"He gave you a gun?!"

"Hey it wasn't my choice! You try saying no to a gift from the Devil." At the hotel, Maxwell explains as much as he can about the meeting with Lucifer, such as his current temporary stay at the hotel and need to lay low and not interact too much with any particularly sinful beings, lest his wrath overflow again. Charlie and Vaggie add their own points of view and commentary, though the resident moth demon was quite surprised at the news of the human now owning a weapon. "I'm not gonna use it willy nilly, only for emergencies. Besides, you own a massive lance!"

Vaggie scoffs, "It's a harpoon."

"Well la dee da." Max quips, not caring for the difference much to the demon's irritation.

"Okay okay, I think I can speak for all of us when I say it's been a long day and we could use some rest." Charlie intervenes, not wanting any bad blood to start. The two look at each other then Charlie before sighing.

"Alright, I'm sorry. Your harpoon is badass and I know you're just concerned for everyone's wellbeing, guns given to you by the devil are no laughing matter." Max apologizes, feeling like a child needing to make up with someone in front of his mother.

"Yeah I'm sorry too, I can get a little heated too, and I imagine talking to Mr. Magne alone can be pretty stressful." There's no smile on her face but she at least puts out her hand reluctantly, Max nodding his head and lightly giving her hand one shake before letting go, feeling that she wasn't too keen on physically touching a guy for too long.

"Perfect, now then everybody, it's best we all take some time to rest this week. We still have a few things to do to set up the hotel, but I think this will be a great time for us to get to know each other better! What's the point of working together, if we can't really work together." Some look at her confused before she sighs. "What I mean is, if we take some time interacting and growing closer, we can end up being a real team!" At that, the other six members of the hotel looked at each other in contemplation, some unsure, others eager. "Just think about it. And know that my door is always open if any of you need some help or just wanna talk!"

With that, Maxwell now has a small mission on his mind. To try and grow closer with the residents of the Hazbin Hotel. As everyone went their separate ways for the night, Max was escorted by Charlie to one of the unfortunately many many many free and unoccupied rooms. And of course being the second hotel resident, he would be neighbors with Angel Dust, a disaster waiting to happen he can already tell. Thankfully apparently Angel was a very quiet sleeper, aside from the occasional oinks from Fat Nuggets. With a little time to think, Max goes over the list of people in the hotel he'll need to interact with.

First was Charlie, who he feels will be one of the easiest to become friendly with. She seems quite kind and very earnest in helping, though he can't help but fear that if she's not careful, someone may attempt to take advantage of that kindness.

Vagatha will be hard to get along with, she seems a little distant to everyone in the hotel, but maybe they can find common ground in knowing they're both kind of hot headed.

Angel Dust is a can of worms already, Max here is 100% a virgin and while he's admittedly a little bicurious, he's not sure what the repercussions of losing your virginity in hell would be, would God smite him from heaven for such a deed? Other than that he seems quite fun, if a little crass.

Niffty is eccentric, a lot more energy than an introvert like him would be comfortable with, but she seems to really want to be friends, and it's hard to say no to such a simple request.

Husk looks definitely problematic, Max barely hit 21 a couple months ago, and he has no plans to start drinking anytime soon, how is he gonna bond with the feline avian?

Lastly is Alastor, even if he can get his anger under control, there's no reading him. That damn smile, the look in his eyes as if he's waiting for something amusing as if life here is a game and we're all not players, but unimportant npcs he could kill off the second he's bored. This is gonna be a difficult week, but one he's gonna make an effort to get through alive and with his sanity intact.

A hand hesitates in front of a door before slowly knocking on it.

"Just a second!" Charlie's voice calls out before she opens the door, smiling at her guest. "Oh Max! Great to see you!"

"Hey there Charlie." Max greets shyly, feeling embarrassed about what he's about to ask. "Can I come in please? I need some advice."

"Oh? Well I don't know how much I can help, but I'd never turn away a friend, come in and have a seat." Max nods before walking into her room, noticing his body already feeling lighter just by chatting with her. "So what do you need help with? I hope there are no problems with your sleeping arrangements."

"Nah, nothing like that. Surprisingly I slept like a rock, I must have been more exhausted than I expected." He eases her worries before getting back on topic. "I need some help with how to start your idea of getting closer to the residents of the hotel, you included."

"Oh my gosh, this is perfect! Asking for help is something I wish more people in hell would be less afraid to do. Who did you need help with?"

"Well, if you don't mind I'd like to start with you. So far you've been the kindest and most open, and it's got me curious. What gave you the idea of a hotel of redemption?" Max asked curiously, noticing the light in Charlie's eyes dim a little.

"Oh it was nothing, I just thought a hotel looked more inviting than some kind of therapy office, and no way was I gonna make a church in hell of all places." She nervously laughs, forcing a smile while Max just looks at her with concern and a knowing look. "...okay I know that's not what you meant...could you follow me please?" Max nods as she escorts him out of her room. After a bit of a walk, they end up on a balcony. "You see that big countdown?"

Max looks over and sees an incredibly hard to miss countdown with the caption underneath 'Days until next cleanse.' "Cleanse?"

She looks at the countdown with a look of despair before sighing. "Every year, angels known as Exorcists come down from heaven and begin exterminating the many sinners of hell in an attempt to reduce the problem of overpopulation. Every year I have to stay back and watch as my beloved subjects are mercilessly slaughtered."

"Wait...but this is already the afterlife, what happens when an Exorcist kills you then?" He already dreads the answer but Charlie just looks at him with a small shrug of her shoulders.

"No one really knows, some joke it's some kind of super hell, or a few hope you just reincarnate back as a human...but my dad has his own idea that many others fear yet agree with. If you are killed with an angel's holy weapon, then your soul is purged from existence, you're gone forever, your very being scattered like dust. It's terrifying to think of, just an empty darkness awaiting you just because you made some bad choices and the angels decided you don't deserve to even be in hell anymore…" Her eyes become moist as tears threaten to spill out. Max moves to put a hand on her shoulder but she puts a hand up to stop him before she takes a breath.

"I refuse to sit back and do nothing anymore. Many say it's impossible, but I think it can be done. These people may be demons now, but they're still human deep down, they have hearts, they have feelings, they can love and be hurt. If they can truly feel, then I believe they still have a chance to be better, to be saved from such a terrifying end. So no matter what everyone says, it's my duty as princess of hell to save, if not everyone, then all that I can."

Max looks at her, feeling her pure desire to truly make things better, to offer another chance at living a happy ending. With this new knowledge, Maxwell looks at Charlie and speaks up. "Charlie, your idea may receive laughs and negativity from people desensitized here in hell, but I think you have the makings of being a real hero to your subjects." She looked at him with surprise, a small part of her was expecting more ridicule, and not such a serious look in his eyes and resolve in his voice.

"I honestly don't know if heaven could allow redemption, but God is supposed to be all about forgiveness. I don't know a lot of what you're capable of being a princess and daughter of Lucifer, but the fact that you managed to get this hotel, truly despise the existence of this annual purge, and deeply care about those that have perished, speaks volumes to me. I have no idea how long I'll be here in hell, but if you'd have me...Charlie, please let me help you on this journey. Let's help as many sinners as we can build their own stairway to heaven!" Max cheers out happily, BANG, only to cry out in fear as a bullet whizzes by his head, grabbing Charlie's arm and ducking for cover.

"Shut up asshole! Some people are trying to sleep!"

"It's 3 pm!"

"Fuck you! Don't judge my sleeping schedule!" The strange gunman quiets down, apparently having made his point while Max and Charlie slowly bring their heads back up.

"Okay it's gonna be a very difficult task," The human's voice is much softer now. "But hey, the most challenging tasks are usually the ones with the greatest rewards at the end." Max chuckles. Charlie only smiles at him silently before hugging him close, the young man blushing a little but returning the hug.

"Thank you so much...honestly I could use all the help I can get."

"Well, I don't have a big skill set...at the very least I have fully functional arms and legs, and a high school diploma."

"Don't forget a big heart, that's definitely something we can use down here."

"...now when you say big heart, do you mean…" Max trails off only for Charlie to laugh and lightly push him.

"I mean you're caring you dummy, don't worry none of us plan on physically taking your heart."

"Does that include Alastor?" Max questions, Charlie giving a nervous chuckle.

"Well, even if he wants to, as long as he wants to be a part of his hotel, then he's not allowed to harm you in any way, shape, or form."

"Oh thank goodness, that's honestly been a huge concern of mine."

"Don't worry, I'm sure the two of you will get along fine. He's quite nice, just a little...eccentric."

"Well if he can keep his eccentricity in check and I can keep my wrath down, then maybe we can at least be civil." He compromises.

"That's more than enough, and it means a lot that you're willing to even try. Now let's get back to the main part of the hotel, I'm sure you've got plenty of new friends to make!" She smiles wide, walking with a little skip in her step, making Max smile too, but deep inside he couldn't help but worry.

He felt he could absolutely trust Charlie, that wasn't an issue. What troubles him is that if what she says is true, then something about these angels, the cleansing, and hell's supposed population limits, are making him rethink a lot of things. He can't help but wonder how hell even has a limit of tormenting sinners. Why do the angels interfere and why not instruct Lucifer to do so instead? Does God really allow souls to be destroyed if they don't repent, is he not as merciful as stories and possibly true records say? Whatever the case, he now wonders if he'd be safer in the vicinity of Charlie than he'd ever be with a god who actively sends others to hunt down his children.

After returning to the main area of the hotel, Maxwell is still stewing over the new information he learned from Charlie until he feels a tap on his shoulder.

"We need to talk." A cold yet restrained tone of voice meets his ears as he looks over his shoulder to see an unamused Vaggie.

"Oh hey Vagatha, still not sure if Vaggie is a friend's only nickname or something, but sure I was hoping we could talk." Max replies as he tries to keep his focus on her. She raises an eyebrow at his question but just shakes her head and beckons him to follow her to the front of the hotel.

"So care to explain what you and Charlie were talking about?" She borderline interrogates the oblivious Maxwell.

"Hmm? Well I guess it's nothing too private, she was informing me about the stupid extermination thing that exists, rattled me pretty bad. Then I told her that I'd like to assist her in any way I can. Her redemption plan sounds tough, but I won't say it's impossible." He answers honestly, much to Vaggie's confusion and slight embarrassment over her possessive attitude. "I can assure you I'm not trying to be her new best friend or whatever. What is your relationship with her if you don't mind me asking? You seem very close, childhood friends?"

Vaggie looks him up and down, mentally preparing herself before stating "She's my girlfriend." In an even tone, waiting for his response.

"Oh really? Cool! You two do look like a cute couple." He responds with a smile, slightly surprised but overall very positive.

"...and?" Vaggie motions for him to continue.

"...and what? I'm not gonna say you two are the couple of the century or something, I still need to get to know you both, and not like I'm the paparazzi looking at every date you two would go on."

"No no no, I mean...you're okay with it?"

"Yeah, honestly my opinion shouldn't matter."

"It doesn't, I'm just surprised. Was expecting some raunchy comments or suggesting a threesome or some other dumb ass thing most guys say."

"Ouch, can't believe you think so low of me." Max jokes, obviously not offended before clearing his throat. "As long as two human beings of legal age are in a consenting and happy relationship, then I believe no human has any right to intervene or say anything else about it, unless it's like, a friend giving tips like 'oh this new restaurant or amusement park would be great for a date'." He shrugs at the last bit of his sentence, Vaggie looking at him wide eyed before settling for a small smile.

"Well, I guess you're not all bad then. Wish more people thought that way."

"Me too, but so many nutjobs insist on butting into things that have nothing to do with them and giving their own unnecessary opinions."

"Amen to that." Vaggie agrees before her smile drops. "Look, do you really want to help Charlie out with the hotel?"

"Honestly, I'd love to at least be home long enough to tell my family and friends that I'm alive and okay, but this idea of Charlie's is something huge. If I'm really not dreaming in a coma or something and this whole deal with hell and violence obsessed angels is real, then I'd like to use my time alive to help out as much as I can. Make sure people like you can make it to heaven and live happily."

She looks away, a slightly sad look in her eye. "...I'm not sure heaven is all that's cracked up to be. How could I be happy if it means leaving Charlie?"

"I can't say I have the answer to that. What I will say is that you shouldn't let a possible future like that scare you, enjoy your time with the princess. Make sure if you find yourself next in line to go to heaven, that you have no regrets left between the two of you." Max advises to the best of his ability.

Vaggie just lets out a soft sigh. "Guess that's all I can really do. I'll cross the bridge when I get there." She turns to leave only to stop short. "Oh and to answer your question earlier, you can call me Vaggie. If Charlie is willing to trust you, maybe I can try too." She finishes before returning to the hotel.

Maxwell is left thinking again, how did someone like her end up in hell in the first place? Could she have really done something bad enough to be punished in hell and risk being purged and lost forever? It made him wonder just how many other kind souls are down here in hell, questions he'll have to answer later.

Back inside the hotel, Maxwell takes some time to look around the lobby before noticing a bar, with Husk tending to it while Angel seems to be either chatting or flirting, it could go either way. Thinking this may be a good chance to get to know one or both of them, he steps closer.

"For the last time, no!"

"Aw come on Husky, just a little.~" The spider demon reaches out one hand, only for Husk to swat at it like it was a gnat.

"Hey there, Angel Dust and Husk right? Still trying to make sure I got my names right." Max interrupts, hoping to save the feline-avian demon from whatever was happening.

"Oh thank fuck, do me a favor and take Stripes here off my hands will ya? I'm this close to taking the nearest bottle and knocking him or myself out." Husk practically pleads to a confused looking Max.

"Uh sure, I'll see what I can do." He looks over Angel with a curious eye.

"What are you gonna do to me?~" He asks coyly, a seductive grin as he awaits to see what Max has in mind. In the end, Max just shrugs and bends his knees a little before suddenly lifting Angel up off his legs and into his arms. "Whoa what the fuck?!"

"He said to take you off his hands, so now you're in mine. Anyone ever told you you're incredibly light?" He emphasizes this by easily raising Angel up and down in his arms, Husk taking the opportunity to slowly dip his head down below the counter while Angel is distracted.

Trying to regain his composure, Angel gives another smirk and drapes a hand over his head dramatically. "Oh what a beast, don't tell me you're gonna take me to your room and destroy my ass?~"

Max opens his mouth to say something but then a thought appears in his head. "...define destroy." He asks slowly, seemingly confused.

"Wait what?"

"You mean like, I'd shoot it with a rocket?"

"Wha- no of course not! Where'd you get that idea you…" Angel cuts himself off when he sees the shit eating grin on Max's face. "Oh you son of a bitch, you had me going there for a second!" He laughs out loud.

"My mother was a nice lady, thank you very much." Max jokingly comments before putting Angel back down on his feet.

"Aw, and I liked feeling like a princess.~"

"Well you could always ask Charlie to do her job for the day?"

"Oh fuck that, a job like that is bound to give me gray hairs."

Max just smiles and chuckles softly. "So far I'm enjoying seeing the real Angel Dust." His comment makes Angel look at him questioningly.

"What makes you think the me before was fake?"

"Well, I don't think anyone would just offer sexual favors so easily, I assumed it was just a way of you trying to get a reaction out of me or to push someone you don't know away." After he explains his analysis, Angel just busts out laughing.

"Wow, you are looking way deeper than is necessary. Sorry to disappoint but you're wrong, well half wrong. I do love to see reactions, but I was 100% honest."

"Really? I mean sure I helped out lil Fat Nuggets, but I don't think that constitutes me getting free blowjobs."

"That and giving Valentino a few lumps is kinda hot.~" Angel teases, Max trying to keep cool and collected.

"So, you're absolutely okay with that stuff? I mean I know we're living in a sinner's paradise but we just met."

"Yep, but with my time here in hell, I've had no trouble embracing the fact that I like sex. Hell, I'm even a porn star!" That nearly made Max fall out of his seat.

"...wow, so I was pretty wrong. Sorry for the assumptions, but at least now I know you a little better, you're fun to talk to."

"Well now that you know me, what's your next action?~" He asks in a saucy tone, ready to see Max make his move.

"Good question...guess I'll just continue trying to be friends with you, thank you for being honest with me!"

"...wait wait wait, that's it? Not gonna ask me to suck your soul out through your dick? Actually, probably a poor choice of words, you're still alive and who knows I may actually be capable of doing so, wouldn't that be a fun way to kick the bucket."

Max tries to stifle some laughter at Angel's words but shakes his head. "Nope, just happy as friends, not necessarily looking for benefits."

"Oh don't tell me you're being prudish because I've got a dick too, look I'm a total bottom, and I got a hot one too.~"

"I'm sure you do, and that's not it. Admittedly I am a little bicurious, leaning more towards the feminine side and you being a hot feminine bottom is certainly tempting, but I dunno if I wanna just give my first time so easily."

"Wait, you're a virgin? Like how virgin?"

"Other than using my hand, I have no sexual experience whatsoever. And I don't mind at all. I'm not saying I'm trying to stay chaste for a wedding and save it for my one true beloved, I just don't necessarily want to go out of my way and look for sex. Like I still can be attracted and can fantasize and masturbate, but the thought of making myself so vulnerable to someone else is admittedly scary. Just your body bare to some other human and not knowing whether or not you can actually trust them and that you'll come out of the situation happy and pleased instead of mortifyingly embarrassed, frustrated, or even hurt. Maybe I'm overthinking it, must sound like a pansy huh?" He looks to Angel after his little soul-baring moment and finds him looking away, deep in thought.

"...I may have experience but I'm not gonna say I'm some expert on this shit. I guess when you put it that way, it can be scary." He shuts his eyes, trying not to let some unpleasant memories resurface. "It's none of my business what you wanna do with your sex life, I'm the last person you'll see trying your force a yes out of someone."

"Oh...thanks Angel…. wait then what was that stuff earlier with Husk? I mean you certainly seemed forward."

"Oh that? Pfft, I was just asking him to let me touch his ears, I wanted to see if he could purr." That gets a laugh out of Max, Angel joining him as the mood lightens back up. "You're not half bad, if you ever decide to give things a try, I can promise you I'll give you a good time, but I think I can settle for a new buddy too."

"That sounds nice, though if I can get away with staying low, I'd prefer I'd take you out somewhere nice first. How does money work down here anyways?" He asks himself before walking away, a small smile on Angel's face before looking at some of the cheap booze in stock and deciding to pour himself a shot, he could use a buzz right now.

With a few thoughts in mind about how the many people of hell spend their time in many different ways, Maxwell notices a red and yellow blur going back and forth from what looks to be a broom closet, to another room. Feeling curious, the human heads over to the room. Peeking his head through the doorway, he finds a very dusty and practically broken down room so dilapidated that it looked on the verge of falling apart.

"Jeez, talk about a safety hazard. If I take too big of a breath in here, I may end up inhaling enough dust to suffocate me…speaking of which, how am I getting oxygen in hell? I guess I've seen a couple of trees and plants but do they really do photosynthesis down here?" He questions out loud, only to see the familiar speedy blur run past him, dusting away some cobwebs while simultaneously wiping down a dirty desk. "Oh hey there Niffty, need a hand or two?"

The mono eyed demon finally looks up from her work and gently smiles at Max. "Oh hi Maxxie! No need, I can clean this all in no time."

"I'm sure you can, you're much faster and possibly way more thorough than I'll ever be, but I just feel like it's cruel to let a friend of mine do all the work." At that sentence, Niffty pauses and stares at him with a small tilt of her head. "May I?" He reaches for the cleaning rag she's holding and she lets him take it, allowing him to start rubbing down the dusty surface. "Now I'm sure we can get this done faster and not leave you too exhausted."

"Oh, thank you Max. My old friends never helped me clean." She absentmindedly mentions as she tries to return to cleaning and not focus on him.

"Well that seems rude of them, if you ever need a hand to lighten your load, I'm more than happy to pick up a feather duster and help out."

"Are...are you sure that's okay? Last time I asked for help...they said they wouldn't be friends with me if I asked such selfish questions…" She looks down a little before snapping back up with a wide unnerving smile. "But that's okay! I love cleaning, and they stayed as my friends until the end...Alastor helped make sure of it." She mentions the last part quietly, Maxwell unable to hear much, more concerned about Niffty herself than what she might have done when she was alive.

Deciding to take a gamble, he moves over to the still smiling small demon, and gently runs his free hand through her hair, lightly patting the top of her head. "It's never selfish to ask for help Niffty...maybe that's what your old friends wanted in a friendship, but what I want is different. I want us both to be treated equally, working together, being happy together. How about once you have some free time, we can do something friends do together, like go watch a movie or play a game? It can be any game you want." Max offers her, the short cyclops looking up at his face, feeling confused but unquestionably happy.

"I...I think I'd like that a lot….b-but I still need to clean! I wasted enough time as is." She shakes her head before continuing her work twice as fast, not noticing her quick movements were shaking the run down room.

"Fair enough, let me just finish up here and then…" CRACK! He's cut off as he looks at one of the support beams of the room, Niffty's frantic movements and overuse of elbow grease was too much for the old termite ravaged wood to handle. The wall splinters and a crack runs upward to the ceiling, right toward Niffty's location as she was trying to scrub a very stubborn spot on the floor.

"Oh, darn thing! Don't you make me get the steel wool." She huffs before another loud CRACK fills the room. This one gets her attention as she looks upward to see the ceiling slowly coming apart, her pupil dilating in fear.

"Look out!" Max cries out as he quickly launches himself toward her, pushing the short demon out of the way just in time as the part of the ceiling collapses, heavy rubble slamming down onto the floor.

Maxwell has his eyes shut, waiting for everything to settle while keeping Niffty close, said cyclops both in shock and trying not to get flustered over how close she was to the young man, listening to his heart beat like a drum.

"...is it over?" Max whispers as he slowly opens his eyes, seeing Niffty still stiff, then looks behind him to see the large rubble on the floor that certainly would have killed him. "Phew, we're safe...you're not hurt right?" He asks in concern, gently cupping her cheeks as he looks her over for any signs of injury.

"...you saved me?" She questions quietly.

"Of course I did. I mean, maybe it was silly because we're in hell and you can't die this way. But like I said before, you're my friend. Friends help each other, nothing is one sided. So of course I'd keep you out of harm's way if I can help it." Max explains with a smile, Niffty re-evaluating what it means to be friends with someone, and really liking Max's version more.

"Niffty! Are you in there?" The familiar voice of Charlie can be heard from the doorway.

"Oh uh, yes I'm fine! Max is with me as well!"

"Hey Charlie! We should really close off this room."

Max added to the conversation.

"What?! Max too?! Alastor, can you please help get this rubble out of the way?"

"Only because you asked me so politely my dear!" A staticky voice answers, making Max shudder but restrain himself as soon enough a portal opens up underneath the rubble, making it fall through and end up somewhere hopefully unpopulated.

"Max! Niffty! Thank goodness the both of you are okay!" Charlie sighs in relief before running toward them, lending her hands to help them off the floor.

"No need to worry, we're perfectly fine. Thanks for the concern though." Max nods gratefully before looking over her shoulder at Alastor who was just grinning nonchalantly. Max swallows his anger and puts on a polite mask. "And thank you too Alastor."

"Think nothing of it my good man! Honestly the last thing this hotel needs is an unhappy accident happening before it's doors even open!" He lets out a good natured laugh, but Max can't help but find said laugh to sound very taunting.

Soon enough the room is sealed off, Charlie looking into getting some professionals to safely clean the room so Niffty isn't put in any more danger, and giving her the rest of the day off.

"Well you heard her Niffty, now if you like we can do any friend things you want if you feel up to it. Though I'd understand if you're exhausted, that was pretty scary to go through."

"Oh it wasn't that bad, Alastor can be much scarier than that!" She counters, which Max nods in agreement to.

"I can certainly believe that."

"I think I'll take some time to rest, I got some thinking to do."

"Go ahead Niffty, take all the time you need. It's not like to be friends, we gotta be glued to the hip. Having time to ourselves can be very healthy too." With his part said, Niffty gives him a big smile before scampering off to her room for some rest.

Taking a short break, still dazed after such an incident but happy no one was hurt, Maxwell finds his feet have led him to the bar of all places. Looking at the many stools, he shrugs and takes a seat. "So barkeep, what would you recommend for a first timer getting shitfaced." He roleplays with the air, giggling to himself at how 'adult' it feels to be sitting at a bar.

"Hell if I know, it's different for everyone."

"OH CHRIST!" Max yells out, clutching his chest as he was surprised by the sudden voice only to peer over the counter to see Husk lying on his back. "Fuck's sake, you nearly gave me a heart attack. What are you doing down there?"

"What? Never seen someone lie out on the floor feeling like garbage?"

"This is my first time seeing it outside of my first person viewpoint during high school, so yes!" Max just chuckles, Husk not looking very amused though. "Any particular reason or is it just one of those days?"

"One of those days? Try like one of those very common hours!" He gruffly states. "Now do me a favor and leave me alone…" Max couldn't help but notice a slight sadness in his tone hidden under a lot of thorny aggravation and grumpiness as the demon reaches out for another bottle of cheap booze to chug down.

"Um, I did do a favor for you earlier with Angel."

"Yeah, so?"

"So I was thinking, before I do another favor and get out of your hair, can you do one thing for me?"

"You're pushing your luck kid...does it require me to get up?"

"Nope!"

"Fine, lay it on me." Husk finally relents, putting his drink on hold, wanting to get whatever request Max has over with.

"Well, you seem like a real connoisseur of alcoholic beverages."

"Quite an understatement, go on."

"It just got me wondering, since I've never drank any, I assume there's a point in time where you've never touched alcohol either."

"Where are you going with this?"

"Well...can you tell me about your first time drinking?" Max finally asks curiously.

Husk was left dumbfounded. Most people in his life always spouted this holier than thou shit about giving up drinking because it'll hurt him, and here this kid comes asking him this? "My first drink?"

"Yeah, just wondering. Was it out of peer pressure, did your parents do it a lot, maybe you mistook some alcoholic apple cider for apple juice." Max lists off a few ideas before looking over the counter again seeing Husk's face deep in thought. "Is it a bad memory?"

"Not necessarily...I didn't really choose to drink because it looked fun...it just dulled some bad memories."

"Hmm, sounds rough. I can't think of what I'd have to go through to get me to willingly drink. I like regular juice too much to quit it." He jokes, Husk's expression seemingly lighter but still quite down.

"Well I hope you never have to experience it." He says somberly, refusing to look at Max while he looks at his reflection in one of the shot glasses. "Some say you should take pride in it, some call you an animal for taking part in it, and some just look at you with pity...it's that mixed with the memories that drove me to drink."

Max tries to piece it all together before deciding to make a guess. "Some take pride, some hate it, and some pity it. That could mean a lot of things, but the way you talk about it...you're a war veteran aren't you?"

"Somebody give the kid a prize." He sourly confirms. "I'll tell you this, they say you're doing it for your country. But what's the point of serving your country if it treats you like trash afterwards." He growls out, apparently filled with a lot of hate. "And then that radio asshole manages to make a joke out of me like everyone else." He mumbles too quietly for Max to hear.

"I have to agree, it's fucked up. On the bright side, you've done your work and don't have to worry about the current shit American is getting itself into. Make America great again my ass." Maxwell huffs, earning a small 'hah' out of Husk.

"I guess so. Now I can just enjoy infinite booze and gambling down here, a better reward that some stupid medal and a handshake I got for surviving in the first place."

"True. And who knows, maybe with Charlie's help, your next reward can be heaven. I mean if Jesus can turn water into wine, then they gotta have some good stuff to drink up there right?"

"...if you're trying to convince me to contemplate the princess's stupid rehabilitation idea...then it's slightly working."

"No one's forcing you dude. Besides, is doing whatever Charlie has planned any worse than the idea of being gunned down or sliced to bits by some asshole angel?"

"Alright alright I get it. Maybe a little effort wouldn't hurt if it means a change of scenery." Husk just quietly opens the bottle before pouring himself a glass. "This chat wasn't half bad, but don't expect me to suddenly start sharing."

"Nah don't worry about it, hate the smell of that stuff anyways. I'll stick to water, apple juice, and milk like a good boy." He jokes again with a smile, Husk just letting out a scoff, downing the shot in a hurry to hide any hint of smiling. "You enjoy yourself Husk." Max finishes before leaning his seat, happy enough knowing he got a tad closer to another member of the hotel.

So many interesting characters inhabit this hotel, and if everything goes according to Charlie's plan, then even more people will check in. It's gonna be difficult of course, but Max chooses to have some faith in her.

"My my, you certainly look pleased with yourself."

"Damn it all." Immediately Max's features sour as he turns around, a scowl on his face as he makes eye contact with the radio demon.

"Aw, why the long face? I thought you wanted to get along with everyone!"

"I do, it would definitely make my stay here more pleasant. But I can't stop this overwhelming rage I feel whenever I'm near someone like you."

"Oh? Ah yes, your whole wrathful inner nature certainly does put a whole wrench in your plans doesn't it!" Alastor guffaws in amusement until Max shakes his head.

"No, it's more than that." Max reveals, gaining a raised eyebrow from him.

"Well don't leave me in suspense! What about me puts you on edge my boy?" In a movement faster than Max's eyes can process, Alastor is now behind him rubbing his shoulders. "Do my dulcet tones make you feel uneasy? Does my award winning smile stress you out? Is it the very blood on my hands that makes you grind your teeth, which by the way is a very poor habit to exercise." Max quickly jumps out of his grasp and dusts his shoulders off.

"...you're a big reminder." Max states, drawing more curiosity from Alastor.

"A reminder of what exactly? Are you afraid of knowing what awaits you after death? That you could easily be spending an eternity with one such as I if you kick the bucket?"

"No, good guesses, but no. You remind me of what scares me the most."

"Oh don't be like that, I'm not so scary once you get to know me." He then gently lifts Max's chin up with a clawed finger, pricking the skin and causing his blood to run down the demon's digit. "I am much more terrifying.~" Max growls out in anger before pushing him away and grabbing at his lightly bleeding chin.

"I know you are...but it's not because of the power you possess, not of the nightmarish forms you can become...but of what you are deep down."

"Don't tell me you're scared of someone who just has a little more bloodlust than you're comfortable with. Or are you scared of my last meal? What can I say, I have a palette that desires more than what the common market has to offer." He hints while slowly licking the blood off his claw, Max shuddering at the implications but standing strong.

"No, what I'm scared of is that in the end, you are still human." Max finally says, Alastor still smiling but giving a small tilt of his head, an uncomfortable cracking heard with the movement of his head. "You're not just a demon, but a human. Maybe you were born with a bit of sociopathy or lack of empathy, or maybe it's something you learned as you grew up, but in the end you're a human. And that fact terrifies me."

"Don't be ridiculous, you're a human too, what about mankind is so frightening?" He obviously has his own answers, but was eager to hear another point of view.

"That you're not the only one. With every human born, there can easily be another killer to take your place, and then another, and then another. Whether they are shaped from experiences like trauma or role models, or are just born with an innate sadistic desire like kids who tear the legs off spiders, they aren't the monsters in storybooks, they are worse. Humanity is the worst monster capable of existing, and you can easily find your killer to be someone as simple as your smiling next door neighbor, or in your case, your friendly radio host."

Alastor laughs with glee before ruffling Max's hair. "And here I thought you were just naive for accepting Charlie's proposal! Nope, you know just what atrocities humans are capable of...so the question is why are you making such an effort here in hell of all places? Is this the moment you reveal to be just as twisted and cruel like every other animal in this circus we call home?"

"You got that wrong. Yes I'm scared and yes I know so many humans are capable of bad...but for every horrible sinner, there seems to be an angel who makes the world a better place." Memories rush through Maxwell's head as he clenches his fist, remembering a kind hearted person who helped a loner like him when no one else would. "There are people with tons of empathy, with big hearts, and hope in their eyes. People who can make you feel better about yourself with no one getting hurt in any way in the process, who have smiles that you can't help but smile back at."

Alastor only rolls his eyes at this speech, just for Max to point a finger at him like some kind of ace attorney. "You may roll your eyes, but you've seen it too. Charlie may not be human herself, but she has a heart just like this friend of mine, maybe that's why I feel so at ease around her...whatever the reason may be, when I look at Charlie, I see hope for humanity. I see that despite the many evils that exist, there is still good too. That's why I'm making an effort, because if someone like that thinks that even the sinners of hell can be good enough to make it into heaven, well then who am I to try and dissuade her when so many others have tried." He pumps his fist in the air, a smile on his face and a fire in his eyes. "I'm gonna help her and the many other people in this hotel as much as I can. That way when I return home, I can look at my friend and smile knowing I've done something we can both be proud of."

Alastor remains silent, his grin ever present before slowly walking past him. "You make an interesting argument, a completely foolish one, but interesting nonetheless. Guess only time will tell, will this hotel flop just as I expect it too and leave many in despair, or will the hope you claim to see shine through in the end."

"Well that's the thing about humans, say what you will but we accomplished things that everyone claimed to be impossible when we put our minds to it. I mean, you were alive when radio shows were a hit, you can't tell me you ever believed humans can reach the moon right? Yet we did it, and who knows, maybe there'll be a feat just as grand or greater down here in hell."

"Fair point, I've been astounded many times in life...but I've also been very disappointed too…" With the last word, Alastor leaves Max to his own devices. The human lets out a sigh as he feels any anger leftover diminish, feeling like he got a bit of insight into the mind of Alastor, but not enough. It could be dangerous to try and get to know him more, but if he wanted to make it out of hell alive, then getting closer to this demon may be necessary.