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.

8. Glow

Hot. Dark. And comfortable.

Charlie found her surroundings familiar and cozy, her shoulders resting on something soft and a warm fabric wrapped around her. Two, actually: one layer was soft, the other harder, difficult to fold, as if made of a material unsuitable for sleeping on. Both, however, made her feel calm and safe, and for a moment she could cradle herself in that world of cozy warmth and soft pillows.

Reality was a distant mirage, almost a nightmare she did not want to fall back into anytime soon, with its duties and problems. If she kept her eyes closed a little longer, she might be able to return to the sleep that had kept her safe until recently.

The real world didn't look good: her muscles still ached, her stomach was hurting from the blind rage that had turned her into... what had she become? A fury, a threat... a monster? What was that thing?

Charlie slowly realized that she couldn't stay there forever. There was so much to do, so much to prove... and, as Angel said, everyone in the hotel was counting on her. She couldn't just give up...like Lilith had.

The sight of her mother washed over her like a wave: the way they looked at each other for a moment, the expression of remorse on her face... and the way she had ended the call. She was sorry... for what? Should she at least have explained to her why she was there, why she had broken off contact for eight years... she had so many questions and no answers.

With a hoarse whimper, she began to stir, stretching, awakening after a long, dreamless sleep.

Immediately she felt something move on the bed, by her side, as if someone had been at her bedside for the entire duration of her convalescence.

«Charlie?» she heard a familiar voice call softly.

Charlie pressed her eyes shut and tried to open them slowly. She could still feel the blanket draped over her, but she noticed another layer: her father's jacket, draped over her for extra protection. On the nearby bedside table, an array of small gifts spoke of the presence of her friends during her recovery: a necklace made of dead cockroaches, a pink stuffed animal in the shape of a piglet, a bottle of liquor in an elegant pouch, a packet of cookies decorated with green and blue icing, a drawing clearly done by Kitty, a bottle of cherry perfume, and, in the corner, a gramophone playing a vinyl record of gentle jazz music at a low volume.

Beside her, her face worried, her good eye swollen from crying, was Vaggie, who had never left her side.

Charlie smiled weakly, seeing her lover so close: «Hello, Vaggie.»

With a sigh of relief, Vaggie couldn't hold back and pulled her into a hug. She rested her forehead against Charlie's, one hand caressing the back of her head, the other wrapped around her back, almost wanting to make sure she was there, alive and safe. Vaggie needed to feel her, to convince herself that the nightmare was finally over. Never in her life had she felt such devastating fear at the thought of losing her.

The princess, still weak, managed to respond to the embrace, leaning on Vaggie's strength, the product of years of battle and training. Her muscles, however, were still numb, tired from the transformation and the time spent in a state of unconsciousness.

Breaking away from the warmth of the mattress, a cold shiver ran down her spine, and only then did she realize she was wearing nothing.

«Vaggie...why am I naked?» she asked in an embarrassed and somewhat confused tone.

Vaggie chuckled slightly: «Your clothes didn't fit your gigantic form, they tore. When you came to, you were like this... so we covered you up and rushed you to the hotel.»

«I'm cold...» Charlie admitted, her voice still weak.

Vaggie smiled sweetly at her and pulled up the blanket to wrap her better: «Stay covered, babe. When you feel better I'll help you get dressed.»

Charlie relaxed into Vaggie's comforting embrace, resting her face in the crook of her shoulder. She inhaled deeply, trying to find a calm point amidst the whirlwind of emotions and questions swirling in her head. The fatigue was overwhelming, her muscles aching and her mind foggy.

The security of Vaggie's touch was the only thing that seemed to keep her grounded. She had lost control of her body, transformed into something she couldn't even comprehend. And the vision of her mother, far away in heaven, still haunted her. How could she be there? Why didn't she give her an explanation? She had lied to her for years, leaving her to face her fears and responsibilities alone. All this made her dizzy.

She felt Vaggie's breath on her forehead and squeezed tighter, seeking some peace in that contact. She was awake, but she still had a long way to go. She had to regain her energy, understand how such an extreme transformation was possible, and most of all, find out why her mother was in heaven.

For the moment, though, she allowed herself to be wrapped in that warm embrace, the only refuge that allowed her to breathe deeper and prepare for the difficulties ahead.

Charlie spent several minutes in Vaggie's arms, clinging a little longer to the warmth and comfort of her recovery. The world around her still seemed distant, her head spinning slightly and her stomach rumbling, reminding her how long it had been since she had eaten.

Vaggie, meanwhile, wouldn't let her go. After the fear of losing her and the endless days spent watching over her while she was unconscious, she just wanted her to feel that she was there, that he would never leave her. Her fingers ran softly through Charlie's hair. Every now and then she planted a kiss on her forehead. Charlie was the most precious thing she had, and now that she woke up, Vaggie knew she would never let anyone or anything take her away from her again.

Someone knocked on the door, breaking the silence. Vaggie stiffened for a moment, undecided. She looked at the door and then at her beloved, worried that a visit might be too much for Charlie at the moment. «Do you feel like seeing someone?» she asked her quietly. Charlie's condition was still fragile and Vaggie did not want to put pressure on her.

Charlie took a deep breath. She didn't feel ready to face anyone, but at the same time she wanted to let whoever was out there know that she was okay... more or less. With a strained smile, she nodded, «If it's just one person, let them in.»

The knocking became more insistent again, as if whoever was on the other side could not wait any longer.

«Give me a second!» Vaggie called from the door in a somewhat irritated tone as she turned back to look at Charlie. Gently, she took the pillows and arranged them behind Charlie's head, creating a soft backrest to keep her elevated. Then she wrapped her more tightly in the blankets and covered her with Lucifer's jacket as well, as if every extra layer would give her more security and warmth.

Only after she was sure that Charlie was comfortable, Vaggie made her way to the door. She opened it cautiously and found herself standing in front of Lucifer, his face etched with concern.

«Oh, sir!» Vaggie greeted him, standing almost at attention.

«Hello, Mag...Vaggie. How is she? Any news?» asked Lucifer with a note of concern in his voice.

Vaggie closed the door behind her and lowered her voice: «Charlie's awake.» Lucifer lit up with joy, but before he could let go, Vaggie stopped him with a gentle gesture. «But she is still very weak. You can come in, but you must control yourself.» Lucifer nodded solemnly and promised not to get carried away.

They went back into the room, and when Lucifer saw that his daughter was awake, a smile of pure relief came over his face. «My girl...you're awake!» he said excitedly, trying to keep his composure.

«Hey, Dad...» Charlie replied, her voice hoarse with exhaustion.

Lucifer approached, controlling every move he made, afraid to hurt her. Resisting the urge to hold her too tightly, he embraced her, gentle and protective.

When he pulled away, he stroked her face with a gentle hand. «How are you feeling, honey?»

Charlie sighed. «Confused... Everything hurts: my head, my arms, my legs ... even my stomach burns. But I'm fine, really.»

Lucifer, overcome with emotion, could not hold back a few tears as they streamed down his face. «Oh, my darling...you gave us quite the scare.» his voice trembled as he hugged his daughter: «I'm so relieved...so relieved...» He held her close again, seeking comfort in her touch. Despite everything, Charlie found the strength to raise a hand and stroke his father's hair, comforting him as much as she could. She knew how worried he'd been about her, and she couldn't help but feel guilty for the pain she'd caused him.

«I'm sorry, Dad...» mumbled Charlie, her voice barely barely whispering.

Lucifer quickly cut her off: «You have nothing to apologize for, dear. It's not your fault.»

They stayed like that for a few seconds, hugging each other as Lucifer struggled to hold back sobs. Charlie felt her father's vulnerability, which affected her deeply.

But there was a question burning inside her, an unresolved issue she could no longer ignore. «Dad... did you know Mom was in heaven?» she asked, her voice breaking.

Lucifer sat up and looked into her eyes. «No, Char Char. It was a surprise to me as well.» Her eyes glazed over, and Charlie sensed that he wasn't lying. «But don't worry about it now, okay?» he added, stroking her hair. «You need to get your strength back. When you're better, we're going to ask for some answers. She owes us that.»

Charlie nodded weakly and sank back into the pillows, pulling the covers tighter around her. Her body was still tired, but her mind was already focused on what was to come. Pentious's redemption was just the beginning: her dream of an empty hell and a re-education system instead of a punitive one would come true. It had to happen.

–

It took another day of rest and three hearty meals for Charlie to get up. Her legs were still sore and her hooves could barely support her, but she took her first steps. With Vaggie's help, she managed to take a bath and put on some clean clothes. Instead of her usual red suit, now destroyed by the transformation, Charlie found herself in comfortable gray sweatpants and a red and white sweater that gave her a familiar, reassuring look.

Half reclining in an armchair, she looked out the window at the red sky of hell and asked: «How long have I been locked in here?»

«Four days, including today.» Vaggie replied quietly as she sat down beside her.

Charlie sighed, a little frustrated. She tried to get up, «I'd better get back to work then.» But as soon as she was on her feet, her legs gave out under her weight. Vaggie rushed over to support her and keep her from falling.

«No!» her fiancée exclaimed firmly. «You're not strong enough yet.»

Charlie, undaunted, looked at her: «Vaggie, would you get me some crutches?» she tried to insist, but the answer was just as resolute.

«I told you no. You're in no condition to do anything, Charlie.»

«You don't understand...» Charlie whispered, trying to explain herself. «Everyone is counting on me... even Angel said so.»

«I know.» Vaggie replied, keeping her composure. «But we also know when it's necessary to let you rest. You'll be back running the hotel when you can walk without falling over every few steps.»

Charlie became more stubborn: «I can't wait that long. Who will organize the support groups? Who will take care of the classes?»

Vaggie smiled patiently and tilted her head to the side. «We are already taking care of that, sweetie. Don't worry.»

Charlie stared at her in surprise. Her eyes were filled with disbelief as her heart seemed to stop for a moment. She couldn't believe what she had just heard.

«Don't look at me like that, hon. We've done that many times...» Vaggie shook her head, a soft smile curling her lips as she leaned towards her. She stroked her face gently, her thumb tracing a delicate line across her cheek. «We have learned from you. We know how to take care of ourselves. Some of the, shall we say, "veteran" guests are helping us out. And thank goodness, I should say... we really needed the help, especially with the wave of new arrivals...»

Charlie, even more confused, widened her eyes. «New arrivals? What do you mean?» she asked hesitantly, trying to read Vaggie's expression. «What happened while I was sleeping?»
Vaggie shook her head, keeping that reassuring smile on her face. «Not now, sweetie. We'll talk about it when you'll feel better.»
But Charlie, stubborn as ever, tried to stand again, her legs shaking with the effort. «I need to see for myself... please.»
Determination shone in her eyes, but her body betrayed her. Once again she had to cling to Vaggie to keep from falling. At this point, Vaggie pursed her lips and became harsher, her tone firm. «Charlie, stop. I almost lost you a few days ago. I'm not going to let you make your condition worse just because you don't know how to rest!» Vaggie's words were laced with concern, a hint of desperation that betrayed her usual calm.
Charlie watched her, her breathing heavy. She knew she would have to play her best card to convince her. With a sigh, she let herself fall into her friend's arms, hiding her face in the crook of her neck. She felt Vaggie's warmth against her, the beating of her heart, and for a moment she stood there, listening to the rhythm that soothed her more than anything else. Vaggie stood in surprise, her body stiffening for a moment, but then her arms wrapped around Charlie, holding her lovingly.
Charlie began to move slowly, her lips brushing Vaggie's neck, leaving small, light kisses along her skin. She felt Vaggie's body relax as she touched her, shivering and breathing deeper. Sensing that Vaggie was giving up, Charlie took advantage of her closeness to whisper to her, her voice soft and hoarse: «Please, Vaggie... let me at least see the hotel. I can use a wheelchair if you want... but I need to know how things are going.» Each word was a warm breath against Vaggie's skin, a call that she knew would touch her lover's heart.

Vaggie blushed immediately. Charlie's light kisses on her neck and her lusting tone of voice sent shivers down her spine, making it hard to resist. However, she knew that giving in meant risking worsening her beloved's conditions. «Charlie, that's not a good idea...» she tried to answer, though her voice was now lower, almost a whisper.

Charlie lifted her face, her eyes bright and pleading, like those of a fawn. With a gentle smile, she took Vaggie's face in her hands and stroked her cheek. «Please...» she repeated, her voice full of emotion.

Vaggie tried to resist, but Charlie's determination and the tenderness of the moment were too strong. She couldn't help but sigh. «Okay…» she finally admitted, her shoulders sagging in surrender. «But first, let me find a wheelchair.»

Charlie smiled victoriously, her eyes shining with gratitude. She leaned forward to plant a light kiss on Vaggie's lips, knowing she had convinced her. She felt a little bad for manipulating her like that, but she would make it up to her.

«Thank you...» Charlie murmured, resting her forehead against Vaggie's for a moment, enjoying the closeness and the promise of a small step towards normalcy.

–

Charlie studied the corridors carefully as Vaggie pushed her in her wheelchair. She recognized the red upholstery, the gilded wood-framed doors, and the paintings of inspirational phrases that adorned the walls. Every detail was familiar, yet there was something different. It was as if everything was at once familiar and unfamiliar, like an old dream with new elements she could not immediately grasp. She read the numbers on the doors: 728, 727, 726 B, 726 A, 726...

"Wait a minute!" she thought in surprise. "726 A? 726 B? Those numbers weren't there before." She stiffened slightly as she tried to concentrate on what was going on.

Then she noticed a corridor leading out, a passageway she couldn't remember having before she lost consciousness. Suddenly she realized: the hotel had expanded. The corridors had been lengthened, new rooms added, creating a larger maze than she had ever imagined. But why expand? Was it really necessary to have all those extra rooms? How many new guests had arrived while she had been unconscious? And most importantly, how could there be such an expansion of the hotel in such a short period of time?

Turning a corner, Charlie noticed new markings on the walls: colored arrows, bright lines snaking across the floor, signaling routes to the main entrance and the various labs. Everything was so neat, efficient, almost... futuristic. Such a radical change could only have one source: her father. There was definitely Lucifer's hand behind this incredible transformation.

As they took the brand new elevator down to the first floor, Charlie found herself in the grip of a series of mixed emotions - a combination of awe, gratitude, and a hint of fear at the unknown that awaited her. The elevator doors opened with a faint ding, and before she could ask why they hadn't gone down to the ground floor, Vaggie led them to the mezzanine above the main entrance. Charlie began to catch a glimpse of something, a scene that left her speechless.

«Darling.» Vaggie said with an affectionate smile as they approached the glass barrier, «Welcome to the Hazbin Hotel.»

Charlie stood up, her hands shaking with emotion. With an effort she leaned against the parapet before Vaggie could stop her. She could finally see everything from above, and what she saw took her breath away.
The ground floor was filled with people. Some were lined up, luggage in hand, ready to check in. Alastor, with his eternal smile, was assigning rooms while his shadows carried suitcases along with Nifty, who moved as fast as a whirlwind. Husk, always unfocused, and Angel Dust explained to the newcomers how the various labs worked, assisted by Adam, still chained to Husk and disguised as a dragon demon to avoid unwanted attention. Headshot and Cherri monitored the situation, their eyes on every detail, making sure everything was running smoothly. But what really caught Charlie's attention was the central figure in the scene: her father, Lucifer, whose innate charisma oversaw the entire operation, like a conductor harmonizing every single note.
A profound wave of joy washed over Charlie. Her dream-the dream of a place of redemption, welcome, and hope-was coming to life before her eyes. The hotel was not only alive, it was vibrant, pulsating with positive energy and most of all, hope. She could not believe how much it had grown in her absence.
«What happened?» she asked, her voice cracking with emotion and her eyes shining with gratitude.
Vaggie smiled proudly at her and put a hand on her shoulder. «We released the video of Sir Pentious in heaven. It attracted people from all over Pentagram City. Many of them had recently arrived in hell, and when they saw the video going viral... if you knew how they were smiling when they got here...»

Charlie stared at Vaggie with a mixture of amazement and gratitude. Her heart pounded as she looked down at the ground floor again and saw the hopeful faces of those seeking a second chance. Her vision was finally coming true, and she could not help but feel overwhelmed with emotion. It was only the beginning, but the Hazbin Hotel was finally becoming what she had always hoped it would be: a beacon of hope, even in the darkest place of all.

A voice came from downstairs: «Hey! It's Charlie!» Everyone's attention immediately turned to her. A buzz of excitement went through the crowd, quickly turning into applause. Everyone was happy to see the founder of the hotel standing up.

Overwhelmed with emotion, Charlie scanned the crowd and saw her friends eyes full of admiration and relief. In the midst of them, her father's face lit up with a rare expression of tenderness, and with a quick flap of his wings, Lucifer soared into the air, reaching her in an instant.

«Charlie!» he yelled, pulling her into a warm, protective embrace. His strong arms wrapped around his daughter with a care he rarely showed in front of so many people. «I am so happy to see you here with us! How are you feeling? Any better?»

Charlie, still in disbelief and overwhelmed with emotion, put her hands on her father's shoulders and looked into his eyes for reassurance. «Dad, tell me this is real.» she murmured in a cracked voice, as if still afraid to wake up from a dream that was too good.

Lucifer smiled at her, his face softened by a look of genuine gentleness. With a gentle gesture, he stroked her face, his thumb gently wiping away a tear that was about to fall. «This is all real, Charlie. And it's all because of you.»

Charlie felt her heart swell with emotion, a mixture of relief and gratitude. Her eyes filled with tears, but this time they were tears of joy. Without saying a word, she took refuge in Lucifer's arms, hiding her face against his chest. The warmth of that embrace was all the protection she needed, a shield against the weight of the expectations and stares that surrounded her.

But the moment of intimacy was short-lived. Charlie's weakness was still evident, and despite her father's assistance, her legs suddenly gave out. The crowd held its breath and a murmur of apprehension ran through the hall. Lucifer immediately supported her, his face narrowing into an expression of concern. «Darling, you shouldn't be walking around if you don't feel well.» He turned to Vaggie with a scolding frown: «And you, why did you let her out in this state?»

Vaggie lowered her eyes in embarrassment. «She... insisted.»

Lucifer sighed and shook his head slightly. Gently, he helped Charlie back into the wheelchair. «Come on, Char Char. Get some rest. You need to take care of yourself before you can help others.»

Alastor raised his voice from the reception to reassure the guests: «A big round of applause for our fearless Charlie, who personally checked on the condition of the hotel, even while still recovering!»

The lobby erupted in a warm round of applause, followed by shouts of encouragement and admiration. It was a sincere tribute, a way for everyone to show their support and confidence in the hotel's founder. Charlie smiled and wiped away tears as she surveyed the scene. Even now, in her weakness, she knew she had created something important, something that had touched the hearts of so many.

But Charlie, determined not to delay what needed to be done any longer, turned her gaze to her father: «Dad, later I'd like to talk about Mom and all the rest. Could you gather all the information you can?»

Lucifer hesitated: «Are you sure? You don't seem strong enough yet.»

Charlie shook her head firmly: «My body is weak, but my mind is clear. I need answers.»

Lucifer sighed, stroking her cheek. «If you insist... I'll come by as soon as I manage to speak with... your mother.»

«Thanks, Dad.»

Lucifer watched his daughter leave and sighed, leaning against the rail. For the past few days, he had tried to use the Heaven's Phone, but unfortunately, Lilith had refused to show up again, and Emily had always justified her by saying that she was playing a double game with Lute and her group of conservatives. Sera was also a no-show, with the excuse that she was still in the archives looking for answers to their questions.
By the end of the day, he would have to find time to call Emily again and be persistent until he discovered what was so terrible that it frightened Lilith enough to make such a mistake. Charlie deserved to know.

–

Adam ended up having to explain what trust exercises were to a group of young thugs, newcomers. It wasn't his favorite task, especially with an audience that didn't seem to be willing to take him seriously at all.
«So, let me understand: I fall on my back and the one behind me has to catch me?» one of them, a tall boy with disheveled hair, asked skeptically.
Adam crossed his arms, his look devoid of patience. «Exactly.» he replied dryly, not hiding his annoyance. He glanced at Husk, hoping to get his attention, but the other was too busy with another group of guests to notice him.
«And that will get us to heaven?» another of the thugs continued, shaking his head in confusion, as if the whole idea was ridiculous.
Adam huffed, the weight of the work and the constant challenges with the guests beginning to weigh on him. «Look, if you don't want to participate, no one is forcing you to stay.» he blurted out, crossing his arms with an irritated expression. «In fact, there are only a few of us and the workload is already heavy enough; if you leave, you'll be doing us a favor!»

The thugs were taken aback by his words. They exchanged uncertain glances until one of them, a boy with thick orange hair, stepped forward with a threatening expression. He pulled out a small switchblade and flicked it open with a decisive motion. «Don't you dare throw us out, understand?» he said, his grin showing sharp, almost animal teeth.
Adam didn't flinch in the slightest, maintaining his arrogant and dismissive demeanor. A cynical smile spread across his face. «Oh, really? And what are you going to do, stab me?» he retorted, his voice dripping with sarcasm. He took a step forward, closing the distance between them until their foreheads touched. «Go on, I dare you!» he added, a hint of venom in his voice.
The thug hesitated for a moment, then tightened his grip on the knife. «Maybe I will...» he hissed, slowly bringing the blade closer, his eyes locked on Adam's.
Before things could escalate any further, a calm yet commanding voice cut in. «Hey, guests are not allowed to have weapons. Put the knife down.»
Eddie had approached silently. His tall, muscular figure silhouetted against the light behind him, his dark eyes fixed on the punk. His voice was calm, but there was a promise of action in his tone that left no room for doubt.
The thug turned to Eddie, a mocking laugh escaping his lips. «Oh, look, the butterfly thinks he can give orders!» he taunted. «Step aside or I'll cut you too.»

Eddie felt anger rising inside of him, a familiar feeling that made his chest burn, but he maintained the apparent control he had worked so hard to master. He took a step forward, his gaze locked on the thug's. «I'm going to ask you one last time: put the knife down, or I'll be the one to take it from you. And you won't like it.»

For a moment, time seemed to stand still. The thug scrutinized Eddie, looking for some sign of weakness, something he could exploit. Then, with a sneer of defiance, he pointed the knife at him and took a step forward. «Oh yeah? Let's see what you got, you overrated bodyguard!»

Eddie remained impassive, but deep down he already knew how this was going to end. He wasn't going to let the situation get out of hand. In a flash, his hand grabbed the boy's wrist and squeezed hard. Adrenaline coursed through Eddie's veins, slightly illuminating his body, revealing the intricate pattern of blood vessels just beneath his skin, a blue glow that seemed to vibrate with his determination. The thug's eyes widened in surprise, the knife slipping from his fingers and falling to the ground with a metallic clink.

«I warned you.» Eddie said, his voice now low, almost a growl. He pushed the boy back, causing him to stagger to the ground as the other thugs watched the scene in silence, their gaze shifting between fear and admiration.

The boy, however, refused to give up. With a burst of rage, he rose to his feet and lunged at Eddie again, his face contorted into an expression of hatred. Eddie wasted no time, pinning him to the ground with a firm grip, using his weight to hold him down. In an attempt to free himself, the boy moved abruptly and Eddie felt the thug's shoulder give way with a sharp crack. A cry of pain escaped the boy's lips, echoing through the air.

Eddie left him on the ground in agony and stood up calmly. His gaze shifted to the other thugs who stood motionless, terrified and unsure of what to do.

Eddie stared at them for a second, his gaze piercing. «Don't just stand there and watch, take him to the nursery.» he ordered, his voice as sharp as a blade. «I'm pretty sure I dislocated his shoulder.»
Without fighting back, the other teens obeyed, carefully picking him up and dragging him away, still staring at Eddie as they went. There was something about him, a deadly calm, a mixture of control and power that had left them speechless, a feeling they would not soon forget.

Adam watched the scene in silence, a grimace on his face, a mixture of disappointment and admiration. When the group had gotten far enough, he turned to Eddie and raised an eyebrow. «Are you always this dramatic, Headshot?» he asked, there was a slight irony in his voice that hid a curious approval.

Eddie glanced at him casually, shaking his head as he picked up the thug's knife from the floor. «Only if it's necessary. You should stop taunting kids with knives, Adam.» His voice betrayed a deep weariness, a hint of frustration in his tone.

Adam smiled, a sardonic smile that perhaps hid a hint of respect. «Perhaps. But sometimes you have to test them.» His eyes searched Eddie's, as if to read a deeper answer behind the apparent sternness.

Eddie sighed, the tension slowly easing, his shoulders slumped slightly. «And sometimes you just have to stop them from killing each other. Or from trying to kill you.» He replied in a tone that seemed to betray a background of weariness for a moment, a heaviness that went far beyond the incident that had just happened.

He rubbed his eyes, exhausted. Although it was a pleasure to see so many new faces at the Hazbin Hotel, it was becoming increasingly difficult to keep order. He and Cherri were doing their best to keep the new guests under control, but there were fewer and fewer of them. It was going to be necessary to assign a few more people to security, and soon.

Adam looked at him for a moment, then shrugged with a smile. «Maybe you are right. But admit it, there's something about all this madness that's... Inspiring.»

Eddie looked at him again, this time with a slight smile that briefly brightened his tired expression. «Ugh, I need a lemonade with extra sugar...» he said to himself, as if the very thought of a break could give him relief.

Adam burst into a short laugh and shook his head. «You've earned it, Headshot. You've earned it.»

–

The day passed without further problems, and in the middle of the afternoon the activities finally came to an end. Eddie, exhausted, finally managed to take a well-deserved break. Hoping to recharge his batteries with a good dose of sugar, he entered the hotel bar, which had been rebuilt after Charlie's destructive rampage.

Husk found himself behind the bar again without a moment's respite, despite his busy day. If it hadn't been for Adam being there to help him out, the situation would have been even more desperate. Adam, with an indifferent expression on his face, managed the chaos with surprising efficiency, moving behind the counter as if he had always done this job.

The others, on the other hand, were finally able to relax. Angel sat on a couch shaking his phone, a vague smile on his lips as he went through the entries. Cherri was sitting at the bar with a shot in her hand, her face lined with the fatigue of the day. The only one still active was Nifty, who always had a broom in her hand and was cleaning every corner of the bar as if dust were her worst enemy.

Eddie sat at a table drinking his third glass of lemonade as if his life depended on it. The tart and sweet taste gave him a sense of reassurance that helped him regain his strength.

«Hey, not so fast, champ.» Husk commented, looking at him from behind the bar. «You are drinking it like it's alcohol.»

Eddie rubbed his forehead, exhausted. «You have no idea how much I needed that, damn it.» he replied with a sigh, the heavy voice of tiredness. «Me and Cherri alone are not enough. We need to hire someone else as a guard.»

Cherri slapped the empty glass she had just drunk lightly on the counter to attract attention. «Yeah, definitely someone else, because I'm out! I wanted to strangle at least ten people today.» She blurted out, her voice a mixture of exasperation and irony.

Eddie looked up in despair. «Oh great. So I'm the only one left. When I said I wanted to be a guardian, I didn't mean I was going to be the only guardian of the hotel. I can't do everything on my own!»

With a hint of sarcasm, Cherri shrugged and replied, «We're all alone, Shotty.»

«Hey!» he heard Angel's voice, roused by the use of his favorite nickname for Eddie. «The only one who gets to call him "Shotty" is me!» he said, pointing first at Eddie and then at himself, annoyed but with a mischievous grin.

Cherri raised her hands in surrender. «Fine, whatever. I'm too tired and sober to give a fuck.»

Sighing, Eddie picked up the empty glasses and carried them to the bar counter, where Adam began to clean them. «Something tells me I'm going to have to ask my sister to put a banner on her blog: "Security Guards Wanted"» Pondered Eddie. «And maybe put up some flyers around the hotel to get those who don't know about the blog involved.»

«Why, is there still someone who doesn't know it?» Cherri asked sarcastically.

Eddie shrugged and sat down next to Angel on the couch. «The newcomers, maybe.»

Adam interjected as he dried the glasses: «We need suitable people. When I was in heaven, I trained soldiers, but here that would be overkill. There's no need for the military."

Eddie thought for a moment and stroked his chin. «We could do something in between. We take people with some combat experience and add a bit of training on my side. Bruce has always done it that way. I am the only exception,» he smiled at the memory.

Husk added sarcastically, without taking his eyes off the surface he was polishing: «Yes, maybe you'll found a new guild later.»

«Me, a guild?» Eddie replied. «Nah, I don't have what it takes to be a leader.»

«Ah! I can picture that.» said Angel, his heterochromatic eyes shining with mischief. «Headshot, the Shield of the Hazbin Hotel and his Guild of Guardians! That sounds really good. I can imagine you training them and becoming a beacon for them and sinners all over hell. You could take some of their souls away from the Overlords.»

Eddie looked at him and tried to hide a smile. «Sure, and I might even put on a cloak and a shiny helmet. I don't know, Angel, I'm not really the Heroes Guild type.»

Angel leaned forward a little and smiled mischievously. «Maybe not a cape, but a cool uniform might fit the bill. Come on, Shotty, you know you'd be great. And who wouldn't want a leader who drinks lemonade like it's a magic elixir?

Eddie sighed dramatically and shook his head. «You're crazy.» But then his expression turned serious again. «But really, we need reinforcements. And if I'm going to train them, I'll do it the best I can.» He looked at Angel, his gaze softening a little. «But without shiny helmets, okay?»

Angel chuckled and gave him a light shove on the shoulder. «Okay, no helmets. But I want to see the uniform, Shotty.»

Eddie raised his hands. «Fine, you get the uniform. As long as it's not to satisfy some weird kink of yours.»

Angel raised an eyebrow with a smirk. «Oh, I can't promise anything, Shotty. You know I love to see you blush.»

Eddie snorted, trying to hide the slight blush that had settled on his cheeks despite the green color of his skin. «I'm serious, Angel. Let's not make a show of it, okay?»

Angel winked at him and chuckled. «Oh, that's my favorite part, Shotty. Making a show out of everything.»

Eddie sighed, trying not to let his amusement show. «You're incorrigible.»

Angel leaned back more comfortably on the couch. «And you adore me for it, Shotty.» he said, clicking his tongue playfully

Eddie smiled and shook his head. «Maybe.»

Eddie felt like an idiot: he blushed like a schoolboy at two half-hearted jokes from Angel. He knew he needed to calm down, but his heart wouldn't stop pounding in his chest. He couldn't explain what was happening to him, and the confusion made him vulnerable. There was something about Angel that made him constantly agitated, made him feel at the mercy of others and strangely safe at the same time.

His heartbeat got even faster when Angel stretched out his legs, placed his high-heeled boots on Eddie's knees and smiled mischievously. «Think about it, Headshot. The idea of you leading a platoon has a certain effect on me.» His tone was slightly seductive.

Eddie swallowed and tried to keep his cool. «Oh, yeah? "A certain effect"?» he replied, trying to cover his excitement with an amused smile. But his heart would not stop beating and he could feel the heat rising in his face.

Angel tilted his head and looked at Eddie with shining eyes. «Oh, absolutely. There's something very... intriguing about the idea of you being in charge. Fascinating. You were born to protect, Shotty. And that, I have to admit, is pretty sexy.»

Eddie was speechless, hoping his green skin would hide the blush he could clearly feel. He tried to laugh, but the sound that came out was a mixture of a sigh and an attempt to hide his nervousness. «Silly, you're impossible.»

«Just for you, Shotty.» Replied Angel, letting her legs rest comfortably on Eddie like it was the most natural thing in the world.

Eddie looked down at the ground and tried to calm his heartbeat. Maybe he didn't quite understand what was going on between them yet, but he knew one thing: there was something about these moments that made him feel alive, as if every joke, every mischievous smile had a deeper meaning.

Eddie gently pushed Angel's feet over the edge of the couch, trying to maintain apparent control. «In any case ... I'm not your doormat. Forget about me keeping your stripper boots on my lap.»

Angel refused to give up and flashed his mischievous smile. In one fluid movement, he turned around and propped his head on Eddie's lap. «Good, you can keep my stripper head then!» His voice was light, but there was something challenging about it, almost like a game.

Eddie stiffened and became more and more nervous. «NO! I'm not a pillow either!» he blurted out, trying to sound stressed rather than excited. «If I could stop being such a pain in the ass ...» His voice trailed off suddenly as he met his friend's gaze.

Angel's heterochromatic eyes shone with an irresistible combination of sweetness and mischief, and his smile, that smile that disarmed him every time, did the rest. Eddie felt his resolve waver, especially when a familiar scent - honey and tobacco - flooded his senses. His resistance crumbled under the weight of these overwhelming sensations.

With a long sigh, he gave up. «Five minutes. That's all.» He turned his gaze feeling both embarrassment and pleasure at the idea of having his friend leaning against him. His hand slid into Angel's hair, almost without realizing it, and stroked it with a tenderness he would never have allowed himself under other circumstances.

Angel smiled triumphantly and leaned his head comfortably on Eddie's lap. «Like I said, everyone loves me. Including you.» he said, trying to touch his face with a finger. The tone was provocative, but behind the smile was something more authentic, almost tender.

Eddie snorted, but with a hint of fun. He pretended to be annoyed and pushed Angel's hand away. «Quit it.» he said, though the tone betrayed mild amusement.

Angel chuckled and closed his eyes as his head rested on Eddie's knees. «You're too cute when you are trying to be tough, Shotty.»

Eddie just shook his head, a smile now clearly visible on his face. He couldn't help but feel a certain serenity in that moment, despite the tension coursing through him. It was as if everything else — the responsibility, the chaos in the hotel, the fears— - disappeared in these few moments of calm. Maybe he could only allow himself that feeling for a moment.

On the other side of the bar, Cherri watched the scene with a look of pure astonishment. She approached Husk and whispered: «Hey, do you see what I see?»

Husk poured his drink and snorted. «Angel flirting and Headshot not only not pushing him away but actually seeming to enjoy it? Yeah, I see it.»

Cherri shook her head, even more surprised. «No, there's something else. Look at the way they act: the looks, the attitude, the jokes... There's something else at play.»

Husk raised an eyebrow curiously. «What are you implying?»

Cherri answered frankly and unfiltered. «I think they have already fucked.»

Husk almost choked on his drink. After regaining his composure, he asked: «What makes you think that?»

Cherri pointed at Angel with a nod. «Look at his behavior! Putting his legs on his knees, okay, but his head? That's too intimate, even for him. And those hand-to-face games… that's not his style. He doesn't flirt like that, especially not when he's joking.»

«So you are saying they had sex because Angel is more affectionate than usual?» Husk stared at her in disbelief.

«It's obvious! And then, Headshot, when he arrived, was so cagey. And now look at how he's acting: he's relaxed, he's having fun. Those two of them have definitely did something.»

Husk laughed lightly, skeptically. «And when would they have had the time? With everything that's going on, with new guests arriving every day, Angel spending his evenings with Valentino and Headshot barely managing his daily routine? Either they're teleporting in each other's rooms, or your theory has a flaw.»

Cherri crossed her arms, not knowing what to answer right away. «And what would your theory be, oh wise Husk?»

Husk shrugged his shoulders and looked at Cherri with a smirk. «I don't know, maybe they're just getting closer. Maybe it's just friendship, maybe it's something else. But they don't necessarily have to had sex yet. Maybe they're just learning to trust each other.»

Cherri squinted her one eye and thought. «Yes, maybe you're right. But ... there's something different. I can sense it. Angel was never like that, and Headshot... well, he didn't seem like the type to indulge in affections either.»

Husk nodded slowly and sipped his drink. «Hey, a lot of strange things happen in this place, Cherri. Maybe the Hazbin Hotel is working wonders. Or maybe it's just a matter of time before those two really start fucking.»

Cherri smiled and shook her head. «Well, I just hope I'm here to witness this moment. It's going to be a show, guaranteed.»

They continued to watch Angel and Headshot on the couch. The two friends laughed and shared anecdotes about the day. Eddie, maintaining his usual impassive expression, seemed incredibly comfortable, while Angel was enjoying the attention and being pampered like never before.

Cherri held out her glass to Husk, who poured her another. «I'm sure he's comfortable with him. Much more than with us, I'd say. I sense a certain… Jealousy? Envy? I don't know what it is.»

«You've been friends with him for a long time.» Husk commented. «It's normal to be a little possessive.»

Cherri downed her shot and had it refilled. «I can't really blame him, though. Headshot is one hell of a good-looking guy. How could he not be physically attracted to him? But... there's more to it than that, I can see it in the way Angel lights up when he's around. And... the way Headshot doesn't flinch, despite everything he's been through.»

Husk smiled a little, one of those rare and genuine smiles. «You know, it could be a good thing for both of them. Maybe they're healing each other, in their own way.»

Cherri nodded and looked at the two friends on the sofa. Angel was speaking softly, and Eddie was smiling slightly in response. There was a hidden intimacy in their gestures, as if they were alone despite the other people around them.

«Yeah...» Cherri murmured with a smile of affection. «Maybe the Hazbin Hotel really does work wonders.»

«OK, OK, Silly, you have to move. My legs are getting numb.» Eddie said, although part of him wished he could have prolonged the moment.
Angel stood up and stretched in his usual dramatic manner. «You know what? You wouldn't last a day if you had to do my job.»
Eddie replied quickly in a sarcastic tone: «I know, that's why I killed people. It was easier than banging 'em!»

Angel thought for a moment and then replied with a smile, «Hmm, that depends. Every now and then you come across a customer who is really, really easy to fuck.» he said.

Eddie leaned against the back of the couch, shook his head and let out a defeated sigh. «Spare me the details, please.»

But Angel ignored him, of course. «For example, if the other one has nice strong shoulders...»

«No details! No details! No details!» Eddie shouted, covering his ears and closing his eyes exaggeratedly, like a child who doesn't want to listen.

Angel teased: «Oh, come on! Don't be such a virgin, Shotty.»

Eddie slowly removed his hands from his ears and looked at him with a wry expression. «You know I'm not a fan of the porn industry, Silly.» There was a hint of seriousness in his voice, something that caught Angel's attention.

Angel chuckled anyway, although his gaze had become a little more alert. He picked up the phone and checked it quickly. «Okay, okay, no details. I still have three hours before Val calls me.» His voice darkened for a moment, as if a shadow had fallen over his eyes. «I have to go downtown and buy some eye shadow. If I don't find the right one, Val might get mad again.» He paused almost imperceptibly, then quickly returned to his usual light, carefree tone. «Would you like to come with me? Maybe you can be my bodyguard.»

Eddie stared at him for a moment, as if considering the offer. Then he smiled, barely, but he smiled, and there was something genuine about it.

«Okay, but only if you promise not to embarrass me.»

Angel replied with a mischievous chuckle. «No promises, Shotty. No promises at all. I'll change, meet you at the car!» he exclaimed, quickly disappearing from the bar, obviously happy to hang out with Eddie.

Eddie crossed his arms and watched as Angel disappeared from sight. He let out a small sigh, already imagining spending half an hour with him outside.

From the counter, however, he heard someone inhaling through their teeth. He turned around to find Cherri and Husk staring at him with a look of amusement, as if they knew something that he did not.

«What?» asked Eddie, confused.

Cherri smiled mischievously. «Nothing, just sending our thoughts and prayers for your soul.»

«...why?» asked Eddie, increasingly puzzled.

Husk chuckled bitterly. «Angel is a diva, Headshot. When he tells you he needs to "buy eye shadow" or "catch up on accessories", you end up being his personal porter. He stops by to see new clothes, he hoards purchases, and you end up carrying shopping bags across half of Pentagram City.»

Cherri nodded vigorously. «Yeah, he'll make you carry at least ten full bags, and if you're lucky, he'll let you pick out a pair of socks to make up for it.»

Husk added sarcastically: «He did that to me once. Since then, I've learned my lesson and I always refuse to go along with him on anything.»

Cherri smiled amusedly. «He does that to me a lot too, but I love him too much to say no.»

Eddie shrugged in spite of the disturbing stories. The idea of spending a few hours with Angel appealed to him far too much to worry about it. «I'll take my chances.» he replied with a smile.

«Too bad for you.» Cherri said with a shake of her head.

Husk smiled a sardonic smile: «You will regret this very much.»

Eddie smiled and shook his head at Cherri and Husk's jokes. «We'll see, guys. Maybe Angel will be more reasonable with me.» he said, although a part of him knew that hoping for Angel Dust's reasonableness was an illusion.

Eddie walked out of the bar and found Angel waiting for him by the car. Angel was wearing a pink and white short-sleeved crop top, crossed at the front with two strategic buttons, while a heart-shaped cutout below the neckline highlighted the thick fur on his chest. Under the second set of arms, he wore a fluttering blue skirt, elegantly buttoned at the hip. On his feet, he wore ultra-high, heterochromatic boots with a mix of pink and white and asymmetrical hearts that mirrored the boots on the opposite leg. To complete the look, Angel wore octagonal pink sunglasses with delicate cobweb patterns that sparkled in the hellish light.

As always, Angel knew how to stand out.

As soon as he saw Eddie, Angel's smile widened visibly. «There you are! Are you ready, Shotty?» Angel asked excitedly.

Eddie shook his head and laughed, barely holding back a joke. «Ready for what? To be your personal porter?» he replied in a sarcastic tone.

Angel chuckled with amusement. «Husk and Cherri warned you, huh? All right, I promise to be nicer to you today.» he concluded with a grin that betrayed his usual mischievous streak.

Eddie looked at him with a mischievous smile and crossed his arms. «If you really want to be nicer, you'll have to let me get more than a pair of socks.»

Angel laughed, feigning surrender. «Okay, I'll get you some gloves, too!» he said in a joking tone.

«Angel...» Eddie replied in a warning tone, indicating that he was serious.

With another mischievous smile, Angel raised his hands in surrender. «All right, all right. Shopping for both of us. I promise. It'll be fun»

Eddie rolled his eyes as he approached the car. «I don't know what I like less, carrying bags or your idea of fashion.»

Angel gave him a gentle nudge on the shoulder and laughed. «Oh, come on! You'll thank me at the end of the day when you realize how chic you look.»

They got into the car and drove to the Entertainment District of Pentagram City. The hellish sun was low on the horizon, and the city seemed strangely quiet. Angel, as usual, filled the ride with lively chatter, telling stories of shopping in the Uptown Neighborhoods, alternating with insults at Valentino and amusing anecdotes about his customers. However, Eddie noticed that in between stories, Angel would pause for short moments, as if holding something back.
After a long silence, Eddie decided to approach the situation with caution. «Angel, you don't seem to be in your usual good mood. Is something wrong?»
Angel turned with a half smile, but his eyes didn't shine with his usual cheerfulness. «I'm fine, Shotty. It's just... sometimes it seems like I can never escape my job. Starting with knowing that I still belong to Valentino.»
He sighed heavily. «Even when I do something as simple as shopping, I always feel Val on me. If it's not him, it's Vox reporting my every move to him. I bet he's telling him right now that we left the hotel together.» He paused, lowering his gaze. «Besides... Val keeps an eye on you, too. He also started calling you "his chick". I'm really afraid he's eyeing you as a "future asset".»
Eddie shivered, his face tense. «Just like when he first met me. He doesn't have a clue that I screwed up that job for you, does he?»
Angel drew a bitter smile and adjusted his glasses with a weary gesture. «Val's not as smart as he thinks he is, and that's not his only flaw. He's short-tempered, a sadistic bastard, has shitty eyesight, and between you and me, he can't even fuck.»
Eddie burst out laughing, trying in vain to control himself. «Pfff—AHAHAH! I knew it! The more narcissistic they are, the more they suck in bed!»

Angel chuckled and lifted his shoulders. «The point is... I'm trapped. Everywhere I go, someone is watching me. Even when I'm out of the studio, I can't have a breath of air. And I can't help but wonder... when will this torture end? When can I get rid of that fucking contract?» between anger and frustration a few tears wet Angel's eyes.
Eddie looked at him, searching for the right words. «I understand that, Angie. But... you're not dealing with this alone. If you need someone, you know I'm here. Always.»
Angel lowered his eyes for a moment, then a small smile appeared on his lips. «I know that, Headshot. And I thank you. Really.»
Eddie returned the smile, more sincere than usual. «You're welcome. Until an angelic spear pierces me, I'll be at your side. Now, let's hurry up and get that eye shadow before someone gets mad. Then we'll think about the other purchases.»
Angel laughed, returning to his usual playful tone. «Ah, Shotty, you're the best!»
Eddie sighed and smiled. «So. Did I ever tell you how I once found my father trying to multiply bread as a form of devotion?»
Through stories and laughter, they continued toward the heart of the city. Eddie knew he would be carrying bags for hours, but he didn't mind. Every moment he spent with Angel made him realize more and more that there was something special about this strange but unmistakable friendship.

–

Lucifer was forced, however reluctantly, to let Alastor supervise. There was a call he could no longer put off.

The Heaven's Phone had been placed in a security room created during the reconstruction of the hotel wall, next to Headshot's shooting range. A place designed to be accessible but protected.

As he descended the stairs leading to the new room, Lucifer's footsteps echoed in the dim light.

Reaching the end, he found himself facing two doors: a plain one leading to the polygon, and another darker one with a code panel next to the handle. Without hesitation, he punched in the sequence: 12 9 12 9 20 8. A beep followed by a click confirmed access.

The room inside was small and decorated in minimalist white. In the center, on a bare table, stood the Heaven's Phone. Lucifer took a deep breath, stepped closer, and pressed the button in the center of the device. The receiver shivered slightly and, almost magically, rose into the air, turning first into a ball of energy and then into a pulsing screen.

His expression became serious, aware of the importance of this call.

It was not long before Sera appeared on the screen, visibly immersed in the archives. At the sight of Lucifer, her expression immediately became furrowed. «Ugh, it's you again. What do you want?» she blurted out.

Lucifer replied with a hint of sarcasm: "Nice to meet you too, Sera. I see you brought the Hell's Phone with you."

Sera sighed. «Emily's been kept busy with Sir Pentious and debating. Lute and his conservatives have a lot of influence on public opinion up here.»

«Yes, and speaking of influencing.» Lucifer began, changing his tone: «Charlie is awake. She demands answers, and rightly.»

Sera raised an eyebrow, turning back to her papers: «I wish her a full recovery, but Lilith is not ready to talk to her.»

Lucifer dug in his heels: «I have to insist, Sera. Could you change her mind?»

Sera looked at him, obviously tired. «Lilith is playing a double game. If she spend too much time with us, Lute might get suspicious.»

Lucifer's frustration exploded, and his hands tightened around his staff, almost breaking it. «I can't understand it. She's her daughter. She's our daughter! How can she avoid her like this? When Charlie contacted me again after months of silence, I was overjoyed and couldn't wait to have her back. I understand Lilith not wanting to see me, but Charlie?! How can she act like she doesn't miss her?! It's not her fault our marriage fell apart.»
Sera replied in a scathing tone: «This isn't about you, Lucifer. This is about Charlie and her Nephilim nature. Did you ever wonder if Lilith left you to protect your daughter?»
Lucifer, visibly shaken, was at a loss for words. «What are you talking about, Sera?»
«Emily told me of her transformation.» Sera replied. «It is only the beginning, and Lilith was hoping to prevent it.»
«I don't understand, Sera.» Lucifer repeated with a look of growing concern.
Sera sighed and looked up at Lucifer with an expression that mixed pity and coldness. «I shouldn't be the one to tell you this.» she began, pursing her lips «But your intuition in this situation leaves much to be desired. Charlie is a Nephilim, a hybrid of your angelic essence and Lilith's humanity. The power of this dual nature has always brought... complications.»
Lucifer looked at the screen. His eyes were bright with barely contained anger. «This is no ordinary complication, Sera. Charlie has become a creature that even I cannot understand. And you are suggesting that Lilith was aware of this and just... kept quiet?» Sera's response was one of icy calm: «Lilith has always been aware of the risk. Your family is more dangerous than you can imagine, Lucifer. Nephilim blood is like an eternal flame: by its very nature, it can rise again in devastating or redemptive forms, depending on what ignites it. But it is the most intense emotions, such as grief, loss, anger... that awaken the most uncontrollable transformations. Lilith believed that by staying away and not trying to contact, she could "stop" this from happening.»

Lucifer pounded his fist on the table, an act that betrayed frustration and suffering: «So she left to protect Charlie from ... herself? And left me totally unaware?»
Sera maintained her icy calm. «Not only that, Lucifer. A compromise was made. After Lilith inspired the demons by creating a threat that endangered Heaven, we began the exterminations, remember? Well, that was about two hundred years ago. I think that's about your daughter's age, right? Because Lilith told me... that's why she decided to make a deal with Adam. In exchange for saving your daughter, and all of the Hellborn, like Charlie, from the exterminations, she agreed to move away from Hell. That way, she would have no influence over Charlie with her own ambitions, and at the same time, keep her safe from the exterminations.»
Lucifer stood speechless, anger and grief leaving room for silent disbelief. «She made a deal with Adam...and he didn't tell me?»

Sera shrugged and continued, a hint of irony in her voice: «Lilith achieved the limitation of exterminations to protect Charlie and others like her. By agreement, only sinners were targeted by the exorcists, so the hellborn were safe… a concession Adam made, but at a high price. She had to get out of Hell and stay away so that her influence could not wreak more havoc. She was the one who insisted on staying until her daughter reached adulthood so that she could at least see her grow up and play the role of caring mother and devoted wife.»
Lucifer felt the seriousness of those words. He leaned on his cane, visibly exhausted. «So all of this... her absence, her silence, even her lack of contact with Charlie... all to keep her safe, to protect her from herself?»
Sera nodded and then added, with a more serious expression on her face: «Lilith was afraid that the ambitions that drove her would bring out something dark in Charlie. She wanted to prevent Heaven from seeing her as a threat. Adam, in turn, wanted to maintain control over the exterminations, reserving a truce for the Hellborn to ensure a balance of power between Hell and Heaven.»

Lucifer ran a hand over his forehead, absorbing the implications of this deal and the complexity of Lilith's sacrifice. «I wish I knew... I could have done something. And now Charlie is discovering this dark power without any guidance... I must inform her, or her power will truly become a danger to herself and all of us.»
«Maybe it's time to talk to Charlie, but be aware that I will be keeping an eye on you.» Sera replied with a note of compassion she rarely showed. «Your daughter's power is a danger that neither Hell nor Heaven can afford to ignore. Don't repeat past mistakes, Lucifer.»
Sera ended the call and the screen reverted to a handset.
Lucifer stood motionless, his gaze distant as Sera's words hit him like blows to the chest. Lilith's sacrifice now held a devastating weight: all those years of silence and distance from him and Charlie, revealed at last as a fierce act of love—a desperate attempt to protect them that no one had understood until now.

And then there was Adam, who had stayed silent… but why?

His hands gripped his cane, a dull rage simmering beneath the pain as he thought of Adam hiding this deal all along. Lilith's absence felt like a wound torn open again, but it only fueled his resolve to protect Charlie from falling into the dark forces that lay hidden from her. She needed to understand the true nature of her Nephilim heritage, and it was time for Adam to tell him everything— no more secrets.

With a surge of fury, Lucifer stormed toward the exit, his voice ringing with rage as he bellowed, "ADAM!"

The sound reverberated throughout the hotel, echoing off the walls as he climbed the stairs, each step a promise of the reckoning to come.

–

«Adam, you can't use a margarita glass for champagne.» Husk observed as Adam poured himself a drink.
«You promised me a whole bottle when the little princess lost her mind. Since I haven't seen her yet, I'll drink as I please.» Adam replied in his usual frustrated and arrogant tone.
Husk opened his mouth to reply, but an angry voice boomed through the building, cutting him off. Lucifer's wrath was palpable, and the bar fell into a hush of silence. All eyes turned to Adam, who went pale.
«What was that?» asked Adam, obviously concerned.
"The sound of someone in trouble, I'd say." Cherri chuckled, half lying on the bar and playfully intoning a chant: "Adam's in trouble, Adam's in trouble!" she giggled, exhilarated by the number of shots she had gulped down.
«Why does Lucifer seem to be so angry with you?» asked Husk as he watched as Adam began to lose his color.
Adam, now pale, dropped the glass to the floor and grabbed Husk by the shoulders, squeezing hard. «Cat, I need you to hide me! Lucifer will have my head!» he said, his voice panicked.
«Wait...what the hell did you do?» asked Husk, trying to understand. He asked. «Why are you afraid of him? You never did this!»
Adam looked at him, his voice trembling with a mix of sarcasm and fear. «Oh, nothing major—just that I knew where his ex-wife was the entire time and that I'm partly the reason she left him and Charlie!»
Husk was stunned. Surprise and dismay crossed his face. «You're a fucking dead man.» he said, shaking his head. «Why, you idiot, didn't you say that during interrogation?»
«They didn't ask me!» replied Adam, annoyed.

There was no time to continue: the bar door swung open almost violently, and Lucifer entered in his demonic form, as angry as only a brokenhearted man could be.

Adam tried to handle the situation by raising his hands in surrender. «All right, let's stay calm. I...» but he did not have time to finish the sentence. Lucifer unleashed his fury by launching a fireball in his direction.
Adam threw himself to the side, dragging Husk with him as the heat from the explosion made the bar vibrate. «Damn it!» he shouted, panting, trying to avoid further blows. «Lucifer, listen to me, we can...»
But Lucifer was deaf to the words. He kept throwing fireballs and unleashing his magic on him, giving him no respite. Adam jumped from side to side, trying to take cover behind the tables and furniture of the bar, but any protection was reduced to ashes by Lucifer's power.
Cherri, despite her hangover, managed to look up and laugh, «Come on, we just rebuilt it!»
«EVERYTHING'S GOING TO BURN!» screamed Nifty as she frantically tried to put out the flames and clean up the burned part.
The bar was now a battleground, tables smashed, bottles shattered, and fire beginning to blaze. Lucifer was like a tornado, blind with rage, and his blows, though not at full strength, were powerful enough to endanger anyone's life.
Hiding behind a small sofa, Adam tried to stop the attack, shouting: «Wait! You have no idea what you are doing! I-I can explain!» but Lucifer's fury was too intense, the pain of betrayal too recent.
With a desperate look at Husk, Adam whispered: «I guess this is the end, Cat...»
Husk looked at him with a desperate grimace. «Not if I can prevent it.» he replied, grabbing a half-empty bottle and throwing it at Lucifer to distract him.
The bottle shattered inches from Lucifer's head, who momentarily stopped attacking and looked at Husk with a look of pure disbelief and anger.

«Really?» roared Lucifer, his voice resonating. «Are you getting in the way too?!»

«I don't know if you've noticed, Your Delusional Highness, but I'm tied to this moron!» replied Husk, showing the chain that bound him to Adam. «If you hit him, you risk hitting me too! Plus, you're burning this place up!»

Lucifer glared at Husk, fury blazing in his eyes, but his anger seemed to stall for just a moment. He glanced around, taking in the chaos he'd created: furniture smoldering, shattered bottles, and Nifty desperately trying to tidy up the wreckage.
Adam seized the moment of hesitation, stepping cautiously out of his hiding place. «Listen… you have every right to be furious, and I'm sorry for not telling you sooner, but… when I made the deal with Lilith, things were different. I was still that egotistical bastard who wanted to carry out the exterminations mercilessly, and she was pregnant with a mythical creature— a powerful and unpredictable one. I've SEEN what Nephilim are capable of, Lucifer! For the good, but especially for chaos. If Lilith had let her ambition influence Charlie… well, what you saw the other day was only a small taste of the destruction she could unleash.»

Lucifer's grip tightened on his cane, his hands trembling with anger. «And when exactly were you planning to tell me, if you mind telling me?!»
«Honestly? I was intent on returning to Heaven and forgetting about this whole story.» Adam replied flatly.
Lucifer raised a hand, ready to cast another spell, magical fire already flickering between his fingers.

«Wait! I can make it up to you!» Adam exclaimed, covering his face with an arm as if bracing for a fatal blow. «I already told you that there were other Nephilims taken from Earth to live in Heaven. They have been trained to do good, to use their powers for constructive ends. I can talk to Sera, convince her to retrieve their training documents. Maybe we can do the same for Charlie—keep her from becoming a force of destruction!»

Lucifer hesitated, the fire in his hands dimming. But his gaze remained sharp, laden with suspicion. «And why should I trust you, Adam? After this stunt, why should I believe you?»

Adam took a deep breath, steadying himself. «You have no reason to, I know that.» he admitted, his gaze meeting Lucifer's. «But know this: I have nothing to gain from a destructive Charlie. If we can't control her powers, both Heaven and Hell will pay the price. And believe me, Lucifer, that's a threat I can't afford to ignore.»
Lucifer remained silent for a long moment, scrutinizing Adam with cold, piercing eyes. Then, slowly, the magical glow in his hands faded, and his demonic form began to dissolve, returning to his usual appearance—though his eyes still betrayed deep-seated pain and anger.
«For my daughter's sake, I'll accept this offer.» Lucifer said, his voice now calm and controlled. «But know this, Adam: I'm risking a lot, and if you fail… you'll be the one to pay. The trust I grant you is exceedingly thin. Pull a stunt like this again, and we'll find out if you can come back a third time.»
Adam nodded quickly, struggling to keep his breathing steady. «I'll do everything I can, I swear.»
Husk let out a long sigh of relief. «So, are we done trashing the bar now?» he asked, his voice dripping with sarcasm but tinged with weariness. «Nifty might just go on strike and leave us all hanging.»
Lucifer shot a frosty glare at Husk, then paused to survey the wreckage around him. Splintered furniture, glass shards everywhere, and the heavy scent of smoke and scorched liquor filled the air. With a sharp snap of his fingers, a cloud of red smoke billowed out, and the room repaired itself as if nothing had happened. Bottles returned to the shelves, flames extinguished, and cracks in the walls sealed up, leaving everyone present stunned.
Lucifer turned toward the door, ready to leave, but not before casting a severe look at Adam. «Remember, your time to redeem yourself is limited, and my forgiveness is not eternal.»
Adam nodded quickly, his heart still pounding, unable to find words to respond. Lucifer left, leaving the bar steeped in a tense silence.
Finally able to breathe, Adam slumped into a chair, running a trembling hand over his forehead. «That was too close…» he murmured, trying to regain his composure.
Suddenly, a sharp, furious scream shattered the silence. «ALL THAT WORK FOR NOTHING!» Nifty's voice echoed through the bar, filled with chaotic rage.

In an instant, Nifty shot toward Adam, her movements lightning-fast. Before he could react, she climbed up him with the speed and grace of a spider, grabbing his collar and yanking him down. Her one eye blazed with a disturbing mix of euphoria and fury.

«What the hell…» Adam stammered, panic spreading across his face as Nifty's angelic dagger glinted menacingly just inches from his nose. Her expression was a twisted blend of an ecstatic smile and seething anger, her voice a blend of laughter and fury. «You made me waste my precious time cleaning up this mess for nothing! Next time, I'll skewer you like a nasty little bug!»
Adam paled, his eyes fixed on the angelic blade, which he swore he'd seen before, once. «Wait, wait, Nifty, I didn't mean…» he stammered, his voice trembling. «I swear, I didn't mean to cause you trouble!»
Nifty tightened her grip on his collar, her eye narrowing while her smile spread, almost sadistic. «Oh, didn't you?» she repeated in a singsong, mocking tone. «Well, just know this: if you pull another stunt like this, I'll send you back to Heaven my way!»
With a small huff of disdain, she let him drop back, springing off the chair with unsettling agility. She darted back to the bar, resuming her cleaning while humming an eerie little tune, that chaotic energy of hers fixated on restoring order at any cost.
Husk shook his head at Adam. «You really are an idiot, Adam.»
Adam let out a long sigh, relief washing over him as he realized he was no longer under immediate threat. Yet, that feeling of safety was fleeting. He felt a heavy weight on his chest, a knot he couldn't untangle—the thought of having lost again that fragile trust he had fought so hard to earn. It was as if every step forward at Hazbin Hotel had been erased in mere moments of madness.
And deep down, he knew there was no one to blame but himself. It was his silence, his arrogance, that had led him into this pit of distrust and suspicion. He looked over at Husk, who was still shaking his head disapprovingly, and at Nifty, who kept humming as she cleaned.
His hand shook slightly as he ran his fingers through his hair, trying to regain a shred of self-control.
«Yeah, I really am an idiot…» he muttered to himself, his voice low, as he straightened up and tried to pull himself back together. «I need to fix this mess…»
«Oh, yes, you'll certainly have to do that.» replied a smooth voice—one Adam knew all too well. It was unmistakable, a sound that carried a promise of trouble. The tall, slender figure of Alastor emerged from the shadows, his perpetual smile fixed in place, always perfectly composed. Adam spun around, tension reigniting in his eyes, while Alastor continued: «I somewhat understand Lucifer's reaction. Hiding such an important detail! Who wouldn't feel betrayed by such behavior? But he also has his own faults—he had several weeks to ask you where Lilith was.»
Husk, standing nearby, didn't miss the chance for a jab.
«Took your sweet time, Boss.» The sarcasm in Husk's voice was unmistakable.
Alastor chuckled in his mocking tone. «Come now, Cat, I couldn't possibly miss a show like this! You know how much I love violence.»

Husk narrowed his eyes at him. «Only Adam can call me "Cat."»

Alastor didn't seem fazed in the slightest. On the contrary, he leaned toward Husk, scratching behind his ear as if he were an actual housecat. «You're my property, Cat, so I decide what to call you.» He then turned his attention back to Adam, leaving Husk to huff in frustration.

«So, First Man. Luck seems to have deserted you, doesn't it? Nearly two months in custody, countless sessions with our makeshift "therapist"…» he gestured towards Husk with his cane «…you risk your neck to save Charlie, endure a line of arrogant sinners who think you're beneath them—all that just to earn a sliver of trust. Then, suddenly—poof! All vanishes. All because of one tiny, insignificant omission. What an injustice! If Charlie had just asked you, "Where is my mother?" none of this would've happened.» Alastor shook his head in mock regret.
Adam lowered his gaze, unable to meet Alastor's eyes. Despite thinking it was true, he continued blaming only himself.
«But fear not, dear Adam.» Alastor continued, his sinister smile betraying nothing reassuring. «Because, as the good host of this hotel, I've decided to set aside our differences to… help you.»
Husk immediately realized what was about to happen. «Adam, don't lis…!» he tried to warn, but in an instant, a dark tentacle coiled around Husk, immobilizing him and gagging him.
«Not to brag.» Alastor continued, ignoring Husk «But I'm really good with people. I read them well, inside and out. You, on the other hand, seem to have some difficulty in gaining trust, unfortunately. I'm feeling generous today, though, and I'd like to... offer you a deal.»
Adam raised an eyebrow, distrustful. «I'm not selling you my soul, Alastor.»
«Oh, please!» Alastor laughed. «Why does everyone think I want their souls? No, Adam. My deal is far more… practical. I want to offer you my talent for reading people, for understanding them, so you can win their trust. In return, I'll ask you for… a small piece of information.»
«And what kind of information would that be?» Adam asked, stilll suspicious.
Alastor wagged a finger, his smile ever-present. «Ah, ah, ah! I can't tell you just yet. You'll have to trust me. Accept the deal, and in return, you'll receive my… talents. You'll gain the power you need, and all I want is for you to answer one request, when the time comes. But I'll reveal the request only after we seal the deal.»

«You've seen how good I am with people, Adam. Imagine how useful that will be to you, especially now that you so desperately need to regain everyone's trust. And you do need their trust, don't you?» Alastor whispered, his tone eerie and almost hypnotic.
Adam lowered his gaze again. It was true. He had seen how convincing Alastor could be. If he could learn even a fraction of those tricks, he could finally regain the group's trust. It might be a risk, but right now, it seemed like the only option.
Another doubt crossed his mind. «The people I need to convince… some of them are here. Won't they tell the others about this deal?»
Alastor scoffed, looking around at the others present. «Oh, Nifty is too busy cleaning to notice anything, Cherri is so drunk that she didn't even notice that she risked burning alive, and our dear Husk...» Alastor turned to Husk, who glared at him from beneath the tentacle, and added, his deer-like antlers lengthening as his face darkened: «…he'll keep quiet. Won't you, Cat?»
Husk stirred again, and though his voice was muffled, his "Fuck You" was audible.
Alastor turned back to Adam, his smile even more enticing. «So, do we have a deal?» he said, holding out his hand.
Adam took a deep breath. He knew it was a terrible idea, but given his situation, he couldn't see any better options. «Deal.» he replied, shaking Alastor's hand as Husk's muffled scream tried desperately to stop him from doing so.
The green light sealing the pact shimmered between them, delicate yet potent. Adam felt his mind filling with information: instructions on how to charm people, how to be more likable, how to read others, and even how to exploit their secrets to his advantage. It was almost euphoric—finally, he had the tools to regain everyone's trust.
Alastor watched him with a satisfied grin. «Good, good. Now put what you've learned into practice!» he said, a note of satisfaction in his voice. «I've got other matters to attend to, after all!» He turned to leave.

Adam, still stunned by the influx of knowledge, gathered himself and asked: «Wait, what about the request?»

Alastor paused for a moment, turning back to him with a sardonic smile. «Oh, don't worry, Adam. I'll ask you soon enough.» Then he snapped his fingers, and Husk fell to the floor, finally free.
Adam bent down to help Husk up, but the cat-demon slapped his hand away. «YOU FUCKING IDIOT!» Husk shouted, his voice filled with frustration. «You have no idea what kind of mess you've just gotten yourself into! Why didn't you listen to me?!»
Adam tried to justify himself. «I'm just trying to regain everyone's trust…»
«And you do that by MAKING A DEAL WITH ALASTOR?! How many times have I told you not to trust him?!» Husk was beside himself, rage consuming him. «You've potentially doomed us all, dammit!»

Adam took a step back, trying to remain calm.
«Cat…» he began, his voice barely a whisper.
But Husk cut him off immediately, his voice trembling with fury. «Don't. Call me. Cat.» Every word was a blow, each syllable a punch to Adam's pride. Husk raised his middle finger at him, his expression furious. «You're really lucky that this damned chain forces me to stay close to you, otherwise I would have already told you to fuck off!» He turned abruptly, storming away as far as he could without leaving Adam room to respond.
Adam stood still, the weight of Husk's words and Alastor's "gift" heavy on him. With a sigh, he realized he'd have to put those skills to work immediately.
Lucifer ascended to the floor where his daughter and her girlfriend resided. As the elevator carried him up to the seventh floor, a weight on his chest grew heavier, more unbearable with each passing second. He had always believed that his depression had pushed him away from Lilith, but now, knowing the truth, he felt like a complete fool. If only he had been more dependable, if only he had been a pillar for her, Lilith wouldn't have had to turn to Adam to protect their daughter, and perhaps they would still be together now.

With a slow, almost absentminded movement, he pulled a family photo from the inner pocket of his jacket. In the picture, Charlie was still a little girl, sitting on his shoulders, hugging Lilith, who beamed radiantly. They looked so happy, the three of them. Where had they been when this picture was taken? Maybe at the grand opening of Lulu World? He wasn't sure, but he remembered clearly that it had been a perfect day, filled with smiles and love.

Lucifer's thumb traced over Lilith's image, lingering on her face. Despite everything, he still loved her. The wedding ring he still wore was proof of that—a bond he had never wanted to break. For Lilith, he had abandoned Heaven, choosing to rule Hell just to be by her side. And now, with the weight of her absence crushing his heart and the truth out in the open, he missed her more than ever.

As the elevator slowly ascended, Lucifer let the tears fall, making no effort to hold them back. Every moment they had shared together seemed to come rushing back, and the pain of what they had lost was sharper than he cared to admit. «Lilith…» he whispered, his voice cracking with quiet sobs. He called her name as if, somehow, it could reach her. His beloved, who had given up everything to protect their daughter, now felt farther away than ever.

When the elevator finally reached the seventh floor, the doors opened with a soft "ding," and Lucifer forced himself to pull it together. He had an important task before him: to take care of his daughter, who needed him now more than ever.

He approached the door to the room, more decorated and personalized than the others. Charlie had adorned it with numerous stickers—full of inspiring phrases and cute images of animals. A small smile made its way onto Lucifer's face as he knocked gently.
«Come in!» he heard Vaggie call from inside.
Lucifer lowered the doorknob and entered the room. Charlie was sitting on the bed and Vaggie had pulled up a chair in front of her, clearly intending to spend some time together. The atmosphere was light, Charlie's vibrant personality seemed to have returned, enhanced by the presence of the Hotel's new guests. In front of them were notepads filled with writings and drawings, probably plans for the Hotel.
The moment Charlie looked up and saw her father, her face lit up. «Dad!»
Lucifer rushed to hug her. «Sweetie! You look better.»
«Pretty much. Vaggie and I are catching up on some backlog of work.» Charlie replied, returning the hug with affection.
When they finally broke apart, Charlie's smile faded slightly, replaced by a more serious expression. «We heard you yelling. What happened?»
Lucifer sighed, searching for the right words. «I did as you asked. I looked for answers.»
Charlie pressed her lips together, her gaze filled with expectation. «Did Mom tell you why she's in Heaven?»
Lowering his gaze, Lucifer replied in a somber tone. «Your mother didn't want to show up... in the end it was Sera who gave me some explanations.»
Charlie didn't give up and pressed: «So? What did she say?»
Lucifer sighed again, then looked at Vaggie. «Vaggie, do you mind if I take the seat?»
Vaggie stood up without hesitation, giving the chair to Lucifer.
The King of Hell sat down in front of Charlie, looking her in the eyes with an expression heavy with sadness. «Get comfortable, my dear. What I'm about to tell you won't be easy to hear.»
With her back against the headboard, Charlie hugged her knees, shaken by the revelations. Vaggie, unable to sit still, paced the room, her agitation palpable.
«Damn it!» Vaggie exclaimed, furious. «I'm going to get Adam and rip out all his remaining ribs!»
Lucifer intervened calmly, trying to reassure her. «There's no need, Vaggie. I've already… "handled" him.»
Charlie stared at one of her hands, which was trembling slightly. Her voice was a fragile whisper. «So, I'm… some kind of monster?»
Those words hit both Lucifer and Vaggie deeply, leaving them shaken.
«No! Don't even think that.» her father responded firmly, moving closer and gently placing a hand on her face. «You are my daughter, the most precious thing I have. We know that very negative emotions can affect you and cause you to hurt others. But now that we know, we can make sure that doesn't happen. Adam is trying to make amends - this will be his last chance. He wants to convince Sera to give him the training documents for Heaven's Nephilim. With them, you'll be able to control yourself perfectly.»
Charlie looked up, trying to draw strength from her father's words. «Do you really think this will help me?»
Lucifer nodded, his gaze soft yet determined. «I'm sure it will, kiddo. We'll do everything to protect you and help you embrace the best of your nature. You will never be alone in this, Charlie. Vaggie and I will always be there for you.»
Vaggie moved closer, kneeling beside the bed and taking Charlie's hand. «Yes, my love. No matter how difficult it is, we'll find a way to get through it.»
Charlie tried to smile, a fragile yet hopeful expression. «Thank you, truly. I don't know what I'd do without you.»
Lucifer smiled at her, a light of pride in his eyes. «You'll never need to find out. Because we'll never leave you, Charlie. We'll do everything we can to protect you and make you feel loved, always.»
Lucifer and Vaggie pulled Charlie into a group hug. Charlie felt incredibly lucky, with a loving father and a woman who cherished her. For a moment, she felt like she could face all the forces of Heaven and Hell together, because she felt loved.
– Meanwhile, in the center of Pentagram City…
The entertainment district was bathed in a hypnotic glow, constantly illuminated by blue and purple lights that reflected off storefronts and sidewalks, creating a surreal atmosphere. Though less invasive than those dominating Vox's stores, there was still something oppressive about the constant glow—an artificial brightness that made every corner feel watched, almost suffocating. Eddie felt like a fish out of water, the lights like vivid flames burning his eyes, but despite it all, he was happy to be there for Angel. Walking with him through those streets was a natural choice; he'd never let Angel roam alone in a district ruled by the Vees, even though he knew it wasn't Angel's first time.
But the latent sense of danger did not change with the familiarity of these places.
Their first stop was a makeup and clothing store, with a neon sign shimmering between blue and pink, casting distorted shadows on the passersby. Angel wasted no time diving straight for the eyeshadow display, giving Eddie a brief glimmer of hope—maybe they'd get in and out quickly. But it took only seconds for that illusion to vanish. Angel paused, his eyes sparkling in front of the myriad of bright colors, lightly touching the displayed products as if they were tiny treasures. He looked like a kid in a candy store, completely captivated by the variety of shades and textures.

«This is perfect for my silver top!» Angel exclaimed, holding up a metallic eyeshadow palette. «And this…» he continued, grabbing a bold lipstick: «This is so retro! Perfect for a nostalgic night show!»

The fuller the basket became, the more Eddie felt the growing realization that soon he'd be drowning in bags. With a resigned gesture, he ran a hand through his hair and sighed. «What have I gotten myself into this time?»

As Husk and Cherri had predicted, Angel didn't stop at makeup; one by one, clothes and accessories started filling the basket as well. «These two golden tops will be perfect for my all-gold look!» Angel said with enthusiasm, tossing in a sequin tank top and a crop-top. «And look at this miniskirt! Perfect to go with the red bikini!» He rushed toward it with the excitement of a kid seeing a new toy.

The basket overflowed, and so did Eddie's sense of dread. Looking at the Deus Ex Machina bracelet, he brought it closer to his face and whispered, «If you ever decide to intervene, I'll be eternally grateful.» But the bracelet remained silent as always, offering no response. Eddie huffed, resigned to his fate.

As the basket threatened to collapse under the weight of all the purchases, Angel rushed to the dressing room to try everything on.
«Silly! Remember, we don't have all night!» Eddie called after him, hoping to speed things up.
Angel peeked out from behind the curtain, grinning. «Relax, Shotty! You have no idea how fast I can change!»
Another customer yelled in obvious annoyance: «Nobody gives a damn, shut up!»
With no hesitation, both Eddie and Angel raised their middle fingers and jointly replied: «Oh, fuck you!» They exchanged glances, surprised at their perfect synchronicity, and burst into laughter.
As Angel went back into the dressing room, Eddie lowered his gaze, almost in disbelief at how strange this spontaneous connection felt. He smiled to himself, thinking that maybe this day wouldn't be so bad after all. He even started to look through some clothes for himself, figuring that if he was going to carry bags, there might as well be something for him too.
Angel kept his promise: in less than five minutes he had tried on every piece, discarded the ones that didn't convince him and reduced the purchases to the entire basket minus two items. He came out of the fitting room satisfied. «Perfect, I'm done here, we can go...» He stopped, surprised not to see Eddie waiting for him. He looked around and called out: «Oh, Shotty! Where have you been hiding?»
«I'm here!» Eddie replied, peering out from the curtain of the adjacent dressing room.
Angel smiled, an affectionate and amused expression lighting up his face. «Oh, I see you joined the party.»
«Well, sometimes you just have to treat yourself, right?» Eddie replied, stepping out of the dressing room with a shrug. He had started the day in his usual camouflage cargo pants and a white t-shirt under his leather jacket. Now he had opted for a similar look, but with warm colors: dark brown cargo pants and a burgundy shirt, all accompanied by his slightly worn leather jacket. He looked at himself in the mirror with a half-smile, pleased with his choice.
Angel raised an eyebrow, obviously unimpressed. «Seriously, Shotty? You changed to stay exactly the same? I thought you wanted an upgrade, not a slight variation on the theme...» he commented, his tone wavering between playful and sarcastic, giving Eddie a critical glance.
Eddie scoffed, a faint smile tugging at his lips. «Not all of us can be style icons, Angie. I just need something practical, not...» He gestured vaguely towards Angel's overflowing basket—a collection of eccentric clothes, full of bright colors and textures. «...all that stuff.»
Angel shook his head and let out a dramatic groan. His "inner diva" took over as he stepped forward and pointed a finger at Eddie as if making a proclamation. «No, no, no, no, no. This is unacceptable. You need a new style—something that says "Guardian", not "low-level ex-hitman".»
Eddie made a grimace and pretended to be hurt by the comment. «Low-level? I had at least ten targets a week. I wouldn't call that low-level...» he retorted, his tone dripping with exaggerated faux-offense, his pride humorously stung.
Angel sighed and shook his head. «It doesn't matter how many targets you had, Shotty. That look is... more outdated than a broken record player. You need some class!» His eyes suddenly lit up as they landed on a mannequin dressed in a navy-blue long-sleeved V-neck shirt with a subtle sheen, paired with white slim-fit pants that would accentuate the figure.
«There! Perfect!» he exclaimed, leaving his basket without hesitation and quickly pulling the clothes off the mannequin with an enthusiasm that left no room for second thoughts.
A shopkeeper approached, apparently ready to intervene, but Angel dismissed him with a sharp look and a decisive gesture, with all the authority of a seasoned diva. «Not now, darling. I'm creating a masterpiece.» he said with a sharp smile, dismissing the clerk without a hint of hesitation.
Before Eddie could even think of protesting, he found himself with the clothes in his arms and Angel pushing him forcefully toward the fitting rooms. «Come on, come on, try these on. No arguments, let's go!»
Eddie let out a small grunt of frustration and gave his friend a resigned look. «You're impossible, you know that?» he muttered as he stepped into the dressing room. He closed the curtain behind him and shook his head. «I don't know how you talk me into this every time...» he grumbled to himself, though deep down a part of him was curious to see how he would look in the outfit.
On the other side of the curtain, Angel folded his arms and impatiently tapped his fingers on his elbow. «Come on, Shotty! I haven't got all day!»
Eddie looked at himself in the dressing room mirror and sighed as he changed. «I can't believe I'm actually doing this...» he whispered, but there was a hint of curiosity in his eyes. Maybe Angel was right — maybe it was time to try something else.
From inside the fitting room, Eddie called out hesitantly: «I'm not coming out of here dressed like this!»
Angel chuckled. «Don't be ridiculous, you'll look amazing.»
«This is way out of my comfort zone. The scars are showing!» Eddie protested, his tone betraying a certain vulnerability.
Angel rolled his eyes, but his expression softened slightly. «I'll get you a pendant, so no one will notice. Now let me see how you look - I'm curious!» he insisted, his voice softer as he tried to reassure Eddie.
Eddie took a deep breath, his heart pounding as he pulled back the curtain. He felt exposed, vulnerable. But he stepped out and awaited the verdict.
Angel looked him over from head to toe, his mischievous smile slowly widening. «Oh là là, Shotty.» he began in a provocative tone, stepping closer «You look like you just stepped off a catwalk. I told you it would look good on you.»
Eddie lowered his gaze, unable to meet those heterochromatic eyes that were staring at him so intensely. «Really?» he murmured, looking down at the clothes, trying to hide his discomfort.
Angel stepped even closer, lifting Eddie's chin with two fingers, forcing him to meet his eyes. «Don't be modest, Shotty. You make heads spin and you know it. You even make me look humble.» There was a mixture of challenge and affection in Angel's tone, and the smile that accompanied his words was more sincere than usual.
Eddie smiled slightly and felt a surprising warmth spread from his chest up his neck. His heart pounded harder, a signal he tried to ignore. «If you say so, I believe it.» he replied, trying to maintain his usual nonchalance even though the struggle was obvious.
Angel winked at him, then gestured toward a shelf containing several large, male pendants. «Now, we need that pendant - something... elegant and masculine. You need to shine.» he concluded, his tone leaving no room for argument.
Eddie shook his head, unable to suppress an amused smile. «You really are hopeless, Angie.»
Angel laughed and put an arm around Eddie's shoulders. «And you love me for it, Shotty.»
In a few seconds, Angel retrieved the pendant and, without showing it to Eddie first, carefully placed it around his neck. Eddie felt that closeness again and his heart rate quickened again.
«Et voilà!» Angel exclaimed, grabbing Eddie's arm and turning him around to admire the result in the mirror. «Now your look is complete!»
Eddie touched the pendant—it was silver, round, with engravings that resembled wood, and a central stud with a stylized Mjölnir.
«This is...» Eddie began, his voice a little uncertain.
«A Viking shield. I thought it would be perfect for the Shield of the Hotel.» Angel replied with a knowing smile, and a hint of pride in his voice. «And it connects to your roots, too.»
Eddie smiled, touched, and made an affectionate comment. «The Norse weren't just Vikings, and my grandmother had the strongest roots... but I appreciate the thought.» His words were sincere, and there was a slight tremor in his voice, a sign of the emotion he was trying to hide.
Angel put a hand on Eddie's shoulder and smiled warmly. «It's the least I could do.» Then he paused, puzzled, watching Eddie with a curious expression.
«Uh, Shotty...» he began, staring at him intently. «Is it just me, or are you... Glowing?»
Eddie frowned, confused. «What?»
Angel tilted his head, his eyes sparkling with curiosity and amusement. «I'm saying it looks like you're literally glowing. I don't know if it's the pendant... or if it's you...» he said, his tone tinged with mischief.
Eddie looked back into the mirror, trying to figure out what Angel was talking about. After a few seconds, he noticed a faint blue glow that seemed to emanate from beneath his skin, illuminating the intricate pattern of his veins. «Oh, damn...» he muttered, trying to control his reaction, though it was clear he was caught off guard.
Angel moved even closer, watching intently. «Oh, Shotty... this is interesting. Looks like our Headshot has a little glowing secret.»
Eddie sighed and shook his head. «Honestly, I have no idea what it is. I've had reactions like this before, but it usually happens when I'm fighting.» He tried to play it down, but the slight trembling of his hands betrayed him.
Angel patted his shoulder and laughed. «Well, whatever it is, it looks great. Come on, get out of that outfit and let's find something else. Who knows, maybe I'll make you glow again.»
Eddie smiled faintly, though he still felt the tingling that threatened to flare up again. But this time he decided to ignore it and concentrated on his breathing, trying to regain control.
Eddie had to thank the Norse Gods that they had brought the car with them: they had only visited one shop and already the trunk was full of bags, almost all of them from Angel. With a sigh, he arranged the packages and closed the trunk with a thud.
Meanwhile, Angel was teasing him with amusement: «Don't tell me you're tired already, Shotty! We're just getting started. There's a mall nearby that'll do the trick. You'll see how many more outfits I'll find for you!» Eddie froze for a moment and rested his head on the roof of the car with a soft thud and a resigned look. «This is going to be a nightmare.»
Unexpectedly, he was wrong: Angel turned out to be a cheerful and attentive companion. He had found everything he needed in the first shop, so he devoted himself almost exclusively to revamping his friend's wardrobe. Each garment he chose showed his taste for classic menswear, with only a few original touches: subtle necklines or a few strategic rips. Eddie was surprised by the quality and sometimes even the practicality of these clothes, which, while retaining Angel's flair, were neither too flashy nor too revealing.
Even if he ended up carrying the bags anyway, being able to put them in the car often made it less tiring, and the time spent with Angel was pleasant. Between a snarky comment and a sincere compliment, Eddie found himself smiling more than he had in a long time. Angel's infectious enthusiasm had turned what had seemed like a day of torture into a time of sharing, something Eddie didn't know he needed, but now truly appreciated.
They paused for a moment to recharge their batteries and each took a popsicle. The shape of the dessert was unmistakable: long, cylindrical and thin, blatantly designed to resemble something allusive. Eddie sighed, noting that everything in Hell seemed to revolve around two dominant themes: murder or sex. Angel, however, did not seem to be bothered at all, enjoying his popsicle quietly and not caring at all about the symbolism. In fact, he seemed amused to see it embarrassed, and a small smile played on his lips as he continued to enjoy his dessert.
Angel laughed, a mischievous gleam in his eyes. «Headshot! I didn't think you'd be that shy. Almost looks like you've never sucked one before.» he said, nudging Eddie's side with his usual lack of filter.
Eddie lifted the popsicle and looked at him with an uncertain smile. «No, no, I have.»
«Then what's the problem? Was it disappointing?»
«Come on Silly, I just don't like to talk about it out loud.»
Angel teased him again: «You know you can open up to me! Especially when it comes to sex.»
Hesitantly, Eddie took a small bite of the popsicle and, encouraged by Angel's amused expression, began to talk. «Well, let's just say it was... enjoyable. It was my first time, the guy I met that night and I had a really strong chemistry. We were so eager and pent-up that we spent the whole night doing pretty much EVERYTHING. Including... mutual oral sex.»
Angel looked at him blankly and Eddie sighed. «A sixty-nine, Silly.»
«Oh! Now I get it!» Angel exclaimed, laughing.
«How can you not know the correct name for it? It's your field!»
«Shotty, I think it is great that you know all the fancy terms, but I only know the dirty ones. So keep it simple.»
Eddie sighed in resignation.
Angel continued: «Anyway—wow! First time, and you already went for a sixty-nine? You didn't waste any time!» He laughed, though his look showed genuine admiration. «And what happened then?»
As Eddie continued to tell the story, Angel listened in fascination. It wasn't something he hadn't done many times before in his movies, but to hear that his friend had gone all out for his first time aroused a deep curiosity in Angel—and a certain desire as well.
In the end, Angel shook his head in awe. «All that on your first time? Damn, Headshot, you earned the title of "slut" in just one night!»
Eddie chuckled, simultaneously embarrassed and proud, though something in his eyes seemed to darken, like a painful memory resurfacing. The popsicle in his hand trembled slightly, like he was trying to keep his composure.
Angel continued to tease, unaware of the change in his friend. «I guess the second time you guys went for some more hardcore stuff! Let me guess: you invited a third party! Actually, no, both of you have...»
He stopped mid-sentence, noticing Eddie's expression.
«There wasn't a second time.» Eddie said quietly, lowering the popsicle and avoiding Angel's gaze. «After that night, I went home and...» He took a deep breath, trying to block out the painful memories. «...my father knew everything. He locked me in the basement for months, giving me these.» Slowly, with a pained expression, Eddie pulled down the collar of his shirt, revealing part of the scars. His voice dropped to a whisper. «After my escape, I got in my car and drove off. I never saw that guy again. Ever since, it feels like something inside of me broke. I haven't been able to... let go. That was my first and last time, ruined by months of imprisonment and torture. And that's why, sometimes, certain hints... irritate me.»
Angel remained silent, watching with a gaze that betrayed deeper understanding than Eddie expected. He too knew what it was like to be used and bent to the point of breaking. For a moment he felt disarmed, as if the usual jokes were not up to the task.
In a spontaneous and unusual gesture, he placed a hand on Eddie's shoulder and squeezed it gently. There was no trace of his usual teasing, only genuine affection. «I'm sorry, Shotty.» His voice was softer than Eddie had ever heard. «It takes incredible courage to face something like this. You're much stronger than you think. And believe me... one day you'll find someone you can let go with, someone who really deserves you.»
Eddie nodded, a small smile hiding his emotion. «Thanks, Silly.»
Angel smiled back and said nothing more before adding with a grin: «And if you'd had someone like me by your side, no one would have dared lay a hand on you.»
Eddie's face lit up in surprise and he burst out laughing, feeling for the first time a little warmth erase the cold of those memories.
During the drive to find the next store, Angel leaned dangerously far out of the window, his bright eyes fixed on something in the distance. With sudden excitement, he shouted at Eddie: «Stop the car, now!» With no other choice, Eddie slammed on the brakes, the tires screeching loudly as the car rocked back and forth before coming to an abrupt stop.
Eddie turned to Angel, his heart still pounding in his chest, and with a mix of worry and frustration, he exclaimed: «What the hell are you doing?! You almost lost an arm! Sure, you've got six of them, but still…»
Angel, completely unfazed by Eddie's concern, pointed excitedly at something on the side of the road. «Look! A photo booth!» he said, his grin wide and his eyes filled with wonder. «I thought they'd removed all of them after they created the smartphones! I haven't seen one in ages!»
Eddie was speechless for a moment, staring at Angel in disbelief. «You almost got hurt just to show me a photo booth?» he said, his tone stiff.
Angel shook his head, a determined look on his face and a sly smile spreading across his lips. He jumped out of the car, hurried around the vehicle, and opened the door on Eddie's side. «No, not just for that.» he explained. «I made you stop because we absolutely have to take some pictures together! An opportunity like this doesn't come around often, right? It'll be a great memory.» Angel extended a hand toward Eddie, a hopeful smile that had something almost childlike about it. «What do you say? You like the idea?»
Eddie looked into Angel's eyes, and as always, Angel's heterochromatic gaze struck a chord with him, awakening something he always tried to suppress. Those eyes had a magnetic power over him, and each time it became harder to look away. He swallowed, broke eye contact and tried to keep his composure. He pulled the handbrake, and out of the corner of his eye he noticed the faint blue glow of his reflection in the rear mirror again. He fervently hoped Angel hadn't noticed. If he had, he'd tease him for hours and Eddie wasn't ready for that.
Finally, Eddie sighed and took Angel's hand. The feeling of that touch made him feel strangely warm, as if this little connection was more than he'd ever dared to want. «All right, but just a few minutes.» he said, trying to keep his tone firm. «We've only got an hour before Val bothers you again.»
Angel smiled, his face lighting up with pure joy. «It'll be quick, I promise!» he replied, pulling Eddie out of the car with infectious ease. Eddie couldn't help but smile in return, even if it was just for a moment.
After kicking out a couple of lovers who had secluded themselves in the cabin, the two enjoyed taking ridiculous photos, making faces and bizarre poses.
Angel couldn't stop laughing as Eddie tried to make a serious gangster face that ended up looking more comical than intimidating. Gangster poses, rock poses, middle fingers raised in defiance. Angel even added some of her newly purchased accessories—flashy sunglasses and a sequined hat—to make the photos even more memorable.
The small space of the booth seemed to echo with their laughter, a shared energy that made them forget their worries for a moment. The photos, taken one after the other, filled the strip of paper that was slowly released by the machine, a sequence of images that captured their friendship in all its spontaneity.
Looking at the photos they had just taken, the two friends shared the prints. Eddie took one in particular, one where they had their arms around each other's shoulders, and felt a slight warmth spread through his chest. Angel was right—these photos were more precious than anything taken with a phone. It was something real, tangible, that he could hold in his hands and remember the moment.
«Okay, Silly, I admit that was...» Eddie started, but he trailed off when he saw that Angel was studying one of the photos very closely. There was a change in Angel's expression, his eyes were now on a detail.
«I knew it!» Angel exclaimed excitedly. «You're glowing, Shotty! You really are! Look here!» he said, pointing to one of the pictures where a faint blue glow could be seen shining under Eddie's skin and spreading through his veins. The glow was almost imperceptible, but clear enough for Angel to notice.
Eddie felt his heart skip a beat, a slight embarrassment washing over him. «Oh, come on... it's probably just a reflection or something...» he tried to play it down, knowing that Angel wouldn't let it go that easily.
Angel shook his head with an amused and pleased smile. «No, no. Don't hide it, Shotty. You can't fool me. You're special, and now I have proof.»
Eddie could only sigh. «If this is really happening, then... I have no idea what it could mean. I'm not fighting, I'm not angry, I'm not scared—I'm having a great time... this is starting to get really weird.»
Angel looked at him with a satisfied smile and a knowing look, as if he'd just solved a mystery. «Who knows what that really means, Shotty. Maybe you have other abilities besides the ones you already know about.»
Eddie made a face, trying to downplay it. «Or maybe it's just the effect of the lights and the flash in the booth. Let's not make a big deal out of it.»
Eddie smiled weakly, trying not to read too much into it, but part of him really wondered what this glow meant and why it was happening in these moments he was sharing with Angel.
A sudden roar interrupted their moment of peace: the sound of Eddie's car engine revving. The two friends turned around just in time to see the car speed away, leaving them behind. It was clear that someone had stolen them.
Eddie kept his composure and, pulling out his phone, sighed: «Yeah, my fault for leaving the keys in. Not the first time someone's tried to steal it, but it won't go far. Stay here, Angel. I'll be back in less than ten minut—»
He stopped and looked up: Angel had disappeared. One second he was there, and now... nothing.
«...Angel?» he called, looking around.
A few seconds later he spotted him, already running, jumping swiftly from one building to another, chasing after the car with almost feral energy, shouting colorful insults at the thief. Eddie shook his head, holding back a smile.
«He'll never change...» he muttered, unfolding his wings. «But he'll hurt himself this way...» he said to himself, and took off in pursuit of the thief.
With a few powerful flaps of his wings, Eddie was above the scene, watching from above as Angel made an incredible leap and landed on the roof of the speeding car. Angel crouched down on the edge, leaning toward the window to hurl a barrage of threats at the stunned thief. His eyes sparkled with playful fury, and every insult that came out of his lips was laced with a mocking tone, as if he was toying with the thief rather than trying to intimidate him.
With a quick, decisive move, Angel grabbed the man by the scruff of the neck and pulled him toward him with surprising force, forcing the thief to slam on the brakes. The car swerved for a moment, tires screeching on the asphalt, until it came to a sudden stop with a jolt.
Eddie landed beside the car just as Angel gave the thief a forceful shove out of the driver's seat. The man stumbled to the ground in terror and tried to get up, but his movements were clumsy and disoriented. He stared at Angel, eyes wide, fear paralyzing any rational response.
With the grace of a predator, Angel leapt from the roof of the car and approached the thief, his fist already in the air, ready to strike. His face had lost its playful lightness, showing only determination. There was a gleam in his eyes, a spark of anger mixed with frustration. But before he could throw the punch, Eddie quickly stepped in and grabbed Angel's shoulders.
«Angel, that's enough. We don't have much time and he's not worth it.» Eddie said calmly, but with a firmness that brooked no argument.
Angel huffed, his breathing heavy as he reluctantly lowered his fist, still glaring daggers at the thief. «I hope you learned your lesson, asshole.» he growled, his voice dripping with contempt. The thief nodded frantically, scrambled to his feet and ran, tripping over himself in his haste to get as far away as possible.
Eddie let go of Angel and watched as he straightened his hair and returned to his haughty and seemingly indifferent demeanor. It was amazing how Angel could go from anger to nonchalance in the blink of an eye. Eddie held back a smile, admiring this wild side of his friend.
With a defiant look, Angel turned to him and shrugged theatrically. «Well, at least I got your car back. You're welcome.»
Eddie shook his head, an amused smile spreading across his face. «Yeah, sure, thanks a lot, my hero. But it wasn't necessary.» Eddie showed him the screen of his phone and grinned. The display showed a map with a bright red dot marking the exact location of the car, currently right next to them. «This car has a GPS microchip. It wasn't going anywhere, really. So let's try not to put anyone in the hospital next time, shall we?»
Angel chuckled and raised his hands in mock surrender. «I'll do my best, Shotty. But no promises.»
Eddie put a hand on his shoulder and squeezed it affectionately. «Seriously though...thanks anyway. You've been amazing. It's good to have someone you can count on. We're a team after all, right?»
Angel brightened, his usual mischievous smile returning to his lips. «Yes, a team. Don't forget that, Shotty.«
Eddie smiled, feeling the irony and warmth in Angel's words. «Never.»
Behind Angel, Eddie noticed a music-themed bar with warm lights illuminating instruments. It seemed like the perfect opportunity to ease the tension of what had just happened.
Eddie said with a mischievous smile, nodding slightly toward the bar: «I think I know how to make us forget this little misadventure.» Then he raised a finger and looked at Angel with a serious expression. «But first, I will remove the keys from the ignition. I don't want to repeat the experience.»
Angel's eyes lit up slightly at the sight of the bar behind them. «You really do know me!»
Inside the bar, the atmosphere was welcoming, with instruments hanging on the walls and carefully arranged on shelves and stands. The warm, soft lighting illuminated the room, creating a cozy ambiance that seemed tailor-made to help them forget about the day's tensions. While Angel ordered a Negroni, Eddie made his way over to an acoustic guitar hanging on the wall, one that exuded charm just by looking at it. He took it in his hands and weighed it respectfully. After tuning it briefly, he sat down on a stool and gave Angel a small smile.
«How long have you been playing?» Angel asked, approaching, now genuinely interested.
Eddie shrugged and plucked the strings to test the sound. «Long enough to know what I'm doing, even if it's been a while.» He adjusted himself, his fingers on the strings, and began to play a slow, gentle melody. His expression softened, becoming more thoughtful as the notes filled the air, capturing the attention of not only Angel, but anyone close enough to listen.
«We were staying in Paris
To get away from your parents
And I thought "Wow, if I could take this in a shot right now
I don't think that we could work this out"
Out on the terrace
I don't know if it's fair, but I thought
"How could I let you fall by yourself
While I'm wasted with someone else?"
If we go down, then we go down together
They'll say you could do anything
They'll say that I was clever
If we go down, then we go down together
We'll get away with everything
Let's show them we are better»
The notes drifted through the air with a tenderness that contrasted with Eddie's usually distant demeanor. There was a vulnerability in that moment, something deeply personal that came through the music. Angel paused, his glass hovering mid-air, captivated by the unexpected depth he felt in those notes. And there was something different in Eddie's eyes: a faint bluish glow, almost imperceptible, that seemed to illuminate his gaze with a warm intensity.
At the end of the song, the bar filled with polite applause, and Angel clapped enthusiastically, a wide, genuine smile on his lips. «I didn't know you were that good, Shotty.»
Eddie looked down, slightly embarrassed. «Thanks, Silly. I knew you'd like it.»
Angel tilted his head with a mischievous grin. «And by the way, you were glowing.»
Eddie frowned, confused. «What? No...»
«Oh yes, I saw it clearly. You can't hide it! You were glowing, Shotty!» Angel said, pointing to the faint bluish glow still visible along Eddie's veins.
Eddie made a frustrated sound in his throat and pulled his shirt over his head to hide his face. «What the hell is this?! It's not supposed to happen, not... at least not like this.»
Angel burst out laughing, enjoying every second of his friend's reaction. «Relax, at least you'll be perfect for parties.»
Eddie lowered his shirt and sighed, but eventually couldn't help but smile, shaking his head. «Yeah, sure, go ahead and make jokes...»
Angel patted his shoulder, still laughing. «Never change, Shotty. You're one of a kind.»
Eddie looked up, met Angel's gaze, and for a fleeting moment felt something warm, a connection that went beyond jokes and laughter. «Same goes for you, Silly.»
A waiter interrupted them with a brusque tone: «Hey, I hope you're not going to break that guitar...»
Without even turning around, Angel pulled a gun from who knows where and pointed it casually at the waiter. «You should be thankful that we're bringing some decent music to this dump instead.»
The waiter, petrified, raised his hands and backed away silently, muttering: «...whatever.»
Eddie shook his head in amusement. «Okay, maybe you should ease up on threatening people, huh?»
«Not a chance!» Angel replied, nonchalantly tucking the gun away and giving Eddie a sly wink.
A chime from Angel's phone interrupted the idyllic atmosphere. Angel pulled out the phone, but his face changed to a mask of anxiety when he saw Valentino's name on the screen.
Eddie watched his friend's reaction and immediately understood who was calling. Angel's cocky demeanor vanished in an instant, replaced by a vulnerability Eddie had rarely seen.
With a slight tremor in his fingers, Angel answered, trying to keep his voice calm. «Hey, Val.»
Eddie couldn't hear the whole conversation, but occasionally a word slipped out, enough to make it clear that Valentino was yelling at him. Again.
«Now? ... O-okay, I'll be there soon.» Angel murmured, his voice resigned as he ended the call and lowered his eyes.
Eddie looked at his watch, confused. «He wants you now? But it's early...»
Angel shrugged, trying to appear indifferent, but his eyes betrayed the turmoil inside. «He does this a lot.» he replied bitterly. «It's one of his ways to remind me that he can decide anything about me whenever he wants.»
Eddie sighed and put the guitar down. «All right. I'll take you to the V Tower.»
He turned to face Angel. Only then did he notice his friend's hand, still clutching the phone, visibly shaking, as if every muscle had been stretched to the limit. His grip was so tight that it looked like he might break the device.
Gently, Eddie reached out and touched Angel's hand, brushing it lightly to calm him. «Hey... It's all right. We'll go together, okay?» he said, trying to convey a sense of security.
Angel looked up and tried to smile, but the tears in his eyes and the tension on his face told a different story. «Thanks, Shotty... but I'm fine.» he lied with a weak smile that didn't reach his eyes.
Eddie could clearly smell the fear, the resignation, the anger that Angel was trying to hide. He knew he was lying, but decided not to push, respecting Angel's need to keep appearing strong.
«All right, I'll pay your drink.» Eddie said, handing the bartender his credit card with an encouraging smile.
After a moment's hesitation, Angel asked: «Mind if I get a couple of extras to go?»
Eddie chuckled, trying to lighten the mood. «Even ten if you need them.»
«Ooh, watch out, I might take that seriously!» Angel replied, trying to bring out his playful side, though his voice trembled slightly.
Sighing, Eddie put a hand on Angel's shoulder and squeezed it lovingly. «It'll be all right. You're much stronger than you think.» he murmured, his voice a whisper of comfort that carried the warmth of a friendly presence. «And remember, when you come back, you can wake me at any time, for anything.»
Angel looked up, and there was a flicker of relief in those heterochromatic eyes—a faint glow of gratitude that almost managed to erase the fear etched into his face. «Promise?»
Eddie winked at him, a gentle smile on his lips. «Promise.»
Eddie parked the car in front of the V Tower, the monumental structure that towered over that part of Pentagram City, its neon lights pulsing and the imposing symbol of the Vees atop it, like a shout of power and control. For a moment he remained silent, his fingers clenched around the wheel as if they could somehow erase the tower, make it disappear from the city. He knew it was time for Angel to get out of the car, but his heart resisted, a knot of fear and worry tightening in his chest.
Angel, sitting next to him, stared at the tower as if it were a prison—because, to him, it really was. His shoulders were slightly slumped, his breathing slow, his eyes downcast. There was no trace of the usual mischievous smile, no sign of the bold charm he wore as armor. In this moment, Angel was vulnerable, a fragile figure hiding an immense weight under layers of makeup and sharp jokes. Eddie glanced at him, and the pain he saw on the other man's face hit him like a punch in the gut, tightening something inside him.
Angel, like the good actor he was, tried to pull himself together, putting on a forced smile that never reached his eyes. He took a deep breath and said in a light, almost joking voice: «Well, duty calls.» He opened the door but lingered, his hands barely shaking as they rested on the edge of the seat. «Leave before Valentino sees ya.»
Eddie shook his head and smiled sadly, saying: «Don't worry, no one will see me.». His voice was low but calming, like he was trying to convince both Angel and himself.
For a moment there was a silence between them, a silence that was heavy with all the things they could not say. Eddie looked at him intently, his eyes searching for something in Angel's face, an answer, though he still couldn't tell what kind of answer he was looking for. Finally, he reached out a hand. He wanted to brush his fingers against Angel's cheek, an intimate gesture that would have said more than a thousand words. But he stopped, his hand hanging halfway, hesitant. It was too much. Too intimate, too personal, and maybe that was something Angel didn't want. He didn't want to cross that invisible line.
So instead, he rested his hand on Angel's shoulder, letting his thumb stroke the side of his neck - a light touch, almost imperceptible, but full of meaning. "Angel..." he began, his voice softer than usual, as if every word he said was meant to embrace and protect him. "Just remember one thing: no matter what happens in there, you're not alone. You have so many friends who care about you, including me, waiting for you back at the Hotel. We're all ready and willing to pick up the pieces with you. Never forget it."
Angel looked at him, and for a moment all his masks fell away, revealing the fear, the exhaustion, but also a spark of gratitude. His lips trembled as if he wanted to say something, but he just gave a small nod. "Thank you, Headshot," he whispered, his voice almost breaking. Then, without another word, he turned and got out of the car, closing the door with a soft thud.
Eddie watched as Angel approached the entrance of the tower, his heart clenched in a vice. He stood there and watched until Angel's figure was swallowed by the darkness of the building, hoping with every fiber of his being that one day he would keep his promise and destroy the damned contract that bound Angel to Valentino.
"Valentino..." Eddie thought as anger and a sense of helplessness gripped him. Just being in his presence had been enough to understand what kind of monster he was, with the scent of the wild predator he carried - always on the hunt for a new prey to dominate. And if there had been any doubt, the love potion Valentino had given him would have erased it: this demon had no scruples, no boundaries. Every time Eddie thought about what Angel had to endure, he was overwhelmed by a blinding rage, a fire burning inside him that had no intention of going out.
He raised his fist and slammed it against the wheel. Then again. Twice, three times, four—a rapid sequence of blows against the wheel to vent his frustration, accompanied by a furious scream that echoed throughout the car. Angel was forced to remain under Valentino's control and there was nothing he could do about it. Valentino was an Overlord, while he was just an ordinary sinner. Any kind of fight against him, any kind of opposition to him... it would be suicide. And even if by some miracle he managed to defeat him, there were still Vox and Velvette, ready to protect and defend their "ally". Eddie felt powerless, as if he were bound by invisible chains that held him back every time he tried to act.
Anger turned to despair. Eddie buried his face in his hands, fighting back the tears that threatened to spill. Despair was a bottomless pit, a void that seemed ready to swallow him whole. He didn't want to give in to that feeling; he didn't want despair to overtake his self-control like anger had just done. He had to stay strong. Angel had said that he was now the Shield of the Hotel, and Eddie wanted to live up to that title. But if he couldn't even protect Angel from the daily pain that plagued him, how could he protect anyone? Every time he saw Angel smile, he knew it was just a mask, a shield behind which he hid all his pain.
His phone buzzed, interrupting the whirlwind of emotions and thoughts. Eddie picked it up and checked the message. It was like balm for his battered spirit to see Angel Dust's name on the screen. Angel had messaged him: "It was a nice afternoon, even if it was short. We should do it again. Maybe a whole day, without interruptions."
A goofy smile spread across Eddie's face and he felt a tug at his heart. That simple message, that innocent request, had the power to make him feel completely lifted. He wanted to tell Angel that he would always be there for him, that his door would always be open, that no matter how hard things got, he'd be fighting by his side. But he had a feeling that might be too much, that it might put Angel in a difficult situation, and he didn't want to push him beyond his limits. Angel was already so fragile, and Eddie didn't want to be the cause of any more pain. So he just replied: "Can't wait." with a smiling emoji.
For a moment he forgot about the dangerous situation he was in. He leaned back in the seat and took a deep breath, finding comfort in that moment of calm. He opened the glove compartment and took out the photos they'd taken together in the photo booth. Smiling, he looked at their faces: goofy expressions, spontaneous hugs, smiles that seemed to defy any threat or darkness. In those pictures was a part of them that no one could touch - a fragment of happiness, a moment stolen from the daily despair. His gaze softened, and for the first time in a long while, he allowed himself to smile openly, a genuine smile that radiated warmth and hope. A part of him knew that Angel needed these moments as much as he did, and perhaps these small moments of joy were the key to finding a way out.
Then he felt it—a powerful sensation: a warm glow erupted from his chest, coursed through his veins, and filled the car's interior with an intense blue light. Eddie cursed and tried to stop it by slapping his chest, as if that would somehow extinguish the mysterious glow. He felt a warmth spread through his body, a surge of strength that clashed with the emotional turmoil of moments before. Slowly, the light faded until it was gone, and Eddie breathed a sigh of relief. He sat for a moment, his heart still racing. «I've got to figure out what the hell is happening to me.» he muttered, confused, as he started the engine to drive back to the hotel, his head full of questions and a smile he couldn't hide despite everything.
On the way back, he turned on the radio, and as if it were a sign, the notes of Mary On A Cross began to fill the air. Eddie smiled and let himself sink into the melody, feeling as if Angel was still right there beside him. The music had a way of making him believe, if only for a moment, that everything might actually be okay. Despite everything, the day had left a warmth in his heart, an intense emotion he didn't fully understand, but couldn't ignore anymore. It was a mixture of hope and desire, an unstoppable urge to protect Angel and give him the freedom he so deserved.
Clutching the photos in his hands, Eddie promised himself he'd do whatever it took to free Angel, to see him smile without that shadow of fear in his eyes. No matter how hard the road ahead would be, he wouldn't give up. Not as long as Angel needed him. He was willing to risk everything, even his own soul, if it meant seeing Angel finally free, finally happy.
Forced to share a room due to the chain that bound them, Adam and Husk found themselves in uncomfortable proximity. Husk had claimed the bed, leaving Adam with a ramshackle cot as the only temporary solution. The tension between them was thick, but both knew they had no choice.
The cat-demon, trying to lighten the mood, turned to alcohol. The fine wine, "generously" provided by Adam, became the catalyst for an unexpected evening. Husk, completely drunk, began to ramble on about mistakes and betrayals, confessing things he probably wouldn't have dared say sober. Somehow, between slurred words and incoherent thoughts, he even apologized for how he'd reacted to Adam's pact with Alastor.
Adam accepted the apology, surprised by Husk's unexpected honesty. Perhaps Alastor's "gift"really did work. Trust between them wasn't completely restored, but it was a start - a first step. Once he patched things up with Husk, Adam could focus on the other inhabitants of the hotel.
Adam knew that regaining lost trust would be a long and painful process. His methods were far from orthodox, often pushing the boundaries of decency, but he was willing to do whatever it took to achieve his goal. He'd do anything—even agree to answer a question in the dark, not knowing what he was signing up for. Salvation had a price, and he was willing to pay it in full.
Speak of the devil and he will appear. Alastor emerged from the shadows, taking advantage of Husk's drunkenness and Adam's restless alertness.
«I see you're already making use of your new gift, Adam.» Alastor commented in his soft, contented tone.
Adam kept his expression neutral, following another "instruction" from his newfound "power". «Husk is easy to win over. Just give him some good wine and the kind of company he secretly appreciates.»
Alastor chuckled and replied: «Oh, I can confirm that, my friend.»
In the blink of an eye, the radio demon vanished from his place and reappeared beside Adam, causing him to jump slightly. «But I'm not here for small talk, dearie. I'm here for a pickup.»
«Ah, finally!» Adam replied, more irritated than curious. «You're going to ask that famous question?»
Alastor's lips curled into a sharp grin, his eyes gleaming with a palpable, wicked glee. «Exactly. You see, Adam, everything has its price, and your little favour is no exception. Are you prepared to pay it?»
Adam crossed his arms, trying to keep his composure. «Let's cut to the chase, Alastor. What's this damned request?»
Alastor's tone grew darker, more menacing, his true nature seeping into every word. «I want you to tell me everything you know about Headshot's special bracelet. Don't leave out a single detail, and don't you dare lie. I can always tell when you're lying, you know that, don't you? It's one of your... "instructions".»
As Alastor made his demand, Adam could no longer hide his emotions: shock, fear and a creeping sense of impending doom hung over him like the Sword of Damocles. Only then did he realise how foolish he'd been to trust Alastor. Husk had been right, and he'd ignored him.
His throat tightened, unable to form words.
«Well, Adam?» Alastor pressed, his eyes blazing. «Need I remind you what happens to those who break a pact with a demon?»
Adam began to sweat, turning pale. "What have I done?" he thought.
"And more importantly, what am I going to do now?"