Chapter Text
It was a night in for two of the Vees, so they decided to binge on some movies and shows they liked. Velvette didn’t understand such at all, hence why Vox and Valentino waited until she went out by herself to do this.
“Just what we need after everything that’s been going on,” Vox laughed as he set everything up.
“Indeed, Voxxy,” Valentino agreed.
He was stretched out on the couch, ready to watch what they had selected.
One thing that brought them together was Valentino showing Vox movies and shows from his decade, which took place in the decade Vox died in: the 1950s. It initially started with Valentino wanting to hear from someone who was alive during that era to get their opinion on the depictions. While not wholly accurate, the two definitely got some laughs from what they watched.
Tonight, they decided to watch a classic of theirs, “Grease.”
Valentino especially enjoyed it as it was supposed to take place around the time he was in high school. However, his experience was slightly different from that of the white characters on the show. Namely, he doubted any of them got in as much trouble as he and his peers did for saying one non-English word.
Things were going mostly well, and both of them enjoyed how the hero and heroine, Danny and Sandy, talked about their summer meeting, which was shown at the beginning of the movie.
When it got to the part where the Pink Ladies made fun of Sandy’s innocence by comparing her to Sandra Dee, both were not pleased. Vox, for he could relate to being bullied viciously in high school like that. And Valentino, because he couldn’t help but feel that’s how some of their peers talked about a girl who was special to him.
Maria Dolores Dominguez Garcia stood out from the girls he usually hung around with in high school. She cared about academics, especially math and English. However, she had secretly learned to read Spanish so she could read the works of Cuban poets like Jose Marti in the original language. She often said she focused on such subjects because she felt they would help her when she inevitably inherited her parents’ cafe, Cafe Domingo. Many laughed it off, saying such would likely be given to a male relative, and she should focus on finding a potential husband.
As the scene transitioned into Olivia Newton-John singing “Hopelessly Devoted to You,” Valentino couldn’t help but think of the girl who was that way to him in high school. So much that she was betrayed when she learned he wasn’t the same way.
The moth pimp couldn’t help but think of the earlier scene where Danny snubbed Sandy because he was worried about his reputation being affected. He was sure Maria Dolores saw what led to their breakup as something like that. His throwing away everything they had for the greaser lifestyle his friends wanted him to live.
One of the things he was thankful for was that he could reinvent himself. He was unrecognizable from the awkward Cuban American teen he once was. He didn’t want to see or be recognized by the ones he partially blamed for losing his first love. For if they dared to cross into his territory, he would ensure there was Hell to pay.
“Val, are you alright?” he heard.
“Yeah,” Valentino responded to Vox.
“You seemed kind of pissed.”
“Just thinking of some demons who need to meet Moneyshot.”
“Valentino. We had this conversation before. No going crazy with Moneyshot. It might ruin our image.”
“You only care about it so much because of the Radio Demon being back!” Valentino exclaimed.
Vox sighed as he paused the movie.
“What’s got you so cranky?”
“I’m not cranky! I’m just wondering why I can’t have someone here in Hell who focuses only on me! I thought you or fucking Angel Dust would, but no. You two have eyes on other demons and things. In your case, it’s that ciervo estupido. In that ungrateful puto’s case, it’s that stupid hotel!”
“Look, I didn’t ask Alastor to return or survive his battle with the Exorcist leader. And because of that, I have to ensure he doesn’t take away too many potential viewers from us,” Vox attempted to defend.
Valentino could sense that such was not the entire story. But right now, he just wanted to continue watching the movie.
“Press play on the damn movie.”
When it showed the scenes of being in a car where the characters made out and love, or at least attempted to, he was taken back further.
XXXXXX
It was Junior Prom Night, and he was in a suit he borrowed from his brother Juan. He hoped the seniors who knew his brother wouldn’t recognize such. His family just couldn’t afford a brand new suit for him. Thankfully, his mother knew how to adjust it to where it fit him better.
On his arm was his date and sweetheart, Maria Dolores Dominguez Garcia, who looked gorgeous in the dress her mother made for her. It was a lovely sky blue dress that almost reached her ankles. Her hair was curled to create a popular hairstyle.
They had some fun dancing, with her especially enjoying covers of popular rock' n' roll songs. He was able to keep up with her, especially as they danced to “Long Tall Sally.” After that, both were pretty exhausted, but not too exhausted to do something they had been thinking about doing for a while and now had the opportunity to do.
“Ready to head out, Lola?”
“Yes.”
With that, they went to his Hudson Hornet. It was aged, but it was still in good working condition. He and his brother ensured such would be the case. Recently, he ensured the seats in the front and the back were made of comfortable material, especially for what he wanted to do tonight.
Maria Dolores looked expectantly at him as he turned the engine on. They would be heading to what many called Lover’s Lane, a nice, secluded place—perfect for what he and Maria were going to do.
“You promise to be gentle, Amorcito?” she asked after they settled in the backseat.
“Of course, querida,” he reassured her before kissing her on the forehead.
“My lips are here,” she remarked.
“I know. Just wanted to show that’s not the only place my lips will go.”
Such started a heated kiss as per usual, but they knew it wouldn’t just be that. Both of them were ready to take it to the next level.
XXXXXX
“Valentino!”
He jumped from getting interrupted from his flashback.
“Are you sure you still want to watch the movie? You suddenly got lost in space,” Vox commented.
“Yes, I do, Vox,” he frowned.
He saw it was now the scene where one of the Pink Ladies, Rizzo, was worried about her getting pregnant by her now ex, Kenickie.
“This is why you check the dates on condoms!” he exclaimed, remembering the earlier scene with the condom Kenickie used, which broke due to it being expired.
“You say that like it’s from experience,” Vox joked.
“Shut the fuck up!”
“Just pointing it out.”
Valentino crossed his upper arms.
He knew to check the dates on condoms when he did use them. He just didn’t feel the need to use them as often when he was alive. He felt less of a need to do so in Hell since he couldn’t impregnate anybody like he did on Earth. That was one of the things he liked about being a Sinner. Didn’t have to worry about accidental pregnancy due to Sinners being sterile.
Thankfully, the conversation ended there, and he focused on the movie.
When it came to the famous “You’re the One that I Want” scene, Valentino immediately imagined what it would be like to have his high school sweetheart dressed like Sandy at the end of the movie. It was a shame he didn’t know what she looked like now in the afterlife. It would be a lovely image to fantasize about.
All he knew was that tonight would be spent thinking of her.
XXXXXXX
The only lights right now came from the candles lit throughout the crowd. Among them were a group of female Winners, two zebra longwing butterflies, and a white-lined sphinx moth.
The moth held tight to her candle, delighted by the scene before her.
“You always enjoyed the Easter Vigil, haven’t you, Maria Dolores?” she heard from one of her companions.
“Indeed, Catalina,” she nodded.
Her parents weren’t too far away, but she considered the two women with her as her family. Had things turned out differently, Catalina would be her sister-in-law, and the butterfly’s mother, Barbara, would be her mother-in-law. But despite everything, they still accepted her as their adopted sister and daughter, respectively.
“How I wish to attend services like this, but I couldn’t,” Barbara stated.
She knew this because she worked as a maid for the Gaines family, a rich family in Miami. The patriarch, J.W., and his wife were quite demanding employers who rarely allowed her time off.
“It is clear the Lord understood such since you were allowed to rise to Heaven,” Maria comforted.
“I thank God every day that he saw my tears and allowed me to go to the ultimate place of peace and refuge,” Barbara sighed.
The butterfly Winner had been through a lot, and the two younger Winners understood that. She was thankful she could be relieved from it.
Soon enough, the church’s lights came on, allowing them to see the altar.
Saint James the Great was the apostle who did today’s service. However, he was not alone.
“Everyone, I wish to welcome Emily, the Angel of Joy, who has joined us on this holy night.”
The Seraph went to the podium.
“Good evening, everyone. I wish to share something special tonight. But first, I want to say how thankful I am to see everyone standing here to celebrate the Resurrection. It shows that despite the recent events, everyone is willing to remember the reason why they are here. To give thanks to the Lord who allows you into His house due to your faith and good deeds.”
The trio of Lepidoptera angels knew what Emily was talking about.
The revelation that while they lived peaceful lives up there, the higher-ups thought it was okay to send the Exorcists down to Hell to kill as many Sinners as possible. The three were horrified to learn about the indiscriminate nature of the killings. Especially since they lived through a time when a number of horrible men decided to use their power to kill so many.
Barbara spoke of how her husband, whom she was now separated from in the afterlife, fought in World War II on the European Front. So he quickly learned how the ordinary people of Germany were taught to turn a blind eye to their neighbors and friends being killed mercilessly by agents of their government. Because of the significant number of those in Heaven who were victims of such human cruelty, there was no way they would be fooled in such a manner.
Since the revelation through that fateful trial, many have called for change. Thankfully, Emily mentioned there was a way to do this. Something ironically started by the daughter of the King of Hell.
“I’ve arrived because I wish to select someone who will go to the Hazbin Hotel and be a mentor to the souls currently there,” Emily declared.
This caused much conversation among the Winners.
It was clear they definitely didn’t expect there was a chance they would have to interact with Sinners. They were okay with redeemed Sinners as they earned their spot within the pearly gates. But Sinners who hadn’t yet redeemed themselves? That was a different ball park.
“Why do you think no one wants to volunteer? After all, we all cried for change. Yet, how can such happen when no one wants to take an active role?” Maria Dolores thought aloud.
“It takes a lot of unlearning of biases. After all, we were told only the worst of the worst are down here in Hell,” Catalina said.
“I doubt those would be the ones seeking redemption,” the moth argued.
“True. I imagine it’s those you would commonly want to get out of a terrible situation they are in because of unfortunate circumstances,” her butterfly companion nodded.
“Considering the one that the princess of Hell mentioned that she wants to see redeemed is an adult film star, I could see that,” she agreed.
Barbara remained silent, trying not to think of the memories that spawned. Even in Heaven, she had to deal with the painful memories that affected her view of things like sex. As such, it had been used as a weapon against her in life.
Maria Dolores looked sympathetically at the older butterfly Winner. She wouldn’t be surprised if there were those in Hell who were plagued by similar memories. One of them possibly being that porn star Sinner who chose to seek a new life in Heaven through the princess’ hotel.
“I understand it’s a lot to take in, but I would appreciate it if at least one of you here was willing to volunteer," Emily said again.
The silence was deafening.
That is, until it was finally broken by a voice.
“I’ll do it.”
Everyone turned to the moth who left her pew.
“I volunteer to mentor those at the Hazbin Hotel.”
“Excellent!” Emily beamed.
“Mija, are you sure?” Maria Dolores heard her mother, Cristina, ask.
“Such is quite dangerous,” her father Fermin added.
“I know, Papa. But I want there to be at least someone willing to make the change those in Heaven want to see,” she reassured. “And it looks like I must be the change I want to see.”
She approached the altar to meet Emily, who was waiting for her.
“What is your name?” the Seraph asked.
“Maria Dolores Dominguez Garcia,” the moth Winner answered.
“Maria Dolores, thank you for your wish to help this great cause. One that will change Heaven and Hell for the better,” Emily smiled.
She then wrapped her arm around the Winner before turning to the crowd.
“See here the bravery and determination of Maria Dolores. She who wishes to take an active role in the bright new dawn that is coming for everyone. One free of secrecy and sorrow and full of transparency and hope.”
After that, the moth returned to her spot next to Catalina and Barbara.
“Are you sure you’re ready for such a task?” Catalina asked.
“The last thing I want is for you to encounter and be hurt by those who will not regret their actions,” Barbara added.
“I imagine Emily will prepare me. In the meantime, I have your support along with my parents’,” Maria Dolores smiled.
During the rest of the service, she couldn’t help but wonder how those at the Hazbin Hotel would react to her. She who oscillated between the fashion of the 1990s, the decade she passed away in, and those of the 1950s, the decade that held some of her happier days.
There were many things she didn’t like, such as the racism her family and friends faced and the sexism she faced as a woman. She often wished her only major problem was the itchy petticoats and hot girdles she remembered having to wear. Other than that, she did enjoy the fashion of the time. Also, her being alive for the birth of rock' n’ roll definitely helped. But what she remembered the most was her time with someone she genuinely loved.
While she hated how things had ended, she couldn’t deny that her time with her first and only love, Carlos Delgado Velazquez, was pretty happy. He didn’t push her to be a certain way just because she was a girl. In fact, there were things she did with him that definitely went against the strict norms of the time. Thankfully, though, her good deeds in life and chastity after the breakup seemed to allow her a spot in Heaven.
The moth remembered how disappointed she was when she died and couldn’t find Carlos. She hoped he would have returned to the sweet boy with greased hair she knew and loved and start over. So, she immediately knew where he might be.
There probably was little chance she would come across him. After all, the excuse Sera initially gave when put on the spot was overpopulation. So it would be hard to pinpoint him among the millions or even billions of Sinners in Hell. But part of her was hoping she would at least catch one glimpse of him.