A Total Drama Story, Hazbin Hotel Crossover Story
Demon's Daughter: Love Across the Divide
Chapter 25
Girl Talk
~Normal POV~
In the days following the incident with Angel and the shark gang, Gwen took a well-deserved break in her bedroom dedicating time to drawing in her sketchbook. She was currently working on a drawing and herself using their fire powers to burn Valentino. As she sketched, she let out a small laugh. It was satisfying to imagine such a fate befalling a dreadful overlord. Maybe someday it would become a reality. The only thing holding her back was Angel. He was bond to Valentino, but for a good reason.
As Angel mentioned outside the bar that night to her and Husk, he sold his soul to Valentino long ago. Binding himself under a contract to the moth overlord, but it wasn't just the contract that made things difficult; Angel found himself ensnared in one of those relationships where an individual remains a victim of abuse yet refrains from leaving their abuser for various reasons, regardless of how dire the situation becomes. If Angel wanted to be free, truly free, he would have to want it. The only person who stood in his way was himself.
Thinking about it depressed Gwen. She wished to do more for Angel but herself unable. Her only recourse was offering him and affection from the sidelines. It wasn't much but it was something. Doing something was better than nothing. That wasn't how Gwen was raised. She may not always display it, but she cared for others as much as Charlie did. Showing it her own way to people who deserved it. Speaking of showing affection, the thought of what she did to Trent not long ago came to mind. That kiss on his cheek was a heat of the moment move. She experienced a sense of guilt yet simultaneously did not. When her lips touched his soft skin, her heart skipped a beat. Not that it hadn't been doing that since their first meeting, but this was different. This confirmed that nagging feeling in the back of her head that she liked Trent in a romantic way.
Alas, Gwen felt she was to forward with that kiss. Sure, it was on the cheek, but a kiss is a kiss. One she wasn't sure that Trent appreciated since she didn't ask him. She didn't even know how he felt about her. She had not returned to Earth since that day, which was two weeks ago. Actually, that is not entirely accurate. In truth, it had been more than two weeks since Gwen last visited her friends, but sooner than anyone realized. Allow me to clarify, Gwen did return to Earth before and after the Angel incident. Only she didn't see every one of her friends. When last she saw her friends, she made her visit brief with as few people around as possible. Returning to the spot where she first met her friends, Gwen stayed hidden as she didn't want to draw unwanted attention to herself.
Observing from the sidelines how her friends spent their time, she secretly wished to join them but felt ashamed of herself. She didn't fully understand why she'd feel guilty over one small kiss on the cheek. Perhaps it did have to do with not asking, or maybe it was because her feelings for Trent were true. There was no denying it. A demon had fallen in love with a human. Not that there was anything wrong with that. After all, her father was once an angel who fell in love with her mother, the first female human on Earth.
Nevertheless, how could she present herself again to Trent or anyone? She needed advice. Advice from someone who understood what was happening in her life and would listen. Only one person came to mind, Octavia. Gwen's best friend who was already aware of what was happening in her life. Picking up her phone, Gwen dialed Via's number. Hoping she wasn't doing anything important, but she could be. Deciding to play it safe, Gwen texted Via first.
Gwen: Hey Via, are you busy?
She waited few seconds before receiving a reply.
Via: Hey Gwen, no, I'm free. What's up?
Gwen: I need to talk to you. It's about my last trip to Earth.
Via: Why, what happened?
Gwen: It's better if I tell you over the phone then texts.
Via: Okay, hang on a second.
It took less than ten seconds for the phone to ring. Gwen immediately answered, being greeted by Via's voice on the other end.
Gwen: Hey Via, thanks for calling. It'll be easier to explain everything this way.
Via: Don't mention it, so what's the problem?
Gwen: (sigh) I messed up, I choked, I went headfirst into something I had no right to. I went and gave Trent a kiss on the cheek then ran away.
Via: Whoa back up, you gave a small kiss on the cheek to your crush and ran away? You just left him where he stood after you kissed him?
Gwen: It wasn't on purpose, and I had to get back. I was on the clock. I didn't want to draw suspicious from Charlie. If she found out what I was doing, I'd be in the doghouse.
Via: Okay, but regardless of that you just left him without giving him an explanation.
Gwen: No, no, no, no, it's not like that. I did mention earlier that I had to leave, but I lost track of time because of all the fun I was having at this street fair.
Via: Okay, that's understandable, but did he say anything before you took off?
Gwen: I... I don't think so. I took off before he could speak, and yes, I know that was stupid. Look I panicked, I had to hurry back. I don't know how he feels about me now. I've wanted to go back to talk to him, but I'm such a coward. I've gone back to Earth, but I've only watched from afar what everyone's doing.
Via: ...And?
Gwen: (sighs) They have been inquiring about my whereabouts and my return, but a part of me is unable to confront them. To confront him.
Via: Gwen, you can't let fear get the better of you. Did you let your fears hold you back from getting out of your palace?
Gwen: No.
Via: Did you let your fears hold you back when you escaped from your dad's overbearing rules?
Gwen: No.
Via: And did you let your fears hold you back when you asked me to help you go to Earth; and when you went through the portal?
Gwen: No.
Via: Why then are you allowing fear to hinder you now? You are Gwen Morningstar, daughter of the fallen angel Lucifer, the first woman Lilith, and younger sister to Charlie Morningstar. You don't let fear get the better of you.
Octavia made a valid point. Why was Gwen allowing fear to control her when had previously overcome it? Could it be she was permitting her fear distance her from her friends crush Perhaps the fear of harming those cared about had overwhelmed her.
Via: Gwen, are you still there?
Gwen had forgotten she was on the phone for a moment.
Gwen: Yeah, sorry Via just thinking about what you said and you're right. I am allowing my fears to overwhelm me. I suppose I do not want to see anyone get hurt, particularly after the entire ordeal involving Angel.
Via: What happened to Angel, is he okay?
Gwen informed Via about the incident at Valentino studio, which was followed by her Husk locating Angel. This led to the altercation outside the bar and the subsequent attack on the shark mobsters.
Via: Whoa...that really happened?
Gwen: I wanted to assist Angel further after hearing the commotion in dressing room with Val, but Angel instructed Charlie and me to leave. Additionally, he was already trouble, and us staying there wasn't doing him any good. (heavy sigh) Do you think I did the right thing leaving him like that Via?
Via: I'm not going to lie Gwen; it sounds like Angel's got his own problems to workout. I know you've mentioned your sister's trying to help rehabilitate him, but if he's going to get any help, he's got to help himself first. He's in a tight spot working for Valentino. The only way he's going to get ny help is if he admits he needs it.
Gwen: I understand your perspective, but I feel compelled to take action. He doesn't deserve that kind of treatment Val inflicts upon him.
Via: You're right, but until he comes to understand his situation; only then will he open up accepting your help.
Gwen: You're right, the only one standing in Angel's way is himself. Once he comes to terms with himself can we help him.
Via: Yeah, and hey he opened up to you and Husk so that's a step forward in the right direction.
Gwen: That's true. I guess Angel is making some progress after all. (smiles)
Via: There you go, he will be fine. With friends like you and the others at the hotel, Angel is on his way to becoming a better person, just as your sister wanted.
Gwen: Yeah...he sure will.
Via: Are you concerned that, given your experience with Angel, you might somehow complicate things with Trent?
Gwen: I don't know, maybe, I mean what good am I if I can't help a friend in need? How could I face my crush if I can't sort out my feelings?
Via: I believe you are overanalyzing the situation, Gwen. You are a significant support to your friends, and if Trent reciprocates your feelings, there is no cause for concern. You need to return to Earth and confront your fears directly.
Gwen: (sighs) Yeah, your right Via, I know you're right. Guess I shouldn't run away from my problems, huh?
Via: Now you get it, so what are you going to do?
Gwen: I will cease overthinking and proceed meeting Trent.
Via: Good, I'm glad we had this conversation. Now listen, take the time to talk with Trent in private about what happened. If he truly loves you, he'll understand. Just leave out some of the whole shark mafia and Valentino business.
Gwen: I will, and thanks for listening Via. You're the only one I trust to tell my problems to. Not that I don't trust my sister, but...well...
Via: I get it, I know that discussing certain topics with family can be challenging. Sometimes, it is essential to have a friend to confide in and your deepest secrets with.
Gwen: That's exactly what I was thinking. I mean, sometimes parents don't understand what we're going through. They think they know, but they don't. They don't grasp the situation. Honestly, I wish my relationship with my dad was on a better note like you and your dad Via.
Via: Well, our relationship is definitely in a good place. Not perfect, but I love my dad, and I do give him the benefit of the doubt.
Gwen: At least your dad doesn't force you into lessons you don't like or not believe in your sister's dreams because it sounds impossible. (sighs)
Via: Do you think you'll try to patch things with your dad?
Gwen: ...Truth? I don't know yet. If he wants to talk to me to patch things up, I'll consider; however, the only way I'll listen to him is if he considers listening to Charlie and me.
Via: Fair enough.
Gwen: I love my dad, but he has been behaving quite poorly lately. I believe that without my mom's presence, he would not be able to handle things.
Via: You think so?
Gwen: It's just a theory, but it's possible.
Via: I can envision it slightly, yet I can perceive it.
The two shared a laugh over the phone.
Via: I hope our conversation was beneficial, Gwen, and that you feel prepared to approach Trent.
Gwen: Thanks, Via, I think I'm going to be alright now. I'll let you know how things turn out after my next visit.
Via: I look forward to hearing all about it. Later Gwen.
Gwen: Later Via.
They end their phone calls, and Gwen lies down her bed. Having felt a heavy weight lifted from her shoulders, she could relax. She was grateful to have a friend like Via to listen to her troubles and come up with a solution for it. The only thing left to do now was confront Trent about the kiss. Via was right; Trent seemed like reasonable guy who appeared like Gwen, at least in her eyes. She planned to talk to Trent tomorrow. Today, however she would finish sketching her picture and give it to Trent as a peace offering, hoping to convey that she cared about him.
End of Chapter
Hope everyone found it enjoyable~
The next chapter will be Episode 5 of the show
Stay tune, and don't forget to read, comment, and review~
