CHAPTER 14

"Even in the depths of hell, connections spark like flames, illuminating paths we never knew we wanted to walk."

...THE DEVIL'S ADVOCATE!

˗ˏˋ꒰ 🍒 ꒱


After the meeting with Adam, you flop down onto your bed, a soft sigh escaping your lips. The weight of the day settles on your shoulders, and you can't help but reflect on the encounter. Who knew the leader of the angel army could be such a... well, such a dick?

You bury your face in your pillow, half-laughing, half-groaning at the absurdity of it all. The way he strutted around, filled with self-importance, made you want to roll your eyes. It's as if he thought he was above everyone else, just because of his title.

As you lie there, the plush comfort of your bed envelops you, and you can't shake the frustration gnawing at you. "What's his deal?" you mutter to yourself, recalling how he dismissed your concerns and acted like everything was beneath him. You had come into the meeting ready to discuss serious matters, only to be met with condescension.

Rolling over, you glance at the clock—night has fallen, casting shadows across your room. You sigh again, realizing how much you wished for a little more respect, a little more acknowledgment of your position.

With a huff, you kick off your shoes and allow your body to sink deeper into the mattress. "At least I'm not like him," you murmur, a small smile creeping onto your face as you think of your friends—Husk, Vaggie, and especially Angel. They know what it means to care for each other, unlike the self-centered display you just witnessed.

As you close your eyes, the day's events replay in your mind. You think of how you'll have to deal with Adam again, how you'll need to stand your ground next time. But for now, you allow yourself to drift, hoping for dreams that carry you far from the chaos of Hell and its self-proclaimed leaders.

◤◢◣◥◤◢◣◥◤◢◣◥

You wake to a soft murmuring, the gentle sounds pulling you from the depths of sleep. Slowly, you blink your eyes open, adjusting to the dim light filtering through your curtains. As your vision clears, you notice Angel snuggled up beside you, his face nuzzled against your shoulder, looking utterly content.

"Angie, are you alright, baby?" you ask, your voice a mix of concern and affection as you cock your head to get a better look at him. He stirs slightly, a sleepy smile spreading across his lips as he blinks awake, his vibrant eyes sparkling with mischief even in his sleepy state.

"Just enjoying the view," he mumbles, his voice thick with sleep, and he burrows deeper into your side, as if trying to merge with you. The warmth radiating from him is comforting, a stark contrast to the chill that often permeates the hotel at night.

You can't help but chuckle, a smile breaking across your face. "You're such a little cuddlebug," you tease, gently ruffling his hair. "What's gotten into you?"

He shrugs, looking a bit sheepish. "Just had a rough night," he admits, his tone softening. "Thought I'd come find you. Didn't want to be alone."

Your heart melts at his vulnerability. You wrap an arm around him, pulling him closer, feeling the tension from his body begin to ease. "You know you can always come to me, right?" you say softly, the sincerity of your words filling the space between you.

He nods, his expression turning serious for a moment. "Yeah, I know. Just... sometimes it's nice to have someone to hold onto, you know?"

"Always," you reply, feeling a surge of warmth for the demon beside you. "I've got you, Angel. Whenever you need me."

With that, you both settle back into a comfortable silence, the world outside fading away as you cherish the quiet moments together, feeling a sense of peace that's hard to find in Hell.

Just as you and Angel start to drift back into that cozy silence, the door bursts open with a bang, and Alastor strides in, his presence filling the room like an electric charge.

"Y/N—oh, Angel! What are you doing here?" he exclaims, his usual radio-static voice layered with surprise, his wide grin shifting to something more mischievous.

Angel's eyes go wide, and he quickly sits up, pushing himself away from you as if he's been caught doing something scandalous. "Uh, hey, Al!" he stammers, running a hand through his messy hair, trying to play it cool but failing miserably.

Alastor's grin widens further, his eyes glinting with amusement. "I didn't realize we had a party going on in here! Care to invite me to the fun?" He leans against the doorframe, his posture relaxed yet his curiosity piqued.

You roll your eyes, trying to hide a smile at Alastor's playful demeanor. "What do you want, Al? You could have knocked, you know."

"Oh, where's the fun in that?" he chuckles, stepping further into the room, his antennae twitching with glee. "I was just looking for you, Y/N. We've got some urgent business to discuss." His gaze flickers to Angel, and the glimmer of mischief returns. "But it seems you've got your hands full."

"Yeah, well, maybe it can wait?" you suggest, hoping to buy a little more time with Angel, who is still visibly flustered by Alastor's sudden intrusion.

Alastor raises an eyebrow, clearly not one to back down easily. "Urgent matters can sometimes take a backseat to more... pressing engagements. But I'd hate to interrupt a heartfelt moment between you two." He gestures dramatically, feigning a look of concern.

Angel shoots you a nervous glance, and you can't help but giggle at the absurdity of the situation. "Maybe we can just—"

But Alastor cuts you off, grinning ear to ear. "Oh, no, no! I insist! Let's not keep the audience waiting!" He glances back toward the door, clearly imagining a crowd waiting to hear the gossip.

With a dramatic flair, he clasps his hands together, and you know he won't let this go easily. "Come on, you two! Let's make this interesting!"

You sigh, but deep down, you know this is just Alastor being Alastor. You can't help but smile at the ridiculousness of it all. "Alright, alright! Just give us a minute," you say, shooting a warning look at Angel, who's still trying to process Alastor's unexpected entrance.

As you and Angel share a brief, amused look, you can't shake the feeling that this day is about to get a lot more interesting.

You stand up from the bed, feeling a little more confident in your cozy sweater that you had conjured with a snap of your fingers. The soft fabric wraps around you like a warm hug, the bright color complementing your mood perfectly. You smooth your hair, which has now settled into nice, soft curls, ready to tackle whatever Alastor has in mind.

"Now, Alastor, what can I do for you?" you ask, tilting your head slightly, curious about his intentions.

He smirks, a glint of mischief sparkling in his eyes. "Well, Charlie mentioned her father is coming over, so I thought we might want to tidy the room up a bit."

You raise an eyebrow, surprised. "You want me to help clean?"

He chuckles, the sound crackling like static electricity. "Not just any cleaning! This is an opportunity to impress the Overlord of Hell, after all! We want to make a good impression." He gestures dramatically around the room, as if the chaos of scattered clothes and miscellaneous items were a grand disaster in need of immediate attention.

"Okay, fine. But if we're going to do this, let's make it fun!" you declare, a playful glint in your eye. "I say we turn this cleaning session into a competition. Let's see who can tidy up the fastest!"

Alastor's eyes widen in delight at the challenge. "Oh, you're on! But don't think I'll go easy on you just because you're my friend. Prepare for a showdown, dear Y/N!"

With that, the two of you spring into action. You dive into the task with enthusiasm, flinging clothes into the laundry basket with a dramatic flourish, while Alastor moves around the room with surprising speed, his powers helping him rearrange furniture and organize items with effortless flair.

"Look at you go!" you laugh, watching him levitate a few stray books into their proper places. "If only you cleaned up this fast when it's just us!"

He throws you a mock glare. "What can I say? I'm just trying to impress our guests!" His voice takes on a teasing tone, and you can't help but giggle as he twirls around, still levitating items, turning the whole cleaning endeavor into a lively spectacle.

Before long, you both have transformed the room from a chaotic mess into a neatly organized space. As you both step back to admire your handiwork, you find yourself smiling at how much fun you had.

"Not bad for a couple of demons, huh?" you say, brushing your hands off, feeling accomplished.

Alastor nods, his grin wide. "Now, let's just hope Charlie's father appreciates our efforts. I wouldn't want him thinking we're a couple of slobs!"

You chuckle, shaking your head. "Oh, don't worry about that. With you around, I'm sure he'll be thoroughly entertained."

"Entertainment is my specialty!" he declares, striking a pose as if he were the star of a grand performance.

Just then, the door swings open, and Charlie walks in, a bright smile on her face. "Wow! It looks amazing in here!" she exclaims, her eyes wide with delight.

You and Alastor exchange a quick, victorious glance, proud of your handiwork. "Thank you!" you both say in unison, laughter bubbling up in the room as you share this moment of camaraderie, knowing that together, you can tackle anything that comes your way.

Just then, the door swings open again, and in walks Vaggie, flanked by a striking figure with blonde hair, a pristine white hat, and a sleek coat. He holds a red apple cane, exuding an air of effortless charm. You blink in surprise—he looks exactly like Charlie, but with a devilish flair that hints at something more.

"Is that...?" you wonder aloud, your mind racing. It must be Lucifer!

Vaggie stands next to him, rolling her eyes as she introduces him with a smirk. "Everyone, meet my boss, Lucifer. The one and only."

"Ah, the infamous Y/N!" Lucifer says, his voice smooth like honey, a playful smile curling his lips as he takes a step forward. He tips his hat slightly, a gesture that feels almost theatrical. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you."

You feel a rush of nerves and excitement. "Likewise! I've heard so much about you."

Lucifer chuckles, glancing around the tidy room with a critical eye. "I see you two have made quite the effort here. Not bad at all."

Alastor crosses his arms, feigning nonchalance but clearly pleased by the compliment. "Just a little spring cleaning for the occasion," he says, the pride in his voice evident.

Lucifer nods approvingly, his gaze settling on you. "Charlie is lucky to have you here. I've been hearing whispers of your potential."

"Oh, stop it!" you say, trying to brush off the praise, but your cheeks feel warm.

"Not just flattery, my dear," Lucifer continues, his tone earnest. "I believe in recognizing talent when I see it. You've made quite the impression in Hell, and it's only the beginning."

Vaggie stands beside him, arms crossed, her expression a mix of pride and annoyance. "Just don't let it get to your head, alright?" she warns, shooting you a playful glare.

You laugh, feeling a sense of camaraderie with them all. "I'll do my best!"

"So, what's the plan for today?" Lucifer asks, shifting his cane casually, a glint of mischief in his eyes. "I assume I'm not interrupting anything too serious?"

Alastor smirks, looking between you and Lucifer. "We were just tidying up for the meeting with Charlie's father. Wouldn't want to give him the wrong impression, now would we?"

"Of course not," Lucifer replies, his tone dripping with sarcasm as he raises an eyebrow. "He'd probably have a conniption."

As you all share a laugh, you can't help but feel a sense of excitement bubbling in your chest. With such intriguing characters around, you know the day is bound to take unexpected turns.

Charlie grabs her father's arm, her enthusiasm infectious. "Come on, Dad! I'll show you around the hotel!"

Lucifer shakes his head, a playful grin spreading across his face. "Why don't you let Lady Y/N do it instead? After all, she's the one who's been making all the changes around here."

You feel the eyes of everyone in the room turn to you, a mix of surprise and curiosity. "Me? Really?" you ask, slightly flustered but also excited by the idea.

"Absolutely!" Charlie encourages, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "You know the place better than anyone, and it would be a great way for you to show off your hard work!"

Lucifer nods, clearly amused by the prospect. "Besides, I'd love to see how you handle my dear friend here." He gestures to Charlie's father, a wry smile on his lips. "I hear he can be a bit... challenging."

Charlie rolls her eyes playfully at her father, who chuckles in response. "I'll try to behave," he says, feigning innocence.

You take a deep breath, feeling a mix of nerves and exhilaration. "Alright then, let's do this!" You step forward, motioning for Charlie and her father to follow you. "Right this way, gentlemen!"

As you lead them through the hotel, you can't help but feel a sense of pride. You point out the various renovations, the cozy common areas, and the unique rooms, all while Charlie fills in her father on the hotel's history and its purpose.

"So, this is where the magic happens," you say, gesturing to a vibrant common room filled with eclectic decor and a lively atmosphere. "It's where the residents come together to unwind and enjoy each other's company."

Lucifer observes everything with a critical yet approving eye, nodding occasionally as he takes in the atmosphere. Charlie's father, on the other hand, seems genuinely impressed, his smile growing as he sees the effort put into the hotel.

"This place has really transformed!" he exclaims, glancing at Charlie with pride. "You've done an incredible job here."

As you continue the tour, you find yourself growing more comfortable, engaging in lighthearted banter with both Charlie and her father. Lucifer hangs back slightly, watching with a mix of amusement and admiration.

After finishing the tour, you pause in the common room, catching your breath. "Well, what do you think?" you ask, looking at them with a smile.

"It's amazing, Y/N," Charlie says, her voice full of sincerity. "You've really brought this place to life."

Lucifer steps forward, a glint of approval in his eyes. "I must say, I'm impressed. You have a talent for making even Hell feel welcoming."

You blush slightly at the compliment, feeling a sense of warmth wash over you. "Thank you! I really wanted to create a place where everyone feels at home."

Charlie's father nods thoughtfully, a proud smile on his face. "And you've certainly succeeded. I can see why my daughter is so fond of you."

Just then, Alastor strolls into the room, a smirk plastered on his face. "I see the tour went well. Did you manage to keep Lucifer entertained?"

"Surprisingly, yes," you reply, laughing lightly. "He was actually quite pleasant."

Alastor raises an eyebrow, feigning shock. "Well, color me surprised! Perhaps there's hope for him yet."

The group shares a laugh, and as the day unfolds, you can't shake the feeling that this is just the beginning of many adventures to come in the hotel you now call home.

The radio demon leans in closer, his presence enveloping you like a warm blanket. "You know, even I'm surprised when the Lord of Hell himself takes an interest in you. It seems you've made quite an impression," he teases, a mischievous glint in his eye.

You can feel the heat rising to your cheeks. "What? No, of course not! That's ridiculous!" you stammer, trying to brush off the compliment as your heart races.

"Oh, come now," Alastor continues, his voice smooth and playful. "It's clear he appreciates your efforts here. And let's be honest—who wouldn't? You're practically a ray of sunshine in this dark place."

You shake your head, attempting to mask your embarrassment with a playful scoff. "I'm just doing my job, Alastor. It's nothing special."

"Nothing special?" he repeats, an exaggerated look of disbelief on his face. "You're revitalizing Hell's hotel scene! That's quite the achievement. And besides, it's not every day we see someone make Lucifer smile."

You can't help but laugh, your nerves easing slightly. "Well, I'm glad I could make a good impression. But it's all in a day's work, right?"

Alastor leans back, crossing his arms with a satisfied grin. "A day's work, indeed. But I sense there's more to it than that. You've got a spark, Y/N. And I think others are starting to notice."

You roll your eyes playfully but can't shake the warmth that spreads through you at his words. "You really know how to flatter a person, don't you?"

"Only when it's deserved," he replies, his tone genuine for once. "Just remember, in this world, it's not just about making a name for yourself. It's about the connections you make along the way. And you're doing splendidly in that regard."

Feeling a little shy but buoyed by his encouragement, you smile back at him. "Thanks, Alastor. That means a lot, coming from you."

He tips his head in acknowledgment, a hint of pride in his expression. "Now, how about we get back to entertaining our guests? I hear they're eager for more of your charm."

You nod, your confidence returning. "Alright, let's show them what we've got!"

With that, the two of you stride back into the bustling atmosphere of the hotel, ready to embrace whatever challenges and adventures come your way.

Bạn đang đọc truyện trên: AzTruyen.Top