Angel: - Well! My kitten, let's go put all this away and then we'll hit the club!

Me: - Um... I'll have to decline, Angel.

Angel: - Huh! But why?

Me: - I'd like to... But another time...

I resist accepting her invitation because I want to go back and apologize to Alastor. Angel looks at me with sweet eyes, trying to convince me.

Angel: - Hmmmmm, come on, please.

Me: - Another time, I promise, Angie.

Angel: - Okay, Melo. So let's go back, I'll drop you off, and then I'll have some fun~

I nod with a big smile and follow her, relieved but determined. Arriving at the hotel, everything is silent and plunged into darkness. A shiver of fear runs down my spine. Damn, everyone's asleep. I really wanted to apologize to Alastor... I'll do it first thing tomorrow.

I try to turn on the light, but Angel stops me, gently placing her hand on mine. My heart is pounding. Angel, I beg you, I'm scared. We walk on tiptoe so as not to wake anyone. Each step seems to echo in the oppressive silence. My whole body is tense, but I try not to show anything to Angel.

When we reach the hallway, Angel finally turns on the light, and I feel the tension dissipate instantly. The light reveals the familiar outlines of the hotel, making the atmosphere less threatening. Phew... Finally...

Angel heads towards a door and opens it. I realize then that he's opening the room right next to mine. Wait, Angel is my neighbor?

Me: - Oh? Is this your room?

Angel turns to me with a mischievous smile.

Angel: - Yes, my kitten. Don't make too much noise if you bring someone over... Well, it doesn't bother me, but Al...

Me: - Alastor?

I furrow my brow. Why is Angel talking to me about Alastor?

Angel: - Yes, Alastor's room is at the end...

My heart skips a beat. What! I feel my cheeks flush. Bambi is my neighbor too...

I quickly glance down the hallway, where Alastor's door is closed, imposing and mysterious. I never would've imagined our rooms would be so close. This proximity makes me nervous, an unusual warmth spreading in my chest.

My heart skips a beat. What! I feel my cheeks flush. Bambi is my neighbor too... I quickly glance down the hallway, where Alastor's door is closed, imposing and mysterious. I never would've imagined our rooms would be so close. This proximity makes me nervous, an unusual warmth spreading in my chest.

Me: - I... Oh... okay. Don't worry, Angie, I don't plan on bringing anyone, I say with a timid smile, trying to conceal the embarrassment overwhelming me.

Angel: - Oh~ Too bad~, he replies teasingly.

I flick him playfully, which makes him smile, then I carefully open my door.

Me: "Goodnight, Angie. Have fun," I whisper, feeling my words dissipate into the emotionally charged air.

Angel: - Goodnight, Kitten. Don't worry, I'll have a blast! he says with a knowing wink that makes my heart flutter.

Angel disappears into his room, and I step into mine, immediately turning on the light. I stand frozen, amazed by what I see. The room, once empty and impersonal, is now carefully and tastefully decorated.

The walls are adorned with soft, colorful tapestries, the furniture arranged in a welcoming manner, and a soft glow emanates from lamps strategically placed to create a warm ambiance.

It's beautiful. Who could have done this? My gaze falls on a sewing machine placed on the desk. Wow! I had actually been thinking about needing to buy one. It's a bit old, but I'll gladly use it. I rush over to the desk and notice a small note placed beside it. "To thank you, Alastor gave me a little help. Signed, Nifty." I read the note several times, my heart pounding. Alastor participated in this surprise?

A warm feeling washes over me. This gesture is so... unexpected. I wonder why Alastor, usually so distant and reserved, would have wanted to help me with this.

I continue to examine the room, discovering flowers carefully arranged in elegant vases, books lined up on a newly installed shelf, and a few other personal touches that make the place more welcoming.

My heart tightens with emotion. I feel... at home. I approach the bedside table and discover a beautiful rose, next to which is another note. I take the paper carefully, almost trembling with anticipation. "I'm sorry for yesterday and this morning. Please accept this rose as a gesture of sincerity. - Alastor." I read the message several times, a gentle warmth spreading within me. Alastor... apologized. And this rose... I take it delicately, feeling its delicate fragrance. It's a deep red, perfect in its simplicity and beauty.

Alastor must have been attentive to my presence near the rose bushes, probably through discreet surveillance on his part or simply by noticing my interest in flowers. Perhaps he wanted to make a gesture to mend our past interactions, or simply to show me a form of appreciation. It's hard to say exactly what motivated him, but his gesture shows surprising attentiveness on his part.

Now, facing this rose between my fingers, conflicting emotions clash within me. The warmth of its delicate fragrance comforts me, but at the same time, an old fear rises within me, a fear of letting someone get too close, a fear of allowing myself to love again. It's an intense inner dilemma that I must confront.

Despite my urge to reject this gesture of kindness, I decide to place the rose in my hair. It's a way of acknowledging Alastor's effort, while maintaining some emotional distance. I must stay true to myself, even if it means grappling with ambivalent feelings.

Then an idea comes to mind, an escape from my inner turmoil. I grab my sketchbook and pencils, the sense of freedom and expression they offer comforting me. I begin to draw frantically, letting my imagination take control.

Four outfits take shape under my agile fingers, each representing someone important in my life here at the Hazbin Hotel. The white dress adorned with red and white roses, with its lace sleeves, is for me, an expression of my own sensitivity and femininity. The unadorned, yet elegant yellowish dress with yellow roses, is for Nifty, a nod to her playful and luminous personality.

The pinkish dress with a rose strap set with pink roses is intended for Angel, reflecting his vivacity and charm. Finally, the scarlet and black suit, decorated with red and black roses, is for Alastor, an expression of his stature and bewitching mystery.

Every detail is carefully thought out, every pattern and color chosen with care to best reflect each person's personality. It's my way of showing them my appreciation and affection while staying true to myself.

I decide to create custom outfits for each of my friends at the Hazbin Hotel. For Charlie, I choose to replicate the same dress as mine, but with green roses to match her mischievous and lively personality. I can already imagine her radiant smile upon discovering this unique creation.

For Vaggie, I create a similar version to Nifty's, but in grayish tones and with black roses. This elegant and bold combination reflects her strength and determination, while offering her a touch of sophistication.

As for Husker, I design accessories tailored to him: a light blue bow tie and a hat adorned with blue roses. These elements add a splash of color to his usually subdued style while showcasing his unique personality and timeless charm.

Once my ideas are solidified in my mind, I rise from my bed with determination and head to my sewing machine. Unfortunately, I don't have the exact measurements of the others, but that doesn't stop me. I'll start with my own dress and then find a way to take the necessary measurements to create custom outfits for my new friends.

When I finally lift my head from my work, my eyes land on the wall clock, and I'm taken by total surprise at the time. It's already two in the morning! Time has flown by while I worked on my dress. At least I finished it... but darn it, I should already be in bed.

Lying in my bed, clad in my cozy black pajamas, I find it impossible to fall asleep. I feel overwhelmed by guilt. Does Alastor hold it against me? I so wished to talk to him like yesterday... Argh!

I leap out of bed, stirred by the restlessness that consumes me. I need to get out, take some air. I quickly grab some clothes, a jacket, and ballet flats, then open the French doors to my balcony. A gentle breeze caresses my face, soothing my tumultuous thoughts. I sit on the edge of the balcony, feet dangling, taking deep breaths to try to calm my troubled mind.

The balconies are separated by screens, ensuring a minimum of privacy. Normally, I'm shielded from prying eyes... normally.

As I'm about to drift into my thoughts, the aroma of cigar smoke drifts through the air, pulling me out of my reverie. Who's smoking at this hour? Who could be awake at this time? Besides me... Intrigued, I turn towards the source of the smoke and there I see him: Alastor, on his own balcony. He seems lost in thought, a subtle sadness on his face as he shields it with his hand. What's wrong? Is it my fault he's like this?

I stand there, waiting for him to initiate the conversation, but nothing happens. Did he not see me, or hear me? A mischievous smile forms on my lips. Maybe I could retaliate for his surprise appearances if he doesn't even notice my presence here.

Me: - Good evening, Alastor!

Alastor startles, shooting me a glance, which elicits a slight smirk from me.

Me: - Ah, you see, it's not pleasant.

Alastor takes a drag of his cigar, looking somewhat taken aback by my interruption.

Alastor: - You're right, Melody, it's quite unpleasant, but amusing...

A faint chuckle escapes my lips, blending with his. Then, he inquires.

Alastor: - Insomnia?

Me: - Yes, and you?

Alastor nods with a faint sigh.

Alastor: - Likewise, my dear.

I seize this moment to express what's on my mind.

Me: - Alastor... I... wanted to thank you and apologize for what happened at noon... So thank you and sorry... I... I...

His face softens into a smile, and my heart skips a beat.

Alastor: - You don't have to justify yourself.

Me: - But I do! I shouldn't have spoken to you like that, it's... it's just that... Someone used to say those words to me often when I was alive... And...

Alastor tilts his head slightly, encouraging me to continue.

Alastor: - And...?

I feel overwhelmed by a wave of emotions, and I curl up on myself, hiding my face in my knees. Why am I talking about "him" to Alastor? It's as if his words brought back memories I preferred to keep buried.

Me: - And he wasn't very "kind" to me...

Alastor starts to crackle slightly, his gentle smile replaced by a forced grin. I even notice that his ears are slightly lowered.

Alastor: - I'm sorry... I didn't know... I'll keep it in mind.

Me: - Thank you... Even though the past is in the past, I find it hard to... Wait, did you just address me informally?

Alastor: - Oh... Sorry, it slipped out... you... You prefer the formal form?

I look at him, he seems completely embarrassed. Alastor even avoids my gaze, which I find both funny and cute.

Me: - No, you can address me informally.

Again, a gentle smile appears on his lips. He can be adorable when he wants to... No, stop, Romane.

Alastor: - Okay, my dear, but do the same... Address me informally...

We share a knowing smile as his gaze lands on the rose in my hair.

Alastor: - Oh! You have...

Me: - Isn't it pretty?

Alastor: - Beautiful, my dear.

He responds by looking away and taking another drag of his cigar. Why is he avoiding me like this? Is it because I feel good with him, because he's kind...?

Me: - Hey, yesterday, you wanted to ask me something...

Alastor: - I wanted to know how did you die, Melody?

Me: - Oh... Alastor... I... I'd rather not talk about it... It's too recent for me...

Just remembering my death, my stress levels rise, and I start fidgeting with my hands, a nervous tic I can't control.

Alastor: - No worries, Darling, I understand...

I can hear he just called me "darling." I blush and look away, continuing to fiddle with my hands. Alastor crushes his cigarette and sits down on his balcony like me.

Alastor: - What are you doing with your hands?

Me: - Oh! Nothing... Nothing...

I place my hands on my knees to stop manipulating them. Alastor looks at me with a raised eyebrow, showing his disbelief.

Me: - It's a tic... It's when I'm stressed... I do this.

Alastor: - Oh! Do I stress you out?

Me: - No! No, not at all... It's the memories of my death that stress me out.

Alastor: - Do you want me to change the subject, my dear?

I nod timidly, relieved that he understands my distress.

Alastor: - You're good at cooking... Who taught you to cook? Your mother?

Me: - My mother? Ha! She can't even cook an egg!

I laugh, but Alastor looks at me incredulously.

Me: - No... No, it was my dad who taught me... I've been cooking since I was ten. My mother, what a joke. And you?

Alastor: - My mother...

I feel awkwardness settle in the air, realizing my clumsiness.

Me: - Oh no... Sorry, my mother wasn't...

Alastor: - Don't apologize, Melody... We all have different parents.

His gaze becomes distant, tinged with sadness. I feel a pang in my heart.

Me: - Alastor, are you okay?

Alastor: - Oh... Yes, yes, my dear...

I decide to change the subject, hoping to dispel the heaviness in the air.

Me: - Come on, let's change the subject.

I say this cheerfully, sporting a big smile, which makes Alastor laugh. I prefer seeing him like this...

Alastor: - Earlier, when we were cooking, you mentioned a sister...

Me: - Yes...

I lower my head, memories of my sister flooding my mind. Why does Alastor always have to bring up such delicate topics?

Alastor: - I'm sorry, I shouldn't have...

Me: - I miss her so much...

Alastor: - What's her name?

I can't tell him... It's too early to confide details that could reveal my true identity... But at the same time, a part of me wants to share this burden with him.

Me: - It's a secret, Mr. Alastor.

His smile fades, replaced by crackling and strange symbols floating around him... His gaze is both intrigued and lost. I tease him a little, but deep down, I appreciate this connection that is forming between us.

Me: - Well... Well, let's call her by a nickname, um... Annie.

Alastor: - Annie? That's a lovely nickname.

Me: - Thank you... I've always liked coming up with nicknames for the people dear to me.

Alastor: - Did you give me one, my dear?

Me: - Yes... Bambi.

His gaze pierces me once again, but this time, I can't help but notice a glimmer of curiosity in his eyes... Maybe even a hint of amusement.

Me: - We were very close, Annie and I... It was normal for twins.

Alastor: - TWINS!

The echo of his voice resonates in the night, betraying his surprise. I feel my heart beat a little faster... It's like I'm sharing a secret with him, something intimate and personal.

Alastor: - You... you have a twin?

Me: - Yes... Annie and I are twins, but we're very different... Physically and psychologically. She had this mysterious aura, while I was more down-to-earth... But despite our differences, we were inseparable. I adored her, even though she could be a real pest (laughs)... And so could I, sometimes.

Alastor: - Oh~ That's fascinating~

His gaze drifts off to his room, and I wonder what could captivate him so much. A slight smile stretches across his lips, adding a touch of gentleness to his otherwise austere face. I can't help but gaze at him for a moment, admiring how the night's light plays on his features.

Suddenly, his gaze lands back on me, and I feel a shiver of embarrassment run through me. It persists, his gaze like an intrusive caress. I feel naked under his silent scrutiny.

Me: - "And you? Brother? Sister?" I hurriedly break this moment, seeking to divert his attention from me."

Alastor: - "No... Only child..." His voice is soft, but his gaze remains fixed on me, unsettling my soul.

Me: - "Alastor... Could you stop looking at me like that... It's awkward..." My voice trembles slightly, betraying my discomfort.

Alastor: - "Oh... It wasn't intentional... I... I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable... You're just so... different..." His response is hesitant, as if he's searching for his words in the darkness.

Me: - "What do you mean?"

My curiosity overrides my embarrassment, and I seek to unravel the mystery of his gaze. He lets himself go, resting his head on his arms, his gaze lost in the distant horizon.

Alastor: - "I don't know... I... I... You are..."

He hesitates, his words hanging in the charged air between us.

Me: - "Entertaining~"

I jest, trying to dissipate the tension that has settled between us.

A smile spreads across his lips, and for a moment, we share a complicit laugh. In this fleeting exchange, I feel the barriers between us crumbling, revealing an unexpected connection. Alastor, once perceived as cold and distant, proves to be far more complex, far more human than I had imagined.

The tender moment with Alastor almost made me forget the late hour. An uncontrollable yawn escapes my lips, reminding me of the fatigue weighing on my shoulders.

Alastor: - "You should go to bed, my dear,"

Me: - "Yes, you're right..."

I reluctantly get up, offering one last smile to Alastor, still perched on his balcony.

Me: - "Good night, Alastor," I whisper, feeling a slight warmth spread across my cheeks.

Alastor: - "Good night, Darling..." he replies with a sweetness that makes my heart beat a little faster.

His affectionate term, "darling," resonates in my mind as I return to my room. I slip under my covers, overwhelmed by the embarrassment washing over me. Why does this simple word make me blush so much? I almost feel guilty for leaving him alone on his balcony. Should I go back to join him?

I get up from my bed, ready to open my French doors, when I hear the soft sound of his closing. A sigh of relief escapes me. He's gone to bed too.

With a slight smile, I decide it's time for me to do the same. I take a quick shower to freshen up, put on my pajamas, and snuggle under my covers. The soft light from my bedside table accompanies me into imminent sleep, gently illuminating the path to well-deserved rest.