Chapter Text
The Sexymanor didn’t feel the same anymore: it was missing so many things, it drove her to insanity.
The lack of crackling radio frequencies was starting to take a toll on Samantha, as well as the Transatlantic voice Alastor would happily grace everyone with. The way his voice lifted any mood, how he flitted around, the clicking of his dress shoes or hooved feet, and his laugh.
He would lift the little girl’s spirits with just a simple gesture, and she would appreciate it.
Key word: would. But he’s gone now.
Granted, Hazbin Hotel was finally airing on Amazon Prime. So of course Alastor would have to part from the Sexymen…and that would include her.
She really didn’t understand why she was still, and why she wasn’t killed yet. Bill Cipher the Dream Demon, Ghirahim the Demon Lord, Mordecai Heller the hatchetman and triggerman, Alastor the Radio Demon… The Once-Ler and Double Trouble seemed less harmful than the other four.
Sam just learned not to provoke them on purpose. Sometimes words could slip, and she’d fall into a pit of endless apologies and overthinking. The only thing to stop her was if Bill would clap her shoulder and tell her to lighten up in a gentler tone than normal.
Mordecai would scold her, before promptly patting her head in reassurance.
Double Trouble teased her lightly, cracking her up with silly little remarks that were definitely insults towards the Sexymen: all in lighthearted fun, and never going too far.
Once calmed her down by ruffling her hair, giving her arm a gentle elbow nudge.
Ghirahim would probably roll his eyes and go about being brutally honest about how apologies meant nothing, but it was still from his heart.
Alastor on the other hand would throw his head back and laugh, then yanked her towards him so they’d have a little dance: she always had to stand on his feet due to how fricking tall he was, but he never minded. It was like having a little sister, niece, even a daughter dancing with him: but no. It was just a random girl he took into the Sexymanor graciously, as if there was something about her that entertained him.
The more she thought about him, the more emotions she bottled up. She vowed to him that she wouldn’t break. She would smile.
“...because you’re never fully dressed without one.”
—-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------—
Al tilted his head. “That being…?”
Bill snapped his fingers. “EASY, YOU GET THE CHANCE TO MAKE PEOPLE FALL IN LOVE WITH YOU ALL OVER AGAIN.”
“Bill’s right, love.” Double Trouble spoke up. They sauntered over, rubbing his arms slightly with their hands in order to ease him. “I want you to knock them dead~ just like I know you would.” They smirked at him, kissing the tip of his nose.
“Just make sure not to blow it.” Mordecai muttered, arms crossing. He hissed when Once elbowed him.
“Just make sure not to reincarnate into someone as imbecilic as Link.” Ghirahim mused, smirking when Once gave him an annoyed yet knowing look.
“Yeah…” Sam hummed, stuffing her hands into her pockets. Her eyes dulled, and she looked down at her feet.
“SO KNOCK ‘EM DEAD!” Bill exclaimed, eye flaring. Alastor gave a genuine grin, yet he couldn’t help but feel his heart squeeze.
“I suppose I will.” He choked out, swallowing.
“Well, the Radio Demon is feeling a bit choked?” Mordecai raised a brow: yet it was in lighthearted commentary. Truth be told, the tuxedo cat was also getting choked up. Who would think that the cold-blooded killer from Prohibition St. Louis would feel such emotion again?
“Just like you, my friend.” Alastor chuckled, clapping his shoulder. Both paused: they truly hated physical contact, but words couldn’t describe the gratefulness they both felt towards one another. They were quick to wrap each other’s arms around the other, tight and forceful.
“...thank you. For being here.” Mordecai pulled away, lowering his eyes so Alastor wouldn’t see the gloss.
“Thank you for the tolerance.” Alastor’s grin was slowly shaking. However, it stretched more when Mordecai finally cracked a grin, albeit a melancholic one. Alastor still couldn’t shake the reality of this happening: he was really leaving, and he didn’t know how to feel about it. Everything was building up to be uncomfortable, but he had to keep his emotions in check.
However, for every bit of assurance and reassurance, his thoughts only seemed more and more intent to gnaw at him until the bitter end. “But…but what if they totally butcher my character? Vivzie loves me, but…you all know how she writes. And every day, she gets in more trouble because she doesn’t know when to shut up. What if my backstory turns out to be really fucking stupid, or I forget all the things that used to be important to me?”
“ Damn, ” Ghirahim barked out a laugh, “Mr. Prim-and-Proper is finally swearing without the radio interference!”
“ That was something I didn’t have on my 2024 Bingo card.” Sam let out a small laugh, but went silent afterwards.
“Heh…apologies.” Alastor gave an awkward laugh.
“No need.” Ghirahim waved it off. “But just know: there are memories of pure torture that will be your alternative selves.”
“I suppose that’s true.” Alastor nodded. The two stared at each other, before Ghirahim wrapped his arm around his shoulders.
“You’re going to kill it out there.” Ghirahim reassured him, poking his chest three times. He pulled away, putting his hands on his hips. “Don’t let us down now, Strawberry~”
Alastor rolled his eyes, but went directly towards Bill and Once. “You two…”
“We’re excited for this!” Once exclaimed, eyes sparkling. “Well, don’t get me wrong, we’re gonna miss you a lot— ”
“AND MISS YOUR ANTICS WITH US—” Bill cut in, musing.
“—but more so missing your presence—” Once was cut off by the crushing weight of Alastor pulling him and Bill into a hug.
“Thank you both…really.” Alastor whispered. He kept the hug tight like this for a few more moments. The three pulled away, then Alastor walked up to Double Trouble. He took their hands. “My love,”
“These four years with you have been a blast, darling. I’m proud of you.” Double Trouble hummed, eyes dulling. More than just a glossy coating was there: full blown tears were threatening to fall.
A pang struck Alastor's heart, and he lifted his clawed hands up to their cheeks. He tilted their head slightly downwards, placing a gentle peck on their forehead. He wiped the rolling tears from their face.
“Agh…shit.” Double Trouble turned away with a shaky giggle. They used the butt of their hand to wipe the tears: mascara was starting to run down, too. “I’m getting a little worked up.”
“It is completely understandable, my love.” Alastor crooned to them, placing another kiss on their forehead. He felt them hold his hands tightly, almost not wanting to let go: yet the moment it settled into their brain, the realization that he was indeed leaving, their grip loosened.
“Just don’t die on me,” They whispered to him, eyes narrowing, “ please. ”
It was a rare moment where they begged, but it was for a good cause. Alastor’s grin wavered, and he brought their hands to his chest. His beating heart was speeding up, and then Double Trouble pressed their forehead to his.
“I promise,” He uttered, eyes fluttering, “all for you.”
It wasn’t until the two placed their lips together in a final, loving and lasting peck.
“Je t'aime, ma chère.” Alastor spoke against the kiss: his voice was gentle.
“...je t’aime.” Double Trouble whispered back to him. They learned a very limited amount of French from him, and it came in handy with things like this. The two broke apart: with one last hand squeeze, Alastor walked over to Samantha.
“Hi, Al.” Sam hummed. She was still smiling at him: no trace of tears in her eyes, no breaking voice, nothing. Alastor was pleasantly surprised.
“Well aren’t you a tough nut to crack?” Alastor teased, scooping her up into his arms. Immediately, Sam busted into child-like laughter, the two spinning around once, twice, thrice. Mordecai couldn’t help but let out a shaky laugh at the interaction. He placed a gentle hand on Double Trouble’s arm for comfort. Double Trouble couldn’t help but look at Alastor with admiration with this interaction.
“Yessir!” Sam teased, wrapping her arms around his neck. Alastor held her like a little kid, watching her legs wrap around his torso. He placed a gentle hand on her head, slicking any loose hair back.
“Look at you,” He mused, “you’re still smiling. You came into here grinning—mostly—but here you are still grinning as I leave.”
Sam’s cheeks flared up in embarrassment, but her smile never faded. Alastor rested his chin on top of her head, hugging her close to his chest. Holding this five foot five girl as a seven foot demon was quite endearing for him.
“I was taught well by you.” She teased, eyes dulling. She tightened the hug.
“I’m glad you took the advice to heart, Little Miss Sunshine.” Alastor didn’t want to let go: trembling in his shoulders began to occur, but lessened when he felt Sam realize this.
“... Hey, hobo man
Hey, Dapper Dan,
You've both got your style,
But Brother,
You're never fully dressed
Without a smile!” She mumbled into his shoulder, smiling more.
“Your clothes may be Beau Brummelly
They stand out a mile—” Alastor tossed his slightly into the air, amused by her laughter. He caught her again, and the two of them began to duet.
“But Brother,
You're never fully dressed
Without a smile!
Who cares what they're wearing
On Main Street,
Or Saville Row,”
Bill laughed happily, watching the two interact. Once just couldn’t stop smiling, even Ghirahim had been humming along.
Alastor set Sam down, kneeling in front of her. He was gently brushing off nothing on her shoulders and arms for dramatic effect.
“It's what you wear from ear to ear!” He poked her nose, giggling.
“And not from head to toe…” Sam finished quietly. She felt Alastor’s hands on her shoulders, gently squeezing. “...hey Al?”
“Yes, my dear?” Alastor cocked his head to the side.
“...I know this might sound weird but…” Sam shuffled her foot, hands behind her back. “...I love you, Al: like a second dad.”
That was it: that was his breaking point before actual tears sprang into his eyes, but they never fell. He hugged her tighter, his hand going to the back of his head.
“...thank you, Samantha.” He told her. “You’re like the daughter I never had, little sweetheart.” When he pulled away, she still smiled. He admired that about her, in a way.
“We’re gonna miss you.” Sam told him. “A lot. ”
“It isn’t goodbye~” Alastor laughed, his radio voice coming back into effect. “This is just thank you and goodnight~” He took a low bow. He walked to the front door of the Sexymanor, throwing it open. A ball of crimson and maroon light spiraled into existence, a portal leading down to Hell formed. It was on the ground in front of him, and the sounds of chaos erupted. Screaming, explosions, cackling, you name it. Just a typical day in Hell.
“Bye, Al…” Sam whispered, and watched as he jumped into the portal. She made herself a vow.
Keep smiling: for him.
And so…she did.
—-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------—
“Keep smiling through,
Just like you always do,
Till the blue skies drive the dark clouds,
Far aw—”
She shut off her phone, slamming it down aggressively.
Sam wasn’t one for mornings at all: she hated them more, especially that the radio static from her favorite—and only—Radio Demon was gone.
She groaned into her pillow, curling up more under the blankets. Blinking, she quickly jolted back up and checked her phone clock: 11:54am, and she overslept. Again.
“God damnit, ” She groaned again, snatching her glasses and putting them on. She opened her phone, seeing that it had been a missed call from Bill. “Oh my God. Oh my God. ” She scrolled through all of the recent notifications. Over fifty fricking notifications from the Sexymen Squad: although half of them were Bill sending cursed images, but the other half were from Once and Double Trouble, checking to see if she was awake or not. A good chunk of the messages Bill sent were also making sure she was not awake, but alive.
Before she could even reply, her bedroom door slammed open. She immediately sucked it up and grinned, eyes wide.
“THERE YOU ARE, KID!” Bill poked his head out from the side of the door frame: turns out it was Ghirahim that busted down the door.
“Now you owe me, Cipher.” He cocked his hip out to the side, holding a hand out. Bill snapped his fingers, and a bag of rupees appeared midair, falling into the Demon Lord’s palm with light clinking.
“...what the hell is going on?” Sam tilted her head. Sit up, straighten yourself out, smile. She told herself. Do what Alastor does: do not let him down.
“Earthling, we sent you at least fifty messages.” Ghirahim sneered.
“At least?” Mordecai poked his head out into the open, Double Trouble stepping into view as well.
“Fifty eight, I counted them.” Sam held up her phone in a brandish. “Twenty nine were from Once, Ghira, and DT, while the other twenty nine—” She scrolled through all the cursed images, humming. “I think you know who they’re from.”
Mordecai gave Bill a glare, scowling deeply. Double Trouble only rolled their eyes, Once gave a small, awkward grin, and Ghirahim crossed his arms.
“Mmkay, now excuse me as I need to get ready for the day.” Sam got out of bed, shoving them out of her room. Before anyone could say anything, she slammed the door in their faces.
“Mhh, she’s in a mood.” Ghirahim’s voice came out muffled from the door.
“IF SHE WAS IN A MOOD, WHY WOULD SHE BE SMILING?” Bill chimed in.
“She doesn’t like mornings for one, and for two: we intruded her space.” Mordecai fixed his pince–nez.
“Maybe she’s still dealing with Alastor leaving…?” Once added.
“Ooh, that could explain the behavior.” Double Trouble hissed out in realization, then sighed.
“...best to leave her alone for now.” Mordecai suggested. “It’s only fair.”
“She just needs time, then…” Ghirahim then turned on his heel, going down the hall. Mordecai hesitated, but followed behind him.
“...WHAT IF—” Bill reached for the doorknob, only for Double Trouble yanked him away, groaning in frustration.
Sam listened, with her back against the door. She slid down to the wooden flooring, tucking her knees close to her chest. She rested her chin on them, smile fading. Her eyes closed, and she let out a heavy sigh.
“Stupid Hazbin…” She muttered, “it’s not even good writing! The only good frickin’ thing was Alastor.” She turned her phone on and put in her passcode, scrolling through her camera roll. Most photos were of cursed images, .5 photos, pictures of her and the Sexymen Squad, doodles, and more.
Hesitating, she opened YouTube, then typed Hazbin Hotel pilot. She got up and grabbed her headphones and a pillow, sitting at the foot of her bed. She played Hazbin on her phone, turning up the volume. She put on her headphones, held her phone, and watched. When the Alastor scenes came on, it was harder to keep herself from tearing up.
She loved him like a second father, with all her heart. He was her family in a way, so being without him felt weird.
“Little Miss Sunshine is no more, I guess.” She muttered, eyes dulling. “...I always let you down…don’t I?”
Silence, aside from the audio playing. Her brows furrowed, and she scowled.
“No,” She growled out, shaking her head, “no no no, I am not letting you down. I’ll smile: smile through every single thing until you’re back, because when you are gone, who will lift their spirits? Who will charm them and annoy them?” She gripped her phone, then got up. She wiped at her eyes carelessly and roughly, looking in the mirror.
She had dark circles under her eyes: so she got concealer and foundation, applying it on as much as she could. She dabbled in eye shadow too: if she was going to cover up the obvious sadness, then she had to with style.
“No more letting you down,” She uttered, “because you will never be fully dressed without a smile.”
And with that, she left her room, a grin on her face but a gleam in her eye that contradicted every single thing…