Chapter Text
No one could comprehend what you had done to possibly get sent to hell. While most of the guests wouldn’t dare say it, besides Charlie of course, having you around really livened up the red hotel walls.
You pushed through the doors of the hotel with bags of groceries hanging from each arm, smiling to yourself as you waddled your way to the kitchen. The hotel was empty for once. Nifty you were sure was somewhere in the hotel- either killing bugs or cleaning, but that’s just what you needed. You were in a really good mood today and wanted to spend that energy making something for everyone. When you were a human, you were an absolute mess in the kitchen- so you hope this will be your redemption dish!
You start placing various ingredients on the counter (for some of the ingredients you had to improvise because they just weren’t there): spicy sausuage, green peppers, onion, various spices, chicken breasts, peeled shrimp and rice in a box. Huh, who knew they made such things in hell.
“Hooooo boy, oh yeah, here we go.” You nod to yourself as you start going underneath the cub board to unearth the giant pot. And a frying pan because you’ll have to cook the meats. You start taking your time, repeatedly peaking at your phone to reference the recipe you were working with. You became so invested in making sure everything was going to be perfect that you didn’t even notice Alastor’s shadow form against the counter, slowly forming into himself. “Good afternoon,” Alastor says cheerfully. “My, what have you gotten your little claws into?”
“I’m trying to make something for lunch for everyone today.” You reply as your nose scrunches up, focusing on watching the coloration of the chicken breast go from flesh pink to a soft white. You always messed up cooking meats. It was far easier to consume them than to cook them. A few pieces were ready, so you flipped those over as Alastor let out a radio filled hum. “And what will we have the pleasure of eating?”
“If this turns out right, we’ll be having jambalaya!”
A few seconds of silence passes without Alastor saying a word. You take a moment to peak at him from your right, and you momentarily stop in your movements. In the few weeks that you’ve been a guest at the hotel, you’ve seen various smiles from Alastor- but not this kind. This was a gentle smile, where the smile wasn’t stretched onto his face like a canvas. This was a painted smile, a gentle one, one that reached his eyes and made him even more charming than he normally is. It made your heart skip a beat, but you didn’t question it in the moment. You figured it was from seeing that type of smile for the first time.
You titled your head at him. “Do you like jambalaya?”
“I do.”
He said gently. Hearing this you gave him a big ol’ grin, eyes closed in happiness.
“Perfect! Want to help me? I’ve.. never cooked shrimp before, and it was kind of expensive,” you begin rambling off. Alastor slowly rolled his eyes, still smiling that gentle smile while coming to your aide. He flipped over the final piece of chicken breast cooking while you spoke, your hands moving in a blur of gestures.
“..and I really don’t want to mess up on making this because then that means I’d have to leave for the store again and take up even more time, because I’m trying to get this ready for lunch and-“
“Dear,” Alastor placed his index finger on your lips. You ceased talking and looked puzzling down at your lips. “I understand, no need to spiral downwards! My mother and I used to cook this together. While you don’t have.. the ingredients I’m used to, this will still be pleasant. I’m sure the others will appreciate the gesture.”
You gave a sigh of relief and slumped your shoulders, your posture turning into that of the shrimp you bought earlier.
“You’re a lifesaver, Alastor.”
“Oh I’m sure there are others that would wholeheartedly disagree, but I’ll take the compliment dear.”
What should have taken under an hour took nearly an hour and a half, but you struck a pose with your hands on your hips and a smug grin on your face as you and Alastor peaked at the pot of jambalaya. It was a beautiful red color, and the aroma of it was making your mouth water. The vegetables and meats were properly cooked thanks to Alastor.
You both silently started to take down bowls, grab utensils and napkins and started to set the table for lunch.
And it was just in time as the doors to the hotel opened up and in came everyone. You looked up at Alastor and beamed. “Thanks for all your help! This was actually really nice.”
“You’re very welcome,” Alastor said with a bow.
He continued as you both made your way to stand in the doorway of the kitchen.
“I’m surprised to admit I had a pleasant time as well, considering your horror stories in the kitchen. I think we should make a habit of this perhaps!”
Charlie let out a happy cry and made her way to both of you, hands clasped together as her eyes sparkled.
“Oh. My. Gosh. We just had the best group bonding session EVER, and then we come back to the two of you?! This is such a happy day!”
You looked up at Alastor who went back to his usual teeth out smile. You gently took Charlie by the hand and moved aside so the view of the set kitchen table was front and center.
“Now, who wants some jambalaya?!” Both you and Alastor called out in unison.