Cut: A Hazbin Hotel Fanfiction

Chapter 10

I sat on the stairway, munching away at a fruit.

I'd been sitting there for a few hours, lost in thought. It had been quiet at first, but eventually the others had gotten up for the day. I'd stolen an apple and dashed out of the kitchen before the chaos of breakfast could begin.

I glanced down at the aforementioned fruit, looking it over. Of course apples are one of the only Earth fruits grown in Hell, I thought in amusement. I took another bite and mulled over the taste. It was sweeter than the ones up on Earth, with a sour tinge at the very end. I wondered if they were supposed to taste delicious, or if I had been lucky for a change. I wouldn't put it past Lucifer to enchant them.

The other demons in the hotel had stayed away the whole time I'd been sitting there. The newcomers wanted nothing to do with me, while Charlie and her group had been smart enough to mind their business. Again. I thought over the multiple times I'd pushed the others away, and a touch of guilt twinged inside me. As introverted as I was, I couldn't help feeling bad. Maybe I can spend today trying to get to know them better.

"Hey, would you look at that? The bitch's awake."

Shit. Nevermind.

I sighed inwardly and looked up at the half-cat, half-owl standing in front of me. "What is it, Husk? I'm not in the mood to talk to anyone, especially not you."

Husk put his paws up in mock surrender. "Oh, sorry, I just thought you were done throwing your tantrum. What's with the dress, anyway?"

"None of your business." Even I could hear the defensive edge in my voice.

One of Husk's ears twitched, and he grinned. "Looks old as shit," he observed. He took a swig from a bottle he was holding. Even in the morning, the stupid cat needed alcohol.

"And you look like shit. Go away."

"Ooh, she's mad." He snickered. "I'm so scared."

I stood up for the first time in hours, ignoring the burn in my legs. "I said leave, fur ball," I snarled. I took a few steps toward him.

Husk crossed his arms. "You gonna make me?" he huffed.

I lifted a flaming hand and jabbed a finger at him, the flames dangerously close to coming in contact with his fur. "If I have to. I was having a decent morning before you came along." I burned my apple to ashes in my other hand as a warning.

The feline threw his head back and laughed again. Then he stopped abruptly and leaned forward, ears pressed to the back of his head and eyes dilated. He opened and closed his wings. "It's on, brat," he growled.

Suddenly a force pulled us both apart. Husk stumbled backwards, crying out in protest, while I tripped and fell over the stairs. Alastor materialized in the space we vacated, expression calm. "Good morning."

"Al, what the fuck?" Husk yelled, regaining his footing. "I could've taken her out easily."

"I'm sure you could have," Alastor said soothingly. "But we can't have any fighting in the hotel, or at least not out in the open. What would the patients think?" He turned to me and held out a hand.

I hesitated, then took it, staggering to my feet. "Thanks," I mumbled.

"Of course."

"Oh sure, take her side," Husk seethed.

I ignored him. "Would you mind keeping your pet under control, please?" I asked Alastor.

Husk didn't miss my comment. "Pet? You little --"