Max finally made it back to the hotel, only for the front doors to slam open before he could even knock. A blur of pink and white crashed into him, knocking him flat onto the carpet.
"Man, I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to get you wrapped up in my mess!" Angel Dust said, arms wrapped tightly around him. "I heard what the Vees did. Lucky you got away in one piece."
Max let out a small grunt before laughing softly and hugging her back. "It's fine. You're technically mine now, remember? Your problems are my problems." He sat up, brushing dust from his jacket. "You cleaned up after work, right?"
"Of course." Angel flicked her hair dramatically. "Since I signed your contract, other guys' fluids feel gross if they stay on me too long. So now I take these nice, long showers after shoots." She smirked. "Why? You planning something?"
Max grinned faintly. "Taking you and Loona on a date. Figured I should spend more time with the two of you before Sinsmas."
Angel blinked before a teasing smile spread across her face. "Aww, look at you finally acting like a boyfriend."
Max rolled his eyes and gave one of her breasts a gentle squeeze. The fluffy softness surprised him a little, his hand sinking into the thick chest fluff more than expected.
Angel shivered dramatically. "Ooooh~ getting bold now, are we?"
"Maybe a little," Max admitted with a smirk.
Angel laughed before finally climbing off him. "About damn time."
Max headed upstairs to change while Angel stretched out across the couch, humming happily to herself. A few minutes later, Max pulled out his phone and called Loona.
The second she answered, he heard loud chewing on the other end.
"Hey, Loona. Want to go on a date with me and Angel tonight?"
There was a loud choking noise followed by coughing.
"W-What?!" Loona barked. "Y-Yeah, obviously! Thought you forgot about me."
"Of course not," Max said warmly. "I'm taking everyone on dates before Sinsmas."
Loona went quiet for a moment before speaking softer.
"But… we're still spending Sinsmas together, right?"
Max hesitated. "I can't during the actual day. I've got something important planned." He leaned against the wall. "But I promise I'll make it up to you. Best date you've ever had. Plus gifts."
"Hmph. Fine." Loona tried to sound annoyed, but her tail was probably wagging already. "I'll hold you to that."
The call ended, leaving Max smiling faintly.
He still had some time before the date, so he headed into the kitchen. If he was going out, everyone else still needed dinner. Soon the kitchen filled with the sound of sizzling meat, bubbling sauces, and fresh bread baking in the oven.
Several pans floated through the air with magic while Max worked the stove manually. Burgers for Octavia. Spicy wraps for Millie. Sweet glazed chicken for Bee. Fancy pasta for Charlie and Vaggie. He even prepared extra fries because he knew Angel would steal everyone else's.
The peaceful rhythm was interrupted when the hotel doors suddenly burst open.
"Max!"
Octavia stormed inside, feathers puffed up and breathing heavily like she had run the whole way there.
Max immediately turned down the stove. "Hey, hey, calm down. What happened?"
"I want to sign your harem contract," Octavia blurted out.
Max blinked.
"…What?"
"I'm serious!" she said quickly. "Please let me join."
Max stared at her for a moment before gently sliding a basket of fresh fries toward her across the counter.
"Sit. Eat. Then explain."
Octavia sat down, immediately grabbing fries while trying to calm herself.
"I just…" She looked down at the food. "I don't want my future decided for me. I don't want some arranged marriage with someone awful just because of royal status." She looked back up at him. "And you've been really nice to me."
Max stayed quiet, letting her continue.
"You gave me a place to stay. You listened to me. You didn't treat me like I was stupid or weak." Her voice softened. "You made me feel safe."
Max leaned against the counter, arms crossed.
"Octavia… liking someone because they helped you during a bad time can get messy."
"I know," she said immediately. "And at first maybe it was because I was scared and upset. But it's not just that anymore." Her cheeks darkened slightly. "I really do like you."
The kitchen fell quiet except for the soft sizzling from the stove.
Max sighed softly before snapping his fingers.
A black-and-red contract materialized over the counter, glowing faintly with Entity magic.
Octavia stared at it with wide eyes.
"You really mean it?" she asked quietly.
"I don't do fake contracts," Max replied. "And once this is signed, it's real. No tricks. No forcing anything." He looked directly at her. "So I need you completely sure."
Octavia looked at the contract for several long seconds before slowly nodding.
"I'm sure."
The moment she touched the pen, the contract glowed softly.
Max returned to cooking while she read through it carefully. Unlike most demonic contracts, his was surprisingly straightforward. Loyalty. Honesty. Mutual consent. Freedom to leave if the person truly wished it.
No hidden clauses.
No traps.
By the time she signed it, Max had already plated several meals.
"Done," Octavia said quietly.
The contract dissolved into glowing particles before a faint ring-shaped mark briefly appeared around her wrist and vanished.
Max nodded once. "Then welcome."
Octavia looked oddly relieved after hearing that.
Without another word, Max slid a plate toward her. A massive burger stacked high with crispy onions, smoky sauce, melted cheese, and perfectly seasoned fries.
Her eyes widened immediately.
"You made this for me?"
"I know you like comfort food when stressed," Max said casually.
Octavia took one bite and nearly melted into the chair.
"Oh my god…"
Max chuckled softly before packing up the rest of the meals.
"I've got a date to get to. Feel free to stay here and relax." He walked around the counter and gently kissed her cheek.
Octavia froze completely, feathers fluffing up hard enough to nearly explode outward.
"See you later, Via."
Then Max grabbed the food containers and casually walked out of the kitchen, leaving Octavia staring after him with a burning face while clutching her burger in stunned silence.
[A: New Book is out. Another Hasbin Hotel thats more put together and Planned. Its called [New Hellhound in Helluvaboss]. Enjoy]