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darkn2wistydia · 10 months ago

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A Hazbin Hotel Side Story! ♠♦Blackjack Princess!♣♥ (PART ONE)

I thought maybe before I fully commit to a bigger project I could showcase what my writing is like and some of my original character, Vesper's, personality. This is quite long, but I enjoyed writing it and hope you'll enjoy reading it just as much. (I'm also not done with this yet, so stay tuned!~)

Word Count: 4,240

!CONTAINS TALK OF GAMBLING, SUBSTANCE ABUSE (ALCOHOL), CURSING, CRUDE HUMOR! {that might be it...?}

Synopsis:

Upon learning that Vesper was once a Blackjack dealer in life, Husk and them form a friendship of sorts and play together when Vesper's time and afterlife is not completely overtaken by VoxTek and the egotistical face of the brand, Vox.

When trying in vain to get Alastor to play one night, the only thing capable of changing his mind is Charlie's naive interest in learning to play this new game, completely unknowing of the spark of chaos, competition, and deal making!? she has ignited among the sinners.

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Husk growls out in anger, throwing his empty bottle against the wall, the sound of glass shattering, and his shouts echoing in the empty lobby.

"FUCKIN' BULLSHIT! You're fucking cheating, I know you are!"

Vesper rolls their eyes as they collect the cards as well as the poker chips Husk bet on his hand. They begin shuffling the deck as they speak, "Chill the fuck out and quit whining. You'll wake up everyone in the Hotel. So, we playin’ again or not?" They smirk, and raise a brow, knowing he won't quit. Not until he hits a winning streak and hits it big or he's out of chips. And, Vesper can always give him a win or two, just to keep him playing. They've already got these cards playing for her, not the other way around.

He growls, then huffs. "... yeah. Lemme get another drink before you deal." He walks away, muttering to himself as he grabs another bottle of whiskey. He speaks up as he opens the bottle, "You want another one of those nasty ass champagne drinks?"

"Mm, yeah. Here, I'll bring you my glass so you don't have more shit to shine later. And quit hating on me. We're supposed to be having a good night." Vesper sets the deck of cards on the table before they stand and take their glass towards the bar, finishing off what was left of the previous drink and taking a seat on one of the stools.

"Yeah, yeah. Whatever, Lights. Just give it here so we can get back to the game." Husk takes the glass and gets to work on the cocktail.

Suddenly, the front door opens, catching both Vesper and Husk's attention. In waltzes Alastor, silently shutting the door behind him with a grocery bag in hand. He then notices the pair at the bar. "Oh. Hello, Vesper. Husk. What are you two still doing awake?"

"We could ask you the same thing. Heard no one's seen you all day, Vaggie was looking for you for a good while before giving up. So, why are you getting back so late, hm?" Vesper questions then turns their head when Husk sets their freshly made cocktail on the bar, picking it up and taking a sip.

Alastor laughs, "Ah. Well, you're certainly more confident when you're intoxicated. Usually, you don't speak so boldly. How humorous. But, since you asked, I spent the day in the Cannibal Colony with my dear friend, Rosie. I also stopped by a butcher to get a nice piece of venison for breakfast in a few hours. Now, since I answered you, do tell me what you two are up to this evening. I'm quite curious."

"Just drinking and gambling. They're a fucking asshole dealer, though. Pretty sure they're counting cards, just can't prove it...." Husk tips the whisky bottle back, taking a large drink before resting his elbow on the bar and propping his face up with his fist, glancing at Alastor's grocery bag, blood pooling at the bottom of the white plastic despite the meat being wrapped. He sets the bottle to the bar and makes a face, "That looks fuckin' gross, man. Put that somewhere else."

Vesper shrugs, not that bothered and simply ignoring Husk's last comment, "Eh, you're just a low roller and a sore loser, Feathers. Besides, we're not gambling anything of value, so what's it matter. Most I'm getting out of this is a good laugh when you lose. Which is every time." They snicker, earning a scowl from Husk.

Alastor uses his magic to send his breakfast elsewhere before drawing closer. "Oh, such a shame you're still on that losing streak, Husk, but really, you've only got yourself to blame for that. Only natural your poor luck should continue."

Husk scoffs before sitting up, taking another swig of his whiskey and slamming the bottle down on the bar top, hard, but not enough to break it. "You know what, man? Fuck you, first of all. And, second, why don't you play with us tonight and see what I mean. They'll probably outplay you, too. Boy, wouldn't that be a sight to see. The Radio Demon, losing."

"Ha! I would join you both, really, even if it was just to watch as you continue to lose, old pal. But, as Vesper stated, neither of you is gambling anything of value. I see no reason to play."

"I ain't got nothing to bet, you prick! You got my soul and my power, what else do ya want?!"

"Guys, you're being really loud.... Could you... maybe just... quiet down? Just a bit?" A tired Charlie has appeared at the stairs, yawning softly.

Vesper hits Husk in the chest, "See? I TOLD you that your yelling would wake someone up." They huff, turning their attention to Charlie, "Sorry, Charlie. We'll quiet down, head on back to bed."

Charlie sees the chips and cards on the table and gasps, "Ooh, are you guys playing a game! What game is it? Can I play?"

Alastor blinks, bewildered and obviously amused at the thought of the Princess of Hell, someone quite literally Hellbent on rehabilitating sinners, engaging in something as frivolous and sometimes even sinful as gambling? Now, that would be quite an entertaining sight to see.

"If she plays, I'll join you."

Husk scoffs, throwing his hands up in annoyance, "What!? No! Fuckin’ leave the Princess out of this! She's going to bed!"

Charlie rushes down the stairs and to the bar, hands clasped pleadingly, "No, I think I got a second wind. Please, please, please...!"

Vesper chuckles. "Alright, alright. C'mon, let me show you how to play. Oh, and Husk, go ahead and pour me a glass of that. It's gonna be a longer night than I thought."

Husk groans, grabbing another bottle of whisky and two glasses, looking to Alastor, "On the rocks or straight, you pinstriped fuck?"

"Straight. And, I'll take it at the table." He smirks walking away to join Charlie and Vesper at the poker table, hearing Husk growl out an, "Of course you fuckin' will...." before he pours both drinks, carrying them in one hand and the now two open bottles of whiskey in the other.

Vesper lays out a faux play to show Charlie the rules of Blackjack. They've also placed a poker chip in the betting area and a second aside for a later example. "Oh, and this is just an etiquette of the game. Don't touch the cards. That's all on the dealer."

"Huh. Ok. No touching the cards. So, what's the point of the game? How do we play?"

"So, your goal is to beat the dealer, me, without going over 21. Everyone starts with two cards, and everyone has to put in a chip worth at least the table minimum and usually a maximum. That last bit isn't as important unless you're playing competitively. The difference between your hand and the dealer's is that yours will be faceup while one of the dealer's cards is faced down, that's the hole card. Getting it so far?"

Charlie nods. "Yep, play a minimum point value, beat the dealer's score without going over 21, my cards are face up. What else?"

{AN: After this cut is a lengthy description on how to play Blackjack as told by Vesper. There is some ditzy Charlie content and a fluffy moment or two between Vesper and Alastor, but be aware that you DO NOT have to read this part to enjoy and understand the story. I just didn't have the heart to cut it, so if you read this bit, thanks! But, don't feel obligated! Either way you read this story, it'll make sense. Happy reading!}

"Ok, I laid out a play for you so you can see how this works. The dealer's score is a 7, and the player has a king and a 4, giving them a score of 14. Kings, queens, and jacks, also called face cards, are all worth 10 points. The number cards are pretty self-explanatory. Aces are the magic card and can be valued at either one or eleven points. That's always the player's choice. Phew. Hold on a second." Vesper takes a breath then takes a long sip of their drink that they'd been holding. Doing so, they see Alastor has come to join them and is exceptionally close, listening intently to Vesper's explanation. He glances from the cards to them, offering his hand to take their drink after they've sipped on it a moment.

"May I? I don't believe I've had the taste of a bubbly champagne cocktail since I was a much younger man. Perhaps I could hold it for you as well, since it seems you're in need of your hands to properly explain the rules to Charlotte."

Vesper smiles softly, handing Alastor the cocktail. "What a gentlemanly offer. Knock yourself out, Al." Their fingertips graze his as the glass changes hands. Alsator laughs at the comment, "Always! And, thank you, Darling. Mm. Is that... um... gender neutral...?" He raises a brow, unsure, but still smiling as he sips the cocktail, humming as the liquid graces his taste buds.

They shrug, honestly not bothered by what he'd call them as they're not ballsy enough to correct him. "Mm, I'll take it. Now, let me get back to this and get in here real quick." Vesper turns back towards the table and grabs the deck, quickly dealing through for the cards for the ones she needs, setting them off to the side with the extra chip. Husk, perking up at the sound of the cards, looks and begins watching the cards close and intently as he sips his bottle of booze.

"Alright. You, as the player, have two choices. You can stay, which is where you wave your hand over the cards to keep the score you have. Or, you can hit, where you tap the table and the dealer will deal you as many cards as you want to get a better score, but there's always the risk you could go over 21, which is called a bust and causes you to lose. So, you have to be wary how many times you hit. Ok, this is where it starts getting tricky. You still keeping up?"

Charlie nods once more, looking confident. "Yes. Wave to stay, tap to hit. Keep going, this sounds like such a fun game." She smiles brightly, leaning in a bit closer to continue observing from a better angle.

Husk chokes on his booze at the statement, suppressing a laugh.

"Ignore him. So, for now we'll say that you stayed with this hand, kept the fourteen. Now the dealer shows their second card. In this case it's an ace which is perfect. Dealer has a higher score so they win. Now, the dealer plays by a bit of a different set of rules. The dea-"

Charlie gasps abruptly, causing everyone to jump. "What!? That's dirty...! Why?"

"Just the game, Charlie. It evens out, trust me. Anyway, the dealer's score will always be 17 or over without exceeding 21. If the two cards they delt themselves at the start of the hand don't equal 17 when they reveal the hole card, then they continue to draw cards until they add up to or exceed 17. Now, if they were to exceed 21, the dealer busts, loses, and the whole table gets a payout."

"Everyone wins!? Whoa, what a turn around. Ok, ok. Anything else?"

Vesper chuckles softly, shaking her head a bit at Charlie's genuinely naive fascination, "Let me show you another few plays, just so I can give you some basic tips and make sure you're really getting it."

Charlie nods then looks back to the cards.

"Ok, the best way to know when to stay or hit is to pay attention to what you have and compare it to the visible dealer card. We know in this case our dealer's point value is 17, but only the 7 was visible, so we'll go off that for now. Player has 14, this time we're gonna hit and say that we get a 7. That gives us a perfect score of 21, which means the player wins. Just use your judgment, you'll get better the more you play.”

"Now, players actually have a third play option, but it really only works if the player is dealt high doubles”

Vesper grabs the cards they’d previously pulled and set aside as well as the extra chip. They then pull a pair of tens out of the select cards without looking.

“Like these two tens here. That gives you a score of 20, which almost guarantees the win, but, if you're feeling lucky or got the balls, your third option is to split the hand. That's where you double the points you put in play at the beginning of the hand and double tap the table with two fingers to signify the split. The Dealer does that for you, of course." Vesper puts the extra chip in the betting area and properly splits the hand so Charlie can see an example.

"Wait, what? That's silly, why would you wanna split the hand if you've already won? That makes no sense."

Alastor laughs heartily, "Good question, Princess! The right one, too. But, never assume triumph, especially in a game that at its core is based on chance. It makes one look cocky. Or at the very least don't verbalize it." He continues to chuckle, still holding Vesper's champagne glass.

Vesper nods in agreement, "He's actually got a point. Even if you have an almost perfect score, the dealer could end up with the perfect score. Happens more often than you think, especially for newer players. But, like I said, the thing with splitting your hand is you can win extra points if it works out in your favor. Since you bet double, you can win double from the dealer. They always match your bet. And, if you noticed, the dealer can't do anything but hit if their card value is below 17. If it's at 17, they're not allowed."

Charlie gasps, “Ooooh, ok! So that puts them at a disadvantage! Despite this being a game of chance it's also a game of strategy.”

"Well, look who's getting smart and really thinking it through. Now you're really catching on. Moving right along, upon splitting the hand, the player actually then has two hands in play, allowing them to hit on both to get a score below 21. We'll say in this case we got lucky and pulled another ten and a queen, so both hands are worth 20 points and the dealer loses with 17. Now, worst case scenario, let's say your dealer actually has a six on top instead of that 7."

Vesper switches out the 7 for the 6 they'd kept in their hand for later, holding one more card in their off hand, discarding the now useless 7 with the rest of the deck.

“What do you think you should do?"

Charlie takes a deep breath. "Ok. So, I already split my hand, they both value to 20, I can't hit or I'll go over, so I stay with what I've got. As for the dealer, they're score is 16 now, so... they have to hit. And, they only need to draw a 4 or 5 to win."

"Bingo. But, more often than not, they don't get that 5. 16 is a dangerous number in Blackjack." Vesper throws out the final card they'd been holding onto, the 5, watching as it lands with the rest of the dealer's cards, smirking a bit. "But, 16 is my lucky number, and I tend to get the cards I need. You ain't ever met a dealer like me. I'm a jack of all trades when it comes to card games, but this is where my skills really shine."

{AN: If you made it this far and read what could have been cut, thanks. And, congratulations! Now you have all the knowledge I have of Blackjack! I just had fun writing and couldn't stop. Thanks for humoring me Now, diving back in...!~}

Vesper takes a deep breath after the lengthy explanation, Alastor offering them their drink, which they take from him and take a large drink from before handing it back. He retrieves it from them, taking another sip from the bubbly cocktail as well.

"Ok, I think that covers everything. If I missed something I'll explain it when we get there. So, you think you're ready to play some Blackjack, Princess?"

"Yes! Deal me in, Vesper!" Charlie pulls up a chair and sits directly in front of where Vesper will be dealing from, Husk moves from his perch on the side of the table to sit to Charlie's left and Alastor, still standing, is to her right.

Vesper laughs, grabbing the example cards and putting them with the rest of the deck, beginning to shuffle them as they round the table to where the bank of chips is positioned. "Alright, let me get you and Alastor some chips. Must be a lucky day after all, Husk, you're getting fresh chips. Everyone's starting with 15 chips, excluding the dealer, I gotta have a bank for when one of you fools decides to try and hit it big. That's inevitable. Each of your chips is worth 100 points. To play you have to have at minimum one chip in your betting area. I don't care about a max. If you run out of chips, you lose. At 45 points, I call the game. Hit that point total first, or hope that the other players strike out cause that's the only way to win."

Alastor rounds the table offering their champagne glass back to them, as he'd had enough and left the last drink for Vesper. Placing the deck of cards on the table, they take the glass, finishing what was left as they begin to pull the chips needed to play with their free hand.

Alastor reaches out, taking the glass from their hand carefully, once more, allowing their hands to touch. "I'll get that to the bar." Which simply meant he'd use his black magic to send itself over there. "Oh, and thank you, again. It was almost nostalgic sipping that. Reminded me of a party I attended once, though I believe the drink I had then wasn't nearly as sweet as yours. However, on another note, it really is such a pity that we've nothing of value to bet with so we can make the game more… interesting."

Vesper bites their lip, cocking their head to the side in thought. About both Alastor's emphasis on the word 'sweet' as well as his urge for something of value worth playing for. It was for his entertainment of course and unfortunately Vesper knew exactly what he was wanting them to say.

It was the only thing that came to mind.

"Alright, how about this? I'll put my soul on the table. Winner gets that." They raise a brow at Alastor, who is obviously visibly interested.

Husk jumps up, "Don't be fuckin' stupid, Vesper! He'll cheat you out of it and you know it! You may be a pain in the ass but you're sure as Hell not dumb enough to make a bet like that."

Charlie looks at Vesper, "We're betting!? This is a betting game!? I thought it was just a point system! Um, I..... Don't... ugh don't bet your soul, Vesper! I don't want... You shouldn't... um...." Charlie can't even find the words to express everything she's feeling.

Vesper stops shuffling long enough to finally deal out the chips they had pulled for each player before Alastor had distracted them. Instead of setting his chips across the table, Vesper offers Alastor his chips since he is standing just beside them. He opens his palm and Vesper places them in his hand, his gaze never wavering from them.

Vesper looks to a visibly concerned Charlie as she begins shuffling the cards once more, "Ok, ok, how about this. Just as an insurance policy, if you win, Charlie, I'll help you with lesson plans for a week on top of everything that I do for the flat-faced prince of VoxTek. Mm, and, I'll let you officially check me in and... participate in this whole, ugh... rehabilitation thing. But, if one of these bastards win, which I have faith is not gonna happen, they get my soul. It is mine to bet, after all. I'm still a sinner, gotta keep my afterlife interesting somehow."

Charlie's jaw kinda drops, eyes wide as she takes in this information. "You... I.... Really...? You'll actually try? Like genuinely, really try?" Vesper nods, still shuffling the deck of cards, now doing a few fancy shuffling tricks, catching Husk's attention who stares in admiration of the skill.

Charlie takes a breath and stands, looking at Vesper. "Alright, despite not agreeing with the whole... soul dealing thing... I'll make an exception this time because I do believe in you.... And if you believe you'll win then, that's gonna have to be enough for me. So, um... I'll... I'll take your bet. You're on, Vesper." Charlie huffs then sits back in her chair, waiting for the cards to be dealt.

Alastor smiles widely, "Marvelous! Oh, what a game this shall be! Shall we shake hands, dear?" Offering his free hand to Vesper, a soft yet sickly green glow emanating from it.

Husk throws in his two-cents once more, "I ain't shaking his fuckin' hand. And, this is still a dumbass idea. Don't be a dumbass."

"What did I just tell her? My soul, I'll bet it if I want. Besides, you just gotta shake my hand, you grouchy old fuck. And, if you win you got my soul, maybe it'll be just the pick-me-up you needed. I hear I can be pretty useful, a jack of all trades. Now, get that stick out of your ass and gimme your fuckin’ hand. Not the one you used to remove the stick, though." Vesper snickers at their own joke and Alastor laughs as well, which only makes them laugh with him.

Husk growls and mutters under his breath as he offers his hand from across the table.

Vesper takes his hand then Alastor’s, giving them a firm shake. "It's a deal. Either of you win, it's my soul. Should I win, I get to keep it. All I really want in return is bragging rights. Especially if I beat you, Alastor."

Alastor laughs, hand still tightly grasping Vesper's, "A fine deal, I suppose. Though, should you lose, what you're giving up is worth much more than 'bragging rights,' Dearest. Now, don't get me wrong, taking advantage of such a poorly made deal would usually be something I enjoy and participate in solely for the shattered look on their face when they lose. However, you're smarter than that. And, trying to play me before the cards are even on the table. Clever, but not clever enough, I'm afraid. So, to make the earnings and playing ground fair, I have a suggestion. Should you win, I'll allow you to have bragging rights and to keep your soul, since that is what you say you wish, but I also offer mine and Husk's services for one future favor. Anything you can think of. However, should I or Husk win, your soul will belong to whomever wins the game, be it by point value or by not striking out. I also believe your services could be of good use for something, so you'll be indebted to one future favor as well, anything the winner wishes. Now, that is a much fairer deal, don't you agree?"

Husk, hand still locked in the handshake with Vesper, is flabbergasted at hearing that he could very well end up doing another shit favor just because Alastor offered him up for it. Again. And, watching Vesper make the same mistake he did, he almost felt guilty, even if he tried to warn them. Really he should have tried a bit harder, been more direct. This deal was just as carefully worded as his, which makes it dangerous. But, at least Alastor was offering his own services, too. And, thankfully, for some reason, he didn't require complete control of them. Not yet, anyhow. Because Husk knew better than anyone that once he had your soul, Alastor already owned you. Even if you didn't know it yet.

Vesper smirks, "Alright, smart ass, you're on. Now, go sit, I'm ready to deal."

Husk and Alastor shake their hand once more, causing Alastor's power to flare and the room flash the sickly green before dissipating. Husk pulls away as soon as the deal is sealed, crossing his arms. Alastor, however, glances down at Vesper's hand just before leaning down to place a gentle kiss on their knuckles. Then, as if it never happened, he turns on his heels and goes to the opposite side of the table to join Charlie and Husk, taking his seat to the right of Charlie. "I truly wish you the best of luck, Vesper."

A soft blush dusts Vesper's cheeks as they retrieve the deck of cards and begin to shuffle, setting the deck in front of Husk simply out of habit. He chuckles and cuts the deck and Vesper begins to shuffle once more then deals out their hands.

After dealing, Vesper reaches under the edge of the table, pulling out the box that houses the deck of cards they'll be using. They reach in and pull out one of the two Jokers before they shove it into the rest of the deck, only for it to pop out the other side of the deck. However, in doing so the card had changed from the classic black, red and white coloring to one emphasized by neon colors with a characterized image of Vesper replacing that of the Joker. They rest the card at the front of their bank, smirking as they lean comfortably on the table. Vesper's soul was officially on the table....

"Alright, sinners and Princess. Let's play."

I sincerely hope you guys enjoyed this. I will be writing a part two, it is actually already in the works and will most likely update this with a word count, warning tags, (if it should need it), and fix any mistakes I may have missed. I'll also link Part Two once it's up. I thank you for reading.

#hazbin hotel #charlie morningstar #charlie hazbin hotel #hazbin hotel husk #alastor hazbin hotel #the radio demon #alastor the radio demon #original character #hazbin hotel oc #original work #original writing #charlotte morningstar #this is about to get UNHINGED #yall literally are not prepared for the chaos I have planned #im not even exaggerating #even im not prepared for whats to come and i know the ending

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