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“Y/N, come on. It’s not going to be so bad.” Batty offered you a soft smile, but your response was with a slight scowl as you peered up at the grand expanse of hotel in front of you.
“Ugh, I don’t know. This place is just…” You gestured faintly, not even sure yourself.
“It’s better than living in the street.” She lightly touched your shoulder, and you bit back the urge to flinch. “Look, I know some of the people here are more of an acquired taste, but they’re not all bad. Just… Just give it a try, okay?”
You sighed, and your ears pressed back against your skull.
“Fine, I’ll try it…”
You let Batty snag your hand, mindful of the claws, and guide you inside the Hazbin Hotel.
It was really an accident, getting even acquainted with Batty let alone becoming friends with her. You kept up your walls for a reason, damn it, but somehow, her sweet little self had just… Fluttered over them. You met her months ago, a little ways after her first year down here, and you were immediately concerned with how someone like her was even down here in Hell to begin with. She was too sweet for a place like this, too kind and way too open with her heart and intentions. That was a surefire way to get herself dragged into things she couldn’t possibly comprehend. Something you knew a little too well… Maybe it was pity for her poor self being down here, or weariness on your behalf, but you decided to keep an eye out for her.
Which also led you to seeking shelter at the hotel Batty currently called home.
Your old clocktower home had been completely wrecked during the last turf war in the area, and you needed a place to crash until your place was deemed livable again. Batty had tentatively offered a room at the hotel as a solution, and right from the get go it had been tempting. Being free certainly helped, but Batty still had to work on your resolve for a better part of an hour, but she was remarkably persuasive, and in the end she had won.
“Charlie.” Batty called out, and the princess whipped her head around from where she was sitting at the front desk. “I have a-”
“Oooh, a new guest?” Charlie practically bounced, and the overexcited gleam in her eye made your ears flatten back.
“Kind of.” Batty held up her hands, motioning for her to calm. “This is Y/N. Her home got wrecked during the last turf war, and I mentioned that this place might be a good place to stay.”
You waved your hand. “Look, I won’t lie, I’m not really into all that redemption crap. I’m not really sure if it’d even work on me. I’m just looking for a place to stay for now.”
“Oh no need to worry! This place is completely amazing! And I’m sure you’re going to love it here so much, even if you decide to leave.” She beamed. “Oh, let me find you a key for an empty room!” She spun around, and seemingly started mentally going over each key to see which might ‘fit’ you.
You slowly craned your head towards Batty, a scowl clearly on your face.
She flashed you an apologetic look, and leaned in. “Not everyone is like that, I promise it’s just Charlie.” She whispered.
“Better be.” You muttered. “Otherwise the gutter’s looking more and more comfortable.”
“Oh shush.” She shook her head, and both of you snapped back to attention as Charlie whipped back around.
“Here’s your room key!” She plopped a small key in your hand, which you snagged on age-old reflex.
“Thanks…” You muttered through your teeth.
“It’s on the top floor, so you have a bit of a hike to get there, but on the bright side you get to see a lot of the hotel on your way up.” She frowned slightly. “Now, normally I’d love to give a tour of the hotel, but I’m late for a meeting with Emily. Hm… OH! Pentious!” She ducked around you and waved, which made your eyes slide back towards the sinner in question.
As soon as you spotted the eye-covered snake sinner, you internally groaned.
You were well aware of who Pentious was. He seemed to enjoy picking fights with other Overlords or other sinners in general, and you had lost count of how many turf wars he had been in. You had actually been caught in the crosshairs of one of the last fights, and nearly had a chunk taken out of your ear.
You glowered as he slithered forwards.
“Hello Charlie!” He greeted. “Did you need sssomething?”
“I do. Can you show Y/N to her room? Oh, and give her a tour of the hotel while you’re at it?”
“Of course I can.” He nodded, turning to face you.
Charlie grabbed your shoulder, which made you tense, as she turned to you. “Pentious is our best case here. He’s top of the charts for Redemption.”
“That’s great…” You forced a smile, but Charlie seemed to believe it.
“Okay, thanks again Pentious. I have to head to a meeting.” She snagged a notebook from the desk and hurried off towards the front doors. “I’ll check in with you guys later!”
“Bye!” Batty waved, and Pentious mimicked her before he turned back to you.
Cue a… Slightly awkward silence as he seemed to take a beat to decide on how to proceed.
“Well, it’sss nice to meet you, Y/N, I’m-”
“I know who you are.” You cut off, then took a breath as Batty frowned. “Look, I’ve had a long day, and I just want to rest.”
“Of course.” He perked up.”Well, let’sss get you to your room then. Follow me.”
He slithered off towards the stairs, and you silently trudged off after him with Batty in tow.
Needless to say, it didn’t get any better from there in terms of conversation.
“Ssso.” Pentious chimed in, and your ear flickered in annoyance as you peered at him over the corner of your eye. “What made you choose to sstay at the hotel?”
“My home got destroyed in a turf war.” You said bluntly.
“Oh.” He flinched at the blunder. “I-I’m sssorry to hear that.”
You bit back the urge to sass him back, watching as he perked up again.
“Well, I’m glad you came! The hotel is a wonderful place, and I-”
“Will you just… Stop the advertising? I’m here already.” You grumbled, making him blink, and thankfully mercifully stop talking.
“Right, true. Uhm…” He cleared his throat, slithering to a stop as you all neared the room that bore the same number as your key. “Thisss is your room.”
“Thanks, I guess.” You held up the key and unlocked the door, peering inside at the casual looking hotel room.
“If you need anything else-” He piped up.
“I’ll ask Batty.” You shrugged off his attempt at friendliness and peered over your shoulder at Batty, who looked very awkward at how icy you had been. “I’ll see you later.”
“Yeah.” She nodded.
You ducked into the room to escape, letting the door swing shut behind you as you stood in the center of your new room.
It was only temporary… You were only staying here temporarily…
Your ears drooped as you plopped down on the bed, sighing quietly as you reflected on whether or not this whole idea was even a good one.
As soon as the door slammed shut, making Pentious flinch, he looked back at Batty, who was standing awkwardly to the side.
“Wasss it something I sssaid?” He asked, looking perturbed at how utterly stand-offish you were.
Batty shook her head, and gently patted his shoulder.
“It’s not you, Pentious. That’s just… The way she is.” She explained tentatively. “She takes a while to warm up to people, that’s all.”
Pentious looked thoughtful, glancing back at your door even as Batty gently lead him away.
Well, he remembered how it had been for him when he first came here. Maybe all you needed was a friend! That must be it.