he is."

"What was his vice anyway?" Vaggie would ask, wanting to get a better understanding of the Zack.

"He—" Charlie shifted awkwardly. "-well, he was an alcoholic."

Vaggie gave her a deadpanned look. "Charlie, this place has a bar."

"I know, I know," Charlie said quickly, raising her hands defensively. "But he's been sober for six years. Well, mostly. He fumbled a few times, but for the past four years, he's been steady." She sounded less convinced the more she opened her mouth. "I mean, if he had the willpower to not drink for that long, it shouldn't be a problem, right?"

"And what happens if someone pushes drinks on him? Hell is filled with temptation, and you know some demons will try."

Charlie hesitated, clearly struggling to come up with a solid answer. "I'll.... talk to him about it." She said, but there was uncertainty in her voice. She didn't want to admit it, but doubt was creeping in the more Vaggie put reasoning to her argument.

Vaggie noticed this and sighed. She hated seeing Charlie like this, her usual boundless optimism faltering. She stepped forward, arms wrapping her in a comforting hug.

"Listen," Vaggie said gently. "Whatever happens, whether he says yes or no, we'll keep trying. We'll figure it out. One way or another."

Charlie looked up at her, her eyes showing a returned faint glimmer of hope. "Thanks, Vaggie." She whispered. She snuggled into the embrace more until a sudden knock at the door caught both their attention as they looked toward to the office door.

Slowly, the door would creak open, Zack slowly peeked out into the hallway where he saw Charlie and Vaggie embracing each other. The two quickly pulled away as they watch him step out.

"I just wanted to let you both know I'll..." Zack's words faltered, his eyes shifting between Charlie and Vaggie. He takes a deep breath, his voice steadied as he finally finished, "I'll give it a shot."

Charlie's face immediately lit up, her eyes widening with excitement and relief.

"Really?" She exclaimed, practically bouncing with joy. In an instant, she rushed over to him, pulling him into a tight hug that nearly knocked him off his feet. Zack, caught off guard, stiffened at first, but awkwardly patted her back, unsure of what to do with such an enthusiastic display. He wasn't used to this kind of affection, especially not from the Princess of Hell.