Thank you Luna and Oxblood for looking through things, and provided feedback : )

I just realized I was updating chapter 10, hahaha. Welp, happy chapter 10!

*Oh, and I changed Clara's name to Claire, from chapter 7

Responses to Guests:

Dick Master: Aww, thank you : D, I will definitely continue 3

Blackrym: Mercy Beaucoup! he is the net chap : D


The Past

Adam peered through a small opening in the curtains, his gaze sweeping across the gathering crowd, all while he wore a frown. After only spotting 'winners', human souls in heaven, among the audience, he withdrew with annoyance, striding back at the backstage, disregarding the crew completing preparations for his performance by setting up the stage.

"Something the matter, Adam?" his manager, Annie, inquired. Coordinating with others via text on her phone, Annie couldn't ignore his sour mood as he kicked a chair aside rather violently, causing it to crash against the wall and startle those nearby.

Lepin, who was chatting with the drummer, turned to Adam in shock. The room had fallen silent as Adam stood there, staring at the broken chair, stunned as well from what he had just done. He had never… reacted in such a way before in his entire existence.

Quickly, he tried to make everyone forget what he had just done, ignoring the mixture of anxiety and anger building up in his chest as well. "Nope, everything is all good," Adam said in a casual voice, avoiding eye contact with others before he glanced over at Lepin. "You tell Sera 'bout tonight's gig?"

"Yeah, I did, along with the others from your list," Lepin said as if he hadn't just seen Adam's sudden outburst. "Are they not here?"

Adam regarded him impassively.

"Well, we shouldn't be surprised," Lepin remarked, scratching his head. "It is Sunday, after all, and when I mentioned tonight's performance to Sera and the others, they didn't seem happy, considering you've been neglecting your responsibilities this past week."

"Oh, come on! Who gives a damn if I've been slackin'? Lute's got everything under control. And who can fuckin' blame me if I don't do my job for a few days? I've been busting my ass off for a while now! And I promised my fans some new songs. I can't let them down!"

"True, I don't see the issue they have, especially since Lute has proven herself capable in your absence."

"So, why the hell ain't they here, then?" Adam snapped, his impatience growing as he clenched and unclenched his fists, trying to rein in his anger.

His manager set her phone down, giving him a once-over before speaking. "Adam, there are hundreds of people out there eager to hear your new music, to watch you play. Does it truly matter if a few aren't present?"

Adam gritted his teeth, meeting her gaze in silence.

"Also, they might simply be busy. Don't take it personally. Now, take a breather and once you've calmed down, I want you to walk out to that stage with that charming smile of yours, and show them what you've made of, as you always do," she advised calmly.

Adam's gaze fell to the wooden floor as he silently summoned his golden guitar before striding out onto the stage.

"Adam, we still have about half an hour," Claire, who had been watching the scene, remarked, confused to watch Adam calling out to the rest of the band to join him onstage.

The drummer and other musicians exchanged glances before hastening to join Adam, who magically withdrew the curtains to reveal an eager, cheering audience. Though unprepared for the early unveiling, the crowd drew closer, while newcomers hurried to join them, some even descending from the sky.

Adam's golden eyes scanned the surrounding trees, spotting humans perched on branches. With no high-ranking angels in sight, he couldn't help but feel something boiling deep in his chest, and the void he had tried so hard to ignore in the past grew heavier.

'Does it really matter if there are a few who aren't here?' His mind echoed with his manager's words, prompting him to launch abruptly into one of his unreleased songs. While he played, he poured his anger into the music, his frustration clear in his voice as he raised his voice as loud as he could while he sang. Despite the crowd's enthusiastic support, he couldn't shake the emptiness clawing at him from within.

As he eventually wrapped up the song with his loud guitar solo, he thought about the months of relentless effort he'd poured into impressing Sera and the other angels, feeling as though it didn't matter to them. None of them would compliment the way he got his squad to listen to his every command or how they accomplished their small missions without a problem. He even worked out thanks to Lute and was trying to get back into shape.

For months, he'd struggled to find time to create new songs, and had been so excited to share with others, particularly Sera and the rest since lyrics were inspired by his new role as a captain. But their absence, especially Emily's, had dimmed his enthusiasm, causing him to push aside his new material and instead just jumped to some of his songs he had not been planning to share with others because the lyrics were filled with his frustration from other years. He began to wonder: did anything he did truly matter to Sera and the rest of the high-ranking angels?

And just as the crowd grew louder, he brought the song to an abrupt halt, smashing his magical guitar to the ground out of frustration. Honestly, he didn't care how the golden shards of magic scattered across the stage and into the audience.

He doubted anyone cared, either.


The Present

Carmilla sat in her office, surrounded by stacks of paperwork early in the morning, alone. She was jotting down some numbers when suddenly her phone buzzed. She glanced at the screen next to her right hand to see Vox's name flashing.

Her eyes narrowed at the name with suspicion; she couldn't remember the last time any of the Vees reached out to her. She picked up her phone before answering the call.

"What is it?" she asked rather calmly.

"Carmila, I'm going to need some things from you," Vox's voice crackled through the line. "And soon…"


"Good afternoon, Hell! I'm Katie Killjoy," Katie announced with her rather sadistic smile etched on her face.

"And I'm Tom Trench, and welcome back to another broadcast of 666 News," Tom jumped in, both hosts sitting behind a desk, poised as the cameras started rolling. "Always a pleasure to be here, bringing you all the latest updates from the depths of hell."

"Oh, the pleasure is all yours, I'm sure, Tom. Now let's dive into today's chaos, shall we?"

"Right, of course, Katie. It seems that once again, the Hazbin Hotel is under attack by…"

"Enough with the theatrics, Tom," Katie interrupted, her tone dripping with disdain. "No one wants to hear, for the umpteenth time, about the dimwits banging on the doors of that dilapidated establishment, flirting with death. You know, Tom, it's fascinating how everyone seems to be focused on the attacks, yet no one seems to be asking the real question."

"And what question is that, Katie?"

"Where is Adam? I mean, seriously, there's been no sign of him within the hotel. Some are even doubting if he's there at all. Maybe he's out there cavorting with fresh demons, or perhaps cowering in that hotel like a pitiful coward. Wouldn't be surprised if we don't see his face any time soon."

Tom nodded in agreement. "Indeed, Katie. But despite Adam's absence, the hotel continues to fend off attacks, thanks to the efforts of Alastor and Lucifer."

"I wonder how long that facade will hold," Katie chuckled darkly. "The forces of darkness playing caretaker to the fallen exorcist commander. It's almost poetic, isn't it, Tom? Well, onto other matters, we have a special guest gracing us with his presence this morning."

Suddenly, fire particles swirled around next to Katie's right before Lucifer appeared in the flesh with a frown.

"What a delightful surprise, the king himself, Lucifer Morningstar," Katie said with amusement. "I must say, it's not often we have a royalty on our humble broadcast."

"Uh, yes, indeed. Welcome, Lucifer," Tom added.

"Believe me, Katie, I wouldn't be here unless it was important," Lucifer said in a measured tone, looking rather uncomfortable being there.

"Oh? Trying to distract yourself from your daughter's little pet project?" Katie asked with amusement.

"I wouldn't say that," Lucifer responded with a frown. "I simply have a message to deliver to the people of hell."

Katie's smirk widened, sensing an opportunity to stir the pot further based on Lucifer looking rather annoyed.

"Oh, I'm sure you do. Now that we're on the topic, what are your thoughts about your daughter's little 'rehabilitation' project? Quite the laughable endeavor, don't you think? Trying to turn demons into saints. Pathetic, if you ask me."

Lucifer's expression tightened slightly, but he maintained his composure as he replied, "Charlie's intentions are noble, and I stand by her choices."

Katie's eyes gleamed, enjoying how she made him uncomfortable. "How touching. A father standing by his wayward daughter. But enough about family drama. Let's get down to business, shall we? I'm sure all your little peasants are just dying to learn the divine message from our ruler."

Lucifer turned to the camera, his jaw clenched momentarily, recalling Charlie reminding him how he should address their citizens.

"My dear people of hell, I can confirm that Adam, the first man, is indeed seeking refuge within the walls of the hotel. I understand your feelings on the matter, but let me be clear," he began before his tone grew serious, his red eyes turning sharper as he continued. "Any further attempts to harm the occupants of the Hazbin Hotel will not be tolerated. I have exercised restraint in dealing with the attackers thus far, but I assure you, that leniency ends now. Those who dare to threaten the sanctity of the hotel will be dealt with swiftly and decisively. I will make sure you vanish from existence, never to be seen again."

His words brought a chill down Tom's spine, while Katie just seemed more amused than before.

She turned back to the camera. "Well, you heard it here first, folks. The king of hell will be tearing up souls to not only protect his daughter's pet project, but to also keep his new lover safe," Katie said before Lucifer blinked with confusion. "Talking about collecting the set of the three first humans! Especially after home wrecking the first relationship ever on Earth!"

"Wait, what?" Lucifer let out with wide eyes, stunned. "Hold on, that's not what's happening." Lucifer quickly added and tried to continue, but Katie cut him off.

"We're taking a break now, folks. Stay tuned to 666 News when we return for the exciting news of Vox's new inventions that will protect you all for any potential attacks from heaven."

The camera faded out just as Katie smirked and while Lucifer just glared at her.


"Alright, you gotta admit, that was freakin' hilarious," Cherri snickered, sprawled on the couch alongside Angel and Husk as they tuned into the 666 news.

Angel let out a chuckle, while Husk merely grumbled, shooting Cherri a disapproving glance.

"Hey, I said I was sorry!" Cherri snapped back, irritated, as she locked eyes with the winged sinner.

"This could all have been avoided if you kept your trap shut," Husk responded dryly.

Cherri rolled her eye. "Listen, I got shitfaced and angry as hell, can't blame a girl for blowin' off some steam. And let's not forget, I pitched in to fend off the last assault. I'm pullin' my weight to clean up this mess. Besides, big guy can just fix the hotel back up."

Husk shook his head, his expression a mix of frustration and resignation, before slouching further into the couch. "Let's hope that's the end of it."

"So… has that jerkwad come out of his cave yet?"

"Nope," Angel replied. "Not a peep from that room. Guy's like a ghost."

The three then heard Vaggie's voice drifting from the kitchen, mixed with Charlie's hopeful yet excited chatter.

"Don't worry, Vaggie, this time, I think I perfected them," Charlie exclaimed with enthusiasm. "He's going love them.'

Husk exchanged a look with Angel, who rolled his eyes.

As Charlie's quick footsteps echoed up the stairs, Vaggie entered the room while rubbing her temples, letting out a groan of frustration.

"She still at it?" Angel asked her with an eyebrow raised.

Vaggie let out a resigned sigh and nodded in response. "Yeah, she's spent for hours on it this time."

"How many ribs is that now?" Angel asked, with a bit of amusement in his voice.

"I've lost count," Vaggie admitted with a frown as she sunk into a nearby couch. "I just wish Charlie would give up already."

Angel sat up, giving her a sympathetic smile. "You know that ain't gonna happen."

"I know," she replied softly, trailing off. "But… I just wish she wouldn't try so hard… for him."

"So, is it true that the dickhead hasn't eaten anything for the past three weeks?" Cherri interjected, breaking the somber silence that had settled over the room.

Vaggie shook her head. "Yeah. And I know he's doing it on purpose, he always loves garnering sympathy from others… I don't know how much longer Charlie can keep this up. She barely sleeps and is constantly worried over him."

Angel let out a low whistle. "Maybe he really just hates food from Hell."

Husk did not comment, keeping his thoughts to himself.

"Well, guess what?" Angel announced, flashing his golden tooth at Vaggie's direction, to try and lighten up the mood. "Lucifer showed up in the news and threatened all of Hell if they dare to lay a finger on anyone inside the hotel. Should keep others from attacking us now."

"That actually makes me feel a bit better," Vaggie admitted, tapping her head back against the couch.

"So, are things just gonna be like this now? The dickhead holed up in his room, we act like he doesn't exist, and no more guests in the hotel?"

"Yeah," Vaggie muttered, hating how Adam was disrupting everything they had worked so hard to build. "He's ruining everything."

"I thought Charlie was trying to redeem Adam," Husk said. "Doesn't look like that's happening anytime soon."

Vaggie ran a hand through her hair with frustration. "I honestly don't know what to do," she said with a hint of exhaustion in her voice. "Part of me is happy he's locked up in that room, so we don't have to see his face. But then there's Charlie, spending all her time babysitting him. I'm afraid he's manipulating her or something." She paused, her gaze drifting to the side. "I wish he was never here to begin with."

Cherri was observing Vaggie before a dark smile made its way on her face as she leaned forward. "Then why don't we get rid of him?" she suggested.

"Charlie isn't going to let that happen. She made it clear to him that he can stay here for as long as he wants, and she'll protect him while he's here."

"What if the dickhead leaves the hotel instead?"

Angel furrowed his brow. "Why the hell would he do that?" he questioned. "Everyone out there wants his head. Ain't nobody that dumb."

In that moment, Vaggie's eyes widened as she sat up abruptly, a spark of excitement igniting within her. "Actually… Adam is that stupid," she said as she recalled certain things from her time working under him in heaven. "As long as we play our cards right that is."

"Ha, that sounds like what Husk would say," Angel pointed out with amusement.

"Are we sure we wanna go down that road?" Husk asked.

Angel shrugged nonchalantly. "Getting rid of him would be the best thing for everyone in the hotel, especially for Charlie," he remarked matter-of-factly. Then he turned to Vaggie. "We should get Alastor on this too. Got any bright ideas?"

"Oh, I definitely do," Vaggie affirmed confidently.

"Well, what are you waiting for, you bitch? Lay it on us." Cherri said with excitement at Vaggie before everyone, other than Husk, gathered closer to one another to exchange ideas.


Charlie made her way down the hallway, a plate covered with a steel cloche in her hands. She approached the door where Nifty was stationed. The little demon playfully saluted her.

"Hey, Nifty," Charlie greeted warmly, offering a grateful smile. "Thanks for keeping watch."

Nifty grinned. "Anytime!"

Charlie pushed open the door and stepped into the dimly lit room, where Adam lay hidden beneath the covers of the bed. The curtains were shut, and the room was awfully still.

No matter, Charlie made her way over to him with excitement. "Good afternoon, Adam!" she greeted him. "I brought you something special today. I really hope I got it right for you."

Carefully, she set the plate on the nearby side table, unveiling the freshly cooked ribs from the oven. Charlie took a seat beside the bed, before she reached under the covers, her hand finding his. And like the other times she came to spend time with him, she felt his fingers curl around hers – she wanted to make sure he didn't feel alone while he stayed in his room.

"Well, what do you think?" she asked him. "Would you like to try them out? If you don't like them, that's okay! You can let me know how I can make them better for you."

She hoped to get a response from Adam, however, he remained unmoving under the covers, just like in the past days. She tried so hard not to let her worry grow in her heart, especially at the fact he hadn't eaten anything since she brought him to the hotel.

At least she had managed to get him to drink some water… and got him to shower four days ago. Which reminded her she should try to make him take another one soon.

She sat there silently, thinking of the past weeks that had taken place in the hotel.

The small number of guests they received after defeating Adam weeks ago were long gone, especially after a group of sinners had attacked the hotel, tearing almost a whole wall off. They were fortunate that her dad and Alastor stopped the attack, followed by the countless assaults they received.

She had been so worried about her friends and for Adam. She even suggested to the others if they could leave the hotel if they felt it was the safest choice for them, but they decided to stay, telling her they wouldn't leave her behind like that.

A huge part of her was so happy that her friends were sticking by her side, even though they were against with her decision to keep Adam at the hotel, but at the same time, she was feeling guilty for putting them in harm's way.

But she couldn't just abandon Adam, not after what he had just went through, and now when he hadn't eaten anything for the past weeks.

She had the urge to tug the blankets off Adam but felt it would be so rude to do so, especially if he was not ready to accept help. He hadn't even tried talking to her about what Sera and the other angels had done to him.

Well… he hasn't even spoken a word the past weeks…She was growing worried every day that the depression was eating him up.

And that was it. He was severely depressed, and Charlie didn't know how to help him. And she wasn't comfortable to talk to anyone about it either. Well, she didn't want to expose his vulnerability out like that to others that he most likely saw as an enemy.

Charlie bit her lower lip, her finger caressing his hand, hoping Adam would at least poke his head out to look at the ribs she had made. She didn't want to resort to hooking Adam up to an IV for nutrition - the thought alone made her stomach drop - but if he continued to refuse on eating anything then she was afraid she had no choice.

She closed her eyes, not realizing how tired she was, probably from the lack of sleep as she tried her best to stay up watching over him, and of course, she would continue doing so till she figured out how to start pulling Adam back to his feet.


Charlie's tired eyes sparkled in awe as she found herself later that day in the dining room, with her friends setting the table up with silverware and dishes of different foods. They had called her down for a surprise: a family style dinner with everyone in the hotel, except for her dad that she hadn't seen for almost the whole day.

"Aww, you guys, you didn't have to do this," Charlie said with a grin, her cheeks flushing with so much joy.

Vaggie was smiling to see the table looking spectacular. She turned to Charlie. "I'll be right back," she said. "I have one last surprise." She then slipped out of the room while Charlie sat down in a corner of the table, leaving one end of the table open in case her dad made an appearance, hoping that was the surprise.

"Darling, it's the least we could do to show our appreciation for all your hard work," Alastor chimed in from his seat at the end of the table, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Consider it a little surprise from all of us."

Nifty bounced with excitement on the chair closest to him. "So much food!" she said with glee.

Cherri and Angel shared a proud glance at the table. "Cherri and I even whipped up some side dishes together," Angel boasted, puffing out his chest with pride. "We made mashed potatoes, green beans casserole, and baked some mac and cheese."

Cherri rolled her eye, playfully nudging Angel. "Yeah, well, let's see how they turned out, 'cause I can't recall the last time I bloody cooked anything myself."

Husk took a seat in the middle of the table. "Well, let's hope we make this out alive," he muttered.

"Alastor even made his mom's famous Jambalaya!" Nifty declared, bringing out a chuckle from Alastor.

"The rolls should be done soon," Angel said before he and Cherri went over to the kitchen.

Charlie did her best not to hold on to her excitement as it bubbled up inside her like a fizzy drink, threatening to spill over. A family-style dinner with everyone? It was something she had only dreamed of, as she didn't expect it to ever happen. But here they were, getting ready to share a meal together like a real family.

As she positioned her fork to be positioned correctly, a pang of sadness tugged at her heart. Her smile faltered as she thought of Adam, alone in his room, starving himself.

"What's the matter, my dear?" Alastor inquired, noticing the change in Charlie's demeanor.

Charlie hesitated, her gaze dropping to her hands as she searched for the right words. "Oh, just… thinking about how lucky I am to have such amazing friends," she responded softly, forcing a small smile before she heard Angel's outburst from the kitchen.

"Oh, for fuck's sake!" Angel yelled.

"Bitch, I warned you they were ready earlier," Cherri's voice playfully teased.

An amused smile made its way to Charlie's lips and held back her own laughter when Angel and Cherri later returned with a bowl of burnt bread rolls.

After a few minutes, everything was set up on the table, and they were waiting for Vaggie. Charlie then heard the approaching footsteps, which made her heart flutter with anticipation. She couldn't help but hope that it was her dad joining them for dinner, accompanied by Vaggie. But as the doors swung open, her excitement quickly turned to dismay.

Her stomach dropped when she saw a disheveled, exhausted Adam, standing in the doorway, avoiding eye contact with everyone with annoyance while Vaggie stood right behind him, her spear pointed threatening at his back while wearing a satisfied smile.


Author's afterNote

Please check out chapter 10 in archive of our own if you can, i posted up awesome art pieces that peeps have made : D, if you can't jump there then check out my tumblr as well, I either posted them under my blog or reblogged them : o

So, Katie's comment about Lucifer protecting his 'lover' was just a joke, not planning to hooking them up in this story : o, even though I totally like that sort of ship as well hahahaha. Poor Lucifer, doing his best to maintain a professional image there, hahaha

Next chapter, a very intense dinner, hahaha. It's gonna start up sad then later a bit intense in a way. I think next chapter I will stick with the present since I want to do a bunch of stuff with Adam and the hotel peeps, so possibly no past scenes. But yah, excited to write the next chapter, been replaying one of the scenes so much in my head two weeks now

Don't forget to leave a kudo on archive of our own if you can : ), and thank you peeps for the comments/reviews/feedback/fanart 3