On a leash

The new meeting with Heaven ended in a fiasco and brought Charlie many shocks. Adam’s portal throws her and Vaggie into the hotel lobby. Vaggie and Charlie land painfully on the floor. It was already late at night in Hell, so the hotel was very quiet because everyone was already asleep after a wild party with Cherry Bomb at the club. Charlie struggles to his feet under the worried gaze of his beloved girl. Vaggie nervously bites her lip, not knowing what to say to the princess after the bitter truth was revealed to her. She remembered Charlie’s frightened look there in Heaven, when Adam and Lute revealed Vaggie’s true nature, saying that she was an angel. She remembered how Charlie then hid her face in her hands, hiding tears of bitterness, disbelief… Disappointment. The last thought hurt Vaggie’s soul. Today, Charlie had experienced too many disappointments, and she was not even able to support her, hug her, comfort her, tell her that everything would be okay… Vaggie timidly extended her hand, trying to place it on her girlfriend’s shoulder, but Charlie only silently moved away from her, interrupting this gesture.        — Charlie, I… — the former angel tries to explain herself somehow, but the raised palm of the princess of Hell stops her.        — Not now, Vaggie, — Charlie answered in a broken voice, — I need to be alone and digest all this: that angels are hypocrites, and that… “You’re one of them…” — The phrase isn’t said out loud, but Vaggie feels it in every fiber of her being, as if Charlie had just thrown the words right in her face.        — Leave me alone, — Charlie adds, her voice shaking with tears, her hands stroking her shoulders in a soothing gesture. The former angel’s heart squeezes painfully, and a lump forms in his throat. Vaggie’s eye fill with transparent moisture.        — I’m so sorry… — Vaggie says in a trembling voice.        — Go away! — Charlie orders in a firmer voice, and Vaggie has no choice but to go to the second floor of the hotel, holding back her sobs. As soon as Vaggie leaves, Charlie sinks to the floor again, covering his face with his hands… Bitter, so unbearably bitter and painful. Her chest tightens, not letting air through, and the princess of Hell tears the annoying bow tie from her neck, greedily gasping for air, and spasms squeeze her throat with a new stream of tears.        — How could you do this to me, Vaggie… — Charlie whispers over and over in a choked voice, while her heart is pounding wildly in her chest, — why did you do this to me… Charlie is hurt, excruciatingly hurt, and not even because Vaggie was an exterminating angel, but because she lied to her for so long. Lied to her face! The princess naively thought that they could completely trust each other, confide any secrets, but… It turned out that Vaggie didn’t trust her at all, since she was hiding such a secret. And the worst thing is that the princess herself is now not sure that she can trust Vaggie after such a deception. Charlie covers his lips with his hand, not wanting to wake up the rest of the hotel guests who are peacefully sleeping in their rooms, and besides, no one should see the founder and owner of the Hazbin Hotel in such a depressed state. But, as it turned out, not everyone was sleeping in the hotel… In the darkness, familiar eyes and a wide smile flashed, which was the calling card of only one demon, who immediately appeared in front of her.        — I must tell you that sitting on the floor is very uncomfortable and even harmful, my dear, — Alastor, as always, shines with his smile, behind which it is impossible to read his true emotions. — I see that the meeting in Paradise turned out to be completely unsuccessful, — he adds, noticing the girl’s dejected state. Charlie jumps in surprise, blinks a couple of times, trying to focus on his business partner, and then forces a smile and says:        — Never mind, Al, how are our friends? I hope they weren’t too rowdy after their walk with Cherry? — Charlie asks, trying to change the subject and take his mind off all the turmoil of the day, but judging by Alastor’s skeptical look, Charlie is, to put it mildly, doing a poor job of maintaining her eternal image of an optimist.        — They’re all right, my dear, — he answers, playing along with her for now, — they all came drunk, but happy. Niffty even brought a trophy in the form of a piece of fur from Valentino’s collar, so their walk was a great success. But don’t worry, I put everyone to bed safely.        — That’s good, I’m glad they had fun and became even closer, — Charlie smiled, but it wasn’t the smile that usually shone on the princess of Hell’s face, and which involuntarily made everyone smile back at her. It wasn’t the smile that Alastor liked so much.        — You’re not very good at imitating me, Charlie, — he adds, helping her up. His gaze is unusually serious, and Charlie is surprised that Alastor has come to know her so well in the five months they’ve been working together. He also rarely calls her by name, except on serious occasions. Apparently, he considers this situation a serious occasion. Alastor, strangely enough, does not even gloat or mock her, as he would have done before. And he is surprised that he does not want to do this at all. Some feeling does not allow him to do this, and he catches himself thinking that he madly wants to return her beautiful, radiant smile. “Big talk for someone who is also in the leash!” — Husk’s phrase plays over and over in Alastor’s head when he looks into Charlie’s tear-stained eyes, who needed comfort after returning from Paradise, but the Radio Demon desperately pushes this thought deeper into his mind, denying it.        — So maybe you could tell me what happened while you and Vaggie were gone? — Alastor’s eyebrows rise in interest, his eyes eagerly catching any sign of emotion on her face. Charlie rubs her neck with her hand, she knew she couldn’t lie to Alastor, so the answer comes naturally. She just decided to tell it like it is.        — Oh, Al, — Charlie sighs, coming up to him and leaning her forehead against his chest, seeking his support, which Alastor doesn’t object to, even gently touching her shoulders with his palms in response to her touch, — we really are in big trouble… Charlie is clearly on the verge of hysteria, it can be seen from the tremor in her voice and the way her shoulders shake under Alastor’s palms.        — Is it really that bad? — Radio Demon tries to be as indifferent and cold as always, but the princess’s sad voice touches even him.        — They… — Charlie starts to sob quietly, — they didn’t even give us a chance! — the sobs become more frequent, — everyone listened to that idiot Adam! And they also chose our hotel as their first target in the coming Extermination! Charlie is so deep in her thoughts that she doesn’t even notice the startling sound of radio static after her last words, or the fact that Alastor’s horns have grown a little.        — Let them try, and I’ll tear them to pieces! — he said, then quickly pulled himself together when Charlie looked at him, — and the others will help me with that, I’m sure, — he added. Charlie’s sadness deepens, and she lowers her eyes, thinking of Vaggie again.        — And Vaggie… — Charlie sighs and leans tiredly against him, — turned out not to be one of us… Even though Charlie phrases it carefully and veiledly, Alastor still guesses what she means, and he can’t help but be surprised. There was an angel among them all this time? A truly unexpected turn of events.        — She lied to me all this time, Al, — Charlie trembles with an excess of emotion, starting to sob again, — why did she do it?        — I’m sure she was just afraid of losing you by revealing such a truth, –the Radio Demon replied, and after a short pause, he quietly continued, –and, frankly, I understand her perfectly… Charlie breaks down and begins to sob into Alastor’s chest: heart-rendingly and desperately. Perhaps, if she hadn’t done this, her bright, soft heart would have simply burst from the onslaught of emotions. Alastor understood this, and although he didn’t like the display of such emotions from other demons, he simply resigned himself to the fact that he would have to become a shoulder for the princess to cry on.        — Come on, darling, — he said, hugging her and stroking her hair, and Charlie hugged Alastor back with a desperate gesture, seeking warmth in his arms, — it will be okay, no need for tears… “You would never have behaved like this before, — a sarcastic voice sounded inside him, — you’re on a leash, Alastor, you’re on a leash!” Alastor clenches his teeth, and static begins to appear around him. Charlie has calmed down a bit, and this time she notices Alastor’s state, but assumes that she is the cause of his irritation, which makes her pull away a little.        — Sorry, Al, — she says guiltily, –you don’t like being touched, and I… You don’t care about my tears and hysterics, and I understand that… I’m really embarrassed, sorry for bothering you…        — It’s okay, Charlie, don’t apologize. I’ll endure everything to bring a smile back to your beautiful face, my dear, — Alastor interrupts her, gently running his palm over her cheek, cheekbone, and then adjusting the unruly curl that kept falling out of Charlie’s bangs, giving her even more charm… “On a leash,” — the voice came to life with renewed vigor, continuing to mock.        — Smile, my dear, because you never fully dressed without a smile, ha-ha-ha! — Ignoring the inner voice, Radio Demon quoted his favorite phrase with the usual enthusiasm of an announcer, — and a smile suits you better than tears, — he added with an unusual warmth, he then playfully put his finger to her nose, to which Charlie comically winced and even giggled slightly, despite her bad mood.        — That’s better, — Alastor nodded with satisfaction, — and now you should rest, — he said, leading the princess to a cozy sofa by the fireplace. They sit down next to each other, and Charlie snuggles up to Alastor again, which he again does not object to. The Radio Demon places his microphone next to them, which begins to play some soft, jazzy melody, which soon lulls the princess to sleep.        — Thank you for your support, Al, — Charlie says quietly before laying her head on his shoulder and falling asleep peacefully.        — Please, my dear, — Alastor replies, but she doesn’t hear him anymore because Charlie is already asleep, snuggled even tighter and closer to him… So trusting and so reckless of her, considering who she fell asleep next to… Alastor watches her sleeping face for a while. It would seem that here it is, the moment to wring that thin neck and free himself.. For a moment, Alastor’s face even distorts predatorily, and behind the Radio Demon’s back his shadow helpfully appears, reflecting the predatory, creepy smile of her master. Here she is: completely defenseless and unsuspecting. Sleeping, intoxicating the consciousness with her damn sweet aroma of apples: the smell that is inherent to every member of the cursed Morningstar family. Alastor sincerely wishes for them all to perish, especially Lilith with her imperiousness… Although no, not all. This bright, pure being, who was somehow born from two incarnations of evil, continues to sleep peacefully on his shoulder, and Alastor understands that he will not be able to… He can’t hurt her in any way. Alastor’s face softens and the shadow disappears. Radio Demon stands up carefully, laying Charlie, who is so tired that she didn’t even wake up from his actions, on the couch, conjuring her a pillow and a blanket. Alastor couldn’t resist admiring the sleeping girl for at least a second more.        — I promise that everything will be fine, my soul, — he whispers quietly and, giving in to a moment of weakness, leaves a light kiss on her temple, from which Charlie smiles wider in his sleep, and Alastor is glad that sinners do not have a heartbeat, because he could have sworn that at this very moment, if he were alive, it would have torn his chest apart… –Everything will be fine. “You’re on a leash! — the voice laughed mockingly, — on a double leash, weakling!” Alastor casts one last glance at the sweetly sleeping Charlie, and then dissolves into his own shadow, which immediately slid to the second floor… Vaggie sat in her room, looking at the suitcase on her bed. She hadn’t expected her solitude to be interrupted.        — So, you’re an angel, my dear, — a voice suddenly said, making Vaggie flinch, — well, that’s interesting. Vaggie turned around and immediately assumed a fighting stance, looking with displeasure at Alastor, who stood before her with a sly smile.        — What do you want, Radio Bastard? — she hissed, — if you decided to blackmail me with this information, then it’s in vain! I don’t care anymore… — at the end of the sentence her voice falls, turning into a sad whisper. Alastor walks importantly around her and Charlie’s room and sits down leisurely on the edge of the bed.        — I have to disappoint you, my dear, but other demons will care about your origin, — Alastor’s eyes shone with a scarlet light, and radio interference began to hum around him, — many will only be happy to have the opportunity to get even, even with an ex, but still with an angel-exorcist who lost his powers… Vaggie swallowed and looked away, while Alastor turned his gaze to the suitcase.        — So I wouldn’t advise you to leave the hotel, — the Radio Demon drawled lazily, turning his gaze back to his interlocutor and tilting his head to the side.        — What? — Vaggie shuddered, her eyes widening in surprise.        — I didn’t think you could be such a coward, — Alastor said, narrowing his eyes, — could you really decide on such a shameful escape? I’m disappointed. Vaggie clenches her hands into fists, and a grimace of pain appears on her face.        — She won’t want to see me, — she replied, — after such a truth, I’ll be disgusting to her…        — Ha, perhaps, — Alastor drawled mockingly, to which Vaggie threw him a withering look, — but once you run away, you won’t know it. Alastor had absolutely no intention of sparing the feelings of the girl sitting in front of him, and was mocking her for his own pleasure.        — You won’t even try to make amends? How low. Vaggie frowned, listening to Alastor’s monologue, who only smiled wider, watching her reaction.        — You swore so much to protect her, and to be there until the very end, and now… How unfortunate for Charlie that even the girl closest to her turned out to be so unreliable. Vaggie literally feels her eye twitch.        — It’s good that there is someone more reliable at the hotel. At this point Vaggie can’t stand it any longer and jumps up, coming close to Alastor, who laughs at how easily the girl succumbed to his provocation. She looks into the man’s eyes with fury, grabbing the lapels of his red coat.        — You fucking horned bastard! — She screamed. — You call yourself reliable?! You’re a fucking psychopath! I was the one who was with Charlie from the start! I was the one who supported her dream! And I was the one who protected her from everything! Charlie is important to me! And you shouldn’t have shown up at the hotel in the first place!        — I hasten to remind you that it was not I who lied to her face for so many years, — Alastor’s face becomes predatory, and voodoo symbols began to hover around him.        — Listen, you… — Vaggie boiled over again, but she was interrupted by a strong grip on her forearms, which made her shut up.        — No, my dear, — he says in a distorted, demonic voice, taking on his demonic form, — now you will listen to me! Vaggie looks in horror at the huge, branching horns, the long neck and the eyes in which only a frightening madness shines through. The radio interference is deafening, but Alastor’s voice, strangely enough, is heard clearly and distinctly. “if I wanted to hurt anyone here… I would have done so…” — for some reason, Vaggie now clearly remembers this phrase of Alastor’s when he first crossed the threshold of their hotel. And now Vaggie understands that he was telling the truth, and that she is literally looking death in the eyes, which makes her feel an animal fear, which makes her body tremble like an aspen leaf. She even forgot about her spear. Probably, this is how his victims felt when they accepted their death at the hands of this maniac…        — Charlie needs all of us now, –Alastor loosens his grip a little, but doesn’t let go, digging his claws into the girl’s shoulders and lifting her up, –and if you weren’t important to Charlie, angel, I would tear you apart right here and now, but… Charlie wouldn’t approve. And if she, in turn, is important to you… You. Will stay. Here, — he emphasized the last three words with a threatening and demanding intonation.        — You’re a sick bastard, — Vaggie croaked, her voice shaking with fear as she struggled desperately in a futile attempt to free herself from his tight grip. Even though she was trying to be brave, she was terrified right now. –She’s really important to me, and I’m not leaving Charlie alone with you!        — Very well, — Alastor said, letting go of her, causing Vaggie to fall painfully to the floor as the Radio Demon reverted to his normal form, ostentatiously wiping his hands on his coat, — then I think I’ll be going, because someone’s going to have a very serious conversation tomorrow. See you soon, angel. With particular pleasure, having said the last word, Alastor disappears, leaving Vaggie to rub her wounded forearms, with a helpless desire to throw something at him. Although, it must be admitted, he scared her quite a bit, her hands are still shaking… Back in his room, Alastor walked tiredly to the mirror. Too many emotions had overwhelmed him in the last few days. Lucifer’s arrival, then Mimzy, Husk’s snide remark that he shouldn’t have said, and… The feelings for the princess that torment his rotten soul, and that shouldn’t have happened. Alastor meets his burning gaze in the reflection of the mirror. It seems he really is on a damn leash, now on a double one, what irony… A loud laugh bursts out of his chest. You’re on a leash… on a leash, on a leash on a leash, on a leash… The next second, the mirror shatters into tiny pieces, and Alastor has to admit that Husk is right after all… But he also has to admit that the chain that envelops him turned out to be too sweet.