Eddie On a Cross: A Hazbin Hotel Fanfiction

by Kiki94NightWitch588

Eddie, aka Headshot, is a sinner demon assassin. To give his sister a better future, he leaves her at the Hazbin Hotel. An accident convinces him to stay and use his powers for good. Adam's return will disrupt everyone's lives, a birthday present will prove dangerous, Charlie will discover his dual nature, and Angel Dust will finally find someone who truly loves him.

6. Rescue Me

Over the course of the weeks spent inside his cell, Adam had learned to adapt to that tiny, cramped space. He wasn't the type to passively accept imprisonment, so with Husk's help, he had transformed those four anonymous walls into something more personal. The disgusting motivational posters that papered the walls had been mercilessly torn down, replaced by posters showing half-naked succubi and hellish rock bands. He had moved the bed away from the toilet, at least reducing some of the unpleasantness of the environment, and moved the desk closer to the bars so he could chat comfortably with Husk, the hotel bartender who had become an unexpected friend over time.
As he relaxed reading a book, a familiar "ping" echoed through the prison corridors. Adam closed the book and settled at his desk, ready to receive his visitor. After a few moments, Husk made his appearance, turning the corner with his usual casual demeanor.
«Hey, Man.» greeted the hotel bartender in his gruff but friendly tone.
Adam looked up and, with a sly smile, replied: «Hey, Cat. Tell me you brought the goodies.»
«Always.» said Husk, proudly displaying a bottle of fine red wine.
Enthusiastically, Adam opened a desk drawer from which he pulled out two clear plastic glasses, with both the form and the transparency of actual glass. With a gesture that had now become routine, the two used the small iron box recessed between the bars to pass objects, food and, in this case, wine to each other. The box was designed to open only one side at a time, a precaution against possible escape or inappropriate exchanges.
As they poured the wine, they started chatting.
After a few sips, the talk inevitably veered to more serious matters. «So? Have you figured out how to reach that damn phone?» asked Adam.
Husk shook his head, taking a long sip of wine before answering. «No, and apparently, according to Belphegor, you took a big risk going down into that crypt. You should thank Michael when you get back up in Heaven; he was the one who deactivated all the traps designed to keep anyone but Charlie away from that phone.»
Adam scowled, insisting: «Three weeks, Husk. It's already been three weeks. How is it possible that you still haven't found a solution?»
Husk gave him a patient look. «Didn't you say we needed a divine intervention to solve it?»
Adam fell silent, remembering that he had said that. «That's true-maybe it's more complex than I imagined.» He took another sip, thinking.
Husk nodded. «We're all working on it, but we're on the verge of frustration. That's why Charlie decided to let us take a break this weekend. We're having a pool party on Saturday.»
Adam sighed, wincing. «Ah, sure, throw your freedom in my face.»
Husk laughed, lighting a cigarette. «Do you want me to remind you why I'm forced to stay down here with you half the time?»
«You are out of a prison anyway.» replied Adam, pointing his finger. «And from what you tell me, Alastor doesn't seem to be that bad.»
«Only because he needs me.» Husk blew out the smoke slowly. «Don't fool yourself, he only thinks about himself. The others are just pawns in his game.»
Adam huffed. «Well, it's better than ending up in the hands of that other guy, what was his name...Valentino? The one who owns the soul of your porn-actor friend.»
«Valentino, yes.» confirmed Husk, his tone slightly darker.
«That one. You should be grateful that you are just a pawn and not a sex object like Angel Dust. At least you're not selling your ass for a bit of "heaven in a flask."»
The joke fell flat, and Husk stared at him with a grim expression. «Watch your mouth. Angel is my friend.»
Adam raised his hands. «Okay, okay. I didn't mean to offend. But my point still stands: better to be a pawn than a sex object.»
Husk inhaled deeply, then spoke in a more serious tone. «Angel didn't do it because he wanted some "heaven in a flask". He was deceived, Adam. Imagine if it happened to you: Lilith, instead of just leaving you, manipulated you into doing what she wanted, selling you, humiliating you, forcing to do things with people you don't like, and all of this under substances. That's what happened to him. It's only thanks to Charlie that he's starting to improve. She, the hotel... and, well, us. His friends. There's also someone new in his life.»
Adam chuckled, catching the subtext. «Ah, the newbie. How are things between them?»
Husk huffed. «They're not a couple, if that's what you want to know.»
Adam poked him with a mischievous smile. «Uuuh, is somebody jealous?»
Husk shook his head, laughing softly. «Nothing like that. Angel is like a brother to me, not a romantic interest. But Headshot... well, he's a bit of a mistery. He spends so much time with Angel, but he doesn't stop to drink and he doesn't talk about himself. I don't know if I can trust him. Angel has suffered too much and I don't want someone else to hurt him. I wouldn't want that new gut to use him and then throw him away.»
Adam pondered for a moment, then jokingly proposed: «There's only one solution, here: a good drinking contest. At the pool party, have someone challenge him. Whether he wins or loses doesn't matter, the important thing is that he gets drunk. If Headshot gets drunk, maybe he'll let loose and you'll be able to better understand who he really is.»
Husk looked at him surprised, then burst out laughing. «Damn, you would have made a career here in Hell»
Adam smiled with mock modesty. «I'll take that as a compliment.»
A vibration interrupted their conversation. Husk pulled his cell phone out of his pocket and, looking at the screen, sighed. «I have to go. Charlie called me, probably to plan the party.»
Adam chuckled. «Don't worry, I have Long Face here to keep me company.» he said sarcastically, pointing to the silent guard next to the cell.
As Husk was about to leave, he seemed to remember something. With a smirk, he slipped his hand into his pocket, pulling out an object: a brand new cell phone. «Oh, I almost forgot. I talked to Charlie and told her about your progress. She decided to reward you for your "good behavior". You won't be able to be at the party in person, but you can participate by video call if you want.»
Adam looked at him, incredulous. He never imagined that, after all he had done, Charlie would grant him such kindness. That gesture was a symbol of the infinite forgiveness and goodness of the Princess of Hell. The cell phone, so simple and yet so meaningful, was handed to him as a sign of trust.
«I ... wow, I don't know what to say.»
«Don't worry, I'll tell her you said "thank you".» Husk said, inserting the cell phone into the iron box.
Adam took the phone, clutching it in his hand. He felt a sudden sense of hope, a feeling that had long since become foreign to him. The weight of the object was negligible, but what it represented was enormous: a possibility, a breach in the wall of loneliness and resignation that surrounded him. That small gesture of trust from Charlie gave him a glimpse of a way out of imprisonment, not only physical but also mental.
Sure,the though of becoming friends with Charlie and the others was an unattainable goal. After all he had been through, and after the poor choices that had led him there, redemption was by no means guaranteed. However, that phone was a symbol of something different: a second chance. A veiled invitation to get back on track.
Maybe, if he had continued to reflect on himself, to work on his mistakes and his frailties, he would not have been confined in that cell forever. Maybe, with time, he would prove himself worthy of that trust. Charlie's forgiveness, which embodied goodness even in Hell, was a spark of light in a place of darkness.
Adam stared at the phone for a few more moments, almost in disbelief, then turned a tired but sincere smile on Husk. «Maybe I was wrong.» he murmured to himself, as the shadow of a brighter future began to take shape in his mind. Angel walked confidently to the hotel gym. It wasn't a place he usually went-not that he didn't care about his appearance, but he rather kept his slim and streamlined figure without training. Charlie's call, however, had been more compelling than usual: she wanted everyone present for the assignment of duties for the upcoming party, and none of his friends was answering their cell phones.

As soon as he crossed the threshold of the gym, fate wanted him to be face to face with Cherri, who was leaving at that moment, her face sweaty and reddened from training. «Angie!» she exclaimed with a mischievous smile. «Don't tell me you're here to tone up? About time!»

Angel looked up, scattering on the defensive. «First of all, I am already perfectly toned, thank you very much. And second, Charlie is looking for you and Headshot with urgency. She wants everyone in the hall as soon as possible.»
Cherri raised her hands in surrender, clutching the half-empty water-bottle. «Don't worry, I'm here. About Headshot ... well, it's going to take a little longer.» She pointed to the back of the gym, where the rookie was busy with an exercise that looked like something straight out of a fitness magazine. Headshot was working out on the rings, suspended in the air with his body completely straight, his muscles tense and his face contracted with concentration. «Once he starts with the rings, he doesn't come down until he's destroyed. Once I heard a horrible 'crock' and...»
Angel barely listened to Cherri's words. His eyes were glued on Headshot. The rookie moved with a grace that was surprising for a man. His biceps were contracting with fierce effort, while he lifted and lowered his body with an ease that seemed unreal. The arms, stretched and trembling from effort, seemed carved in marble, while sweat shone under the lights of the gym, tracing paths along the back uncovered. The control with which he moved-every rotation of the rings, every adjustment to maintain balance-was hypnotic. Angel felt his breath cut in his throat, his legs suddenly weak.

Headshot was suspended, his back arched and his body lying in a position that highlighted every muscle. His broad shoulders, his biceps that seemed to be about to explode from the tension, all of him exuded an almost primordial strength. Even his wings, hidden under the skin, seemed to want to come out at that moment of maximum physical tension. Angel was rapt by that vision, unable to look away, and without even realizing it, pushed Cherri slightly sideways to have a better view.

«Santi...bicipiti!» he muttered to himself in his native language, unable to hold back the comment.
Cherri, noticing Angel's expression, burst into laughter. «You're a Headshot victim too, huh? Haven't you ever seen a body like that, Angie? You dirty slut!» She elbowed him lightly, continuing to tease him. «I have to admit it, he's really good-looking. And I bet he knows it, you think he does all these exercises just to keep in shape? Nah, he loves to be admired.» Cherri noticed that Angel was not listening to her, so she snapped her fingers several times in front of Angel's face, calling him back to reality: «Oh, Hell calling Angel! Answer!»
Angel shrugged slightly, trying to recover, «Huh? Oh yeah, no...I mean, he's not too bad.» he stammered, trying to minimize. But his words sounded insincere even to his own ears.
Cherri didn't let the lame excuse pass. «"Not too bad"? Angie, five seconds ago you were devouring him with your eyes!»
Angel shrugged, trying to maintain his usual nonchalance. «I was just observing the technique. He's a good athlete, nothing more.»
Cherri looked at him with a look of disbelief, then smiled mischievously. «Yes, of course, you were observing the technique. Definitely imagining yourself under him.»
«Knock it off, toots!» replied Angel, giving her an affectionate nudge.
«So, do I warn him or can you talk to him without fainting?» taunted Cherri again, amused by her friend's embarrassment.
Angel rolled his eyes and replied in a tone of false confidence: «I'm doing it. And nothing strange is going to happen, you'll see.»
With one last glance at Headshot, Angel walked toward him, his heart beating a little faster than usual, but determined to remain calm. Cherri watched him go with a smile, knowing full well that Angel, despite all his jokes and swaggering attitude, had already fallen victim to the rookie's charms.
Angel took a deep breath, feeling his heart pounding as he approached Headshot. He watched him for a moment, intent on his exercise on the rings, each movement fluid and precise, as if in perfect tune with his body. It wasn't easy to interrupt him when he was lost in his strength routine, but Charlie needed everyone.
«Hey, Headie.» he called out, trying to mask the slight anxiety he felt mounting inside.
Eddie looked up at him, tense muscles keeping him suspended, but with an air of total control. A slight smile curved his lips as he slowly lowered his body to the ground. «Hey, Silly.» he replied, his voice hoarse and low from exertion. Since that night of the chase, Eddie had practically stopped calling him by his first name. "Silly" had become a loving nickname and an inside joke that felt natural between them.
That scratchy timbre of Eddie's voice, caused by intense training, made something deep inside Angel vibrate. He struggled to keep his tone light, even though his gaze wandered involuntarily over his friend's sculpted body. «Charlie wants us all in the meeting room, and fast. Cherri told me you love being on rings, but ... I have to insist.» he said, trying to sound professional, though the sight of sweat slowly sliding down Headshot's physique distracted him.
Headshot nodded, a wry smile still hanging on his lips. «Yes, technically I'd be busy.» he said, letting go of the rings with surprising fluidity and landing with almost disarming grace. «But if Charlie wants us there, I can't ignore it.» He picked up the towel from the floor and began dabbing the sweat from his face, neck and shoulders, the muscles contracting with each movement, perfectly sculpted and defined.
Angel stood dry-mouthed for a few seconds, his thoughts stuck, unable to form a meaningful sentence. He had always thought Headshot was attractive, but in that moment, everything seemed clearer to him. The sight of muscles darting under sweat-glistening skin, the innate composure with which Eddie moved, left him breathless. It was not only the perfect body that fascinated him, but also the aura of strength that seemed to surround him.
Headshot relaxed a little, letting go a sigh. «Phew, I was getting tired.» he admitted, still wiping the sweat from his face.
It took Angel a few seconds to recover. «You didn't look so tired.» he finally said, his voice trembling slightly, betraying his inner turmoil. He tried to collect himself in order not to cause suspicion.
Headshot shrugged casually. «I can be quite resilient. But today is a sluggish day, the muscles are beginning to rebel. It's good that there's something else to do.» He continued to run the towel over himself, not realizing the effect was having on Angel.
Angel tried desperately to keep calm, but his heart was pounding in his chest. «Well, we should get moving then, if you don't want to piss Charlie off.» he joked, trying to sound casual.
Headshot nodded, but did not seem particularly concerned. «Just give me time to get up to the room, take a shower, and I'll be there.»
Angel, in an attempt to prolong that moment, quickly proposed, hoping Headshot would think about it: «But...there are showers in the locker room...»
Headshot raised a hand in refusal, barely smiling. «I prefer the privacy of my own room. I don't like having people around when I'm washing. See you later, Silly.» With a quick nod, he picked up his bag and headed for the exit.
Angel stood still, watching Headshot as he walked away. Every step his friend took seemed to emphasize his physicality: his broad shoulders, solid back, narrow waist, and that perfect ass that seemed sculpted specifically to attract stares. Angel bit her lip, feeling the thoughts growing bolder. «That's it, I'm gonna fuck him.» he murmured, not even realizing he said it out loud.
«I beg your pardon?» Cherri's sudden voice made him jerk.

Instinctively turning around, Angel found himself standing in front of his friend, a mischievous smirk plastered on her face. Trying to regain his usual confidence, he fixed a lock of hair and declared aloud, this time without shame: «I said I'm gonna fuck him!»
Cherri burst into hearty laughter, rocking back and forth. «I knew it! I should have bet money on it! It was so evident!» She jokingly poked him on the shoulder, still laughing. «It will be interesting to see how you play it with him, Angie. But watch out, that guy is not an easy one.»
Angel turned a sly smile on her, bending an eyebrow. «Don't worry about me. I love challenges.»
Cherri's laughter subsided, but the air of challenge remained. «Oh really? Let's have a bet, then. How about 100 bucks you won't get him to take his shirt off by the end of the pool party?»
Angel raised his eyebrows, breaking into a confident smile. «Done. Get the money ready, sweetheart. Headshot doesn't know what's coming.» In the meeting room, the atmosphere was tense. Charlie paced back and forth by the table, hands trembling as she tried to maintain some semblance of control. She had not slept for days because of Belphegor's revelations. Her deep circles under her eyes and the involuntary twitch in her left eye betrayed the stress that was consuming her. Even her rarely manifested hell form seemed ready to take over, as if she was struggling to stay hidden under her skin. Despite everything, Charlie was trying to look professional.
He took a deep breath and began the roll call, nervously marking attendance on a notepad: «Husk? Present. Niffty? Present. Alastor? Present. My father-he said he will join us. Cherri? Angel?» She looked up at them, who answered with a nod. «Headshot?» She paused for a moment, her eyes wandering around the room looking for him. «Headshot?» Silence filled the room. The eye twitching became more intense, and suddenly Charlie blurted out, in a tone incredibly out of character, her infernal form revealing itself: «Where is that ripped shithead?!»
The exclamation chilled the air. Everyone looked at her, shocked. It was unusual for Charlie to lose her cool, and especially to use such...out-of-line language. The Princess of Hell immediately brought her hands to her mouth, returning to her usual appearance, clearly upset by what she had just said. «Oh my God...I'm sorry. I don't know what's wrong with me.» she whispered, visibly mortified.
Vaggie, who was beside her, gently encircled her shoulders with an arm, trying to calm her down. «Charlie, honey, I think you need a break. You've been squeezing yourself too hard. How about we take care of the party? You go and rest, okay? Your bags under your eyes have bags too.» She tried to lighten the moment with a fond smile.
Charlie tried to resist, biting her lip. «But ... the Hotel ... the guests ...» she began to say, but Vaggie interrupted her firmly.
«Don't worry about the Hotel. We will manage it, and if necessary, I will throw your father out of his workshop and force him to take care of it.» Her voice was confident, but it hid a protective gentleness that only Vaggie could have toward Charlie.
Charlie relaxed a little, letting go a shuddering breath. «All right. But ... please don't be too hard on him, okay?» she asked, her tone feeble and tired.
«I promise.» replied Vaggie with a half-smile, before accompanying Charlie to sit in a comfortable velvet armchair in the corner of the room.
Now that the situation was under control, Vaggie straightened up and took command of the meeting with the efficiency and grit of a former exorcist. «Okay, ladies, we have 33 hours to organize a pool party for the whole hotel. Currently, we count 121 guests, not including us, who could attend. The pool is outside and big enough to accommodate them all, but it has been unused for quite some time. We need to clean the inside of the pool and fix up the surrounding area so that everything will be ready for tomorrow night.»
The door to the hall opened slowly, and everyone turned toward the entrance. Headshot entered, fresh from his shower, his hair still damp and the scent of soap hovering in the air. Noticing the stares on him, he paused for a moment, embarrassed. «Did I miss something?» he asked, trying not to look too caught off guard.
Vaggie stared at him with a raised eyebrow. «Well arrived, musclehead.» she said sarcastically. «Sit down quickly.»
Headshot said nothing and with a soft sigh, he took the only seat left, between Alastor and Niffty. Not exactly his favorite position, but there was no alternative.
Vaggie resumed speaking, without missing a beat. «As I was saying, the pool needs to be cleaned out: it needs to be emptied of the dirty water, the algae removed, the mud shoveled out, and refilled with clean water, as well as the necessary chemicals poured in. The surrounding area, on the other hand, needs to be tidied up: we need to remove weeds, cut the grass that is too high, and clean the surfaces. Headshot, since you're late, you get the hardest part: cleaning the tank.» Vaggie's tone was authoritative and relentless.
Headshot spread his arms wide, clearly annoyed. «What?! What did I do to you to deserve this?»
Ignoring his whining, Vaggie turned to the others in a firm tone. «We need at least two more people to help him. Any volunteer?»
Angel Dust, who until that moment had been strangely quiet, lit up like a flash. He raised his hand enthusiastically, almost jumping out of his chair. «Oh, oh, me! Me! I'll go help him!» he exclaimed, with a joy that was suspicious to more than a few.
Husk, sitting next to him, squinted at him, confused. «You? You bragged about your new manicure for two hou…» He didn't finish his sentence, because Angel, with a swift move, elbowed him under the table, hitting him in the side.
Husk doubled over in pain, while Angel maintained an innocent expression. «Thank you for offering yourself, Angel.» Vaggie said, making a note on Charlie's pad.
Husk turned to Angel, hissing through his teeth. «What the hell was that about?» he asked still in pain.
Angel gave him a sly look. «Husky, manicure or not, if I have the opportunity to see Headshot half-naked and win some money at the same time, I'm not going to pass it up. Understood?»
Husk sighed, massaging his sore side. «All right, but you could have avoided hitting me so hard, damn it!»
Cherri, with her hand raised and a mischievous smile painted on her face, offered without hesitation. Angel gave her a defiant look, while Cherri reciprocated with an expression that clearly said: I will not lose this bet.
Vaggie nodded approvingly. «All right, Cherri. So there will be three of you in charge of the pool. Everyone else will devote themselves to cleaning the outside surfaces. Time to get to work!»
The buzz in the room increased as everyone stood up to prepare for the upcoming mission of cleaning up the pool. Cherri gestured with her hand toward Angel, pointing her eye at him with an amused air. «It will be interesting to see how you fare.» she whispered to him, approaching teasingly.
Angel gave her a confident look back, his eyes bright with determination. «Oh, rest assured, sweetie. Not only will I win the bet, but I'll make Headshot never want to put his shirt back on again.»
Cherri laughed, shaking her head. «We'll see, Angie. We'll see.»
Preparations for the pool party had officially begun, but in the background, a competition was taking shape between Angel Dust and Cherri, while Headshot, still unaware of their intentions, was unknowingly preparing to be the center of their little game. As promised, the pool was really a mess. Abandoned for who knows how long, it looked more like a swamp than a place of recreation. The stagnant water was an unhealthy green, infested with rotten algae floating about, while an expanse of pesky insects buzzed above the surface. The walls were covered with a layer of mold and moss, and weeds grew around the pool like a miniature jungle.
Headshot looked at the disaster in front of him with a dejected expression. The work to be done seemed endless. «Seriously, why does Vaggie hate me?» he muttered, more to himself than to others.
Angel Dust approached with a sly smile, resting a hand on Headshot's shoulder. His fingers tightened around the sleeve of Headshot's backless T-shirt, as if he wanted to cling to that one chance to win his bet. «Nah, don't feel bad, Headie.» he said in his usual light tone. «She's has a little control mania. Once, to make me bond with others, she literally threw me in the middle of the apocalypse district, almost without weapons! She almost got me and the others killed. This is a walk in the park compared to that.»
As Angel told his story, his hand still remained on Headshot's shoulder, perhaps a little too long to be casual. Cherri did not take long to notice and, with a sly smile, pushed Angel away firmly. «Yes, yes, good story, Angel. But now let's find a pump to get this damn water out.»
«Oh, honey, don't worry!» replied Angel, jumping at the chance to make yet another two-sided joke. «I'm an expert with pumps!»
Headshot, usually serious and focused, could not hold back this time. He looked at him with a mixture of bewilderment and amusement, trying to keep calm, but it was useless. He already felt the laughter rising up in his throat, until it burst into a roaring laugh, his hands brought to his mouth in an attempt to suffocate him. The weeks spent with Angel had an unexpected impact: what once bothered him or made him feel a strange sense of pity towards Angel, now amused him. Angel's sassy jokes made him laugh more and more often.
Angel watched the scene with a sardonic smile, immediately taking advantage of Headshot's reaction. He approached Cherri with a triumphant look, whispering in her ear, «One point for me!»
Cherri, however, wasn't about to give in so easily. She gave him a challenging look, raising an eyebrow. «He's still got his shirt on, don't get too big.» she replied in a defiant, but amused tone.
The challenge was still open, and the day promised sparks. The only available pump was an old hand one, which Alastor had gently conceded with a sinister grin, like he was finding the whole situation of tragicomic irony. It was an antiquated device, rusted by time, and required considerable force to operate. Of course, the only one strong enough to get all that stagnant water out was Headshot, who up to that point had done most of the work, moving the pump with constant force and rhythm.
Angel Dust, meanwhile, was fully enjoying the show. His eyes glided languidly down Headshot's body, following the muscles tensing under his sweat-soaked T-shirt. Each pump brought out the contours of his biceps and shoulders, and Angel almost licked his lips at the thought. He was watching from a strategic angle, leaning lazily against a wall, while Cherri was busy disposing of the algae they had just removed from the pool. She had no idea of the devious plan Angel was concocting.
After finishing with the weeds, Cherri approached the other two and immediately noticed the difference between Headshot, who was sweating and pumping, and Angel, who seemed to be doing absolutely 's eyes immediately turned angry. «Angie, you shouldn't be sitting there doing nothing while Headshot and I work our asses off!» she scolded.
Angel, without losing his usual mocking tone, replied with a mischievous chuckle. «Don't worry, toots. As soon as Headie is tired enough, I'll lend my fuuuuull support.» Angel's voice was laden with a double meaning that Cherri did not immediately catch, but which was quite clear to anyone who knew the spider well.
Cherri ignored it and went back to watching Headshot, who continued to pump relentlessly. Only then did he notice, with a shudder of horror, that he was beginning to sweat heavily. Big drops were running down his forehead, and his shirt was beginning to cling more and more to his sculpted chest. If he kept this up, Angel would have the advantage, and she could not allow it.
Without a second thought, she rushed up to Headshot, pretending to be disinterested but with the specific intent to help. «Hey, Headshot! How about I relieve you?» she proposed with a forced smile.
Headshot looked at her in confusion, wiping his forehead with the back of his hand. «What? Are you sure? This thing is fucking hard!» he said skeptically.
«Oh, sure thing it is!» Angel whispered to himself with a smirk, quiet enough for Headshot not to hear.
Cherri, ignoring Angel's joke, replied to Headshot in a reassuring tone: «Don't worry. I'm stronger than I look.»
With a sigh of relief, Headshot stopped and surrendered the pump to her. As they passed control to each other, Cherri cast a lightning-fast glance at Angel, as if to tell him that he would not easily win that bet. However, Angel did not seem worried at all. In fact, he merely looked at her with a mischievous smirk, knowing full well that the game had just begun. The water was finally gone, leaving the bottom of the pool in a sorry state. The mud and mold had created a slippery and smelly film, and the three immediately got to work, shoveling the mud and collecting it in plastic buckets. The heat of the day was making itself felt, and the sun beat down hard on their heads, intensifying the fatigue of the job. Headshot, already worn out by the intense strain of the hand pump, was visibly uncomfortable. His movements were stiff, and the sweat that accumulated under his shirt seemed to suffocate him. Angel Dust, who never missed an opportunity, noticed it immediately.
In a tone seemingly casual but with clear intention, Angel tugged at his shirt collar, emphasizing each gesture. «Damn, it's really hot today, huh?» he said with a smirk, trying to get Headshot's attention. Then, with slow, deliberate movements, he began to unbutton his striped shirt. He lifted it with a theatrical touch, tossing it heedlessly to one side and remaining shirtless, wearing only a pair of very short black shorts and his now iconic boots. «Phew, so much better.» he added languidly, as if the newfound freshness was an absolute relief.
Then, with a smirk that hid more than just words, he turned to Headshot. «Hey, Headie, you seem to be in a lot of pain too...how about getting rid of that shirt and be more comfortable, hmm?» The tone was insinuating, but at the same time almost friendly, as if she was just trying to give some helpful advice.
Before Cherri could even intervene-immediately suspecting Angel's true intentions-Headshot replied with disarming calmness: «Nah, I'm fine this way. You go ahead if you want, I just need to tie up this hair. It's gotten too long, I look like a member of a Japanese rock band now!» he joked with a light laugh, running a hand through his dark, sweaty hair, which was falling unruly across his forehead.
Cherri, noticing the opportunity to help and probably sensing Angel's plan, quickly approached with a ribbon in her hands. «Here, man. I always have one extra.» she told him with a supportive smile, handing him the rubber band and casting a look of victory toward Angel.
«Oh, thank you very much.» replied Headshot, gratefully accepting the ribbon and tying his hair in a messy topknot behind his head.
Angel, who up to that moment had been watching the scene with growing frustration, huffed silently. All her efforts had been in vain. «What the hell do I have to do to get him to take off that damn shirt?» she thought, as she tried to hide her disappointment behind a tugged smile. Angel, with a decisive flick of his hand, scooped up some slimy mud and hurled it toward Headshot, shouting enthusiastically: «Mud fight!»
The mud hit him full force, leaving Headshot in disbelief for a moment. The silence lasted only a second before he, with a resolute look, grabbed a handful of slime and replied with a defiant smile, «Oh, really? You're going to regret that!» he said, loading the blow.
The battle began. Slime flew from side to side, with both contenders chasing each other across the empty pool, laughing and dodging attacks. Angel, with his agility, moved gracefully, but Headshot, with his strength, gave him no respite. After a few minutes, both were covered in slime, and their laughter filled the air like children grappling with a forbidden game.
Cherri, initially skeptical, put her hands on her hips, shaking her head. «You're two idiots...» she tried to say, but before she could finish, a jet of mud hit her full force. «Oh, no. That's enough!» she screamed, running toward them to stop the madness. However, she soon found herself caught up in the fray, forced to fight in a muddy war from which she could no longer back down.
As fatigue took over, the three slumped to the ground in the pool, breathing heavily. Headshot and Angel found themselves lying side by side, dirty to the core, but with a satisfied smile plastered on their faces.
«I must admit, it was fun.» said Headshot, with a tired smile, looking up at the sky above.
Angel, still soaked in adrenaline, laughed softly. «Absolutely!» he replied, forgetting the bet with Cherri for a moment and simply enjoying the moment.
Cherri, however, was not as happy. Looking at herself, covered in mud and algae, she shook her head and admonished them: «It may have been fun, but now you're filthy. There's a garden hose just outside the pool. You better use it, because I'm definitely going to use it.» Without adding anything else, she stood up and, with a firm step, headed for the ladder, getting out of the pool.
Angel suddenly recovered, remembering the purpose of all that chaos. The bet! He had to get Headshot to take the damn shirt off. Rolling languidly onto one side in a deliberately provocative pose, he looked at Headshot with a mischievous gaze and a knowing smile: «Well, Headie... I guess you'll really have to change. I don't think a little water is enough to clean your shirt...» he winked, hoping that the underlying message was clear.
Headshot stood up, brushing the mud off his pants with a matter-of-fact look. «Don't worry, Angel» he replied casually, ignoring his friend's mischievous tone. «As long as we're not done here, we'll continue to get dirty. I take off the bulk and we continue working.» Having said this, without another word, he followed Cherri towards the hose to wash herself, leaving Angel motionless behind him, with an expression between astonished and frustrated.
When Headshot was far enough away, Angel slumped back to the ground, clenching his fists angrily. With quick, stealthy movements, he pounded his fist on the dirty ground, venting his accumulated dissatisfaction. Each blow against the ground was a mixture of frustration and stubbornness. "What on earth do I have to do to get him to take off that damn shirt?" he thought, as the mud crusted even more on his fur. The day for the three continued in the same way: Angel found every excuse he could to convince Headshot to strip, while Cherri thwarted his attempts or Headshot himself casually deflected them. When evening finally came, the pool was completely refurbished. The water was clear, the algae and mud were gone, the weeds eradicated, and every surface shone as if it had just been built.
The three watched the result with a mixture of satisfaction and relief. Their hard work had paid off, and now the party could take place in impeccable surroundings. However, one of them was far from satisfied. Despite his every effort, Angel was unable to convince Headshot to show off the certainly perfect physique he was hiding under his backless t-shirt. The demon still longed for the moment when he could finally observe those sculpted muscles beneath that annoying shirt. Even if it was just for a second...
Headshot, stretching and creaking his joints, commented with a tired smile: «We did a fantastic job, guys. Charlie will be proud.»
«Ah, yes. Headshot, why don't you take the honor of filling the tub?» suggested Cherri in a light tone, looking for an excuse to be alone with Angel.
«Sure! Where were the controls?» replied Headshot, moving away to look for the taps.
As soon as he was away, Cherri turned to Angel with a mischievous smile, crossing her arms in front of her chest. Angel was not as pleased.
«What?» he muttered, frustrated.
Cherri began humming in a sing-song tone, rubbing her fingers together as if counting bills: «Here comes the moneeeeey...»
Angel stared at his, gritting his teeth. «I have until the end of the party, or don't I?» he replied defiantly.
Cherri laughed, amused by his insistence. «Even a mud fight couldn't get his shirt off. What chance do you think you have, Angie?»
Angel shrugged determinedly: «I've had men getting naked for me with much less. I'll find a way, trust me.»
«Getting paid to do it doesn't count, you know?» teased Cherri, giggling.
Angel responded with an affectionate tap to the back of her friend's head as the pool's large taps turned on, beginning to fill the pool with cool water. Before long, Headshot reappeared with two large bags of chlorine.
«According to the instructions, these should be enough.» he said, dropping the bags to the ground with a thud. «Do you have any sharp claws? Mine are always too short.»
Angel looked sadly at his ruined nails. «I had them, this morning...» he murmured, looking at his now-destroyed manicure.
Cherri, confidently, approached the bags. «I got it, sissies.» she said with a provocative tone, and with a quick gesture she cut the sacks open, pouring the contents into the water.
«Well, that's done, too.» Headshot said with a sigh of relief, the weariness evident in his voice. «Tomorrow night everything will be ready for the party.»
Angel immediately seized the opportunity: «By the way... have you already decided what swimsuit to wear for the occasion, Headie? Bermuda? A slip? Mini Shorts, maybe?»
Headshot looked at him confused. «What? No, no, I'll be on duty as security. It would be unprofessional to wear a bathing suit. At most I was thinking of a one-piece swimsuit, or something like a lifeguard suit, maybe black.»
Angel barely held back, "Not even in the pool will he be shirtless?" he thought in frustration as the nervous twitch in his eye became more and more apparent.
Cherri could not hold back a satisfied giggle, already anticipating victory: «Here comes the moneeeeeey!» she hummed again, with a smirk.
Headshot, oblivious to the dynamics, pointed to the shed near the pool. «The controls are in there. Don't overflow the pool, I'm going to take a shower.»
As Headshot walked away, Cherri looked at Angel with an even more triumphant look. But Angel had not yet thrown in the towel. "I'm going to make Headshot take that damn shirt off, whatever it takes." Determined to risk it all, Angel chose to use his most powerful weapon: seduction. He was almost certain that Valentino would call him to work that evening, so why not take advantage of it first? If everything went as hoped, he would start his shift in a much better mood.
With a smug grin, Angel opened his closet and ran his fingers through his bolder outfits. He had only known Headshot for a month and a half, but he already knew quite a bit about him, including his weaknesses. The demon was practically made of sugar, so with the right outfit, Angel knew exactly how to play his cards.
Peeking out from among the hangers was a bold dress perfect for the occasion: a bright pink mini-dress covered in sequins and silver beads that sparkled with every movement. The top was fitted, with a sweetheart pattern and cutouts at the hips, highlighting Angel's slender silhouette. The short skirt was decorated with shimmering silver bangs that swayed with her every movement.
He knew Headshot would not resist that combination, which evoked an almost candy-like appeal, reflecting his fondness for sweets. Two lollipop-shaped earrings and a cherry pendant completed the ensemble. Angel added light makeup and wore a white fur jacket, ready to take it off when the time was right.
Angel walked down to the lobby of the Hazbin Hotel, pretending to go to work, knowing that Headshot was often there at that hour, surveying and socializing. When he arrived, he saw him immediately, crouching down as he talked with his little sister Kitty and Bruce, the mentor who had recently joined the hotel guests. Before he could get any closer, another demon tried to flirt with him, but he shooed him away with a hand to the face and a middle finger, before approaching his friend, ready to put his plan into action.
«Hey, Headie...» began Angel in a persuasive voice, ready to put his plan into action.
But Headshot, without even looking at him, interrupted him: «Not now, Silly. I have a small emergency.»
Angel looked down curiously and noticed that Headshot was holding a small cocoa fruit. He listened to the conversation.
«So, let me get this straight: you woke up and this fruit had grown in your hair?» Headshot asked his little sister, Kitty, who nodded shyly.
«And now you feel terrible pangs in your lower abdomen, right?» Kitty nodded again.
Eddie, puzzled, looked at the fruit, then at his sister. Then he turned to Bruce. «Bruce, do you think it could be… you know what, right?»
«Menstruation, Headshot. It's not a dirty word, use it.» his mentor rebuked him, then added, stroking his chin thoughtfully: «In any case, she's a bit young, but she lives in a safe environment, eats regularly and has no health problems. It could be. Kitty, darling, did you notice any blood stains on your underwear when you went to the bathroom?»
Kitty shook her head. «No, no blood.»
«Well, it might not have arrived yet, but it probably will soon.» Headshot said, standing up and picking her up affectionately. «You're growing up, little one. You won't be a child anymore, biologically speaking. But don't be too hasty to grow up, okay?»
Kitty looked worried. «Will you throw a party for me and then find me a husband as soon as they arrive?» she asked naively. Eddie, Bruce, and even Angel were shocked by her words.
«No, honey, you're not in Ghana anymore. You're with us now.» Eddie reassured her.
Bruce smiled. «If you want a party, we can have one, but no wedding, for now.»
Eddie nodded, laughing. «You're only 10, wait at least until you're 20. And remember, you have a jealous brother! They'll have to get over me first.»
Kitty laughed, burying her face in her brother's neck.
Angel watched the scene with a growing sense of unease. Until a few moments before, his mind had been focused on one goal: getting Headshot to give in by taking off that damn shirt to win a bet. He was used to using seduction as a weapon, had always done so, and Headshot seemed like a perfect target, even if more hostile than usual. But now, watching his friend gently stroke his little sister's hair and reassure her with kind words, something inside him cracked.
Headshot was not like the others. He wasn't one of his clients, or one of those vulgar guys he met at work, ready to undress without much thought. Headshot was pure, in a way, perhaps not in body, but in soul. The tenderness with which he hugged Kitty, the gentleness in his words, the thoughtfulness he reserved for his loved ones... Angel realized that he was only trying to get him into bed for a stupid bet. And that was not good.
It was true, Angel had been playing with seduction for his entire afterlife; it was his job. But Headshot deserved more. He could not simply treat him as another of his conquests. Looking at him now, so genuine, so protective of his sister, he realized that making him give in would not just mean taking off a shirt. It would have been a betrayal of the trust they were building. Headshot was a friend. And Angel, as much as he wanted to win, could not ignore that bond. He couldn't hurt such a good person just for the fun of it.
He retracted his shoulders, guilt weighing on him like a jacket that was too tight. Seducing Headshot, manipulating him to win the bet, was wrong. Seeing him there, tenderly consoling his sister, reminded him that certain gestures should not be trivialized. Headshot was not a man to exploit or deceive. He was a friend. And Angel was not willing to lose that precious bond over a frivolous bet.
With a deep breath, he lowered his gaze, letting go of the built-up tension. He would have found a different way to get his shirt off, perhaps, but not that day, and not like this.
When Headshot finally turned to Angel, she noticed him dressed in all his glory. «Sorry, Silly, you were saying-OH!» he exclaimed, struck by the outfit. «You look fabulous! It's for work, I guess.»
Just then, Angel's phone vibrated. Valentino had sent him a message, written in capital letters, "STUDIO, NOW!"
Angel sighed sadly. «Yes, it's for work.»
Headshot gave him a worried look. «Do you want me to drop you off?»
Angel shook his head with a sweet smile. «Nah, I'll take a cab this time. You have more important things to think about.» He nodded toward Kitty.
As Angel walked away, Headshot called him back: «Hey. You're important too, you know that?»
Headshot's voice seemed veiled with a hint of vulnerability. Angel blushed slightly and nodded. «Take care of your sister, you flatterer!»
The two laughed, and then each went their separate ways, committed to their respective responsibilities. The next day, frantic preparations continued in the hotel amidst the growing enthusiasm for the pool party. The atmosphere was electrifying, and everyone was eager to enjoy the evening. Lucifer himself, a notoriously reclusive man, had decided to attend, adding a touch of surprise to the party.
During breakfast, Cherri had missed no opportunity to tease Angel Dust, sitting at the table with a mischievous grin: «You know, Charlie put me at the DJ console for tonight. The first song is going to be perfect, "Dollar bills, dollar bills, Watch it falling for me, I love the way that feels" and then of course, you couldn't miss "Here comes the money" you remember it from yesterday, right? And as icing on the cake, towards the end, when we start dancing to old glories, there will be ABBA's "Money, Money, Money"!»
Angel, with a defiant smile, would not let that get him down: «Don't sing victory too soon, toots. The party hasn't even started.»
Cherri shrugged, smug: «Well, Angie, time is ticking and my wallet is already looking fuller. At this point, I just don't see how you could turn the situation around.»
Angel did not immediately respond. His eyes landed on Headshot, who was arguing with Bruce not far away. His friend looked ridiculously excited about a blatantly unfashionable blue-and-white striped swimsuit that looked like it came straight out of the 1950s, a hand-me-down gift from Bruce. A lightning thought crossed Angel's mind. Something crazy, absurd, but ... absolutely effective.
A sly smirk painted itself on his face. «Actually...» he said slowly «...I've already found a way.»
Cherri, curious, looked at him with wide eye. «Oh really? And what is this miraculous plan?»
Angel stood up mysteriously, the eerie grin that didn't hint at disappearing. «You'll find out tonight, toots. Now I have work to do.»
As he walked away, Cherri looked at him puzzled, but with a shadow of concern. Knowing Angel, whatever plan he had in mind could end in tragedy. The day went by quickly, with the hotel abuzz with final preparations for the party. Angel had watched Headshot busy all afternoon, making sure the entire perimeter of the Hotel was secure. He seemed engrossed in his role as security manager, another of the many reasons Angel found him fascinating.
When the time came, Angel put his plan into action. After getting himself a pair of scissors and retrieving the spare keys to Headshot's room, he walked toward the upper floors, feeling his adrenaline rising. Once in front of the door to his friend's room, he opened it with ease.
Headshot's room was a jumble of order and disorder. A few boxes still lay in one corner, while a desk served as a workbench for his weapons. The bed in the center was unmade, with obvious signs of restless nights. Angel noticed shards of glass and broken objects gathered in a corner, as if they had been thrown against the wall during a fit of rage. "We have more in common than I thought." Angel reflected with a wry smile.
He quickly returned to his goal: sabotaging Headshot's hideous vintage swimsuit just enough to keep him shirtless at the highlight of the party. With a quick glance, he found the gardment hanging in the closet: a blue-and-white striped, cotton one-piece bathing suit. A real eyesore.
With precision, Angel made small strategic cuts near the seams, enough to make the fabric sag without being noticeable. Satisfied, he carefully stowed the costume and made sure everything was exactly as he had found it.
But just as he was closing the door, Angel almost jumped: Husk, the demon-cat bartender, had appeared before him without making a sound.
«What are you doing here?» asked Husk, in a suspicious tone.
Angel, trying to keep calm, nonchalantly replied «I could ask you the same!»
«I saw a certain spider climbing up to the upper floors looking very suspicious.» retorted Husk, crossing his arms. «Now tell me: what were you doing in Headshot's room?»
Knowing he could not fool Husk, Angel sighed, surrendering. «You know that bet yesterday, the one about Headshot and his shirt? Well, the plan is still on. He borrowed a horrible 50s costume from Bruce, and I'm ... making sure he ends up without it, at least from the waist up.»
Husk was in disbelief and also a little disgusted: he knew that Angel used to pull jokes, even serious ones, but this was going beyond the limit of decency. Biting his tongue, he took a deep breath and replied, biting his lip: «Angel... didn't it cross your mind to... ask him, maybe?»
Angel huffed, irritated. «Oh, sure. Because he is so outgoing and sociable that he would surely say yes to me, right?»
Husk stared at him, keeping his composure. «I'm not sure, Legs, maybe there's a reason why he doesn't take his shirt off...»
Angel rolled his eyes. «Yes, because he is shy, of course! Trust me, Husk, once everyone sees him without it, he will never want to put it back on. He will be the hero of the night.»
«Fine, do what you want.» Husk sighed, raising his hands in surrender. «I just hope you don't regret it.»
Angel smiled, convinced he had the situation under control. «Don't worry, I have everything under control. Bye, Husky!»
As Angel walked away, Husk stood there, his bottle in his hand. He shook his head, taking a sip. «I smell disaster.»
-

That evening about half of the guests wanted to participate, the other half preferred to stay inside the hotel and go to sleep, including Bruce, who felt too old for parties, and Molly, too young for a party among adults.
The atmosphere was electrifying, a vibrant energy ran through the air. The neon lights of the Hazbin Hotel's outdoor pool danced on the water, creating plays of color that reflected the euphoria of the evening. The music spread a feeling of freedom, and the scent of grills and cocktails hovered among the laughing and joking guests. Cherri, at the console, expertly dosed the tracks, letting the evening gradually pick up pace, promising a climax of pure euphoria. The group laughed lightheartedly, enjoying a rare moment of respite from the chaotic routine of hell. Everything seemed perfect: an oasis of conviviality, as if nothing could disturb that ephemeral peace.
By the pool, Lucas and Gunther chatted with the intimacy that only a deep friendship can offer.
But, among that expanse of merriment, Eddie felt completely out of place. He was the only one with nerves on edge, every fiber in his body stretched like an overstretched rope. It wasn't just the fact that he was in charge of security that bothered him, but the thought of being so exposed in front of others. The vintage swimsuit he wore only partially covered him, and no matter how hard he tried to convince himself it was enough, the terror of being seen-really seen-devoured him. Every tank top and T-shirt he usually wore carefully covered his scars, the indelible marks of his past, but that costume... would that be enough?
The tension was visible in his movements: stiff, calculated. His hands clasped nervously on himself, and his gaze wandered, trying to avoid eye contact. The cheerfulness around him seemed distant, like a background noise he could not decipher.
Then his gaze fell on Angel Dust, who, a few steps away from him, seemed to embody the exact opposite of how he felt. Angel wore a sparkling bikini that left very little to the imagination, his innate confidence shining as brightly as the sequins. He socialized with disarming ease, effortlessly moving from old friends to new acquaintances, laughing and joking as if he was born for those moments. Eddie couldn't help but envy him: Angel seemed so at ease, so free. A bitter longing crept into Eddie's heart, a desire to be a little more like him. He sighed, a mixture of admiration and melancholy.
A call distracted him from his thoughts. One of the guests, with whom he had exchanged a few words in the past, excitedly shouted to him «Hey, Headshot! What are you doing just standing there? Come take a dip with us!»
Eddie attempted a smile, but it was an empty gesture, devoid of real warmth. «No, thanks. I'm busy.» he replied in a flat voice, hoping that would be enough to end the matter.
Nifty, light as a ghost, quietly approached him, laying her small body, covered only by a bikini, on the young sniper's shoulder. «Oh, come on, Headshot! Take that thing off and come and have some fun! I want to see those bad boy muscles!» The tone was playful, but there was an eerie insistence in the way his hands moved over confidently on Eddie's shoulder, trying to break through any barriers.
Eddie reacted instinctively, lifting Nifty and laying her gently on the ground, but the tension in his muscles betrayed his growing discomfort. «I'm fine here, really.» His words were measured, almost choked by the weight of anxiety that gripped him.
Charlie, ever smiling and reassuring, approached, trying to dilute the atmosphere. «Headshot, you really don't want to relax a little? No one's going to judge you, we're here to have fun.»
His tone was gentle and encouraging, but Eddie could not shake the sense of oppression that crushed him. Even Charlie's kind words could not shake that armor he had erected around himself.
It was at that moment that Angel Dust approached, with a smile a smile that hinted at the trouble he was about to cause. «Oh, of course! No one cares if you're not perfect under that shirt, and I highly doubt you're not. Look at Lucas, he's huge and doesn't mind! I guarantee if you put on a proper costume, everyone will fall at your feet.»
Eddie struggled to maintain control. «Silly, thank you so much, I'm flattered, but I'm fine with this swimsuit.» His voice trembled slightly, betraying the nervousness he was desperately trying to hide.
But by now the scene had attracted everyone's attention. The gazes focused on him, and more and more people began to press in, each with their own invitation to relax and join in the fun. Every word, every comment, came down on Eddie like a hammer against already cracked glass. He felt the pressure building, an unbearable weight that threatened to break him down. He could not breathe, as if the world around him was closing in, pushing him toward an abyss from which he would not be able to rise.
Every single voice coalesced into a deafening chorus as anxiety devoured every shred of confidence left.
More and more people joined the chorus, some with harmless jokes, others with friendlier attempts, but every word, every gesture, seemed to add a new layer of pressure on him. Some even began to make stadium choruses, trying to encourage him in goliardic tones, unaware of the devastating effect they were having.
Eddie's breathing grew shorter and shorter as his mind screamed for a way out. He felt hands touching him, trying to push him to "have fun" but to him that touch was nothing more than a suffocating grip. Every time he tried to push them away, they seemed to multiply. «Guys, I said no. Leave me alone.» His voice trembled, charged with a warning that no one seemed to catch, as if the whole world was ignoring his desperate plea.
And then, the moment he had always dreaded. Angel Dust, in his eagerness to win the challenge with Cherri and fueled by the desire to finally see him shirtless, took the opportunity. With a mischievous smile plastered on his face, he grabbed Eddie's vintage swimsuit by the shoulders and pulled hard. The small cuts he had made earlier made the gesture very easy. The swimsuit tore with a dull sound, revealing what Eddie had tried so hard to hide.
Angel, at first, didn't realize what he had done. He waved the ripped piece with a victorious air, shouting: «Yes! Fucking finally! Fucking fin...» But his voice died abruptly as he looked up at Eddie.
After all the cackling, the laughter, the requests to join them, everything suddenly fell silent. The pool was as silent as a graveyard.
Angel's smile dissolved, giving way to an expression of pure disbelief and shock. Eddie stood there, exposed to everyone's judgment, the scars that marked his torso finally visible. They were deep, brutal, the marks of a past he had tried to bury: homophobic insults cruelly etched into his flesh, scars that spoke of violence, pain, and hatred. Indelible words, marks that would not disappear with time and reminded him of who he had been, and what had been done to him.
The world around him seemed to freeze in a chilling silence, as the gazes of others rested on him, for the first time aware of why Eddie had always refused to take off his shirt. What was supposed to be a festive evening turned into a palpable nightmare. Eddie could no longer breathe, he felt panic clutching his chest, and his heartbeat rang in his ears like a crazed drum.
«What have I done...» whispered Angel, finally realizing the big mistake he had made. But at this point, it was too late.
Every gaze was fixed on Eddie, and his torso revealed an intricate map of suffering, etched into his skin like a cruel reminder of what he had experienced. Scars, deep and irregular, stood out on his torso like ancient wounds that had never healed: burns, cuts, furrows left by brutality and hatred, and words, insults etched with the force of violence. Each mark told a story of pain, shame, and humiliation that she never wanted to expose.
The music had died down abruptly, cut off by Cherri with a sudden gesture. No one moved, no one dared to speak. The space around the pool seemed to have petrified, and even the air was charged with a heavy silence, steeped in shock and discomfort. Charlie, at the sight of those terrible marks, covered her mouth with both hands, unable to hold back the tears that filled her eyes. The whole world seemed to stand still in that instant, suspended in the stillness of a devastating revelation.
Eddie felt naked, exposed in a way that went beyond mere physicality. His heart pounded in his chest, his breathing became irregular, almost painful, as he tried desperately to maintain a control that was slipping away from him. Every eye on him was a boulder crushing him, amplifying the anxiety and panic that gripped him. He felt trapped, suffocated by the silent judgment he sensed from everyone, unable to escape the shame eating away at him.
Then, in the midst of that chaos of emotions, his eyes met those of Angel Dust. The spider demon, still with the torn piece of costume in his hands, had a face discolored with terror and guilt. His gaze was wide open in a mixture of shock and guilt, aware only then of the damage he had caused. The grimace of triumph had turned into a mask of repentance, and his arms lowered, trembling, unable to support the weight of what he had just done.
Angel stammered, his voice broken with confusion and remorse: «Headshot... I...I'm sorry. I didn't know...I would never...»
Something inside Eddie snapped. Terror turned into a wave of rage, uncontrollable and savage. Pain merged with that fury, making him tremble from head to toe. His voice exploded into a tear-filled, hateful scream: «You fucking idiot!» he shouted, his words sharp as blades, tears burning his eyes. «What the fuck were you thinking, huh?! Is everything a game for you, where you can touch whoever you want without consequences?! You act nice to everyone, you think you're so superior, but in the end you're just a stupid, terrible, disgusting, useless whore!»
The words hit Angel Dust like a punch in the stomach. His expression changed from disbelief to shock to deep, silent distress. He was no stranger to insults, not in the life he had lived, but to hear them coming out of the mouth of Eddie, a friend he had come to respect and appreciate, was devastating. Those words were not just insults, they were the coup de grace that cut through every bond of trust.
Eddie didn't stop. With a violent snap, he ripped what was left of the costume from Angel's hands, his face distorted with anger and despair. There was no more room for anything else, only escape. His wings unfurled with a mighty beat, lifting him into the air. In an instant, Eddie disappeared, leaving behind that place of humiliation and pain, fleeing not only from the party but from the stares and judgments that would haunt his mind.
The silence that followed was absolute. The atmosphere was heavy, almost unreal: the guests, one by one, were beginning to realize the mistake they had just made. The sound of water dripping from the pool was the only noise, a faint echo that seemed to accompany the tragedy that had just occurred.

Angel stood still, a piece of his costume still in his hands, staring into space. Eddie's words played over and over in his head, like a broken record he couldn't turn off. Guilt gripped his chest like a suffocating grip. He knew he'd made a mistake, that he'd broken a barrier too intimate. He was used to being treated with contempt, but this time there wasn't the usual emotional distance that allowed him to shrug off insults. This time was different. He'd hurt someone he was starting to consider a true friend.
Cherri Bomb tried to restart the music, hoping to bring back some semblance of normalcy, but the action turned out pathetic. The music failed to mask the uneasy murmuring that was going on among the guests, their gazes now full of shame and unease. Some were casting furtive glances at Angel, unable to understand how the demon, usually so swaggering and unflappable, could be so upset.
Charlie and Vaggie were wracked with guilt. They had allowed that evening to take a terrible turn, and they felt that they had been complicit, albeit unwittingly, in that public humiliation.
Angel, was trapped in his thoughts, with the image of Eddie looking at him with that mixture of anger and pain, and the poisonous words still ringing in his ears. He felt like shit, knowing that he had betrayed the trust of someone who considered him more than companion in misfortune. Seeking comfort, he went to the bar counter which had been specially re-polished for the pool: it was much smaller than the one at the Hotel, but enough to allow Husk to keep all the alcohol and ingredients for the cocktail drinks cool. His friend was on the other side, behind him a tablet was placed so that Adam, on a video call, could see the party and in a certain sense , knowing his friend, already had a martini ready for him; Angel grabbed him as soon as he reached the counter and threw him down in one fell swoop.

«I told you, Legs.» said Husk, shaking his head. «I figured there was a reason behind him not wanting to show his torso. Now the whole hotel knows, thanks to you.»

Angel collapsed on the bar floor, dropping the torn piece of costume. Sitting down, he brought his knees to his chest, clasping his four arms in a hug. «I screwed up big time.» admitted, his voice broken by remorse.
Husk reached out, placing a heavy hand on Angel's shoulder, somehow trying to comfort him. «Yes, you did it. But it happened, you can't change it. Now you just have to hope that Headshot will let you explain when he's ready to hear from you.»
Angel nodded weakly, but he knew that no words could undo what he had done. Guilt overwhelmed him, making him feel as if he himself had reopened those scars with his own hands. The thought that Eddie might never forgive him terrified him, and a new, terrible fear began to make its way inside him: what if he had lost forever one of the few friends he had found in that damn hotel? The wind blew lightly on the roof, carrying the muffled sounds of the party that continued by the pool, but to Eddie it all seemed so far away. He took refuge there, away from the stares, the judgments, the shame that consumed him from within.

He had curled up with his face hidden between his knees, his back against the balcony wall. His body was still shaking from the shock, and his heart was pounding in his throat. Every time he closed his eyes, he saw their expressions - horror, pity, confusion. But what haunted him most was Angel Dust's look of hurt and shame. The words he had spoken to him replayed in his mind, making him feel even dirtier and guiltier.

Tears burned behind his eyelids, but Eddie refused to let them fall. He had to stay strong, even if he felt himself breaking down.

His hands trembled: he had a strong instinct to try again to rip the skin off his torso so that the scars would disappear, even though he knew it was useless. He had tried it many times before.

He was not immediately aware of Lucifer's presence. The King of Hell had arrived silently and surveyed the view for a moment before turning his gaze to the young demon crouched on the ground. He sat down on the stone bench across from him, leaving space between them, and sighed slightly.

«It's quite a view from up here.» Lucifer began, his voice calm, almost serene. «The city has its own charm, especially at night.»

Eddie did not answer, not even daring to look up. His hands were clenched in fists around his knees, his knuckles white with tension.

Lucifer was undeterred by the silence: «All right, I'm not here for the view. I saw what happened, Headshot. I saw the horrible wounds on your chest, and I saw how you reacted to them. It must be a painful memory.»

Eddie blew up his nose, the fight against tears becoming more stubborn.

Watching his reaction, Lucifer sighed: «I'm not here to force you to do something you don't want to do. But ... if you feel like it ... I want you to open up. I'd like to know who gave you those scars and why.»

Eddie's body stiffened. His nails dug into the skin of his legs, but he remained silent, fighting the knot that tightened in his throat.

Lucifer sat at his side, but kept a respectful distance. «I know it seems easier to pretend that it's nothing and that nothing can touch you, but it's a deception of pride. Look at me: after my fall, I shut myself in, almost refusing to have anything to do with the outside world. Lilith took the reins of Hell practically by herself, inspiring demons and sinners to make this place at least livable. She put up with my absence and depression for years, but one day, and rightly so, she decided enough was enough. And she left. My refusal to deal with my malaise ruined my marriage and my relationship with my daughter. We just recently started talking again. You know, I see a little bit of me in you. Something hurt you deep inside, broke you, and now you refuse to let it out - but it's ruining your life. Many guests, including Husk, Vaggie, and Nifty, heard you screaming at night. We had to move the guests next to your room to other rooms so they could sleep. Don't make my mistake, Headshot. Let it out. Confront yourself, if not with me, then with someone you trust. But do it. No one should carry such a burden alone. No one CAN carry such a burden alone, and the King of Hell tells you so.»
Eddie hugged himself even tighter, his breathing harder as Lucifer's words slowly seeped into his mind. He felt the weight of the silence, but also the truth behind the words. Years of trying to ignore the pain, to hide the wounds, had consumed him. And now there he was, broken, exposed for all to see.
«I... I can't.» he whispered, his voice broken, almost choked. «I can't talk about it, I don't want to talk about it...»
Lucifer watched him, without judgment, with a patience perhaps only an immortal could have. «I know it's difficult. And I'm not going to force you. But I want you to know that you are not alone. Whatever has happened to you, whatever you've been through, does not have to define who you are now. Don't let those who hurt you still have power over you.»
Eddie looked up for a moment, his eyes filled with tears, but also with deep anger. «You can't understand...you can't understand what it's like...to be branded, humiliated like that...»
Lucifer tilted his head slightly. «Maybe not, but I assure you I know what it's like to be broken and hurt deep inside. What I want to tell you, Headshot, is that the pain cannot define the rest of your existence. You must face it, or it will continue to destroy you, piece by piece.»
Eddie covered his face with his hands, shaking. His defenses were crumbling, and for the first time in a long time, he felt the need to open up, to scream out all the pain that was consuming him from within.
Lucifer remained silent, giving him the space to make his choice.
«I didn't want them to see it...» he finally whispered, his voice broken with pain. «I didn't want them to know.»
Lucifer nodded slowly, with an understanding look. He put an arm around Eddie's shoulders, «Come on, get it all out.«
Eddie finally looked up, his eyes shining with restrained tears. «I don't want to, no, I can't! I MUST pretend it never happened. I want to forget, I want to pretend it's just a bad nightmare. It should pass by itself sooner or later, right?»
«Ah, if only it were that easy.» Lucifer replied «I fell thousands of years ago, maybe six or seven – I lost count after a thousand. And no, I haven't forgotten anything yet, not even the details. Even with Charlie giving me more to think about, the shadow of my fall is always there. The pain, the injustice. I tried like you to pretend nothing happened, but as I told you, it only backfired on me. You have to face it, Headshot, or it will keep eating you up from the inside.»
Eddie lowered his gaze, his chest rising and falling rapidly, as if the air itself missed him. Then, in a voice that seemed to come from a distant place, too dark to be expressed openly, he said «If I were to think about what happened to me ... if I were to really face my feelings, I'm afraid I would take my own life again.»
Lucifer fell silent for a moment, his face betraying deep concern, but also deeper understanding than Eddie could have imagined.
Eddie continued with a resignation that made his blood run cold. «"Headshot" is not just an alias. It's how I got here.»
Eddie's words hit Lucifer like a punch in the gut. For a moment, the King of Hell did not know what to say. He just walked up to Eddie and put a hand on his shoulder, more firmly this time. «You are not alone in carrying this burden, Headshot. Hell is full of people like us, not just scumbags. I know it seems impossible, but you don't have to go through it alone. When you're ready, I'm ready to listen. There is no judgment here, just someone who has seen the darkness and can walk through it with you.»
Eddie stood still for a long moment, his breath panting as he struggled with the desire to open up and the fear of what it would mean. After a few seconds he looked up and asked in a weak voice, «Tell me something, Lucifer...when you found out Charlie had a girlfriend, how did you react?»
Lucifer smiled, almost amused by the question, and replied with a slight chuckle: «I told her, "Ah, you like girls! So do I! We have so much in common!"»
The answer hit Eddie like a punch in the chest. He felt the knot in his throat tighten and hid his face in his hands, a bitter laugh soon turning to sobs. «Unbelievable...» he murmured, his voice choked. «The Devil is a better father than my own.»
Lucifer remained silent, watching him and slowly beginning to understand. His face grew serious, a mixture of disbelief and displeasure. «Your father did this to you?» he asked, his voice lower, filled with concern.
Eddie nodded slightly, then took a breath, ready to finally tell it all. «Growing up in 1950s Texas... and being gay... well, that was bad enough. But having a hyper-religious father? Now, that was a damnation. I never knew my mother - she was gone when I was a kid. She was probably smart enough to run away when she had the chance. My father - well, he wasn't violent when I was a kid. But he was distant, almost like I didn't exist.»
He paused for a moment, trying to calm the tremor in his voice. «He took me to school every day, left me there and picked me up at night. Then at home, nothing. He would never talk, he would pray for hours. It was all ... rules upon rules. Everything forbidden. No long hair, no bright colors. Nothing "feminine", and every day the same obsession: I didn't have to become a faggot.»
Eddie chuckled sadly. «When I realized I liked boys, it was like - like the world came crashing down on me. I spent my teenage years pretending, you know? I was hiding. I had no friends, I tried to look ... not gay, masculine, like I thought I should be. And for a while ... it worked.»
He paused, staring at a distant point, almost as if he was reliving everything in that moment. «But at some point... I couldn't stand it anymore. The loneliness was unbearable. I needed someone, someone who understood me. So ... I got a small job, saved some money and bought a car. With it ... I started driving around the gay clubs. I lied to my father, told him I was looking for a girl.»
Lucifer nodded, listening quietly, without interrupting.
«One day I met this guy. Beautiful, confident ... and I ... I had no idea where to even start, he had so much experience instead. We spent the evening together, and everything seemed ... perfect. But when I got home, my dad was waiting for me. I don't know how, maybe someone had seen me, or maybe someone had betrayed me. But he knew everything.»
Eddie paused, the pain in his eyes deepening. «He told me things...words no father should ever say to his son. I... I tried to stay calm, to say I was leaving. But when I turned around ... he hit me on the head. I woke up in the basement, in chains.»
Lucifer held his breath, his gaze more tense as Eddie continued. «At first, it was just getting hit. Then it got worse. Whips, cigarettes snuffed out on the skin... Bible verses carved with a scalpel. Eight months. Eight months without anyone looking for me.»
The silence that followed was thick, laden with the weight of the words Eddie had just spoken. «One day I couldn't take it anymore.» Eddie continued, his voice breaking. «I broke the chain. I jumped on him - I killed him.»
Lucifer remained silent, unable to find adequate words. The weight of Eddie's suffering was palpable, like an invisible wall surrounding him.

Eddie lowered his eyes, his hands shaking as he spoke. «I freed myself - I took my car and ran. I was free, but not really. The scars, the burns, the cuts-they weren't just on my skin. They were in here.» he said, tapping his chest «They wouldn't leave me alone, they reminded me every day of what I had become. And I couldn't take it.»

Lucifer nodded slowly, his eyes full of thoughtful pain. Eddie continued, his voice growing flatter and flatter, almost as if he were telling someone else's story. «I did everything I could to escape those memories. I lived on tricks, dirty jobs, stealing to survive. But the pain wouldn't go away, and in the end ... well, in the end I thought the only way out was to ... end it all.»

Eddie lifted his gaze and stared at Lucifer with blank eyes. «I took my own life. I thought it would put an end to everything. But then... I ended up here. And I realized that not even the flames of hell could erase what he did to me. I'm stuck... forever.»
Lucifer closed his eyes for a moment, absorbing the pain in Eddie's voice. He knew that there were no words that could heal such deep wounds, but he also knew that the only way forward was to face those wounds, despite the terror.
Lucifer was silent for a long moment, his face serious. Then he spoke in a low, steady voice, choosing his words carefully. «Headshot... I can't even imagine what you've been through. No one should have to go through one hell on earth, only to find themselves here, in another hell, with no respite. What happened to you is a horror, a violence that no one deserves. But I want you to understand one thing: what you have suffered does not define you. It is not who you are.»
Eddie lowered his head, feeling a warm tear slide down his face. One of the few he had allowed himself to shed. «Then who am I, Lucifer? I'm just an empty shell, a wreck of what I could have been. Every night I live again those horrors. My father's words, the pain, the fear – I cannot escape. Even here, at the Hotel, I can't leave them behind.»
Lucifer shook his head slowly, then turned fully toward him, looking straight into his eyes, his voice more intense. «You survived, Headshot. You are still here, despite everything. That takes immense strength, strength that few have. You are not a wreck, you are a warrior. And even if it seems now that there is nothing left to save, it's not too late. Even in the midst of chaos, you can rebuild, you can find meaning.»
Eddie listened, but those words seemed to slip away, unable to cling to his heart. «I don't feel like a warrior. I just feel tired, Lucifer. Tired of fighting, tired of suffering. I don't know if I can do it.»
Lucifer took a breath, searching for the right words. «I'm not asking you to forget. I know you can't. But I am asking you not to go through this alone. You are not alone here anymore. Charlie, Husk, Vaggie - even Angel Dust. They all saw your pain, even if they didn't know the details. They want to help you. Don't shut yourself off. Don't make the mistake I made.»
Eddie lifted his gaze, trying to find a sign of hope in Lucifer's eyes. «But how can I do that? How can I open up, when all I know is pain?»
Lucifer smiled, but it was a sad smile, laden with the weight of centuries of experience. «I know it is difficult. But the first step is the most important. Allow yourself to be helped, even a little. Allow those who love you to come closer, to share your burden. You don't have to do it all alone, child. Sometimes just sharing the burden makes it a little more bearable.»
Eddie remained silent, Lucifer's words bouncing around in his mind. Hope was a fragile thing, but there was a part of him that, despite everything, wanted to believe. He wanted to believe that there could be a way out of that suffocating pain.
«I don't know if I can do it...» he murmured finally, lowering his gaze again.
Lucifer nodded, understanding. «No one is asking you to do it all at once. Take it one day at a time. And remember, I'm here. We are all here, for you.»
The light wind continued to blow, carrying away the last traces of the party in the distance. The silence between Eddie and Lucifer was no longer charged with tension, but rather with quiet hope. Not a promise, but a possibility.
With a deep breath, Eddie nodded slightly. It was a subtle but significant decision. «Thank you, Lucifer. I'm not promising anything, but ... I'll try. I'll try not to face everything alone.»
Lucifer put a hand on his shoulder, squeezing it in a gesture that was both supportive and comforting. «That's all I ask, Headshot. Give it a try. And if you don't think you can, remember that you're not alone.»
Eddie lifted his eyes to the sky, where the stars were faint but present. The wind brushed against his face, and for the first time in a long while, he did not feel it as a mere reminder of his pain. Perhaps there was a reprieve, however small. He was not yet cured, but he had begun to share his burden with someone. And in that moment, he felt a little freer.
He took a deep breath and tried to find a peace he had not known for a long time. It was not all resolved, but he was starting to stand.
Lucifer watched the young sniper, noting the tatters of the vintage costume he still wore, frayed and torn from the hard day. With a silent, natural gesture, he removed his immaculate jacket and placed it on Eddie's shoulders. «You'll catch a cold» he said in a light tone, almost joking, but with a hint of genuine concern.
Surprised by the unexpected gesture, Eddie stood still and let Lucifer take care of him in that small but significant way. The jacket was definitely too small for his frame, but he said nothing. The warmth of the fabric and the gesture were enough for him. «Thank you, Lucifer.»
«You're welcome, kid.» the devil replied with a hint of a smile. «So what are you going to do? Are you going to get an untorn costume and go back to the party, or would you rather go to sleep?»
Eddie sighed deeply, as if trying to get rid of all the weight he was carrying around. He stood up: «I really have a lot to think about. I think a good night's sleep will do me good.» He started to take off the jacket and give it back, but Lucifer stopped him with a quick wave of his hand.
«Keep it.» he said in an almost paternal tone. «I'll pick it up later.» Then, with a small flick of his wrist, Lucifer adjusted the jacket to fit Eddie's stature and musculature perfectly, at least covering his shoulders. «Uh, if you need them, there are sleeping pills in the pocket. But don't take more than three or I'll be forced to have Belphegor come and wake you up.»
Eddie barely smiled, impressed by this touch of thoughtfulness. He realized, perhaps for the first time, that he was surrounded by people who loved him in one way or another. People who were willing to help him even when he was not sure he deserved it.
He turned towards the entrance of the hotel, ready to retire for the night, but before he did, he paused. «Lucifer, one last thing.» he began with a shaky voice. «Would you mind not reporting what happened to me just yet? I'd rather be the one to tell it ... when I'm ready.»
Lucifer looked at him with understanding eyes. He was touched by Eddie's trust in him. It was no small thing, especially for someone who carried such deep wounds. «Of course, Eddie. Don't worry about it.»
«Thank you, Lucy.» Eddie said, allowing himself to use a nickname for the first time, before slowly disappearing into the hotel to his own room.
Watching him go, Lucifer was silent for a moment, thinking. Much as he was the King of Hell, even he could not help feeling the weight of the broken lives populating his realm. But perhaps, that night, he had helped lift a small part of the burden that weighed on Headshot. And even for a demon like him, that mattered. Eddie found himself staring at the pills in his hand, fighting a mixture of curiosity and uncertainty. Lucifer had said not to take more than three, and that recommendation made him wonder how powerful they must be. The instructions were clear: not only would they make you sleep deeply, but they would also bring out your deepest desires in your dreams. What did he desire most? What would he dream about? It was a seductive promise, but also a terrifying one.
The desire for a reprieve, even if only in a dream, was too strong. He took a deep breath and decided to take a risk. Without further thought, he swallowed the three pills at once. Almost immediately, he felt the effect wash over him like a gentle wave, erasing all thought and tension. As his head touched the pillow, he was sucked into a deep sleep, as if the world around him had been swallowed by a silent darkness.
The dream began in the worst possible way.
He was back in the damned basement. The air was saturated with mold and blood, the wall he was chained to seemed even colder and more unforgiving than he remembered. The chains holding his wrists were sharp, painful, and the metallic sound echoed every time he tried to move. Then, as in all his worst nightmares, his father appeared, with that icy gaze and that piercing voice, echoing with unbearable coldness. The torture began again. The cuts, the burns, the beatings-it was like reliving it all over again, the pain and fear paralyzing him. Every word from his father seemed like a sentence, every insult like a blow to the heart.
For a moment, Eddie thought the dream would be an endless repetition of his personal hell, as it had been so many times before.
But then something changed.
The basement door swung open with a deafening clang. Light pierced the darkness of the room and a SWAT team burst into the basement. The figures were armed and confident, moving with speed and precision, pointing their weapons at his father. For the first time, the man looked surprised. Confused, Eddie watched the scene as one figure, clearly the leader of the team, approached his father. With a sharp jab of the rifle, the policewoman knocked him to the ground, pressing the barrel to his cheek. Her voice was hard, firm, charged with ruthless determination - and familiar.
Eddie held his breath: it was Vaggie.
It was impossible, but there she was, standing in front of him, ready to defend him as if she had always been there to protect him. Eddie felt dazed, but something in his heart began to beat strongly, as if a spark of hope had been ignited.
Then one of the officers approached him. He lifted the visor of his helmet, revealing Lucifer's face. The King of Hell's expression was serious, but not without a touch of affection. «You okay, child?» Lucifer said in a paternal, reassuring tone, like that of a father who, finally, takes care of his son. «It's over, now we're taking you to safety.»
Eddie looked at Lucifer with wide eyes, unable to fully comprehend what was happening. But there was something different about this dream. It was not like the other nightmares where there was no escape. This one was different. There was hope.
One by one, the other team members raised their visors. With a mixture of amazement and relief, Eddie recognized their faces: Charlie, with her reassuring smile; Husk, with his usual cynical but present gaze; and Angel Dust, looking serious and focused nonetheless. They were all there. His new friends, the Hazbin Hotel group. They had materialized in his nightmare, ready to rescue him from that horror.
It was surreal. Unreal. But also incredibly comforting.
The truth slowly dawned on Eddie. His greatest desire was not to forget, nor to escape. What he wanted more than anything was to be saved. He had never been able to admit it, even to himself, but the loneliness, the pain, the sense of abandonment had consumed him for years. What he really wanted was for someone to see him, to pull him out of the abyss. Someone to lift him from the unbearable weight of his suffering.
The tears he had held back for so long began to flow uncontrollably. Tears of pain, yes, but also tears of relief. Eddie let out a long, liberating cry, crying for all he had suffered, for all he had hidden. For the first time he was not alone. For the first time, someone was there to save him.
The pain seemed to dissolve, as if swept away by this makeshift team of friends. It was the salvation he had always longed for, a dream that was finally coming true. If only in a dream, Eddie felt safe for the first time. Protected. Saved. As the dream faded into a light haze, Eddie awoke. His eyes were still teary, but for the first time he felt a sense of peace. The nightmare that had haunted him for years, the cursed scene of his father torturing him, had finally changed. And the change was not insignificant. This time, he had not been chained to the wall, alone and desperate. He had been saved, ironically, by those he had met at the Hazbin Hotel, people who had become his friends in a sense. For the first time in a long time, Eddie realized that maybe he was lucky. Maybe he was not as alone as he had thought.
As the thought comforted him, memories of last night surfaced. The pain, the anger, the chaos of that pool and the scars Angel had revealed without malice had overwhelmed him. Yet Eddie also knew that he was not innocent. Angel had recklessly revealed his secret, but he, in turn, had reacted with anger and sharp words, hurting those who probably had not intended to hurt him. He had insulted him, yelled at him, projected his shame and pain onto someone who, despite everything, only cared about him.
Eddie sat on the edge of the bed, Lucifer's jacket still tight around him. He sighed deeply. He needed to apologize to Angel.
Eddie put on a white t-shirt and his trusty cargo pants, trying to feel as comfortable as possible. He looked at himself in the mirror for a moment and took a deep breath before leaving the room. He had decided to approach the day with a fresh perspective, hoping to shed the weight of recent events.
As he descended the stairs, he noticed that many of the hotel guests were watching him in silence, their gazes charged with a mixture of curiosity and understanding. No one, however, dared approach. Eddie felt the weight of those stares on him, but he tried not to let them bother him. He reached the staff table in the breakfast room, where an inviting smell of coffee and pancakes wafted through the air.
As soon as she saw him, Charlie jumped up and walked over to Eddie with tears in her eyes. «Headshot! I'm so sorry for what happened last night.» she said, her voice shaking. «We never should have pushed you like that! I promise we won't do it again!»
Eddie smiled sweetly at her and caressed her hair to reassure her. «Don't worry, Charlie. It's okay. I know you didn't mean any harm.»
It took a while to calm her down, but eventually Charlie seemed to relax. One by one, other employees approached him to apologize: Vaggie, with a look of concern; Husk, who merely nodded his head; and even Nifty, who mumbled words of contrition as she frantically rearranged the tablecloths.
Eddie, fresh from his dream that night, felt strangely lighter. The nightmare that had haunted him had turned into something else, and it had given him a new perspective. He felt that he could forgive, that he could move on.
But there was one notable absence. Angel Dust was not present that morning.
«Do you know where Angel is?» asked Eddie, trying to hide the worry in his voice.
It was Husk who answered, setting his coffee cup down on the table. «He doesn't want to come out of his room. He's afraid you're still mad at him.»
Eddie sighed deeply and felt a knot in his stomach. He needed to talk to Angel, set things straight. He rose from his chair, determined. «I'll go talk to him.»
Without adding anything else, he headed for the stairs, walking toward Angel's room. As he went up, he felt his heart beat faster. She knew that he, too, had an apology to make. He had said terrible things, driven by anger and pain, and now it was time to make it right.
Arriving at Angel's door, Eddie hesitated for a moment. Then he knocked lightly. «Angel? I'm Ed–Headshot. May I come in?»
There was no answer for a few seconds, then a hesitant voice came from inside. «The door is open.»
Eddie cautiously opened the door and stepped inside. Angel's room perfectly reflected the personality of its occupant: the walls were covered with pink and white wallpaper, filled with posters advertising adult movies in which Angel starred. Neon lights with provocative shapes and words lit up the room, and a pole dancer's pole took up a corner of the room. Not far away, a large makeup station mirrored half the room, and on the opposite wall was a huge closet overflowing with flashy clothes. Next to the double bed, a comfortable beanbag chair completed the decor.
Angel sat on the bed, wrapped in a robe, his eyes fixed on the floor. He didn't look like the usual swaggering, confident demon. On the contrary, he looked vulnerable, a version of Angel Eddie had rarely seen.
«Hey.» said Eddie, closing the door behind him.
Angel looked up for a moment, then looked away. «If you came to yell at me, save your breath. I know I was wrong.»
Eddie shook his head, approaching calmly. «That's not why I'm here. Actually, I wanted to apologize.»
Angel looked at him, surprised. «Apologize? But I'm the one who ruined everything. I invaded your privacy, I...»
«Yes, it's true, you made a mistake.» Eddie interrupted him, his tone calm and collected. «But my reaction was over the top. I said things to you that you didn't deserve. I'm sorry.»
Angel was silent for a moment, then sighed. «You can't blame yourself for reacting like that. What I did is unforgivable.»
Eddie sat on the edge of the bed, keeping a respectful distance, even though he felt the need to be closer to him. «It's not unforgivable, Angel. You screwed up one thing, and I screwed up another. If we both admit our mistakes, we can fix them. I understood that you didn't mean to hurt me. And I guess you understood why I reacted the way I did.»
«I kind of guessed.» Angel replied sadly «Whatever happened to you, it must have been terrible.»
Eddie sighed «You don't know how much. I've never wanted to talk to anyone about it. But maybe it's time to stop hiding my scars – at least from those who love me.»
A faint, sincere smile appeared on Angel's lips. «So...are we still friends?»
Eddie returned the smile. «If you want to, yes. But no bets involved, this time.»
Angel stared at him for a moment, amazed. Eddie looked at him with an eloquent expression. «Yes, Angel, I knew about the bet. I have a highly developed sense of smell, I could smell what you were feeling. And my ears work pretty good too.»
Angel blushed slightly, embarrassed. «Okay, no more bets.»
They exchanged a complicit glance and, for a moment, the weight of what had happened seemed to recede. With a natural gesture, Eddie wrapped one arm around Angel's shoulders. Angel stiffened for a moment, surprised by the gesture, but then relaxed, leaning slightly against Eddie. There was something comforting about the contact, as if this small gesture of affection had begun to heal some of the emotional wounds between them.
Eddie noticed something unusual in the air. It wasn't just the usual smell of fresh tobacco and honey that he associated with Angel, there was something else, a vaguely barn smell. «Is there anyone else here, Angel?»
Angel looked at him confused. «What?»
«I smell something that is not yours, and it can't be mine.»
Angel quickly understood. «Ah, you're probably smelling Fat Nuggets.»
«Who?»
Angel smiled and ducked down, tucking his arm under the bed. «Nuggy, come on out. He's Daddy's friend, you can trust him.»
With a soft grunt, a little hellborn piglet came out from under the bed. The little pink animal with magenta and black spots, equipped with horns and a pointed tail, peered out, grunting shyly.
Eddie melted at the sight of the little animal. «Oh! Who is this little guy? Where did he come from?»
«This is Fat Nuggets. My pet pig.» replied Angel with an affectionate smile.
Eddie knelt down to stand at the piglet's level, his voice rising with sweetness. «Hi, little Nuggy...» he said, holding out a hand. Fat Nuggets recoiled at first, intimidated.
Eddie understood the little animal's fear and was more patient. «Don't worry, I don't want to hurt you. Just come closer when you feel like it.»
The piglet stood still for a few moments, sniffing the air. Then, cautiously, he approached Eddie, licking his hand. Eddie, delighted, scratched gently behind his ear, and that small gesture seemed enough to earn Fat Nuggets' trust, who grunted happily.
Eddie took Fat Nuggets in his arms with extreme care, cuddling him affectionately. «Oh, look how sweet you are! Aren't you the cutest of them all? Yes, you are!» he said softly, rubbing his nose against the piglet's grunt. Fat Nuggets grunted happily, licking his cheek eagerly, his little eyes shining with joy.
Then Eddie turned to Angel. «When were you going to introduce me to him?» he asked with an amused smile.
Angel shrugged, a little distracted by his thoughts, and replied with a slight smile. «I never really thought about it.» he admitted. As he watched Eddie cuddle his pet, something melted inside him. Fat Nuggets was his closest companion, a loyal friend in an often cruel world. The sight of Eddie treating him with such kindness, almost more than he did his own sister, touched him deeply. He could feel a warmth spreading through his chest, a sense of joy that he hadn't felt in a very long time. It was as if an invisible barrier was slowly coming down. Eddie probably didn't know how much Angel loved and cared for this little creature, but the fact that he had welcomed him so willingly and with such tenderness meant a lot. It was a simple gesture, but at that moment it represented something precious, a memory that Angel would have jealously guarded.
«So... how about we go downstairs and have breakfast?» suggested Eddie, still stroking Fat Nuggets, now comfortably settled in his arms. «As soon as you're dressed, of course – and Nuggy will calm down for a moment.»
Angel exhaled a long sigh, feeling the tension fade. «That sounds like a very good idea. But first... can I hug you?» he asked, his voice barely above a whisper, showing a vulnerability he rarely allowed himself to express.
Eddie hesitated for a moment, surprised by the unexpected request. Then, seeing the sincere expression on Angel's face, he smiled and opened his free arm in an encouraging gesture. «Sure, if you can manage not to annoy Nug-»
He did not have time to finish the sentence that Angel wrapped him in a warm embrace, interrupting him. This time it was Eddie who was surprised by the strength and intensity of that gesture. He could feel the accelerated beating of Angel's heart against his chest. After a moment, he returned the embrace, squeezing him affectionately. Fat Nuggets, feeling the pressure around him, began grunting playfully, trying to squeeze in between the two, which triggered spontaneous laughter from both of them.
When they pulled away, something seemed to have changed in the air. It was as if an invisible weight had been lifted, making way for a new lightness. Angel's eyes shone with a different light, and Eddie felt more serene than he had in a long time.
«Come on, hurry up and get dressed, I'm so hungry.» commented Eddie, bouncing the piglet in his arms, who seemed to be having the time of his life.
Angel laughed, a genuine sound that filled the room. «You're not the only one.» he replied, heading for the bathroom to change. As he walked away, he cast a glance back at Eddie and Fat Nuggets, a soft expression on his face. «Headshot... thank you.»
«For what?» he asked, slightly confused.
Angel hesitated for a moment. «For being here. And for... everything else.» Then he disappeared behind the bathroom door, leaving Eddie to ponder those words.
Left alone with Fat Nuggets, Eddie continued to cuddle him, feeling a deep inner peace. He gently stroked the piglet, which had snuggled in his arms, emitting small satisfied grunts. Looking at the little animal, Eddie thought about how much he had changed in such a short time. He had opened his heart, shared his pain, and received understanding and affection in return.
He stood up slowly, trying not to disturb Fat Nuggets, and walked to the window. The panorama of Hell stretched before him, but for the first time it did not seem so bleak. Perhaps it was the illusion of light filtering through the clouds of smoke, or perhaps it was simply his state of mind. He felt that, with Angel by his side, the road to recovery was not only possible, but passable.
After a few minutes, Angel came out of the bathroom, dressed in one of his more understated, but still flashy suits. «You ready?» he asked with a radiant smile. Eddie turned, returning his smile. «Very ready. And it looks like Nuggy is ready for a nice breakfast, too.»
Angel walked over, affectionately patting Fat Nuggets on the head. «Then let's go, before Husk finishes all the coffee.»
They exchanged a knowing look and left the room together, walking side by side down the hall. As they walked, Eddie felt that each step brought him closer not only to the breakfast room, but to a less troubled future. With Angel and the other friends from the hotel, perhaps he could finally find inner peace.
As they descended the stairs, they were greeted by the inviting aromas of food and the murmur of conversation. The other guests noticed them and some smiled, others nodded in greeting. Charlie, seeing them arrive together, seemed to light up. «Good morning, boys!»
«Good morning!» they replied in unison.
Eddie put Fat Nuggets on a chair where the piglet had made himself comfortable and sat down next to Angel. He felt that despite the difficulties, the day was promising.
«So, what's for breakfast?» asked Angel, rubbing his hands enthusiastically.
«Pancakes, scrambled eggs and ... bacon.» Husk replied with a grin.
Angel gave a scandalized look. «Bacon? Really? In front of Nuggy?»
Everyone laughed, and even Eddie joined in. «Don't worry, I promise we'll keep the bacon away from him.»
The table filled with chatter and laughter, and for a moment everything seemed normal. In the midst of this colorful company, Eddie finally felt a part of something. His past was not gone, but now it was no longer an unbearable burden to carry alone.
As he watched Angel joking with the others, he felt a deep sense of gratitude. Maybe, he thought, hell wasn't so bad when you had the right friends by your side.