Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Vox was always a jealous person. He’d spent his childhood being jealous of the popular kids who weren’t deemed ‘weird’ by others, then he spent his adult life being jealous of the TV presenters who had more charisma than he did, more slots, more money, the list was never ending. Upon death, Vox found himself becoming jealous of those with more power than himself.

Perhaps his first real friend ever was the Radio Demon, or as Vox used to call him, Al. Vox found himself becoming obsessively jealous of the demon when he first manifested in hell and started listening to Alastor’s broadcasts. Mostly because there was always a mystery surrounding him, people didn’t really know who he was, all they knew was that he was dangerous and heartless, based off of the blood curdling screams that emitted through hell.

Vox wanted to be that powerful. He wanted to know who Alastor was. He began working at a shitty television studio in the center of the Pentagram. People started liking him, because his face was made for television – as his mother used to tell him when he was alive. Now, it was truer than ever. His face was television.

With popularity came meeting new people and one person who Vox caught the attention of was none other than the Radio Demon himself. It was at a party they met for the first time, circa 1959.

“Why, if it isn’t the neat little picture box I’ve seen around town!” Alastor greeted happily, walking up to Vox, who had no idea who he was. “I’m Alastor, it’s a pleasure to be meeting you, quite a pleasure!” He took Vox’s hand and shook it, which was very shocking to Vox.

“The Radio Demon? I’m a huge fan!” Vox exclaimed, shaking Alastor’s hand far too aggressively, but Alastor just beamed at him. Vox later learned that a smile never left Alastor’s face, whether or not he was really amused.

“What a coincidence, I’m a fan of yours, too. The picture shows you put on are rather entertaining!” Alastor remarked, throwing a microphone he was holding from one hand to the other.

“I’m so glad, Entertainment is my middle name,” Vox joked, smiling to each corner of his screen. Alastor laughed with a little bit of reverb.

“That’s wonderful,” Alastor nodded approvingly and that moment marked Vox’s addiction to Alastor’s approval for the rest of his death.

After that, they became friends, seemingly bumping into each other on every corner. Vox made sure of it. As he moved up the ranks, starting his own company, Alastor was there to offer sweet reassurance that Vox was doing great. Alastor even suggested they take a picture together to commemorate Vox’s first day as CEO.

It was a big thing for Alastor, it reminded Vox of how his grandmother got all dolled up when he got a polaroid camera and started taking pictures of everything. She told him that it was improper to appear in pictures in home dress.

The picture they took was in black and white, which Vox laughed at but later he’d keep the picture safe for decades to come.

Around ‘83, Alastor dragged Vox to a casino, saying there was an overlord there he wanted to make a deal with but Vox quickly became bored, playing a few games and then getting angry that he lost so he told Alastor he was going down the street to a club and Alastor promised to join him after.

Vox ordered a few rounds of drinks, enjoying the disco music. The club was huge, there were strippers scattered around, Vox chuckled to himself, thinking about what Alastor would have to say about that (“Vox, this is atrocious and unclassy! How could you invite me to such an establishment, even the rye’s watered down!”)

“Good evening, may I sit down?” An admittedly sexy voice with a Spanish twinge asked from behind Vox. Vox turned around to see a demon with heart sunglasses and a pink fur coat smirking, a stripper hanging off his arm.

“Sure, go ahead,” Vox smiled in response, “Though, I am waiting for someone.”

“Hmm, I’m sure they can wait for a bit,” The demon remarked snidely, sitting opposite Vox, the stripper, looking high out of his mind, sitting in the demon’s lap. What a pompous bastard, Vox thought fondly. “Valentino, a pleasure,” He reached out a ringed hand as if Vox was meant to kiss it.

“Vox, a pleasure indeed,” Vox nodded, taking the hand and placing a chaste kiss on the rings.

“I’ve seen you on the televisión,” Valentino said, “Pretty face.”

“Thank you,” Vox nodded, grinning into his glass as he took a sip of some overly fruity cocktail that Alastor would hate.

“What brings such a lovely specimen to my club?” Valentino smirked, sucking the life out of a cigarette, held by a cigarette holder.

“I was bored,” Vox replied simply, waving his hand in the air.

“Ooh, we can help with that, can’t we, baby?” Valentino asked the spider demon sitting in his lap, who smiled at Vox, his eyes glassy and unfocused. “This is my Angel, one of my best.”

“I’m not looking for that kind of entertainment,” Vox remarked, shaking his head.

“Suit yourself, corazón,” Valentino shrugged, smiling with his teeth on display, one of them gold, reflecting off of the disco ball. “Here, in case you’re feeling lonely.” Valentino reached a hand into his breast pocket and pulled out a business card that he handed to Vox.

Vox often looked back on that moment and kind of wished he’d never taken that card.

Years passed and Vox ended up calling the number, he ended up working with Valentino – one late night drunk hookup brought them closer and closer until Valentino consumed his mind entirely but there was one man who owned his heart. Forever it would be Alastor.

Alastor, who crushed him in his entirety seven years ago.

“Why not?! I mean, what’s gonna happen when your format runs dry?! In fact, I’m telling you it’s already running dry. No one listens to the radio, no one fucking cares about the overlords you’re killing anymore!” Vox exclaimed, wearing his heart out on his sleeve.

“You really think I need you to keep me ‘relevant’? Vox, dear, you and I know very well this partnership would be much more beneficial for you than it is for me,” Alastor laughed and Vox only wanted to cry. Cry with jealousy. Jealousy and the unfairness of it all. It was always jealousy with Vox.

There was no one who cared about Vox the way he cared about them. His parents had golden children they cared for more than Vox, his friends always had better friends, Valentino had Angel Dust and Alastor had himself. Just when Vox thought Alastor was the one who would care.

“Don’t you want…to work with me?” Vox asked, shaking his head, shivers running down his spine as he waited for another rejection. All he wanted was for Alastor to come closer and promise that he did want Vox. And to work with him. But he knew that would never happen.

“Not particularly.”

He’d been so excited telling Val all about it that morning, how Alastor was going to be a great asset to their company and everything was going to be swell, just you wait, Val.

“Alastor, please,” Vox begged, walking closer and taking Alastor’s hand, which Alastor jerked away in an instant.

“Don’t touch me,” Alastor said dismissively, breaking Vox’s heart even further. It was cruel even if it shouldn’t have been. It was just how Alastor was. “You’ve thoroughly disappointed me tonight, Vox. Good night.”

Alastor turned to leave and Vox’s whole world collapsed around him.

“I love you!” He yelled as a last-ditch attempt to regain any amount of sympathy.

Alastor turned his head slowly, not moving his body along with it.

“It’ll pass as all your phases do.”

Only his father’s words rang in Vox’s ears. It was always a phase with Vox, he could never stay in one place at a time. He always craved more.

“It’s not like that! I’ve loved you since…forever!”

“I said good night, Vox.”

“FUCK YOU!” Vox screamed, electricity surging through his whole body, affecting the artificial lights of the V Tower.

“I was not planning to hurt you,” Alastor remarked, turning around with his eyes painted black and his irises a ticking time bomb.

“I’d like to see you fucking try now, asshole!” Vox yelled, raising his short-circuiting arms.

“You’re making a mistake. Loving me is a waste of time, don’t bother. It’s only making you weaker. I don’t recommend getting on my bad side now, Vox.”

“FIGHT ME, BITCH! I DON’T CARE ANYMORE!” Vox yelled, glitching into a spark, small but dangerous.

Tentacles sprung from underneath Alastor and his body transformed into something huge, horrifying and Vox could barely recognise the man he’d loved for decades.

“You’ve always been weak, Vox,” Alastor remarked, not sounding like he was smiling despite baring his teeth.

Vox threw electrical sparks at Alastor, but only the other man’s hair seemed to frizz up, making him look more insane and deranged, ready to kill.

“Don’t let your emotions get the better of you,” Alastor said heartlessly.

One tentacle lashed at Vox, who jumped into the wiring of the lights and appeared behind Alastor, screaming as he tried to shock him. Vox was always just a hysterical little kid, a hysterical little TV star who faded into irrelevance the moment he died.

Eyes clouded with tears, Vox didn’t see the tentacle that grabbed him by the waist and threw him against the wall. He dissolved into electrical sparks that shot into the lights, causing them to burn so bright they instantly exploded, showering Alastor in pieces of broken glass.

Vox manifested into the corner, screen smashed to pieces and Alastor loomed over him when suddenly the door broke down and the room was shrouded in a thick, suffocating, pink smoke. Alastor lost sight of Vox as the TV teleported into the wires.

“GET THE FUCK OUT!,” Valentino yelled, his voice alone powerful enough to shatter the rest of the lights. Alastor melted into the shadows as Vox rolled onto the ground and Val kneeled beside him. “Oh, baby, what did he do to you?” Val questioned softly, crowding Vox with his wings as the smoke subsided.

Val wasn’t so delicate when he brought up the topic after that moment. It was ammunition to make Vox jealous and angry. Val liked when Vox was jealous and angry.

Vox couldn’t utter a single word. He couldn’t admit to someone who respected and adored him that it was all his fault, really. He kept that secret for seven years and it was the last time he saw Alastor.

“F-f-fucker,” Vox glitched, grabbing onto Val’s arm to stand up, “He’s go-gonna regret th-th-this.”

All of this brought Vox to the present day, rewinding a tape recording of Alastor’s radio broadcast of that day, advertising the hotel with Charlie Morningstar as a guest. Vox was jealous of how much fun Alastor seemed to have even without seeing his signature smile. God, how much he’d missed it. Not that he’d ever admit that out loud. The only recent pictures he had of Alastor was him taunting Vox, glitched out as he glared into every camera he spotted. And of course, the picture they took together, a knife stabbed into it with Vox ripped out.

He wanted to somehow get to Alastor. See his face clearly again. But how?

There was one option he’d not wanted to even consider. Angel. Not only because he doubted Angel would want to help him in any way but also because he was jealous of the man, too. How pathetic. How much of a whore for attention was he that he wanted Val to only look at him all day?

It sounded stupid to admit because how idiotic was it that Vox was jealous that Val could waterboard Angel all day and Vox was too water sensitive for that?

Besides the point. The point was…well, what was it? Get on Angel’s good side so he’d be able to spy on Alastor? Boring, he’d tried it over and over again just to fail. But maybe…

“Val, have you ever considered letting Angel go?” Vox asked at the dinner table one night.

“Baby, are you high?” Val asked in response. Velvette snickered under her breath, scrolling on her phone.

“It’s just…I mean…look, if we let him go and he fails to get redeemed at the hotel, he realizes it’s all a scam and we’re the good guys, fuck Alastor, happily ever after, the future of hell belongs to the Vees and all that jazz,” Vox rambled, making up for his batshit crazy idea by gesticulating wildly, “I mean, you don’t have any other whores you can waterboard?”

He knew Angel was Val’s favorite. Maybe he wanted him gone for selfish reasons unrelated to Alastor, too.

“And if it all backfires and he gets redeemed?” Val remarked.

“Then we’re still the good guys who helped him–”

“Darling, is this just another ploy to spy on Alastor?” Velvette asked, not taking her eyes off of her screen.

“Shut up–”

“No seriously, are you jeopardizing one of my best stars for your killing Alastor kink?” Val questioned, leaning closer to Vox over the table.

“Uh, no!”

“Why are you saying no when the answer is yes?” Velvette asked, finally ungluing her eyes from her phone to give Vox a smirk.

“Val, listen, after that shit you pulled at the club last month, people are already canceling you on v.o.X and if we pull a grand gesture like setting him free then we’re back in business. They’ve only gotten more and more popular and right now, people are on their side,” Vox explained, putting his hands on top of Val’s, “I did tell you to stop hitting your most public pornstars.”

“It’s hell, no one gives a shit!” Val exclaimed.

“Exactly! If they have an excuse to cancel you, no one cares about you, or your studio anymore,” Vox argued.

“You’ve always been jealous of Angel–”

Vox stood up, slamming his fists on the table, “Fuck you! It’s not about that–”

“Then what’s it about?! The Radio Demon?! Keep my baby out of your kinks! Or pay up!”

“Oh yeah, because you clearly care about ‘your baby’ so much that you smack him around in a crowded club!” Vox rolled his eyes and Val growled.

“You didn’t give a fuck about Angel’s wellbeing until he started shacking up with your redheaded ex bitch–”

“That’s not fucking true–!”

“SHUT THE FUCK UP!” Velvette yelled. Vox and Val instantly looked at her. “Vox has a point, Valentino, your ratings have been dropping since last month. Regardless of whatever Alastor reasons Vox has to let Angel go, it’s the best PR we can get right now because everyone is going bonkers over this stupid hotel right now.”

“You’re always on his side,” Val complained, folding his arms and sinking in his seat and Vox smiled at Velvette.

“Thank you, Vee,” Vox said, Velvette rolled her eyes and went back to scrolling on her phone. “Listen, babe, we can get you other whores,” Vox told Val, “Besides, Angel will come crawling back.”

Vox had a strange feeling that Angel wasn’t going to come crawling back.

The next day, Vox went to the studio, arms folded, sitting in a chair as he watched Val carefully. He watched as Val avoided speaking to Angel for a while, finishing up the shoots from yesterday before asking Angel to see him in his dressing room. Angel looked scared to even go in and Vox couldn’t help but feel a pang of anguish at the way Val completely ruined anything they may have had all those years ago. Vox was there when Angel smiled even at the sight of Valentino.

How cruel was Vox to be jealous of Angel now; trembling in fear when Valentino looked at him the wrong way?

When they came out, Angel didn’t look happy nor did he look relieved, just staring at his wrists with a strange disbelief. This didn’t work at all how Vox intended it to. Angel gingerly put his sunglasses on and started walking towards the exit, glancing at Val, who angrily stomped off to scream at someone.

Vox jumped off his chair and rushed up to Angel. “Hey, Angel. Do you have a moment?”

Angel seemed perplexed as to why Vox was even speaking to him. It made sense, Vox never spoke to him directly. “Uh, sure,” Angel shrugged, tipping his sunglasses.

“How’d it go?” Vox questioned.

“What? Oh, uh…Val…let me go?” It was more of a question than a statement.

“Yes, yes, feels good, right?” Vox beamed, gently nudging Angel with his elbow, to which Angel laughed, seeming more relaxed.

“Did you seriously get him to do that?” Angel asked. “Thanks,” He smiled. Wow, Vox never noticed how nice Angel was. Maybe the hotel was working. No, no it couldn’t be!

“Yeah, uh, no problem. Look, could you pass this onto Alastor?” Vox asked, reaching into his breast pocket and pulling out a letter. “Just don’t read it, if you could.”

“Oooh, a love letter?” Angel grinned, taking it from Vox.

“Uh, no! Obviously not, Alastor and I are Rivals with a capital R,” Vox defended, shaking his head aggressively.

“Hmm, okay. Ya know, if you ever wanted to give redemption a shot, you could come stay at the hotel. It starts with sorry or whatever. We haven’t got any new patrons since Pentious,” Angel remarked, then kissing two fingers and lifting them up, “Fly high, king.”

“Thanks for the uh…invitation, but I’m…very busy with uh…work and stuff. But I’ll think about it!” Vox said, “Enjoy free life and uh…avoid Val for a couple months.”

“Oh don’t worry, I will,” Angel winked, putting his sunglasses back on, “Later!” And with that, he left.

Like there was a ‘later’ for Vox and not Val…huh.

As promised, Vox did think about it. Every single night he would lay awake in his bed thinking about how he could possibly show up to the hotel asking for forgiveness when he was always too proud for that.

After a week of trying to keep Val at bay, making sure he didn’t kill anyone they couldn’t replace, and a week of absolutely no reply from Alastor, Vox grew weary and decided that it was now or never.

He got into his limo and told the driver to take him to the Hazbin Hotel, muttering the name with disdain. He knocked three times on the door and smiled upon the door swinging open to reveal the Princess standing there.

“Uh…Hi?” She greeted him awkwardly.

“Hello, dear! Is it possible to speak to Alastor?” Vox questioned, trying to be as charming as always.

“I’ll…ask him,” Charlie said, closing the door and rushing back inside. Vox could hear faint chatter from inside before the door opened once again and Alastor stood on the other side.

And by god, he looked as handsome as ever. Just like he had seven years ago, he hadn’t changed a single bit, standing a little taller than Vox purely helped by his posture and ears. Only his smile looked more strained than it was seven years ago and Vox felt a strange sense of accomplishment that he knew when Alastor smiled for real.

It was the first time Vox had seen him without static or glitching in nearly eight years.

“Good evening, old pal, what brings you here?” Alastor questioned, unfurrowing his brows and opening his eyes wide – supposedly friendly.

“Did you…uh…get the letter?” Vox asked bitterly, knowing this was extremely awkward. Vox was stunned into manual mode around Alastor, when he’d acted on autopilot for the last few decades.

“Yes, I did. It was rather entertaining but I must say, your handwriting is awful!” Alastor said gleefully and Vox wanted to smile.

“I’m glad you find my suffering entertaining. It really hurts to write with these claws,” Vox said, rolling his eyes. But Alastor laughed, when Vox wasn’t joking. This made Vox even angrier.

“They do look like a pain! Do you want to come in?” Alastor asked, as if they were just friends catching up.

“I thought you’d never ask,” Vox smiled fakely, walking inside with the poise and grace of a prideful overlord.

Upon walking inside, Vox was surprised to see how elegant the hotel looked. He assumed they had rebuilt it after it was destroyed but didn’t think it would be so…extravagant. He noticed the demons scattered around, the Princess on the couch speaking to the King himself with her girlfriend sitting next to her. He recognised one demon sitting on a loveseat as Cherri Bomb, Angel’s rather destructive companion. At a very polished bar sat Angel, speaking to the bartender that Vox immediately noted was an overlord Alastor had made a deal with years ago. That very night Vox met Valentino.

“Follow me,” Alastor whispered before anyone noticed them and disappeared into the shadows, Vox quickly following through the lights, knowing Alastor’s shadow better than his own.

He manifested in a room that led to a swamp and snickered under his breath. “I see you’re the same as always, Alastor, showing off.”

“I’ll have you know it’s far more pleasant than the monstrosity made of glass you call a home,” Alastor shrugged, leaning on his cane as he checked his nails. “Anyhoo, what did you want to speak to me about?”

“I…”

Vox didn’t know. He’d rubbed Alastor’s loss in enough in the letter, vaguely admitting how much he’d missed him over these past seven years and demanding to know where he was, only for all of his questions to be unanswered. What was there to do anymore?

“I can hear you overheating, you know,” Alastor remarked, raising an eyebrow and glancing at Vox like the cocky bastard he was. God how Vox loved cocky bastards.

“Hah, you think that’s because of you?” Vox laughed, overcompensating.

“I never said that,” Alastor shrugged, “Triple sec or have you changed out those old taste buds, too?” He asked, walking over to a neat little tray of alcohol, lifting a glass.

“Yeah, triple on the—”

“Rocks. I remember,” Alastor remarked and Vox kind of wanted to scream.

Scream because how the fuck did he remember what fucking alcoholic beverage Vox liked but couldn’t remember to call once during those seven fucking years? Or perhaps he wanted to scream because Alastor was avoiding the topic, or acting like they were still friends, ignoring their rivalry in favor of being nice and Vox just felt shitty for wanting to kill him — or kiss him and drink the triple sec from his lips instead, same difference.

“I don’t like the new box,” Alastor said honestly, waving his hand at Vox’s screen, still smiling despite being rude. Alastor handed Vox the drink, looking very pleased with his sour expression.

“I don’t like the new cane,” Vox replied, lying through his teeth, getting the smallest reaction out of Alastor, his ears slightly pinning back.

“I do like this suit, it goes rather well with your eye,” Alastor remarked, running a finger down Vox’s suit as the other held his breath.

“Your suit still looks ugly, I thought you went to the tailor,” Vox snapped back, trying not to get affected by the touch.

“I did. Maybe you should consider it.”

“Maybe you should consider a barber.”

“Maybe you should consider shutting the fuck up.”

Vox stayed silent, rolling his eyes while taking a sip of his drink.

“Your letter…it was rather emotional,” Alastor said, sipping his own whiskey.

“It wasn’t ‘emotional’, I was telling you to die,” Vox replied, trying to preserve some dignity.

“Yes and saying how you thought of me every night for the past seven years,” Alastor remarked, looking very proud of himself.

“That was to prove a point,” Vox grumbled, looking away from him.

“Just admit it.”

“Admit what?”

“That you missed me.”

“Fuck you.”

The silence was deafening and Vox couldn’t stand it. Alastor just sipped on his drink like nothing major was happening. Fucking pompous bastard.

“I missed you,” Vox admitted almost silently. “Are you happy now?”

“That’s rather pathetic of you,” Alastor remarked.

“Oh, go fuck yourself, you’re only turning me on when you say that,” Vox mumbled and Alastor rolled his eyes, annoyed, moving away from Vox but the media demon grabbed onto his lapel and placed his glass on a counter.

Many things happened in succession, Alastor kept moving away but Vox lost balance from trying not to place the glass on the edge, causing him to fall while grabbing onto Alastor’s lapel, then grabbing the end of Alastor’s overcoat as a reflex.

Vox embarrassingly fell to his knees and decided to just accept his fate and start begging. What’s the point of faking pride anymore, right?

“Alastor I’m sorry, okay?! I-I didn’t think you’d just fucking disappear into thin air for seven years! I’m sorry! I-I should have told you before! It’s all my fucking fault, I’m begging, please forgive me!” Vox yelled, moving closer to Alastor with tears glimmering in his eyes, painfully stinging his machinery. Alastor didn’t seem to react, just standing there and staring at Vox with his hands behind his back.

“One moment, please,” Alastor said, lifting a finger before peeling the bashful TV’s fingers off his overcoat. In defeat, Vox sank down and placed his hands onto the floor, digging his claws into the wooden floor.

Alastor walked over to the door, swinging it open theatrically only to send Charlie, Angel and Alastor’s little Niffty toppling onto the ground.

“Boss, I told them not to,” The ex-overlord bartender defended from outside.

“Oh my gosh, I am so sorry,” Charlie quickly apologized, lifting herself off the ground.

“The bad boy’s on his knees!” Niffty exclaimed, “I like that.”

Terrified, Vox zapped into his phone.

“Wait, oh my god, this isn’t my room? Ah silly me!” Angel exclaimed.

“The bad boy is gone,” Niffty complained sadly.

“This conversation is not for broadcast, unfortunately,” Alastor remarked, clapping his hands together.

“Yeah, we could see that,” Angel snickered before there was the slam of a door.

“They’re gone now, Vox, you can come out of that thing,” Alastor said and Vox emerged from his confinement, clearing his throat in an attempt to regain his bravado. “Without all these performances, can you explain what it is you want?”

“I…I don’t know,” Vox admitted.

“So you came all the way here to fall at my feet begging for forgiveness? I must say, that is a new low for you,” Alastor expressed with an air of amusement, stepping closer towards the man.

“I’m aware of that, thanks,” Vox replied bitterly. “Fuck you,” he added quietly.

“But for what it's worth, there is nothing to forgive you for. Love is a foolish endeavor but I cannot blame you for it,” Alastor said, dusting off his clothes, Vox even felt a little bad for grabbing him like that.

It wasn’t what Vox had anticipated. Seven fucking years and turns out Alastor never hated Vox as much as Vox hated him. He guessed it was right what they say about hate not being the opposite of love, the opposite of love being simple indifference. How much that indifference hurt when Vox just wanted Alastor to rip his heart out and kill him for good.

“I have this strange feeling that you didn’t come here to act like a whiny little bitch,” Alastor grinned at Vox, who was at a complete loss for words, which was unusual. “Perhaps you want to stay here? Has your boy toy been acting up since you made him let Angel go?”

“Don’t get me started,” Vox groaned.

“Well, old pal, I suppose I can allow it. As a retake of your apology for our little scrap all those years ago, you stay here without any silly spying technology and give Charlie’s redemption a shot. She’s been awfully down in the dumps about no newcomers.” Alastor walked back to the alcohol tray and poured himself another whiskey.

He picked up Vox’s abandoned triple sec and handed it back. “What do you say? We’ll be working together just as you wanted.”

Vox knew in his head he should have said no. There would be too many problems in the long run. But Vox’s heart decided for him as he raised his glass.

“To finally working as a team,” He beamed and Alastor beamed back, clinking their glasses and they both downed their drinks.

Chapter Text

Alastor and Vox made their way downstairs, casually walking next to each other but certainly not as close as they once were. “Let’s formally introduce everyone, shall we?” Alastor remarked, eyeing the room, “This is Vox, you may have seen him in picture shows before. He’ll be staying at the hotel!”

“Obviously we’ve seen him before, literally every social media app is named after him,” Cherri Bomb said, rolling her eye. “Cherri Bomb, big boss,” she informed him, giving a half hearted salute.

“I haven’t seen him before,” Lucifer shrugged, checking his nails. “I didn’t know Alastor had male friends,” he grinned at Alastor, who scowled.

“I didn’t know you had any friends. Oh, that’s because you don’t!” Alastor expressed and Vox tried not to snicker.

“In any case, it’s a pleasure meeting you, your majesty,” Vox bowed his head, doing a little curtsey. Lucifer nodded approvingly before Charlie jumped in front of Vox.

“I’m Charlie, the owner of the hotel! But you knew that. I am so glad you’re giving redemption a shot!” Charlie greeted enthusiastically, shaking Vox’s hand.

Vox smiled, “It’s really an honor meeting you in person, I’ve heard many great things about you.”

“Really? Oh, thank you! You are much…nicer than your colleague,” Charlie added, awkwardly smiling and rubbing the back of her neck. “This is Vaggie! Protector of the hotel and my girlfriend!” She dragged Vaggie in by the shoulders, who smiled politely.

“All the best names start with a V,” Vox remarked, shaking her hand.

“Vox, this is our bartender, Husker! He’ll whip up anything you like!” Alastor interjected, wrapping an arm around Husk’s shoulders, to which the bartender growled. “You’re acquainted with Angel,” Alastor added, nodding at Angel.

“Good to have ya on board, big boss,” Angel winked, shooting Vox some finger guns, at which Vox laughed softly.

“And you remember this little darling, Niffty!” Alastor exclaimed, going over to lift Niffty into the air, she scrambled from his arms and climbed up onto Vox, to which he chuckled nervously.

“Hi! I’m Niffty! I can clean your screen,” She expressed, laughing while twirling her hair.

“That is…very useful, thank you,” Vox said, gently plucking her off and placing her on the ground. “That’s the girl who killed Adam?” he asked Alastor quietly, to which Alastor beamed, stroking Niffty’s hair.

“Your head used to be bigger, bad boy,” Niffty remarked, showing a box with her hands around her head. Vox smiled politely but didn’t need the visual reminder.

“How about a fun activity to get to know each other?” Charlie suggested, clapping her hands together.

So they all sat down in a vague circle around the room, Charlie, Vaggie and Lucifer on one couch, Vox and Alastor sitting a few feet apart on the other, Niffty laying on a coffee table, Angel, Husk and Cherri on the floor.

“Okay, let’s go around the room and share an interesting fun fact about ourselves!” Charlie said, “I’ll go first! In high school, my favorite subject was theater but I also loved chemistry! All the experiments were really cool.”

Vox automatically filed away the information to use later. Vaggie stumbled over a fun fact, sharing something boring that Vox didn’t think was worth remembering.

“I called in a bomb threat to my school one time ‘cause I didn’t wanna do a test,” Cherri remarked casually and Vox smiled in amusement.

“Okay, something a little more fun and a little less concerning,” Charlie smiled. “Husk?”

“Uh…uhm…I know 7 languages?” Husk said, looking very bored.

“Show off,” Angel mumbled, “I only know two.”

“Don’t forget, you’re fluent in bitching,” Cherri added and Angel nodded approvingly.

“I know two languages!” Niffty exclaimed, smiling widely at everyone, biting her lip at Vox.

“We’re all so multilingual here! Vox, do you speak any other languages?” Charlie asked.

“Yes, I do,” Vox replied, “Around 154,” he added nonchalantly.

“Show off,” Alastor rolled his eyes, “How about I share my fun fact? During the stock market crash of 2008 Vox here was in a miserable state and nearly burned my whole house down! But, I tell you, instead he managed to perfectly cook my steak!”

“That is so not a fun fact about you,” Vox argued, folding his arms, not finding that story as funny as Alastor.

“I’m sorry, does that offend you? Are you going to cook me another steak?” Alastor asked sassily, breaking his neck to look at Vox.

“I’m not your fucking housewife–”

“Oh, I’m sure you’d love to be–”

“Okay!” Charlie exclaimed, standing up and loudly clapping her hands together. “How does lunch sound?”

Lunch passed in conversation with anyone but Alastor, who kept rolling his eyes at Lucifer, only engaging in conversation to spite him. And that angered Vox, made his wires run cold with icy jealousy.

“So like, how often do people recognise you in the street?” Cherri asked Vox, sitting opposite him next to Angel. “‘Cause Angie gets recognised a lot but you’re even more famous.”

“Uh…Yeah, I can’t really go out in public without being bombarded,” Vox replied, everyone fell silent to listen to him.

“Same problem, that’s why I don’t go outside!” Lucifer exclaimed from the end of the table, “Uh…I mean…No, I go outside, of course. Well…”

“See, the great thing about radio is that your identity remains a mystery,” Alastor remarked, adjusting his bowtie proudly.

“Not much of a mystery considering you look exactly like that picture Vox drew of you,” Cherri retorted, chuckling, Alastor narrowed his eyes.

“Thank you, my artistic talents are quite remarkable, I must say,” Vox said proudly, smiling at Alastor as a few people contained giggles.

“I thought the moth was the artsy one in your ‘relationship’,” Alastor shrugged, sipping on his wine…or was it blood?

“It’s not a ‘relationship’, we’re…uh…business partners,” Vox defended and Angel raised a quizzical eyebrow, Vox quickly avoided his gaze.

“Anyways! Why don’t you tell us what brought you here, Vox. If it’s not a secret, of course!” Charlie tried to change the topic, sitting at the opposite end of the table to Lucifer.

“Uh…I–” Vox tried to speak but was instead interrupted.

“Vox has decided to become a better person!” Alastor exclaimed, “Standing up to Valentino–” Vox liked the way his voice became more distorted at the mention of the name, “–And asking for forgiveness, Vox is right on his way to redemption!”

Alastor was lying and Vox knew it; there was something strange in the way he spoke to Charlie – as if he was hiding something.

“Angel told us about you asking Valentino to end his contract, that was quite nice of you,” Vaggie remarked, “I think you have a good shot at redemption.”

Vox wondered what everyone would think of the fact that he did it for supposedly selfish reasons, or at least the reasons he told himself were selfish. And even now, he was lying through omission of his true nature. Or perhaps they believed that it didn’t matter why one does good things, it only matters that they do them.

“Thank you,” Vox replied quietly.

At the end of the day, Charlie gave Vox a tour of the property and showed him a room he’d be staying in. It baffled Vox to no end that they didn’t even check whether he’d planted any bugs or cameras around, didn’t even ask. And Vox hadn’t – despite wanting to. It was a weird feeling, not wanting to betray the trust that Charlie handed him so easily.

“I really see the good in you,” She whispered, like a secret, holding his hand gently, “Have a good night, Vox.” And with a smile, Charlie left Vox alone in his new room. He didn’t bring a change of clothes or his screen cleaning kit, just his phone and a powerbank just in case.

It was oddly quiet, the city below a little too far from the hillside to create too much noise inside the hotel. Vox was not used to silence. He wondered if he should call Velvette, tell her where he was. But then again, the selfish, jealous, rotten part of him wanted her and Val to worry about him.

Sitting in his bed, Vox didn’t turn on music or a podcast like he usually would. He just sat in silence, trying so hard to savor the moment before he’d fall asleep and have to go to work the next day. Vox wondered how much would fall apart without him, a bad part of him wanted it to. He wanted people to miss him. He wanted to go radio silent until someone truly cared. But he knew he couldn’t do that – despite being powerful and not owing his soul to anyone, he had a duty to continue the legacy he started.

He was not anywhere as brave as Alastor to disappear without a care for how people would react. He had a reputation to uphold.

Just as Vox’s screensaver appeared, he received a text message from Velvette.

New message from: Velvette
Received: 11:43 PM
Where u @ babe?

Vox looked at the message on his phone and hovered over the call button, plugging his phone into his screen and calling her.

He appeared on her phone as she picked up the phone. She was doing one of her blood-infused face masks, her hair tied back in braids.

“Hi, darling,” She greeted softly, looking tired.

“Hello, Velvette, how was your day, dear?” Vox asked.

“Shitty, my deadline got moved to Thursday. Missed you, where were you all day?” Velvette asked, adjusting herself on the couch.

“Away on business, I’m afraid,” Vox expressed, clearly lying. What business? Spying on Alastor? Barely. “Valentino causing you any trouble?”

“No, he’s locked himself in his tower waiting for Prince Charming to save him,” Velvette scoffed. “He misses you, you know.”

“I’ll be back tomorrow morning,” Vox promised, “He didn’t even text me today.”

“Well, you know how he is with feelings and such. I feel kind of bad for him, actually,” Velvette said sadly.

“Do you really?” Vox asked, smiling a little.

“Not really…but he’s lonely without his two favorite boy toys,” Velvette shrugged and Vox fell quiet.

“I’ll see you both tomorrow. Good night, Velvette,” Vox rushed to say goodbye.

“Love you, kisses,” Velvette blew a kiss, groaning when the face mask got on her fingers. Vox hung up.

He sighed and stared at the ceiling. He didn’t want to go back, not really. Not when Val was just going to try and start a fight and it would be Vox’s job to assure him that everything’s okay and that he was sorry. He wasn’t sorry. He kind of wanted Valentino to care about him too, ask where he was, be gentle and kind when Vox was going through something. But that wasn’t Val’s style and Vox knew that. The longer Vox would put it off, the worse it would all become.

Feeling too miserable to fall asleep, Vox got up and began roaming the halls. The whole hotel felt soft and cozy, if a little eerie at times. It wasn’t polished perfection like the V Tower was, it felt like a home. Vox noticed a balcony and sighed, pulling out one of Val’s cigarettes that he kept on him, walking out and lighting it with his finger. He didn’t even notice a presence there with him.

“Old habits die hard?” Alastor questioned, Vox glitched a little in shock before turning to look at him.

“Yeah, you could say that,” Vox replied, taking a drag and exhaling a thick magenta smoke away from where Alastor was sitting, knowing he hated the sickeningly sweet smell. Vox used to as well, but he’d grown fond of it over time.

“Hmm,” Alastor hummed softly, disapprovingly.

They remained silent, watching the city below lit up in dark red and orange hues, the beeping of cars becoming less apparent as the night drowned them, the screams of souls down there unimportant to Alastor and Vox on the balcony. Vox looked at the V Tower, looking small but obnoxious down in the center of the city.

“You always were such an insomniac,” Alastor remarked, sipping something from his ‘Oh Deer’ mug that Vox recognised from decades ago, how it was still intact was a mystery. “Must be hard to fall asleep with such a big head.”

“Must be hard to fall asleep with such a big ego.”

“That’s rather rich coming from you.”

While Vox looked at Alastor, Alastor looked over the city. “Come with me.” Alastor stood up and walked back inside, Vox quickly put out the cigarette, throwing it off the balcony and followed Alastor inside.

Alastor led Vox into his room, where Niffty was stabbing a bug with her needle. “Niffty, would you be a doll and take care of the rats in the kitchen, please?” Alastor said, to which Niffty nodded enthusiastically and scurried away.

He walked across the room, his back turned to Vox. It infuriated Vox to no end, the silence, Alastor’s stupid fucking haircut. Still that jealousy ran through his wires, that Alastor was turning on music instead of paying attention to the man in the room with him.

As Alastor placed the needle down onto the record, it started playing a soft jazz tune that Vox recognised but didn’t remember the name of. It was a song Alastor loved – it often played at his house when Vox would come over for a drink and a chat. Perhaps it was some kind of psychological torture Alastor was inflicting on him; Vox’s memory being flooded with bittersweet nostalgia.

“Dance with me,” Alastor demanded, walking up to Vox and offering his hand.

“What is this? 1955?” Vox asked, despite the smile playing on his lips. He placed his hand in Alastor’s.

“Hmm, I was thinking more so ‘29. Such a good year,” Alastor smiled fondly, pulling Vox in and placing his other hand on Vox’s waist. It was unspoken when Alastor always led their dances, since it was what he knew and Vox didn’t dare ever argue.

“Oh, the stock market crash?” Vox asked as he easily took up their position. He never thought that he’d miss dancing with Alastor so much. The supple woody scent that followed Alastor around was now apparent and his movements were elegant and looked easy. Vox wasn’t a bad dancer by any means but Alastor was a natural.

“So many orphans,” Alastor beamed, stepping back and forth in a rhythm Vox used to know off by heart, his body remembering every movement but his mind seeing them as brand new.

Not one mistake was made in their old routine, in each spin and turn there was a magnet pulling their bodies back towards one another, each glance in each other’s eyes seemed to hold a thousand memories. Each step held a million of those before it, each step leading them to the next one just as each dance led them to this moment where they knew exactly how the other reacted to any step or touch or soft gasp as their bodies collided back against each other.

It was mesmerizing, two and a half minutes always felt like a lifetime when Vox was in Alastor’s arms. And how many lifetimes he’d lived in the wrong man’s arms. How many lifetimes he’d missed over the past seven years. Not once did he stop and simply smell the roses, each moment was fleeting and every moment that lasted a long time in his mind was unnecessary and wasted. He was wrong, he knew that now.

The song came to a close and there were a few moments of silence before the next song, silence that Vox spent gazing into Alastor’s eyes. The next song was slow and purposeful, sensual singing coming from a french woman who clearly smoked too much but it gave her voice a pleasant edge.

Alastor’s hand moved to Vox’s back as he hesitantly pulled him closer, their mild height difference becoming apparent in the way Alastor held intense eye contact with Vox, looking down at him with an almost condescending smile.

“You’re still rather clumsy, Vox,” Alastor remarked, but it was clearly a lie, clearly a statement made to purely get a reaction out of Vox.

“Maybe I’m getting old,” Vox joked, his heart beating faster and his monitor quickly getting hotter.

“Don’t tell me you’ll get your joints replaced next,” Alastor rolled his eyes, moving gently in a square pattern across the wood floor.

“Haha, I could. I suppose I don’t have time for that,” Vox said, his arm slowly wrapping around Alastor’s shoulders, holding onto him for more support as they danced. He waited for Alastor to create distance between them but they remained closer than they ever had been.

“Funny how you have so much money and power but no time to spend on yourself,” Alastor replied, sounding amused with an air of sadness.

“I wouldn’t say you spend much time on yourself either, look at that atrocious haircut,” Vox remarked, rolling his eyes, still playful but terrified Alastor would push him away at any moment.

“At least I didn’t spend thousands of dollars to have a huge forehead,” Alastor shrugged, looking pleased with himself.

“I guess spending any amount of money on anything other than getting that already raggedy coat tailored is just too much for you,” Vox smirked, reveling in their friendly rivalry.

Vox used to be far too scared to say mean things in fear Alastor would stop respecting him but now it seemed like he didn’t need Alastor’s respect. He liked being Alastor’s equal. Vox didn’t think Alastor felt the same about their relationship – he always bit off more than he could chew, always challenged those who were more powerful than him.

“Ah, you see, this coat means quite a lot to me. I suppose you wouldn’t understand, everything in your life is replaceable. I pity you, Vox, I really do,” Alastor shook his head softly and it hit Vox right in the heart.

Only Alastor wasn’t replaceable to Vox. But out of everything irreplaceable to Alastor, Vox was not one of those things. What a strange pair they made.

Vox fell silent but Alastor didn’t push, didn’t flaunt his victory in the argument. He just smiled as he always did. But there was something off. Vox often wished Alastor didn’t feel the need to smile in front of him all the time. But it was Alastor’s style and Vox supposed he himself was just as fake as Alastor’s smile.

Alastor lifted Vox’s hand and spun him around before reeling him back in, chest to chest, looking eye to eye. “I hate you,” Vox whispered, a secret admission of obsession.

“We both know that’s not true,” Alastor replied, unmoving as the song came to a close and silence filled the room.

“Don’t…” Vox managed, needing Alastor to understand it was neither the time nor the place.

“Do you love him?” Alastor questioned.

“Who?” Vox asked, taken aback.

“Valentino,” Alastor said, with a twinge of bitterness to his voice.

“Sorta kinda,” Vox replied quickly, but then settled on “It’s complicated.”

“The same way you loved me?” Alastor asked as the next song started playing, upbeat and totally not the mood. Alastor twirled Vox around again and went back to dragging him across the whole room as Vox desperately tried to answer.

“Why, are you jealous?” Vox asked, knowing Alastor never was. Vox supposed he hated Alastor but loved him all the same. Alastor then dipped him, so low that Vox was scared he was going to fall. Their faces were so close that Vox could smell the bitter coffee that Alastor was drinking.

“I was wrong, you know,” Alastor whispered before bringing Vox back up, “When I told you it was just a phase, I didn’t understand love at all. I must say, I still don’t. But I was harsh. I didn’t understand how you could love me when…Valentino could give you what you wanted and I couldn’t. Maybe I was even a little jealous, though it’s unlike me.”

As the song ended, Alastor abruptly let go and went to take the record off of the player.

“What are you talking about?” Vox asked, utterly shocked and confused. Alastor just laughed.

“I know it sounds silly! I was so afraid of you growing out of it and getting bored of me that I wanted to just give you away to that stupid bug,” Alastor remarked, throwing his hand out and narrowing his eyes in jealousy. Jealousy? Why the fuck was Alastor jealous of Valentino? This wasn’t how it was supposed to go.

“Give me away? Are you out of your fucking mind?! You beat the shit out of me and ran the moment Val came through that–”

“Exactly.” Alastor looked up at Vox; his smile looked miserable, like he didn’t want to smile. “I couldn’t be what you wanted me to be, Vox. And trust me when I say I may have wanted that, too.”

“You wanted to…love me?” Vox asked in complete astonishment, his eyes wide and his hands cold.

“I know, I know, it sounds preposterous–”

“No.”

Vox met Alastor’s eyes.

“I had everything I wanted. But I wanted more, as usual,” Alastor chuckled sadly, “I wanted to be enough for you. Isn’t that just pathetic?”

“Enough for me? You were always enough for me, it’s why I…why I fell in love with you in the first place,” Vox said, walking closer but Alastor raised a hand and he stopped.

“I can’t fall in love. Just as you didn’t choose to fall in love with me, I didn’t didn’t choose not to. I just can’t. I must…I must be broken–” Alastor’s eyes desperately darted around the room, wide and afraid.

“You’re not broken,” Vox retorted firmly. Alastor looked at him – a deer caught in headlights. “I didn’t…I didn’t want you to love me back, I think I always knew. In the back of my mind. I loved you regardless. It didn’t hurt until you told me not to.”

Alastor remained silent, choosing his words carefully. He always loved to express his thoughts exactly, in fear they could be used against him.

“Do you still love me?”

“You can’t just ask that,” Vox said, smiling nervously.

“So the answer is yes?” Alastor concluded, slowly turning his head to look directly at Vox, who stayed silent – confirming his utter devotion. With soft steps, Alastor walked closer to Vox, straightening his back to stand taller than him. Vox didn’t bother trying to preserve his dignity, avoiding Alastor’s piercing gaze.

Hooking a finger under his screen, Alastor lifted Vox’s face to look him in the eye. “Tell me, do you love me more than you could ever love Valentino?”

“Yes,” Vox admitted quietly as Alastor’s finger dug deeper, scratching the edge of his screen – it didn’t hurt but Vox could feel it there.

“Good.” Alastor’s voice and eyes were dark, shrouding everything around him in shadows, a static rang in Vox’s head. It made Vox both scared and insanely horny. In a split second, Alastor let go and everything went quiet again. “I hope you sleep well, is there anything you need?”

“Uh…no…” Vox cleared his throat and brought a finger up to his screen, wanting to fix the scratch but deciding against it, wanting the reminder of Alastor’s touch.

“Well then good night and don’t let the bedbugs bite, Niffty hasn’t cleared out your room yet,” Alastor remarked cheerfully.

“Good night, Alastor.”

“Good night, Vox.”

Chapter Text

After one week of Vox coming into work and then disappearing to go to the hotel drove Val mad. But after shouting and screaming didn’t work to find out where Vox was running off to every night, he decided to give Vox the silent treatment. And Vox hated being ignored.

“Are we seriously doing this?” Vox asked. The three Vees were sitting in their meeting room, eating lunch together. Valentino was ignoring everything Vox was saying about business expenses and such.

“Velvette, can you tell Vox I’m not speaking to him?” Val expressed, but Velvette in turn ignored him.

“Val, come on, what’s the fuss? I told you I have to take care of my stocks and I know how much you don’t like those,” Vox lied, trying to de-escalate, only causing Val to fold both pairs of arms and huff.

“Vel, tell him that I don’t give a shit about stocks and that if he doesn’t take me with him tonight, I’ll shoot every single one of his fucking investors,” Val threatened and Vox just rolled his eyes.

“You know he’s lying, right?” Velvette finally looked up from her phone to speak to Val, who raised an eyebrow.

“I’m not lying, dear, I’m the verge of a very good business deal–”

“He’s not doing any stocks or whatever, he just doesn’t want to see you,” Velvette continued, shrugging at a very angry Valentino.

“Baby, that’s not true–” Vox tried to defend but Val already stood up, slapped him across the screen and stormed towards the exit. “VAL, COME BACK HERE!” Vox yelled.

“VELVETTE, TELL VOX I’M BREAKING UP WITH HIM!” Valentino screamed, slamming the door. “¡JODIDA PUTA! ¡ZORRA! ¡PUTÓN!”

FUCKING WHORE! BITCH! WHORE! SLUT! Translated from: Spanish.

Vox huffed, sinking in his seat as Kitty pulled out a microfiber cloth and started cleaning his screen.

“I know you’re staying with the Radio Demon,” Velvette remarked, putting her phone down. “I just did you a favor because if Val finds out, he’s gonna pull some shit we are not recovering from. Are you trying to get him killed?”

“No, of course not,” Vox said, “Although…” He mumbled, looking at the door.

“You know damn well everyone in that hotel has a reason to want Valentino dead and you know you won’t be able to protect him from them,” Velvette continued, “So get whatever business you have there done quickly before he finds out.”

“It’s…it’s not business,” Vox admitted, maybe for the first time. Velvette looked up at him, confused.

“You’re not telling me you actually want to get redeemed?” She asked, smiling like it was a joke.

“No, no. I don’t know, actually. I…I guess I just like them. Okay? Is that such a crime that I have other friends aside from you and Val?” Vox asked, standing up and fixing his bowtie.

“Friends that go directly against our business model? Darling, this is a dangerous game that you’re playing,” Velvette said, shaking her head.

“Maybe I don’t like our business model! What’s the point of all of this anymore?! Why can’t I just try to be better when I’m so much happier with them than I am here?!” Vox exclaimed and Velvette rolled her eyes.

“You said it yourself, Alastor has no interest in being better and now he’s just using you for whatever scheme he’s planning next,” She expressed, jumping up onto the table to be taller than Vox. “Demons like you and Alastor don’t change for the better.” Velvette didn’t look happy declaring the fact that Vox knew, in his mind, was true. But his heart kept singing a different song.

“He has changed. I don’t know how or why but…there’s something…off about him now. He’s…I don’t know, Vel, he’s just…”

Velvette took Vox’s screen in both hands and made him look at her. “Do you really want to be better?”

“Velvette…”

“No, I’m asking you. Do you want to be a good person?”

“Yes.”

It was like a weight coming off his chest, hope filling him from head to toe.

Velvette let go of him, jumping off the table. “I’ll keep Val away as long as I can, but you’re going to have to deal with him eventually,” Velvette expressed, pointing a finger at Vox, who beamed.

“Thank you,” Vox said in earnest as Velvette turned to leave, “I’m very grateful, I love you!” he exclaimed as she struggled to open the door.

“Don’t pull that Princess bullshit on me, Vox!” Velvette huffed, “I love you too,” She added quietly before leaving.

Pretty much every night since the first, Vox had been slowly moving most of his stuff to the hotel. But tonight, Vox had very special things to bring back. He asked his assistant to come with him to deliver them.

“Evening everyone! Sorry I’m late, I was actually getting you all a little something,” Vox remarked, smiling wide. He waved his arms towards his assistant, “This is Peppermint, my assistant.”

“Hii! It’s so nice to meet you!” Charlie exclaimed, running up to Peppermint, who was holding a bunch of gifts.

“Hello,” Peppermint smiled.

“Peppa! Long time no see,” Angel exclaimed, waving and blowing a kiss.

“Yes, uhm, you too, Mr Dust.”

Vox grabbed a box from Peppermint, “Charlie, this is for you,” Vox stated, handing it to her.

“Ooo, I love gifts!” She said, opening it to reveal a children’s chemistry set. “OH MY GOSH! THANK YOU SO MUCH!” Charlie exclaimed, hugging Vox aggressively, he laughed breathlessly and hugged her back.

When Charlie let Vox go, he picked up a few gift bags and went over to the couch, where Vaggie, Lucifer, Cherri and Angel were. “For you, m’lady,” he handed Vaggie a bag which contained a huge black and red bow.

“I already have one but thanks,” Vaggie said.

“Your majesty,” Vox bowed down to present Lucifer his gift, which Lucifer was clearly flattered by but didn’t let it be known.

“Well, thanks. It’s quite small, let’s see what’s in…” Upon seeing the duck brooch concealed inside, Lucifer’s eyes went wide and his mouth formed a small ‘O’.

“Cute, right?” Vox smiled.

“I’m never taking this off,” Lucifer said, pinning it to his coat.

“Aww, that’s adorable,” Cherri remarked and Vox turned his attention to her.

“Cherri, I hope this isn’t too cliche of a gift but I’m sure it’ll help you relax,” Vox said, handing her a personalized bath bomb set.

“Thanks, big boss,” Cherri smiled, admiring the cherry and bomb shaped bath bombs.

“And for you, my good sir,” Vox handed Angel a velvet case, which made him raise an eyebrow.

He opened it hesitantly before raising an eyebrow, “A dildo! Thanks, I don’t have enough of these,” Angel remarked sarcastically.

Vox leaned in and whispered in Angel’s ear, “It’s a gun, don’t tell Charlie.”

Angel snickered, lifting it up and admiring the pink and white dildo gun.

“Please put it away,” Vaggie said and Angel nodded, laughing, putting it back in the case.

“Did you get me anything?” Niffty asked innocently, pulling on Vox’s overcoat.

“Of course, dear!” Vox exclaimed, ushering Peppermint over and pulling out another, smaller case. She opened it excitedly, pulling out a bedazzled needle.

“Ohohoho, shiny,” Niffty giggled, already rushing to test it out on a bug.

“Last but not least, Mr Bartender, I have a little something for you, too,” Vox said, grabbing the last gift from Peppermint and walking over to Husk. He handed him a set of cards.

Husk raised an eyebrow and shuffled through them. “Mammon Made Magic Cards? Where did you get these?” He asked in awe.

“Well, that’s a secret,” Vox winked.

“Well this looks like a party! Why wasn’t I invited?” Alastor abruptly appeared from behind Vox.

“Alastor, how nice of you to finally join us, I got everyone some gifts,” Vox smiled.

“How typical of you,” Alastor remarked, checking his nails.

“Well I actually got you something,” Vox said, pulling out a small card from his breast pocket.

“A dinner for two in my favorite restaurant! How thoughtful of you! I’ll be sure to go there with Rosie,” Alastor smirked, knowing it was meant for him and Vox.

“Well actually it’s already reserved under my name, so…” Vox shrugged.

“Shucks, I guess I’ll have to eat for two,” Alastor said.

“Don’t be mean, Alastor! You can go together, you’ll have a great time,” Charlie said, hanging off of Alastor’s arm.

“Fine. I’m busy tonight, shall we go tomorrow?” Alastor asked.

“Sounds great.”

The next evening, Vox put on his nicest suit, blinding cyan that went with his eye, underneath he wore a shirt and red vest he hadn’t worn since he and Alastor fell out in the first place.

He doused himself in cologne and polished his screen to the max. Upon arriving at the restaurant and stepping out of his limo, he was bombarded with looks from people – some taking sneaky pictures, others coming up to ask for a selfie. Vox politely declined and walked up to Alastor, who looked the same as always. The same as always being dashing and effortlessly handsome.

“You’re late,” Alastor remarked, taking Vox under the arm and walking into the restaurant.

“Fashionably late, dear, there’s a big difference,” Vox replied, patting Alastor’s arm, to which the demon rolled his eyes.

Vox had been in this restaurant before, way back in the 6os when the place was the busiest it had ever been. It had significantly dropped in popularity, still being a family owned business, not a chain or anything particularly special. Though he never admitted this, Vox anonymously invested a little money in this place over the years just to keep it alive until Alastor came back.

All Valentino heard from Vox was that Alastor was never supposed to come back, though Vox dreamed of that moment every night. Maybe to finally get his revenge, maybe because he missed him. He knew now it was the latter.

“Oh my great heavens! Mr Alastor!” The host, Dotty, exclaimed, clapping her hands to her cheeks.

“Dotty!” Alastor beamed and went to hug the girl, who resembled a dog. Vox’s stinging jealousy persisted in his gut as they made small talk.

“Mr Vox, I haven’t seen you in years, either,” Dotty said, far less enthusiastic about seeing him.

“Always a pleasure, Dotty,” Vox expressed, smiling with his eyes slightly narrowed.

After Dotty led them to their seats, Vox took in the atmosphere. Just like Alastor, the restaurant didn’t change a bit. Red, black and gold interior, crackly jazz playing over the ancient speakers, the wooden tables scratched and worn from years of use. The booth was pleasant, soft with cushions thrown on.

“I’m Cass, I’ll be your server for today,” A jerboa demon approached their table, giving them both menus. “Can I start you two off with drinks?”

“I’ll have some rye, my dear, and Vox will have a triple sec–”

“Cosmo. Could you do a cosmo?” Vox interrupted and Alastor’s expression slightly changed, raising one eyebrow at him.

“Y-yes, Mr Vox, of course! Is that all for now?” Cass asked, smiling wide.

“Yes,” Alastor said, a little coldly and Cass left. “What in the name of Satan himself is a cosmo, Vox?”

“Cosmopolitan, a pink cocktail, Angel likes them. Husker makes a mean one, I’ll have you know,” Vox remarked, waving a finger around as he opened the menu.

“You’re friends with Angel and Husker now, are you?” Alastor asked, sounding a little condescending. Vox smiled.

“Yes, I mean, we live together, why wouldn’t I be?” Vox asked in return, not even looking up at Alastor.

“I’m sure it won’t end well if it comes out that Angel is offering any ‘services’ to you, would it?” Alastor said, leaning on the table.

“No, it wouldn’t. But he’s not, I can assure you,” Vox said, shaking his head, “Don’t think I’m so desperate just because Valentino broke up with me.”

“He did what now?” Alastor beamed, looking far more interested.

“Yesterday, yeah. I’d rather not discuss it.”

“Oh, that bad, is it?”

“I just said I don’t want to talk about it.”

“He’s not worth your time anymore. Unless you’re actually planning on getting back together.”

“It’s none of your business what I’m planning,” Vox said through gritted teeth, putting his menu down. Alastor looked as amused as ever.

“Oh, but it is!” Alastor chuckled, “With this rent boy of yours gone you’ve instantly invited me on…what is it? A date?”

“He’s not a rent boy.” Vox rolled his eyes.

“I beg to differ–”

“Then beg harder, bitch.”

Alastor burst into laughter as Vox sizzled with sparks. “I do find your outbursts so very entertaining. I can see why we were friends in the first place.”

“Fuck you,” Vox mumbled, going back to reading the menu.

“Ready to order, gents?” Cass reappeared at the table with their drinks.

“Thank you. I’ll get the crawfish etouffee,” Vox said.

“Beans and rice for me, if you please,” Alastor told them, waving his fingers around a little.

Vox furrowed his eyebrows. “You always get the jambalaya.”

“And you always get a triple sec but here we are,” Alastor remarked.

“Cosmos have triple sec in them, you dumb fu–”

“I’ll get that out for you as quickly as possible,” Cass said, quickly grabbing the menus.

“Thank you, dear,” Alastor beamed as they smiled shyly and hopped away.

“What is this? Some kind of mind game? I like mind games,” Vox remarked, leaning forward as Alastor just stared at him with his head cocked slightly sideways.

“Everything’s a mind game with you, Vox,” Alastor said fondly. “I suppose tastes change, there’s nothing wrong with that.”

“Alright, well, since we’re on the subject of taste, I’ll be honest. I hate jazz,” Vox expressed. It wasn’t a lie, not entirely. Vox couldn’t listen to jazz without crying. Alastor may or may not have something to do with that.

“Why, my dear, if you hate us black people now, you should have said so,” Alastor shrugged and Vox instantly flustered.

“I didn’t fucking say that and keep your voice down, I don’t need people calling me racist on v.o.X,” Vox said and Alastor chuckled.

“How could you not be racist and hate jazz?” Alastor asked, raising his eyebrows all innocently.

“Just how I’m not racist and I hate you,” Vox grinned and Alastor let out a disagreeing noise, lifting a finger, “I’m not racist!” Vox yelled, far too loud.

A few people glanced in Vox’s direction before quickly looking away and he sank into his seat.

“We must go out more! You are hilarious!” Alastor laughed.

“I’m so glad you’re having fun.” Vox rolled his eyes.

“I am! But there’s really no reason to hate jazz, it’s one of the most creative music genres created. The improvisation, the skill! Oh, I could go on all night,” Alastor said, leaning towards one of the speakers and closing his eyes.

“I don’t understand it. It all sounds the same to me,” Vox expressed, digging his nail into a hole in the table.

“Then you’re not listening. All the music you listen to uses the same seven melodies created fifty years ago. If I was hearing that garb that’s on the radio these days, I’d be wanting to cut my own eyes out and throw them in the rye. But real music can play in the background without you paying attention but when you do, you hear the craftsmanship, the beauty of a simple melody turned into the wildest, most heartwarming piece of music known to demonkind.”

Then, Alastor took Vox’s hand and the speakers started playing the music louder. “Listen,” He told Vox, who focused on the way their hands touched. Closing his eyes, Vox could feel the weight of Alastor’s fingers gripping his and the music – he tried to make out every instrument in the piece.

The trumpet was the main part, piano adding a spark in the background he didn’t even make out before, someone was adding little beats on drums and then the trumpet went into a solo on its own, the same tune it had been playing the whole time but with flare and passion and care, Vox could almost taste it.

“See, darling, you don’t hate jazz,” Alastor whispered, as if he didn’t want to distract Vox. “You just hate black people.” With that, Alastor took his hand off of Vox’s.

“Oh my god, shut up,” Vox groaned, opening his eyes with much reluctance. His hand felt cold with Alastor’s absence.

Cass walked back up to their table, placing a plate of garlic bread on it with their tail. “A compliment from the establishment.”

“Why, thank you so much, dear,” Alastor smiled, sipping some rye and rubbing his hands together before picking up a piece of garlic bread.

“No problem, Mr Alastor!” Cass beamed.

“I’ll make sure to leave a good review,” Vox said, nodding at them. Giddily, Cass skipped away.

“You’ll be sure to leave a good tip, too, right?” Alastor asked. He took a bite, covering his mouth as he started chewing.

“Yes, I will. Who do you think I am?” Vox replied, rolling his eyes.

“Just making sure,” Alastor said, smiling cheekily.

When the food arrived, Alastor tucked a napkin into his collar and dug in. He was old fashioned in the sense that he didn’t like talking while he ate, just small remarks or moaning about how good the food was – admittedly that affected Vox more than he’d liked to admit.

“So that fucked up butterfly of yours doesn’t know about you staying at the hotel?” Alastor asked upon their plates being taken away and another round of drinks being ordered.

“Valentino? No, he doesn’t,” Vox replied and Alastor hummed. “Why?”

“Just curious.”

“Well you know what happened to the curious cat.”

“I suppose you’re right, wouldn’t want the same thing that happened to Husker to happen to me!” Alastor laughed, then abruptly stopped as if he remembered something.

“What’s wrong?” Vox asked.

“Nothing’s wrong, everything’s dandy!” Alastor exclaimed, like he was compensating for something, “Tonight was rather swell, thank you.”

“Anytime,” Vox replied, smiling softly.

They got the bill and Vox left a hefty tip for Cass before they got up and left. Alastor took Vox’s arm once more as they walked out into the warm night. Demons scattered upon seeing them together, some attempting to take pictures but alas, they would fail to get Alastor in the photo.

“I do feel like a gal being taken out on the town like this,” Alastor remarked on their way back to the hotel.

“Oh yeah? Well why don’t we go to your bedroom tonight, then?” Vox smiled, joking but also not joking if Alastor was down. Which he wouldn’t be, so Vox was joking.

“I’m not that kind of girl, Vox!” Alastor countered, clearly poking fun as he gently smacked Vox’s shoulder with his free hand. Vox kind of wanted to grab it and keep it there.

They were laughing about something meaningless as they walked into the hotel, only Angel and Husk by the bar were there to greet them.

“You two had fun on your date,” Angel grinned, swirling a drink around. Ironically, a cosmo.

“Not a date!” Alastor quickly intervened and despite Vox’s disappointment at how he shut it down, he was still happy Alastor had spent that night with him.

“I must say, you make a better cosmo than the restaurant, Husk,” Vox said, sitting down at the bar.

“Naturally,” Husk shrugged, polishing a glass. “You want one?”

“No, I’m already tipsy. Who knows what shenanigans I’ll get up to if I get too drunk?” Vox chuckled and Husk just rolled his eyes.

“I’ll take the strongest whiskey you have, Husker,” Alastor said, sitting down next to Vox.

“Coming right up, boss,” Husk said, seemingly in a good mood.

“I’ve never seen you drunk before,” Angel told Alastor.

“I am not drunk, I’m simply having fun! Vox, on the other hand, got dumped last night,” Alastor grinned, Vox narrowed his eyes at the deer and bared his teeth.

“Dumped?” Angel asked, sipping on his cocktail through a tiny swirly straw.

“Well you know how Val is…” Vox said, rolling his eyes.

“Yeah. One time he dumped me like ten times in one night,” Angel remarked, shaking his head annoyedly.

“Maybe he’s just too blind to see that you’re a catch, Mr Vox,” Husk smiled, sliding the whiskey over to Alastor and placing a cosmo in front of Vox anyway.

“Stop it, oh my god,” Vox grinned, adding digital blush and eyelashes on his screen to show he was flattered.

“I thought he was always way out of your league,” Alastor remarked, shrugging as he downed his whiskey.

“And what league am I in, then?” Vox asked, raising an eyebrow, a smirk playing on his lips.

“Nowhere near mine, I’ll tell you that. But I suppose you can be a worthy opponent,” Alastor said, leaning on the table and looking at Vox with sexy half-lidded eyes. Vox was so fucking down bad.

“Are we interrupting something?” Angel questioned and Vox instantly snapped out of his trance to look at Angel, who was grinning.

“Not at all,” Alastor supplied, waving a hand around.

“Could I get one of those silly straws please?” Vox asked Husk, who chuckled.

“Here you go, big guy,” Husk smiled, dropping a straw into Vox’s drink.

“I don’t mean to pry or anything but what's the deal with you guys?” Angel asked, leaning on the table.

“Oh, uh…” Vox turned to Alastor to answer for him. Vox was becoming more and more submissive by the day.

“We used to be friends, back in the day. And when Vox admitted his lo–”

“–Admitted that I wanted to work with Alastor, he ran off for seven years,” Vox interrupted.

“Don’t think that’s because of you,” Alastor rolled his eyes.

“Oh yeah what was it because of, then?” Vox asked aggressively and Alastor fell quiet, Husk even stopped polishing the glass he was holding and the air filled with a thick, awkward silence.

“That’s not relevant,” Alastor finally stated, shoving his glass towards Husk and standing up. “I’ll be going to bed, have a good night, gentlemen.”

Vox hurried to stand, not even finishing his cocktail. “Me too. Have fun, you two.”

“Not too much,” Alastor added and they both headed towards the stairs, a few feet between them.

When they got into the hallway, they both paused at the same time.

“I have this feeling that you’re not telling me something,” Vox remarked, not looking at Alastor.

“I don’t need to tell you anything,” Alastor said sternly.

“I thought we were friends again.”

“You thought wrong.”

Vox’s throat seemed to close up, his fingers curling into fists as he tried to not short circuit.

“And anyway, I don’t owe you an explanation for anything simply because you are my friend. Which you no longer are.” Alastor’s tone was cold and heartbreaking but Vox could still hear that there was something Alastor was hiding.

“You’ve changed,” Vox said, looking at Alastor with the firmest expression he could muster.

“And you haven’t. You still act like a pissy child, Vox,” Alastor replied. “It’s funny, you were so insistent on moving on and yet you are still the same old television box begging for my attention.”

“Why were you friends with me then if I’m such a pissy child?” Vox asked, narrowing his eyes as sparks buzzed in his head.

“I liked helping you. I liked that you needed me.”

“You knew that I needed you and still left?”

“You needed more than I could give. If I am your friend now, Vox, I know that you will always ask for more, it’s just what you do.”

Vox’s heart sank into his feet. Mostly because he knew it was true. He was a jealous, wretched person with a twisted mind and a treacherous heart. In search of more, Vox was losing everything he already had.

“Good night, Vox.”

Vox didn’t respond, he just went to his room and sat down on the bed. Pulling out his phone, Vox dialed a number he knew would pick up regardless of if he was angry or not.

“If you’re not going to apologize, I don’t want to hear it–”

“I love you, Val.”

Chapter Text

As soon as they got into bed, Valentino didn’t care about where Vox was disappearing to for the past ten days – all Vox had to do was turn his brightness up and charge up his strap.

He didn’t feel any better when he was lying in bed as Val smoked. “Round four?” Val asked.

“It’s out of charge,” Vox replied, taking the strap off.

“Hmm, okay. I suppose I forgive you,” Val said, wrapping an arm around Vox, who rolled his eyes.

Vox wished he could go back in time, maybe to when he first started dating Val. Maybe back to when he was friends with Alastor. Maybe back to when he was alive, fix all of his mistakes and go to heaven. But Vox was fundamentally flawed, there wasn’t really any place he could go back to and fix anything. Sometimes he wished he was never born in the first place.

A text message snapped Vox out of his thoughts but he quickly turned off his monitor brightness.

New message from: Angel Dust (Porn)
Received: 11:06PM
Charlie’s asking if ur coming home 2nite

“Who’s texting you?” Val asked.

“No one, it’s just Peppermint,” Vox replied quickly, turning off his notifications.

“After work hours?” Val questioned, raising an eyebrow.

“He’s just asking about a work thing, stocks and stuff,” Vox said dismissively, sitting up and pulling his clothes on. “Speaking of, I’m needed urgently.”

“What?!” Val exclaimed, adjusting himself on the bed frame. “You just got back!”

“I’ve been here for what? Three hours now? I have work, sweetheart,” Vox said, “I’ll be back tomorrow afternoon, okay? I’ll see you then,” He leaned in and kissed Val quickly before grabbing his phone.

“You have some bitch I don’t know about?” Valentino asked aggressively.

“No, darling, it’s work,” Vox assured but Val didn’t look convinced.

“I hope the stocks get you hard, asshole!” Valentino yelled after Vox, throwing his panties at the wall as Vox closed the door.

Rolling his eyes and groaning, Vox pulled his phone out.

You: I’m On my way! Val’s being a bitch. fml.
Angel Dust (Porn): lmao always. see you soon babe x
You: See you.

Vox sat down in his limo and the driver already knew where he was going. He actually checked his stock investments just in case Val asked, which Vox knew he wouldn’t. All of them were going down.

“Oh fuck me!” Vox complained as they arrived at the hotel.

Upon walking inside, he was greeted by Angel laying alone on the couch. “Hey, where is everyone?” Vox asked.

“Heyy,” Angel said, sitting up. “I think Charlie and Vaggie either went to bed or they’re fucking, Alastor’s in his room, Husk went to bed early ‘cause poor kitty got a migraine. Luci’s in his tower and Niff’s in the walls probably,” He rambled as Vox collapsed on the couch next to him. “You look like shit,” Angel smiled.

“I’m aware,” Vox groaned, “I’m too old for Val’s shit.”

“So you’re back together?” Angel questioned, tucking his legs under himself.

“I guess. I have this weird feeling he’ll break up with me tomorrow,” Vox said, unsure of if it was true or not. Val was an unpredictable prick who had to be happy 24/7 or he’d take out his anger on other people.

“Mmm…you uh…you actually want to be with him?” Angel asked like he was treading on eggshells.

“Sorta kinda,” Vox shrugged, as he always did.

“Listen, I get it. But…you’re an overlord! Why are you settling for…well…Val?” Angel questioned, looking a little disgusted.

“Yeah, I guess you’re right. But I’d rather at least try to make him happy so that he doesn’t make it worse for others,” Vox admitted, draping himself over the couch, bending his knees so as to not disturb Angel.

“That’s real noble of ya, Vox,” Angel smiled.

“I’m not noble, I’m an asshole. The only reason I convinced Val to let you go was to get closer to Alastor, the only reason I’m with him is because Alastor…is because I’m lying to Val every fucking day and I really thought for a moment that I’d feel better staying here. What a fucking joke,” Vox laughed, on the verge of a breakdown. Angel placed a hand on his shoulder.

“Listen, I know it feels like the world’s ending or some shit. It always does when you try to be better. I spent ages convincing myself this was all bullshit,” Angel admitted, “But, eventually…it gets better. Not good, but better.”

“And if it just gets worse?”

“You’ll live. Or well…uh…” Angel corrected himself, putting a finger to his lips, “Even if you’re a power bottom at rock bottom there’s nowhere to go but up.”

“I’m not a power bottom?” Vox said, more so in a questioning tone than anything, he must have been missing something.

“You’re not?” Angel raised an eyebrow. “Whatever, the point is that you’re better than you think.”

“I don’t believe that. I don’t even want to be better anymore.”

They sat in silence for a few moments before Angel spoke up in a quiet, honest voice that Vox hadn’t heard from him before. “I don’t feel better, ya know? Since Val let me go I’ve just felt kinda…useless. It’s stupid, I know. I don’t really talk about it because everyone was so happy that he ended my contract. And yeah, it’s great. I don’t want to go back but…sometimes…sometimes I miss it. I miss how it used to be. I don’t wanna be…good all the time.”

“I don’t get how Charlie does it,” Vox sighed, putting his face in his palms.

He’d gotten Angel Dust so wrong. At first he thought nothing more of him than just one of Valentino’s whores, then Vox became jealous since Angel was Val’s favorite. It was never personal, though. He didn’t speak to Angel. But he thought and said such horrible things, things he’d never say to a friend. Were they friends now?

When the hotel business started he thought Angel had a change of heart due to Val’s abuse and wanted to leave for good. Vox wanted him to leave. Vox convinced Val to let him go because he thought it was a good thing to do. To free Angel of the abuse, keep Val all to himself.

But there was no good in hell. Letting Angel go wasn’t a bad thing either. Vox didn’t know if he’d do it again. Maybe time would tell.

“I don’t get her either,” Angel chuckled, wiping tears from his eyes.

“Don’t go back to Val,” Vox said, a little abruptly. He kept trying to convince himself it was jealousy. He was dating Val now and wanted him all to himself. Vox secretly knew that wasn’t the case.

“Not like anyone’s gonna let me,” Angel rolled his eyes and Vox looked up at him.

“You actually miss him?”

“I…” Angel rubbed his arm, “I miss…the idea of him.”

Vox looked back down. “Yeah, that’s…that’s right.”

“Do you love him?”

“I guess, in some kind of distant way.”

“But…there’s someone else, right?” Angel asked, smiling a little bit when Vox looked back at him.

“What are you insinuating?” Vox questioned, folding his arms.

“Nothing, toots. It’s just…the way you look at Alastor–”

“I can’t love Alastor,” Vox interrupted, his heart tearing all over again, “It’s an obsession I’ll get over eventually.”

“Oh, you won’t,” Angel laughed, shaking his head. “Trust me, if you think you can ‘get over’ that, then you’re wrong. I’m not blind like Val, I can see the way you feel about Mista Smiles.”

“He doesn’t even want to be my friend, you think there’s any chance of us–?”

“No. I can also see how much Al doesn’t wanna fuck you. But if you keep hiding this shit, it’ll just eat you up. Trust me, I would know,” Angel added, smiling wistfully about something. “Maybe Al isn’t as much of a heartless motherfucker as you think.”

“Oh, he is,” Vox said angrily. “Maybe years ago I thought I could fix him but no. He’s too far gone.”

It was a lie. Vox never wanted to fix Alastor, he loved him just the way he was; a sadistic killer who had a weird moral code, who cared about people in his own way, who was egotistical and cocky but had enough charisma and charm to pull it off flawlessly.

“You don’t need ta fix him, just…love him. And if he’s enough of a shithead to not appreciate that even as a friend, then he’s not worth it.”

“I’d drink to that but Husk’s gone to bed,” Vox remarked, sighing.

“I’ll make you one. What? You think I don’t know how to make a cosmo?” Angel raised an eyebrow and Vox smiled.

After about ten cocktails each, none of which closely resembled a cosmo but had a lot of booze in them, Angel and Vox were laughing far too loudly for the time of night.

“I mean, forget the…everything – Val’s just so dumb. Like I’m telling you, you try giving him any paperwork. Totally useless. One time he asked me if Russia was a town in Germany. The paper said rush hour,” Vox explained drunkenly, Angel giggled uncontrollably while trying to hold it in.

“God, what a fuckin’ idiot. Can’t believe I sold my soul to such a dumbass,” Angel shook his head as he laughed.

“Yeah, I don’t know why you did that either,” Vox said, containing a grin. Angel smacked his shoulder playfully.

“Whatever! I might be ‘nothing without him’ or whatever he says but at least I can read,” Angel slurred, sipping on his drink.

“Damn, maybe you should’ve read that contract,” Vox mumbled, he knew he was being mean but couldn’t help the words from spilling out. But instead of getting upset, Angel just roared with laughter.

“I didn’t know you were actually funny!” Angel exclaimed.

“I didn’t know you could take a joke,” Vox chuckled.

“I can take a lot more than a joke ifyouknowwhatImean,” Angel smirked suggestively, taking his shoulders a little.

“I know, I’ve seen,” Vox replied, “What’s my favorite one? Oh yeah, ‘Twink Demolished By 20 Tentacles’.”

“Wish it was you getting demolished by Alastor’s tentacles, huh?” Angel giggled and Vox laughed while shoving him lightly. When they more or less stopped dying of laughter, Angel beamed, “I’m so glad we’re friends now.”

Huh, they really were friends.

“No literally!” Vox exclaimed, “You’re like my…uh…guy best friend!”

“NO WAY, YOU’RE MINE TOO!” Angel screamed far too loudly for the time of night.

“ARE WE LIKE BFFS OR SOMETHING?!” Vox yelled, throwing his arms out.

“YES!” Angel exclaimed and threw two pairs of arms around Vox.

“You smell so good,” Vox whispered, not realizing how creepy he sounded. Angel was probably used to much worse.

“Strawberry shampoo, I’d give you some but…” Angel whispered back, beginning to crack up again.

“Oh, what because I’m bald?” Vox asked, pulling away and Angel laughed.

“I mean…yeah?” Angel giggled and Vox dramatically put a hand on his screen, throwing his head back. “Oh my god, shut up. I still love you, you bald-headed TV screen!” He hugged Vox again, who hugged back easily.

And suddenly, there was no longer any jealousy boiling in the pit of his stomach for this adorable mess of a porn star spider demon.

“I love you too, you…uh…pink strawberry scented spider,” Vox said, burying his face in Angel’s fur.

“Are we interrupting something?” Alastor’s voice came from behind them, both Angel and Vox reluctantly let go of each other to look at Alastor, Vaggie, Charlie and Husk standing there, all looking tired and disgruntled.

“We’re having a moment!” Angel exclaimed.

“Yeah, hello? We’re being besties over here,” Vox said angrily.

“I knew I shouldn’t have gone to bed,” Husk remarked, arms folded.

“It’s three in the morning, could your moment not have been a little quieter?” Vaggie asked annoyedly.

“I’m glad you two are bonding but if you could do that in the morning next time, that would be great,” Charlie said with a yawn.

“Come on, let’s get you to bed,” Husk said, walking over and peeling Angel’s arms off of Vox and lifting him up.

“Mmm, thank you, kitty cat,” Angel murmured, nuzzling into Husk’s chest. Husk didn’t argue.

Vox looked expectantly at Alastor, who rolled his eyes and walked over to scoop Vox up, throwing him over his shoulder.

“That is so much less romantic!” Vox exclaimed, kicking his feet like a toddler.

“You know I’m not a romantic, dear,” Alastor replied and Vox could hear Vaggie and Husk chuckling. Vox gave up, hanging off of Alastor like a sack of potatoes. “Have a good night, everyone!” Alastor said and disappeared with Vox into the shadows.

It wasn’t very comfortable and not what Vox was used to, teleporting while drunk always made Vox sick. He felt better when Alastor discarded him onto the bed and started loosening his bowtie.

“Getting me naked, huh? All you had to do was ask, Al,” Vox smirked, running his fingers through Alastor’s hair, which would usually make Alastor attempt to break his fingers to the point that Vox would have to replace them but this time, Alastor just allowed it.

“Simply helping a friend after a rough night.” Alastor peeled away the collar of Vox’s shirt revealing bites, hickeys and bruises, “Valentino did this?”

“Mhm,” Vox nodded, closing his eyes, enjoying the cold touch of Alastor’s sharp claws. “We’re friends now, huh? Whatever happened to me being a pissy child and not deserving to be your friend?” Vox asked, his voice too tired and drunk to make the statement sound aggressive, just true.

“I never said you don’t deserve to be my friend. In fact, I believe you’ve tried rather hard to be deserving of our friendship,” Alastor remarked. Vox dragged himself up and pushed himself closer to Alastor, who didn’t move.

“I wish you loved me,” Vox whispered, cupping Alastor’s cheek. Alastor quickly grabbed his hand but didn’t take it off.

“Sometimes I wish so, too.”

“I…I want you so bad.”

“I know.”

“No, I…want you near. Always. I just wanted you close and you fucking left me,” Vox teared up, annoyed at the alcohol which he’d blame in the morning. But it felt right in the moment. “You left me…you…fuck you…fuck you, Alastor.”

“No thank you,” Alastor smiled softly and Vox punched him weakly in the shoulder and laughed painfully.

“I know it’s all my fucking fault, okay? I know I…I’m a fucking asshole, I know. I know. But Jesus, you fucking…you just up and left. Like…like you didn’t even care! Like you never cared about me! Not even as a friend.”

“That’s not true.”

“Then what is?!” Vox yelled a little too loudly but Alastor didn’t flinch or reprimand him, just continued smiling as he always did. He didn’t want to smile, Vox could see it even through his blurred vision.

“I didn’t want to disappear for so long. As always, I had bitten off more than I could chew and there were people who wanted me dead. And they could kill me, I knew that despite my pride,” Alastor started explaining but Vox was barely registering the information. “Joining your team would put you in danger. So I retreated. Because I cared for you and all of my friends and associates. I found a way to protect myself.”

“How?” Vox furrowed his eyebrows.

“I…” Alastor’s eyes darted around the room, “I sold my soul.”

The penny dropped. Vox’s mouth fell open. The silence was deafening as Vox searched for any words he could even say.

“You’re stupid if I wouldn’t have helped you if you’d told me,” Vox whispered, his voice full of concern and disappointment.

“If it means a thing to you, I’d sell my soul in a heartbeat if it meant saving you from your own inflated ego, Vox. You would have died for nothing–”

“Nothing?! I’d die a thousand times if I was dying for you!” Vox yelled, poking Alastor in the chest as he tried to sit up properly and failed.

“Then you’re an idiot!” Alastor yelled back, “If love makes you this fucking stupid then I’m fine with never being able to feel it!”

“That’s pathetic, Alastor, that’s fucking PATHETIC!” Vox screamed, glitching out. Alastor pushed him against the bedframe and held him there.

“How can you not see? I protected you. I cared for you.” Alastor’s voice was razor sharp, his eyes were wide and wild, their faces were inches apart.

“You expect me to thank you?” Vox asked shakily, tears leaking out of his eyes.

“This is why I didn’t tell you, you’re such a fucking moron.”

“Yeah and you still love me.”

“I don’t–”

“You protected me because you love me, Alastor and you’re the moron for not seeing that,” Vox whispered, screwing his eyes shut, “Maybe not the way I love you but you do.”

Alastor pulled away, sitting on the bed with his ears slightly turned down. It was adorable and Vox hated himself for wanting him so bad.

“Good night, Vox.” Alastor stood up and headed towards the door, pausing before he opened it to allow Vox to say something without even turning around.

“I love you, Al,” Vox whispered, not knowing if Alastor heard him.

Without letting Vox know if he’d heard him, Alastor left. Ran away, like he always did.

“YOU LOVE ME TOO, ASSHOLE!” Vox yelled after Alastor had already left. Vox angrily took the rest of his clothes off and turned around while muttering, “You love me, you do. You have to love me,” Under his breath over and over until he passed out.

The next day, Niffty woke Vox up far too early to clean his room and sent him downstairs for breakfast. Vox was too sick to eat anything, so he just picked at the frankly disgusting porridge in front of him that he was convinced had bugs in it.

“I don’t mean to…pry but uh…we heard shouting last night,” Charlie remarked and Vox’s memory flooded with every word said the previous night which made him desperately want to rip the memory card from his head and smash it into pieces.

“I’m sure you did,” Vox remarked boredly, not looking up at her.

“If you need to…talk to someone, then–”

“I’d rather not,” Vox said, standing up and looking around at Charlie, Vaggie, Cherri and Lucifer, “I’m leaving for work…early bird gets the worm and everything. Bon appetit, everyone.”

Charlie stood up and grabbed Vox’s arm, “Hey, I just wanted to say that…Alastor, he’s…”

“You don’t need to tell me anything about Alastor. I know.” With that, Vox pulled away from her touch and left, adjusting his bowtie.

Walking into the living room, Vox spotted Angel sprawled on the couch with his sunglasses on. “Hope that hangover goes away, dear,” He chuckled and Angel groaned out something incomprehensible.

Vox’s workload seemed neverending, he didn’t take a single break the whole day, just doing the monotonous signing of papers, checking reports, regulating engagement and all other work shit for hours. He was only interrupted with a call from Val.

“Afternoon, baby,” Vox greeted boredly, already annoyed.

“Babyyy, I haven’t seen you all day! Where are you?” Val replied, dramatically draped over his director’s chair.

“Working, sweetheart. As are you,” Vox reminded him. Usually the clinginess endeared Vox but today it made him sick to his empty stomach.

“You work so hard! Maybe you need a little break~”

“By little do you mean three hours like last night?” Vox questioned, raising an eyebrow.

“One hour today. Pleaaaase?” Val begged. Vox knew if he said no, there would be an argument. Because when Val wanted something, it had to be done or there’d always be a struggle. While not on a leash, Val had Vox wrapped around his finger.

After Val and Vox’s ‘business meeting’ was done, Vox stood by the window, observing the cars zooming past and the city thriving with life. It all moved far too fast.

“Do you miss Angel?” Vox questioned abruptly, turning towards Val and the demon chuckled.

“Why do you ask?” He replied, taking a drag of his cigarette.

“I mean, you knew him longer than you’ve known me,” Vox shrugged, walking over to fiddle with a drawer in Val’s vanity.

“I suppose I miss him but if the bitch was making our ratings drop, what’s the use of him?” Val asked lightly, as if it made perfect sense.

“So…you just don’t give a shit anymore. I mean, I just thought he was your favorite,” Vox scoffed.

“What is this?” Val asked, sitting up in the bed. Vox looked at him through the mirror which was all scratched up and dirty.

“What if I left? Would you just stop caring after a week?” Vox questioned, furrowing his eyebrows. He knew it was the start of an argument. Maybe he wanted it. Maybe it was an excuse to get rid of the parasite that was his now-on-again-boyfriend.

“You know that’s different, baby. You’re not just one of my whores–”

“Is that not what you said to him? You told him you loved him,” Vox said, voice filling with fury as he turned around.

“You know that was…for business, baby. I made him. Without me…well, he’s nothing,” Val chuckled, “But you are powerful even without me. You don't need me. You just want me, don’t you, Voxy baby?” The smoke swirling from Val’s cigarette danced across the room towards Vox, who smacked it away.

“You’ve told me I’d be nothing without you before, or did you just forget that?” Vox asked, hands clenched into fists, “You say one thing one day, then the complete opposite the next. So what is it, Val?”

“What are you talking about? Baby, I don’t want to fight–”

“Don’t baby me. Just say it, if I left you wouldn’t give a single shit.”

Val stood up, walking over to tower over Vox as if he was trying to intimidate him. What a joke.

“I’ve told you before, you don’t have to be jealous of Angel. He’s nothing compared to you–”

“How do I know you didn’t say the same fucking thing to him? Or any one of your whores?” Vox asked, looking up into Val’s scarlet eyes without fear.

“You don’t trust me?” Val questioned, his smile completely disappearing like a switch turned. Vox knew he was getting under Val’s skin.

“I’m not stupid. Of course I don’t.”

Val’s eyes widened, astonished by the level of disrespect that Vox rarely showed him. There was always mutual respect to a certain level, even in their arguments.

Back when Vox was alive, he was interested in politics and he understood on a fundamental level that the cold war would not turn into a third world war simply because both countries had weapons that could destroy the planet – even in war, there was a mutual respect for two powerful parties. It was how Vox and Val operated. They were both overlords. Comparing power would make them lose more than they would gain. But Vox loved playing with fire. Just like he had seven years ago.

“What the fuck do you think you’re doing, Vox?”

“Answer the question.”

The tension filled the room like smoke, putrid in Vox’s scent receptors.

“Would I care if you left? Who do you think I am? Just some bitch you can leave whenever you feel like it? You can’t leave me.”

“God, Val, you’re so unoriginal that I thought you were talking to Angel for a second–”

Vox was abruptly cut off by a backhand, throwing him to the ground. It shocked Vox more than it hurt him. He started chuckling darkly.

“Don’t talk about Angel like you know anything,” Val spat, standing over Vox as he started laughing harder.

“You are such a fucking joke, Val. It’s actually funny,” Vox grinned at him, which made Val only angrier. He lifted his arm up again but Vox shot out electricity that shocked his arm instantly. Val tried not to show how it affected him and in a moment of weakness, Vox wrapped the bolt around Val’s wrist and threw him to the ground.

Getting up, Vox wrapped five bolts around Val’s wrists and throat. “If you touch me or anyone like that again, I’m gonna fucking kill you. Is that understood?”

Val looked up at Vox with confusion and nervousness. Vox shot electricity through Val’s body, making him tremble and scream out in pain.

“I said, is that understood, Valentino?” Vox asked, his voice dangerous and staticy, his screen bright and his eye swirling – Vox desperately avoided his gaze.

“Mmm, harder, baby,” Val moaned but Vox heard the tremor in his voice. “You know I love when you get all dominant,” Val chuckled shakily.

Usually, this would have angered Vox to no end. He would have screamed, shouted, begged for Valentino to comply. But he was too tired.

“There’s no saving you, Val. I pity you, I really do. Enjoy your pathetic little existence. I’m leaving,” Vox announced, letting go of Val and turning around. He didn’t want Val to stop him. He didn’t even care about Val’s reaction.

“YOU CAN’T LEAVE ME, BITCH!” Val screamed, throwing the nearest object at Vox, which he avoided easily.

Scrambling to his feet, Val rushed after Vox but before he could grab the back of his collar, Vox threw out a forcefield so strong it completely destroyed the lights and electronics in the room, including his own phone, throwing Val against the wall in the process. He slumped to the ground and Vox sighed before slamming the door.

“Clean up the mess in there,” Vox said to the security outside, handing them both tips.

Vox went down on the elevator, reaching into his pocket and rolling his eyes when the phone didn’t turn on. He crushed it in his hand and then, as his stomach swooped with how fast the elevator was down, he smiled.

“Velvette! Great seeing you here, I’m going on vacation for a while but I’m sure you and Val can handle everything, right?” Vox beamed upon seeing Velvette in the hallway on the way outside.

“Fuck you mean vacation? You can’t just leave!” Velvette expressed, annoyed and confused.

“Oh, but I can, darling! I love you, I’ll send you a postcard!” Vox exclaimed, waving to her happily on his way out. Velvette just stood in the hallway with her lips parted.

He jumped into his limo, “To the hotel, my good man! Oh, and play ‘We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together’ by Taylor Swift!”

When Vox walked into the hotel, he was greeted by Keekee. He smiled and bent down to pet her. She purred softly.

“Vox, you’re back!” Charlie exclaimed, rushing to greet him. “We were just doing an activity–oh my gosh! What happened to your face?! I mean…screen?”

“Nothing too serious, I’ll heal up in no time. Don’t worry, dear,” Vox said delightfully, standing back up.

“Did you get in a fight?” Lucifer questioned.

“You should see the other guy,” Vox chuckled gleefully.

Cherri and Angel stood up from the couch to peer at Vox. “Did Val break up with you again?” Angel asked, furrowing his brows in concern.

“Actually, no. I broke up with him. For the last time,” Vox announced proudly. Angel smiled. He glanced at Alastor, noticing how his eye twitched as he looked at Vox’s injuries.

And sure, Alastor didn’t love Vox the way he wanted. But Vox was okay with that because Alastor loved him in his own special, silly little way. And that was enough for him.

Chapter Text

Everyone was getting ready for bed when Alastor showed up in Vox’s room suddenly. Vox was used to his intrusions and adored them. Alastor offered to patch up Vox’s broken screen so it would heal faster and Vox reluctantly agreed. Though it wasn’t reluctant at all, he loved when Alastor would take care of him in a way not many others did.

“You showed him who’s boss, didn’t you, dear?” Alastor asked, a proud smile appearing on his lips as he wrapped a bandage over the side of Vox’s screen.

Vox chuckled softly, “Yeah, of course. I showed him who has the biggest V on the V tower,” He said jokingly, looking at Alastor with an undeniable fondness.

“Good boy,” Alastor praised, tapping the top of Vox’s screen. It caused Vox to glitch and blush.

“Jesus fucking Christ, Al, you can’t say shit like that,” Vox mumbled.

“It’s not my fault you’re a sexual deviant with daddy issues,” Alastor remarked and Vox rolled his eyes while trying to stay still.

“Says the king of daddy issues himself,” Vox said and Alastor raised an eyebrow, giving him a look that parents give when they’re disappointed with what you said.

“If anything, my daddy has sonny issues,” Alastor laughed, looking back at the bandage.

“You terrify me,” Vox beamed.

“And you bring me endless entertainment,” Alastor smiled back, tying a bow with two pieces of the bandage and gently patting the screen. “There you go, that should heal up much faster. Wouldn’t want you to replace the whole thing again, I’ve grown fond of it now.”

“Have you really?” Vox asked with a big grin and Alastor laughed.

“No, not really,” He replied, standing up and heading towards the door.

“Wait, wait, Al,” Vox quickly said, jumping off his bed in an attempt to keep Alastor there even for a few seconds longer. “Do you wanna sleep over tonight?”

“Sleep over? I live two doors down, my dear!” Alastor exclaimed, smiling in confusion.

“Yeah, I know but…it could be like old times,” Vox said softly.

Old times when Alastor and Vox would drink together and move the furniture in Vox’s ratty apartment so they could dance until the sun started coming up and they would go out to the balcony to watch the sky painted in sweet pink and orange before the red day came and scorched the town. Vox and Alastor would then collapse into bed together and fall asleep. There was nothing romantic or sexual about it, back then.

“Like old times, eh? I thought you were getting old,” Alastor smiled, going to sit back next to Vox. “We used to get rather wild.” He put his feet up on the bed and Vox copied him.

“Oh yes, well, you’ve granted me new life, sweetheart,” Vox replied and Alastor chuckled. Summoning two drinks out of thin air, Alastor handed Vox what looked like a cosmo.

“Here’s your fruity little cocktail, dear,” Alastor grinned and Vox smiled back at him.

“Fruity cocktail for a fruity gentleman such as myself,” Vox said, taking it with both hands and sipping on it. “Do you wanna try it?”

“I’m not into that kind of thing, I’m afraid,” Alastor replied, sipping on his own whiskey.

“Suit yourself,” Vox shrugged. They sat in a comfortable silence on the bed drinking their little drinks before they heard noise coming from the left wall, Angel’s room.

Vox knew what Angel sounded like moaning, not through personal experience but through many editings, reviewings and award shows. This was a little different, more quiet and less noticeable that he was getting plowed in the other room but still obvious.

“What is happening in there?” Alastor asked, raising an appalled eyebrow, Vox smirked.

“You see, Al, when two people want to fuck each other very, very much–”

“I know what’s happening,” Alastor rolled his eyes, “I just don’t understand why it has to happen right now.”

“It’s a romantic night, don’t you agree?” Vox smiled at Alastor as Angel continued letting out soft whimpers and moans in the other room.

“Well…I suppose. Even if I don’t agree with the ideology, it does prove to be a nice night,” Alastor remarked, waving his hand around.

“Fuck me harder!”

“Well excuse me, I’m an old man, I don’t know what you expected!”

Upon hearing that, both Vox and Alastor started snickering.

“I have an idea,” Vox said mischievously.

“That’s never good news,” Alastor replied, smiling as widely as he usually did but Vox could tell it was genuine.

“Maybe if we make louder sex noises, they’ll stop,” Vox suggested, “I do this kinda thing all the time, by the way,” he added, in case Alastor thought it was personal.

Alastor laughed, “Is this a ploy to record me making ‘sex’ noises?” He questioned.

“No, it’s a ploy to have fun. Husk and Angel are gonna be so mad,” Vox chuckled evilly.

“I do enjoy annoying Husker,” Alastor scratched his chin, “Show me these ‘sex’ noises.”

Vox’s screen went bright red, “I have to go first?”

“You suggested it.”

“Okay, uh,” Vox cleared his throat, preparing himself for embarrassment. It was in the name of fun and love, so Vox was fine with it. “Mmmmhhmm, yeah!” He moaned loudly and Alastor barked out a laugh.

“No wonder Valentino kept breaking up with you,” Alastor giggled and Vox’s jaw fell open.

“I’m exaggerating! It’s not actually what I sound like having sex!” Vox argued, “Okay, fine, fuck you. I’ll do it properly.”

Vox took a breath before moaning and throwing his head back explicitly. Alastor kept laughing at him and despite being mortified, Vox was having fun as he moaned again.

“Join in, come on,” Vox said and Alastor rolled his eyes.

“I don’t know how,” Alastor said, shaking his head.

“Inhale and then just Mmhhrhhnm,” Vox explained, showing a perfect example.

Alastor took a deep breath before letting out an absurd noise that resembled a dying seal. Vox laughed and Alastor smacked his arm with his microphone. Alastor chugged his drink and tried again, this time screaming instead of moaning, Vox put a hand over his mouth to stop himself from laughing.

From the other room Vox could hear hushed whispering and giggling. Vox moaned again and Alastor tried to copy him, this time doing it really well. “There you go,” Vox beamed and Alastor rolled his eyes.

“So embarrassing, how do people do this willingly without clothes?” Alastor asked, looking very scandalized.

“OH YES, DADDY!” Angel screamed from the other room, clearly putting his poor acting skills to work. “WOW YOUR DICK IS HUGE!” He yelled.

“PUT ANOTHER TENTACLE IN!” Vox exclaimed and Alastor’s eyes widened.

“Yes, going in!” Alastor remarked rather formally, putting a finger up and Vox tried hard not to burst into laughter.

“THAT DICK GAME IS CRAZY, HUSKY!” Angel yelled, moaning so loudly that Vox was sure the walls were shaking.

“Thank you!” Husk replied, “I’m deflowering all of your holes right now, baby!” He exclaimed and Alastor furrowed his eyebrows in disgust.

“Oh, Alastor, you’re really rearranging my guts!” Vox exclaimed.

“I’ll rip them out and eat them from the inside out!” Alastor said and this turned Vox on way more than it should have.

“You’re a fucking freak!” Vox yelled, “I love it,” Vox added darkly, biting his lip and leaning closer to Alastor, who pushed him away.

Husk and Angel seemed to forget about the competition, their moaning becoming more frequent and breathing heavy.

“I can feel you in my throat!” Vox yelled, directing his voice towards the wall.

“I’m absolutely destroying your organs!” Alastor added, “I hope you’re bedridden for weeks!”

Vox laughed, “Everyone will know how good you fucked me!”

“No one will find your body!” With that, Vox collapsed on the bed in giggles and Alastor joined him as Angel and Husk went quiet on the other side.

Upon calming down, Vox smiled at Alastor and whispered, “This is better than sex.”

“I’d say most things are better than sex,” Alastor shrugged. “But this was certainly fun.”

“We should do this again sometime.”

“No.”

Alastor was already gone when Vox woke up the next morning. Sighing, Vox changed into his day clothes before noticing a small note on his bedside table.

Breakfast with everyone this morning. I’m making your favorite. Chicken and waffles.
Signed,
Alastor, The Radio Demon.

“I know who you are, dumbass,” Vox chuckled fondly under his breath. Vox happily walked downstairs into the dining room, where everyone was already enjoying breakfast.

“Good morning, dear, I see you’re finally awake!” Alastor greeted cheerfully.

“I got your note, thanks,” Vox smiled, sitting down next to Alastor, opposite Angel, who gave him a smirk.

“Do I have to say it?” Vaggie asked annoyedly. Charlie gulped and adjusted herself on her seat. “Whatever the fuck that was last night…” She glanced at Angel.

“It was them! They started it!” Angel exclaimed, pointing at Alastor and Vox, who both exchanged glances and shook their heads as if they had nothing to do with it.

“I don’t care who started it! If it happens again I’ll kill all of you!” Vaggie yelled, pointing her spear at all four of them.

“Is everyone enjoying the chicken?” Alastor asked, beaming from eye to eye.

“It’s acceptable,” Lucifer replied through a mouthful, putting more on his plate, “I’ve had better.”

“I’m sure,” Alastor narrowed his eyes at him.

“It’s really good, sir!” Niffty piped up from the floor, devouring a waffle and sharing it with a few ants.

“Yes, this is amazing, Alastor, you should really cook more!” Charlie expressed.

“Yeah, you’d make a good housewife,” Vox grinned, which earned him a light smack on the back from Alastor’s microphone.

“I hope you choke to death, my dear,” Alastor remarked but Vox knew it was loving. Or at least as loving as a death threat could be. His parents used to bicker like that all the time and as a kid he found it annoying but when he visited them in his adult life, he found it endearing.

God, Vox was so far gone soon he’d be doodling Mr and Mr Radio Demon in his pink fluffy notebook with pink hearts around it. Not that he had a pink fluffy notebook or anything…

The day was spent with tons of activities, such as watching Niffty’s mini opera with Angel playing a bug on the floor and Niffty triumphantly killing him at the end, it also happened to be ‘Info Dump Thursday’ which meant someone could come up and info dump about anything they wanted without anyone interrupting.

Today Charlie talked about formulas she had learned since Vox got her that chemistry set and Husk decided to go up and explain poker rules – he was a very good story teller, if a little waffly at times. Vox was invited up and since he’d talked about sharks last week, he decided to talk about jazz, having researched a little since his date with Alastor.

“Jazz is a very important part of American culture, especially African American culture. It’s not just music, it’s a whole world underneath all the melodies and improv. Back in the 20s, it was a way for people to get drunk under the alcohol ban, I suppose some would argue you have to be plastered to even enjoy jazz,” Vox joked, pacing around as he glanced at Alastor, who narrowed his eyes playfully, “But I disagree. Jazz is one of the hardest genres to understand, maybe aside from opera, but who understands opera?” Vox winked at Niffty, who giggled. “Countermelodies, altered scales, block chords: who can memorize all of that?” Vox asked rhetorically but Alastor raised his hand.

“The point is; whoever says that they don’t understand jazz is an idiot and just hasn’t learned it yet,” Vox said smugly, “Jazz is one of the most beautiful genres and deserves to be recognised. They say French is the language of love but I pose you all jazz,” Vox did small jazz hands and beamed at Alastor, “I don’t think I’ve ever fallen in love faster than I have with a single jazz chord,” Vox said wistfully.

He looked down as he remembered the first time he ever really listened to jazz, or was subjected to it. His mother had been in a rocking chair, humming along to a soft jazz song that Vox didn’t understand at all. He far more preferred the then-new style of rock and roll. But he watched her carefully, her eyes closed and a soft smile gracing her lips. He hoped every night that she listened to the same song in heaven and still felt the calm summer dusk on her eyelids.

When Vox died, he cried a lot, missing his mother. Thirty-seven years old, still a little child. He remembered sitting in Alastor’s living room, his legs tucked to his chest – sobbing as he explained that he never even got to say goodbye and that he was sorry. He remembered the hand on his shoulder, a gently told story about a woman who died with a smile on her face, telling her young son to never stop smiling. And he remembered a soft jazz song playing in the background, sweet and loving as a mother’s embrace. He remembered the pain in Alastor’s smile; but the deep love in his eyes.

Vox was taken out of his memories with unordered clapping from the group, he looked around and chuckled, wiping tears out of his eyes. “That’s really beautiful, Vox,” Charlie smiled as he sat down next to Alastor, who took his hand and leaned in close.

“Suck up,” Alastor whispered and Vox laughed. Lucifer went up to info dump about his new duck collection.

“Too proud to admit you loved it?” Vox asked, a smug smile on his face.

“I’ll show you something later,” Alastor said, turning to watch Lucifer. Vox glanced down to notice they were still holding hands and that was a win in his book.

Evening came and after everyone had dinner, Alastor disappeared into the shadows, Vox followed him through the lights and appeared in his bedroom, where Alastor led Vox into the swamp. There were fireflies buzzing around, flying away when Alastor conjured up a whole piano and placed it on a smooth plain of grass.

Alastor threw his overcoat back, sitting at the piano and cracking his knuckles – actually breaking all of his fingers before putting them in place. Vox watched on, standing a little further back. Slowly, Alastor pressed down on a few keys. Vox was proud to recognise it as a jazz chord instead of a random smash of piano keys (which, in fairness, a lot of jazz chords were).

Alastor moved his hands with care and precision and although it may have seemed awkward to the naked eye, Vox could see how thought out every chord and note was. “So you understand jazz now?”

“I’d like to think so, yeah,” Vox smiled.

Then, in a sudden, Alastor played a quick succession of notes, adding the chords he already played with his left hand, the melody becoming faster and faster. His whole body moved with his piece, his eyes closing in concentration as he began to improvise, faster and faster.

Vox watched on in awe as Alastor shredded, not even paying attention to Vox anymore, lost in his own world. Normally, Vox would start to get jealous but he couldn’t take his eyes off the way Alastor seemed to get lost in the music and still hit every note perfectly. It’s like Vox wasn’t even watching and Vox loved that about Alastor, how he didn’t give a shit about what Vox thought of him.

He supposed it’s how Alastor loved him too – always keeping up appearances in front of everyone else, but being completely himself with Vox. There were others who saw Alastor like this, Rosie, Mimzy, Charlie, Niffty, hell maybe Husk too. But he loved Vox differently. Not romantically, not sexually, but as a total equal – unlike most of his friends and acquaintances. His other half, perhaps.

Or at least Vox liked to think so.

The song finished with just the melody, slowed down and tuckered out just like Alastor, smiling from ear to ear happily.

“Well?” Alastor asked, standing up. As if he even needed Vox’s approval.

“I’ve heard better,” Vox shrugged and Alastor furrowed his eyebrows, his ears tucking. “I’m kidding, it was flawless, dear.”

“Nothing is truly flawless, it’s what’s so beautiful about jazz. There are so many ways to play something and it’s never wrong!” Alastor exclaimed gleefully, conjuring up a glass of bourbon, downing it quickly and placing it up on the piano.

“Teach me something,” Vox said, walking up to Alastor, who smiled and stood up.

“Sit down,” Alastor offered, guiding Vox into the seat. Alastor reached over and put his hands on top of Vox’s, only a little bigger than Alastor’s. “This is a middle C,” Alastor said, pressing Vox’s thumb onto a key.

Vox tried hard to follow along with what Alastor was explaining but he was so fast that Vox didn’t understand what was happening, he allowed his fingers to be molded into any position and pressed into any note on the piano as long as Alastor was leaning over and showing him exactly how.

When Alastor stopped talking, Vox looked at him – their faces so close as Vox gazed upon Alastor, who just smiled at the piano as he played a short melody with Vox’s fingers. “You’ll be a prodigy in no time,” Alastor remarked. He didn’t move his fingers nor did he back away.

“Might even turn out better than you,” Vox grinned and Alastor finally looked at him. His smile was relaxed and genuine.

“I doubt that,” Alastor said softly, eyes crinkled.

“Yeah, me too.” The air was gentle and hardly wanted to disturb their silence. There was something in the way Alastor looked at him, like he was thinking of something bittersweet. “You don’t know how much I’d pay to hear what you’re thinking,” Vox remarked quietly, not wanting to disturb Alastor’s thoughts too much.

Hands tightening on Vox’s, Alastor glanced away for a second, chuckling. “I suppose I’m realizing my own weakness for you once more. It is why I couldn’t kill you.”

“You could kill me and I’d thank you, Alastor,” Vox whispered, looking up into Alastor’s eyes with such intensity that he knew would put Alastor off, but the demon didn’t move.

“Nobody’s really…loved me like you do, I suppose,” Alastor expressed, a little sadly. “It’s a strange feeling, being loved. I am so used to being feared or adored. But loved? Why, I think only my mother truly…” He trailed off, taking his hands off of Vox’s and standing up straight, Vox instinctively tried to follow him.

“Al…” Vox said, standing up and reaching out a hand to Alastor’s turned back.

“I wish I could kiss you and feel right about it. I wish I could give you the love you deserve,” Alastor remarked.

“You do,” Vox replied easily.

Maybe years ago he had wanted Alastor like that, lying awake at night wondering why Alastor didn’t love him back, crying over stupid words and insignificant touches. But now, he didn’t need nor did he want it like he used to. He understood now, he was a better person now, he tried not to be so selfish and understand that everything Alastor did was out of love. Because behind that monster was just a young boy who loved jazz and his mother even more, who wanted to be a radio show host and would smile at every passerby despite their scowls.

Vox had always seen Alastor that way and he hoped in his heart that Alastor loved him because he always saw the good in him.

“You love me in a way no one ever has, Al. No amount of kissing or sex or anything could compare to you,” Vox smiled, not trying to get closer. Alastor turned around and he was not smiling.

His lips were closed in a small frown, tears circling his eyes. Vox’s heart clenched, he knew how much Alastor cared for his smile at all times. In Alastor’s hand laid a long piece of glowing green thread.

“Alastor?” Vox asked, a little scared of what was going to happen next. But instead of anything horrific happening, Alastor stepped forward and wrapped his arms around Vox tightly. A little shocked, Vox hugged back.

“I love you, Vox, truly,” Alastor admitted, his voice slightly muffled by Vox’s blazer but aside from that, crisp and clean, not covered by static or a radio filter.

Vox was speechless, being unable to say even how long he’d been waiting for this moment. And it wasn’t at all how he’d imagined it, none of the dramatic background music he’d been listening to while playing out scenarios in his head, none of the sexual tension, none of the kissing that led into a passionate night. No, this was completely different and Vox would have it no other way.

Trying not to shed tears, Vox leaned on Alastor’s shoulder and held him tightly. He knew Alastor needed it, and Vox was happy to provide him with anything he desired.

Chapter Text

They laid in silence, neither of them sleeping, just listening to the incessant whizzing of cars and buzzing of the city outside. Softly, acid rain started pattering on the window. It was a peaceful night, despite the events of the last few days. Vox’s injuries had nearly healed already and he felt good. Better than he ever thought he could feel.

He couldn’t really describe it, he didn’t feel over the moon or anything. He just felt calm. He didn’t need to think about what tomorrow would bring, he just enjoyed this little silence he shared with Alastor, knowing soon it would be broken but by whom he didn’t know.

“My mother loved nights like these,” Alastor remarked softly, as if he had to be quiet so as to not wake anyone. “The rain. She loved the rain. I’d always get so upset I couldn’t go outside and she told me to smile, for without rain, I’d never see the beauty in going outside the next day,” He smiled, ever so fondly recounting the memory.

“Every time you speak of your mother, she sounds lovelier,” Vox remarked, turning on his side and resting on his elbow.

“Sometimes she wasn’t. Sometimes I wished she was dead. When she followed those wishes, I wanted to take them all back. Unfortunately no amount of crying or murder brought her back,” Alastor said, looking at the ceiling with a longing pain in his eyes.

“Sure, but hey. She’s in heaven, right?”

“I don’t know how good heaven can be. Do you really want to go there?”

Vox took a breath and adjusted himself again, laying down closer to Alastor on his back. “I have no idea.”

“If you get there, tell her I say hi.”

“I don’t really want to go to heaven,” Vox decided.

A beat passed through the room. Alastor turned to look at Vox, who looked right back. “Why do you want to be redeemed if you don’t want to go to heaven?”

“With you I’m already in heaven, my love,” Vox smiled and Alastor chuckled.

“You want to stay with me forever?” Alastor asked.

“Oh, yes. No getting rid of me now, you’re stuck with me,” Vox grinned, leaning a little closer to Alastor, offering his hand for the deer to take. Alastor seemed to contemplate for a little bit before taking the hand.

“I’ll have to protect you, then,” Alastor smiled, “Since you’re so insistent on sticking by my side.”

It was easy for Alastor to offer a deal. Take Vox’s soul, which Vox would willingly hand over. But Alastor did no such thing, he knew it was different between them. It wasn’t protection in exchange for a soul, it was a mutual agreement. There was no denying now they were more than friends, but not quite lovers. Something more.

“Of course. My knight in shining armor,” Vox beamed gleefully, his eyes crinkled and a smile spread across his whole screen.
`
Their sweet nothings routine was interrupted by the door opening and Niffty peeking in, looking absolutely devastated and a little muddy, too. “Alastor!” She exclaimed, scrambling towards the bed and reaching for Alastor to take her in his arms. Alastor quickly let go of Vox’s hand to take Niffty.

Usually, Vox would feel jealous that Alastor was paying her attention and that their talk was interrupted. But he felt no such thing, in fact, he was a little worried about the crying bug in Alastor’s arms.

“Niffty, what ever is the matter, my dear?” Alastor asked, holding her gently and stroking her hair as she calmed down.

“I had a nightmare and then I woke up and I couldn’t find you anywhere, sir!” Niffty cried, “I ran through the whole swamp!”

“Ah, well that explains your appearance,” Alastor said, throwing Vox a little look to which he tried not to laugh. With a snap of Alastor’s fingers, she was clean again.

“I thought you disappeared and that’s so unlike you!” Niffty sniffled, tightening her grip on Alastor.

Vox furrowed his eyebrows, confused as to what Niffty even meant by that, Alastor shrugged at him.

“Well, trust me, Niffty, if I were to disappear then you’d be the first person I told,” Alastor assured and Vox rolled his eyes.

“Okay, sir,” Niffty said, seemingly calming down.

“How about you clean Vox’s screen? It’s rather greasy,” Alastor offered and Niffty nodded happily.

“Yeah, because you keep poking me,” Vox groaned, closing his eyes as Niffty climbed onto him and started rubbing his screen with a cloth, “Nonono, I need a microfiber or it’ll scratch!” Vox complained but decided there was no point in arguing.

“You really underestimate how careful Niffty is,” Alastor remarked, lifting a finger.

“Oh, so we’re just lying tonight, is that what we’re doing?” Vox asked, peeling Niffty off and placing her back on Alastor. She started playing with his hair and ears, which Vox knew Alastor didn’t allow anyone to do. But instead of jealousy, only a sense of delight at the cute nature of the action filled Vox instead.

“We’re bending the truth, that’s much different,” Alastor said, lifting a finger, trying to act smart.

The whole thing really reminded Vox of Velvette, whom he’d called every single day since leaving the V Tower for good. She said Valentino wasn’t causing much trouble, too prideful to admit he got his ass handed to him. Back when Velvette first manifested in hell, she didn’t really know how to do many things on her own, having just moved out of her parents’ house and quitting college to pursue her social media career.

Vox taught her a lot, much like a father would but they never really discussed it, aside from the occasional joke. He used to braid her hair, having taught himself online. His claws were useful for the partings. She didn’t like many people touching her hair, but with Vox it was unspoken and thought she would complain sometimes, she never pushed him off or asked him to stop.

“Could Niffty sleep here tonight? She won’t take up too much space,” Alastor snapped Vox out of his thoughts.

“Oh, sure, why not invite everyone to sleep in my bed?” Vox asked, faking annoyance. Truth be told, he was a little scared of Niffty and whether she stabbed in her sleep.

“A slumber party! Sounds lovely,” Alastor teased, already tucking Niffty in as she gripped onto him sleepily. “Sleep tight, pudding, don’t let the bedbugs bite,” Alastor told her, pressing a small kiss on the top of her head. Vox almost melted at the sight.

“That’s actually adorable,” Vox whispered.

“Shut up,” Alastor whispered back, looking a little proud of himself. Vox pretended to zip his mouth shut and threw away the key. Alastor smiled softly and Vox was sure it was the most real smile Alastor ever gave him.

Morning came slowly, Vox waited for his system to boot up before he noticed Alastor was still there, Niffty curled up in his arms. He looked so peaceful, a sweet smile painted on his lips. Vox carefully brushed some hair out of his face but Alastor grabbed his wrist instinctively, not even opening his eyes. Vox chuckled softly and tried to move his hand but Alastor just held onto it, seemingly still sleeping.

Niffty stirred awake, blinking a few times before looking at Vox with a half cute, half creepy smile. “Good morning, bad boy,” she beamed.

“Good morning, dear,” Vox smiled, getting pins and needles from holding his arm out for so long.

Alastor opened his eyes as well as showing off his teeth in his signature smile and released Vox’s wrist. “Good morning, Niffty. Good morning, Vox, sleep well, darling?” Alastor questioned.

“Yes, you?” Vox asked in response.

“Very well, thank you,” Alastor said, sitting up.

Vox also sat up, grabbing his microfiber cloth and screen cleaner from the bedside table before Niffty climbed into his lap and snatched them out of his hands.

“I can do that,” She announced and started spraying a copious amount of screen cleaner on Vox’s face, he managed to close his mouth just in time.

He heard Alastor giggling as he got up to change into his day clothes.

“Thank you, Niffty,” Vox said as she finished cleaning aggressively. She fixed his antennas before jumping off.

“You’re welcome!” Niffty exclaimed, waving and running off.

“A darling, isn’t she?” Vox remarked, wiping the remaining liquid off his screen.

“Yes!” Alastor replied, putting on his bowtie. “You’re making breakfast today,” he added.

“Oh, am I?” Vox asked, grinning as he took off his shark pajamas and put on his suit.

“I remember those ham and cheese croissants you made, it’s a crime to the French but je rêve d'eux toutes les nuits,” Alastor said dreamily.

I dream of them every night. Translated from: French..

Vox chuckled, “Alright, c’mon then.”

In the kitchen, Alastor sat on the counter and swung his legs around as Vox fried the ham and cheese croissants – like his mother used to. He adored the smell.

“They’re really that easy to make, hmm?” Alastor asked.

“Yeah, but there’s a secret ingredient,” Vox beamed at him, Alastor raised an eyebrow. “It’s love.”

Alastor burst into laughter and Vox joined him. “I’m joking, it’s honey.”

“Honey?” Alastor questioned, “How curious.”

“Yep, makes it a little sweet. Like someone I know,” Vox winked and Alastor rolled his eyes, smiling regardless.

“What smells so good in here?” A voice suddenly asked from the entrance, Vox and Alastor turned to see Lucifer standing in the doorway.

“Breakfast, your majesty,” Vox replied.

“Breakfast, huh? You can cook, too?” Lucifer questioned, walking over and getting on his tip-toes to peek at what Vox was doing.

“A little bit,” Vox smiled as Alastor rolled his eyes.

“He’s being humble, Vox can cook very well,” Alastor remarked and Vox blushed a little, waving an arm at him.

“Better than you, I hope,” Lucifer said, checking his nails dismissively.

“Har-har.” Alastor folded his arms, putting his ears down.

“He’s joking, dear, you cook much better than me,” Vox assured, taking the croissants off and piling them onto a big plate.

“So what is this? Are you two like a thing now?” Lucifer asked, looking between them.

“To whom it may concern–” Alastor leaned down to look Lucifer in the eye, “I regard Vox as a dear friend.”

“Sounds a little queer to me,” Lucifer replied.

“Who here isn’t?” Vox asked, smiling as he poured orange juice into a jug.

“That’s…a fair point,” Lucifer nodded. “Should I call everyone for breakfast?”

“I’ll do it,” Alastor said, jumping off the counter.

“Uh, I can do it, thanks,” Lucifer replied.

“No, I’m perfectly capable–”

“I offered first–”

Vox sent out a group message for everyone to come downstairs as he handed Alastor the jug of orange juice and a fruit bowl to Lucifer, walking into the dining room as they continued arguing.

“She’s MY daughter and she listens to me when I call her down!”

“Vox is MY friend and I refuse to let you represent his meal!”

“Oh, is he your boyfriend, too?”

“That’s homophobic!”

“I thought you weren’t gay.”

“I’m not!”

“What’s all the commotion?” Charlie asked before laying eyes upon the plate, “Ooo, croissants,” her eyes went big as she rubbed her hands together.

“I heard croissants,” Angel rushed into the room, dragging Husk behind him.

“Shit, I’m down for croissants,” Cherri added, walking in after them.

They all sat down, loud chatter filled the room. It was never this loud at the Vee tower, not in that kind of way. Maybe when Vox and Val argued, or they were watching a movie, but it was never pleasant chatter that made them feel like one big, happy family. Vox never really had a big, happy family – it was arguments after arguments. But even with the bickering happening between Alastor and Lucifer, or Angel and Vaggie, or Cherri and Husk, it still felt nice and safe.

Everyone fell silent when the doorbell rang about ten times. Charlie raised an eyebrow, “Who could that be?”

That’s when Vox’s screen started ringing, a call from Velvette. He instantly dropped the call and hopped up, running towards the door with excitement.

The door swung open to reveal Velvette standing with a hand on her hip. “Oh for fuck’s sake, Vee, finally!” she exclaimed, pushing past a beaming Vox to go inside.

“Velvette! What a pleasant surprise, my dear,” Vox said, smiling like a complete idiot.

“I had to go like ten minutes ago, so let’s make this quick,” Velvette replied, acting like she was annoyed but a small smile painted her lips.

“Oh hi! You’re Vox’s friend, right?” Charlie asked. Everyone was now standing confusedly together in the living room looking at her.

“I’m not just ‘Vox’s friend’, I’m Velvette,” She announced proudly, swishing her hair from one side.

“Angie, I’m gonna fucking die,” Cherri remarked, swooning into Angel’s arms as he chuckled.

“This place is nicer on the inside,” Velvette remarked, “The curtains are ugly and so is the wallpaper, but aside from that, I like it. Vox, introduce me, I don’t have all day.”

“Right! Of course,” Vox said, wrapping an arm around Velvette, “Everyone, this is my colleague and good friend, Velvette. Vee, that’s Princess Charlie, The big man Lucifer, and Vaggie, Charlie’s partner.” Vaggie and Charlie both waved awkwardly while Lucifer raised an eyebrow, “That’s Husk,” Vox waved an arm to Husk, who saluted, Vox leaned in to whisper, “Ex overlord,” Then going back to point to a blushing Cherri, furiously fixing her hair, “That’s Cherri Bomb–”

“Hi,” Cherri smiled, “I love you.”

“I love you too, darling!” Velvette exclaimed in the voice she used with her fans, she blew a kiss and Cherri swooned again.

“Well, you know Angel,” Vox said and Velvette nodded.

“I’ve been meaning to ask, is that a skirt or shorts?” Velvette asked, pointing at Angel’s…bottoms.

“Uh…” Angel stumbled.

“Don’t tell me. Is it a skort? Love it, I used to wear those in school,” Velvette said, “We’re bringing them back,” she remarked as she pulled out her phone to type out ‘BRING BACK SKORTS RIGHT NOW!!!’ to her assistant.

“Who are we talking to?” Niffty asked, appearing over Angel’s head. “A girl. Boring!” She exclaimed, jumping off and running away.

“That’s Niffty,” Vox said.

“I don’t care, introduce me to your new boyfriend,” Velvette expressed, rolling her eyes.

“He’s not my–”

“Alastor! Pleasure to finally meet you, dear, quite a pleasure! Vox says a lot of great things about you,” Alastor beamed, appearing in front of Velvette and reaching his hand out for her to shake.

Velvette smiled proudly, shaking his hand. “I like him,” She told Vox.

“Yeah, so I do,” Vox mumbled under his breath.

“Alright, well I’ll get going then, so much to do, so little time. Especially covering for your arse,” Velvette remarked, waving her hand around. She quickly snapped a selfie before walking towards the door.

“It was nice meeting you!” Charlie exclaimed after her.

Vox quickly followed her and everyone dispersed to their own devices.

“Hey, thank you,” Vox expressed, very genuinely but Velvette rolled her eyes.

“As long as you’re happy. And as cringe as this sounds, I’m proud of you,” Velvette said, avoiding eye contact. Vox smiled softly.

“I love you, dear,” he said, taking her hands and kissing them but she pulled them away, grimacing.

“Ugh, you’ve gotten so fucking soft,” Velvette said annoyedly, folding her arms, “I love you too. But I hope you know you’re dealing with your ex-boytoy, is that clear? If he starts wrecking shit–”

“You give me a call and I’m there in under two minutes, darling,” Vox assured and Velvette smiled before looking around, checking whether anyone was watching and hugged Vox tightly. Before he could hug back, she let go and opened the door.

“Kisses, I’ll see you around!” Velvette exclaimed, waving and slamming the door.

“She’s lovely,” Alastor remarked, appearing suddenly behind Vox, who nearly had a heart attack. He glitched out a little before turning around.

“Yes, yes. She’s…she’s rather spectacular, really,” Vox said, clearing his throat and fixing his bowtie as a means to hide how spooked he was.

The day flew by, endless activities and chattering, Vox shacked up in his room for the evening after dinner to finish some work from home. He couldn’t really get in the zone for work, constantly going back and making changes, getting really annoyed that no one knew what they were doing without him.

Evening,

I hope this email finds you awful. YOU STUPID PIECE OF FUCKING SHIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!! KILL YOURSELF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Regards,
Vox
Voxtek Inc

He groaned and started backspacing. He was nice now. He was trying to be a good person. A good person doesn’t get affected by this kind of thing, a good person is kind and well-mannered. Oh, fuck that.

Slamming the laptop, Vox put his face flat on the table and let out a groan that sounded more like a pained moan. He didn’t miss Valentino, or at least he didn’t want to. He missed the arms around his shoulders, the massages and the nodding and understanding look after he’d rant about someone being a complete and total idiot at work. He missed the kisses leading into handjobs, and the voice assuring him he was the smartest man in all of hell and they’re all low life losers.

But Vox didn’t agree anymore. He was smart, sure, but he had flaws. He was a person, too, just like the rest of them. They had every right to be stupid and Vox wasn’t that much better than them just because he was cunning and manipulative.

There was a knock on his door. “Vox? Do you want to join us for a late night poetry reading?” Charlie asked from outside.

“I’d love to, dear, but I have so much work,” Vox said, looking back at his closed laptop.

“May I come in?” Charlie questioned happily.

“Uh, alright,” Vox replied, quickly opening his laptop and pretending to check the stocks.

Charlie came in and looked at the laptop before sitting down at the foot of Vox’s bed and kicking her feet.

“Did you need something, dear?”

“No, I just thought you could use the company,” Charlie smiled sweetly. Vox couldn’t help but also crack a smile at her kindness.

“Oh, don’t miss your late night poetry reading for me failing to draft emails,” Vox said, waving a hand around.

“I can leave if you really like buuuut…I think you’ve got a lot on your mind other than boring emails,” Charlie expressed, trying to put it delicately, “And I don’t mean to pry! It’s just that the situation with your…colleagues seems to be…challenging right now. That probably doesn’t help with work.”

Vox’s expression slightly shifted and he stayed quiet.

“I know that if I get involved it’ll all be worse,” Charlie chuckled nervously, rubbing the back of her neck, “But if you need someone to talk to, I’m here.”

“I appreciate that.”

The room fell silent and neither of them moved, just looking at each other, waiting for the other to speak. Charlie didn’t seem to be able to take it anymore.

“AreyoudatingAlastor?” She spat out, gasping for breath as if she’d been holding it. “I’m so sorry! That is SO inappropriate, it’s just–”

“No, I’m not dating Alastor,” Vox chuckled, getting out of his seat to sit next to Charlie on the bed. “I hope he agrees with me when I say we’re more than friends. But not lovers. Something beyond that.

“I’ve always felt a special way towards Alastor…as if I’d known him my whole mortal life, which I hadn’t. I don’t know if it was always romantic…I think I just like spending time with him. Regardless of anything. Time seems to stop when I’m with him.” Vox’s smile persisted, just thinking about the man and their current relationship got him so giddy.

“Oh my gosh, that’s beautiful,” Charlie expressed, tears in her eyes. “Vox…this might sound awful and I know but…do you…do you think he’s a good person? Somewhere deep down there? Because…I can usually see that kind of thing…but…it’s weird with him.”

“No.” Vox replied simply.

“Oh…”

“He loves to torture people, he loves taking souls and making deals. He loves murder and cannibalism and he’s…fucked up, Princess. He has this…weird moral code that I still haven’t gotten down exactly, I have like ten Voxword documents about it,” Vox explained, shrugging, “You can’t really say that anyone down here is ‘good deep down’, everyone’s a little fucked up. Alastor might not be a good person, but I still love him and I think you do, too.”

“Yeah. I do,” Charlie smiled softly, “What made you want to change?”

“I was miserable. Some people like being bad. But…I think I was just angry at the world,” Vox sighed, “I don’t want this anymore.”

“Being an overlord?” Charlie asked, a little confused.

“I don’t know, maybe. But…what if I give everything up and then regret it? I worked so hard…I tried so hard…and…” Vox struggled to come up with the sentence. He tried not to think about Valentino.

The late nights spent whispering about the things they’d do as the most powerful overlords in hell, giggling like schoolgirls at a sleepover. The things Vox pretended to like so Valentino would praise him, kiss him sweet and tell him he loved him. The soft sorries Valentino wouldn’t say but mean when fixing his screen after an argument.

“Hey,” Charlie said softly, placing a hand on his arm, “It’s a big decision. And it might be scary…but maybe someday you’ll look back and think that you wouldn’t change a thing because you wouldn’t have gotten there without making that decision.”

Vox placed his hand on top of Charlie’s. “Thank you. I can see why Alastor respects you so much. You are…a truly remarkable person.”

“Oh…stop it,” Charlie said, instantly getting flustered and trying to hide it.

Alastor materialized suddenly behind Charlie, “Where have you two gone? We’ve been waiting, Husker says he’s been getting back into poetry!”

Charlie gasped and put a hand on her heart. “Jeez, Alastor! Stop sneaking up like that!”

“Apologies,” Alastor grinned. “Vox, didn’t you have a poetry phase at some point?”

“Go fuck yourself.”

“Awh, he used to have such a way with words. The great ones always peak too early,” Alastor sighed, pretending to actually be upset, a hand on his heart. Vox rolled his eyes and stood up, helping Charlie up as well.

Upon coming down the stairs, Charlie, Vox and Alastor were greeted with the image of Husk stumbling over a poem.

“They say uh…what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas but I guess we’ll see where the night takes us.”

“WOOO! YES BABY!” Angel screamed, throwing two pairs of arms into the air, nearly hitting Cherri in the face. Everyone else half heartedly clapped as Angel whooped and cheered.

“I can’t believe we missed this,” Vox said, disappointed, sitting next to Angel.

“Do another one!” Angel yelled, like a drunk heckler at a comedy club.

“I don’t have another one,” Husk said, putting a piece of paper he was reading off of in his pocket.

“Noooo,” Angel complained, folding his arms.

“You know, I used to dabble in poetry,” Lucifer remarked, checking his nails.

“You dabble in many things, do any of them stick?” Alastor questioned, shit-eating grin on his face.

“I’ll have you know that–well…you know what? I have seduced many women with my poetry, how many women have you seduced, huh?” Lucifer remarked sassily.

“My charms work more on televisions,” Alastor replied simply and Vox rolled his eyes.

“You have never seduced me with poetry,” Vox retorted, “I wish,” he added quietly.

“I am more in tune with the art of music,” Alastor remarked, “How about a dance break?”

With the snap of Alastor’s fingers, a big radio appeared on the stage and started playing a jazz song he used to dance to with Vox. Everyone’s outfits turned old fashioned, Charlie’s outfit looked remarkably similar to how Vox’s mother used to dress back in the day. Vox himself adorned a cyan three piece and a bowler hat that squished his antennas uncomfortably.

“C’mon, baby, let’s show these flat tires how to party!” Alastor exclaimed, grabbing Vox’s hand and spinning him around until he landed into their old position.

Boring person. Translated from: old people slang.

Vox smiled so wide it hurt as he danced with Alastor, pulling out his best moves as his body moved naturally to the beat.

Angel was the first to drag Husk out to dance, then Charlie joined in with Vaggie, Cherri started head banging and Lucifer joined begrudgingly as Niffty begged him to dance with her. Hell, even Fat Nuggets appeared to oink along to the song.

As biased as Vox may have been, he thought he and Alastor were definitely the best at this. But not because they had rehearsed many times, or that they were better dancers, though both of those were true – no, it was their passion for the music and the way they knew each curve and every next move of the other without even thinking about it.

“How about something a little more modern?” Vox asked when the song came to a close, Alastor still had his hand on Vox’s waist.

With a spark of electricity, the radio turned into a big blue retro speaker – similar to the one Vox had in his apartment when he was alive. Their outfits turned to those of the 50s, big puffy dresses, leather jackets and oversized blazers, Alastor’s hair swished back and his red suit adored with checkers, a white shirt under the overcoat.

“This one’s for you, Angel!” Vox exclaimed as ‘Mambo Italiano’ by Dean Martin started playing, Angel started laughing before everyone broke into dance again.

Alastor shook his head disapprovingly, “C’mon, baby, don’t be a square!” Vox beamed, taking him by the waist and placing Alastor’s hand on his shoulder.

Vox led the dance as Alastor tried to follow, pretending like he didn’t like it one bit. “Spread your legs,” Vox said.

“Excuse me?” Alastor asked incredulously. Hesitantly, Alastor took a wide stance and Vox slid under his legs before sliding back up and Alastor laughed, continuing to dance before the song ended far too soon.

Everyone cheered and laughed as Vox turned them back to normal, taking a little bow.

The night soon came to an end and everyone bid their goodbyes, Alastor said that Husk and Angel looked rather ‘devious’ (his words) and decided that he and Vox were going to spend the night in his swamp.

“I must say, rock and roll isn’t all that bad,” Alastor remarked as they entered his room.

“It’s pronounced rock’n’roll, dear,” Vox corrected with a smile, Alastor shoved him playfully.

“And you look nice in a leather jacket,” Alastor added, Vox couldn’t help the pixilated blush that appeared on his face, “But you look better in that suit, you must wear more of those. This sweater is…well…” Alastor ran a finger down Vox’s sweater, he’d taken his overcoat off and rolled up his sleeves since it was getting hot.

“Oh, shut up,” Vox rolled his eyes.

“I’m absolutely filthy, I’m going to go take a bath. Don’t try to find me,” Alastor warned, poking Vox’s screen.

“Damn, my evil plan is foiled,” Vox groaned sarcastically.

Alastor scoffed fondly before taking a bathrobe from a rack and heading into the swamp.

Scrolling on his phone got boring quickly and Vox decided to snoop a little. He couldn’t help it, he was a weak, weak man. He found old books, some shopping lists, a few letters from Rosie and a telephone book but nothing interesting. Just when Vox decided it was enough, he noticed a small drawer that had a key lock.

None of the other drawers did, so naturally, Vox got curious. He stuck a finger inside and zapped the keyhole but it didn’t open. Sighing, Vox tried looking for a key or anything that could open it. He found a small hair clip, which – if it was Alastor’s – was adorable. He fiddled with the lock until it clicked and he opened the drawer.

Inside, were contracts upon contracts, souls and such. He picked through them carefully until he reached the bottom, which had a file labeled ‘VOX’. He smirked to himself, buzzing with excitement and grabbed it.

Paperclipped to the front page was the picture Vox and Alastor had taken so many years ago. It wasn’t the same one Vox had ripped, this one was in pristine condition, kept safe for over six decades. Vox looked at himself and felt a little sorry for ripping that part of himself up and burning it.

Then Vox looked inside the file, which had dozens and dozens of letters addressed to Alastor that Vox had mostly forgotten he’d even written. Some of them were stupid, something that could have been a text message, but Alastor didn’t ever get a cell phone. At the top of the file was the most recent one, from a month ago.

Dear Alastor,

How does it feel to be a complete and utter sore loser? You ran away, like you always do. You’re a miserable waste of space and I hope that wound gets to you, motherfucker. I hope you die slowly and alone because that’s what you deserve. I hate you. I hate you so much. After what you did to me, you just ran off for seven years and now you’re back, fighting with Princess Morningstar like a fucking hero when I know you. I know what you did. I know what kind of monster you are, Alastor, and you deserve none of the good in this godforsaken place. I know you’re just using her to strike up a deal because that’s all you can do. You hate people. You are incapable of love.

When you die, I’ll be there to watch and laugh. So have fun knowing that Angel Dust will come crawling back to us after your project fails because everything you do is outdated and stupid and I hate you. Fucking asshole. Die. You left me for seven years and you think you can just come back like that? Well, fuck you. Because we have everything now. You are as old and useless as a FUCKING DINOSAUR SHIT! I bet you’re not even sorry for leaving. I bet you didn’t even think about me. Well I thought about you every night for those seven years. Fuck you. Where the fuck did you even go?! Why didn’t you call at least once?! Why didn’t you tell me that you weren’t dead?! Fuck you. Fuck YOU!!! FUCK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!

I hope you die.

Sincerely,

Vox.

Vox groaned upon putting the letter down. He didn’t know he’d look back on a month ago and cringe so hard, but here he was. Vox liked to think he changed but that wasn’t true, not really, he was the same man a month ago as he was now – he just started doing what he actually wanted to do.

He flipped through a bunch more letters, each of them saved and not one wrinkle on the paper, some of it so aged that the paper was yellow.

Dear Al,

I haven’t seen you in a while, old chap! Hope to catch up soon, call me on the telephone, I didn’t change the number.

Yours,

Vox

Vox’s eyes stung with tears when he saw that. He missed his old self sometimes, and wished he hadn’t been so harsh on himself. And he loved Alastor for saving those pieces of him, each and every letter, regardless of how horrible or inconsequential it was.

Vox put the letters down and carefully closed the file, putting it back into the box. He closed the drawer, unable to lock it but hoped Alastor wouldn’t notice.

“I’m back! It was a very relaxing bath, thank you for asking,” Alastor expressed upon his return, wearing his full nightgown with a little night cap. Vox gave him a wobbly smile. “You’re not ready for bed at all, I’m not letting you sleep in my swamp like that,” Alastor said, folding his arms.

“I’m so sorry,” Vox rolled his eyes, trying to be sarcastic but smiling like an idiot. He snapped his fingers and transformed into his shark PJs. “Better?”

“Much. I’ve grown quite partial to those sharks, do you think they’d taste good?” Alastor questioned, linking arms with Vox and walking with him into the swamp.

“Don’t say that,” Vox pouted.

“No, no, I’m only kidding, sweetheart,” Alastor replied, chuckling darkly. They laid down on a few blankets set out under a tree, looking up at the stars.

“Good night, my dear.”

“Good night, Al.”

Chapter Text

It was right after breakfast when Vaggie turned on the news and Katie Killjoy flashed on screen:

“I’m sure many have been curious about the sudden disappearance of hell’s favorite television, Mr Vox of Voxtek.” A picture of Vox appeared on screen and he furrowed his eyebrows, sitting down with Vaggie and Charlie on the couch. Alastor teleported to a loveseat and Angel leaned on the back of the couch to watch.

“Apparently he’s been shacking up in the Hazbin Hotel with Princess Morningstar,” Tom Trench added and Vox narrowed his eyes, wondering what the punchline was going to be to all of this.

“Not only that, but it’s a wild coincidence that famous pornstar Angel Dust retired just a week before Vox was first spotted at the motel–” A paparazzi picture of Vox entering the hotel appeared on screen before Tom interrupted Katie.

“It’s a hotel, Katie–”

“No one gives a fuck, Tom,” Katie snapped at him, her neck breaking, Vox flinched in disgust. “Do we have a celebrity scandal on our hands? I wonder what Valentino thinks about his ex best star fucking his colleague,” She smiled wide at the screen and everyone stopped in their tracks. Vox’s claws sank into the couch.

“I must say, I’m a little jealous Angel Dust chose that TV Star,” Tom added and Katie pushed him off his chair before Vox exploded the TV and everyone else flinched except for Alastor.

Vox stared at the burning remains of the TV with rage.

“...Shit,” Angel remarked, “What do we do now?”

“Heh, if I wasn’t such a zen and peaceful man now, Angel, I would go to that TV station and burn it to the fucking ground–” Vox started, tearing further into the couch, he started short circuiting before taking a deep breath.

“This is awful! Is there anything I can do to help?” Charlie chimed in.

“Lock the windows and the doors, close the curtains and don’t speak to any reporters. I’m going to go and make a few phone calls,” Vox announced, pretending to be calm as he stood up and fixed his bowtie.

“Wait, they’re going to come here?” Vaggie questioned.

“It’ll die down after a week, max. Don’t freak out, everyone,” Vox said, waving his arms to everyone.

“It kinda looks like you’re freaking out,” Vaggie replied.

“I AM CALM!” Vox yelled, sparks flying all around him.

“Hey, hey, it’ll be fine, right? It’s just a rumor,” Angel remarked, placing his hands on his hips, he looked a little worried but still kept smiling. “Good thing it’s not true, right?”

“Of course,” Vox beamed back before teleporting into the wires and reappearing in his room, screaming so loud everyone in the hotel heard him.

It wasn’t the reporters he was concerned about, it was Valentino. The moment he found out, he would show up at the hotel and who knows what he would do. It didn’t help that Vox had been lying to him for the past month and a half.

He opened his phone and dialed Peppermint, his hands shaking from rage.

It wasn’t fair, really, because the moment that Vox decided to actually be a better person and didn’t do anything bad was when shit would hit the fan the hardest.

“Morning, sir, did you hear the news?”

“Yes. Peppermint, I’m going to need you to make a statement for me. I, Vox of Voxtek, am not in any kind of entanglement with Angel Dust of The Hazbin Hotel nor was I ever in a relationship with him. Are you writing this down?” Vox asked urgently.

“Yes, sir!” Peppermint exclaimed from the other end, scrambling to write it down.

“I now reside in the Hazbin Hotel permanently as a guest. And…” Vox’s chest tightened as he thought of what he was going to say next.

Who was going to believe that a powerful overlord like him was just staying at the hotel to be better? Alastor could do whatever the fuck he wanted, he was a complete mystery to the public and every single rumor bounced off of him like water off a duck’s back. Vox, however, had made an image of himself wherein every sinner must trust him and trust that everything he does must have an explanation, he had to be trustworthy to keep his image.

For years, Vox believed that Alastor was the one who was free as a bird. That wasn’t true, he knew that now. Alastor didn’t have his soul. He couldn’t do anything he wanted. Vox, as terrified as he was, knew that he was free to leave whenever he wanted. Sure, perhaps not free from consequence, but free nonetheless.

“I’m resigning from the Vees and Voxtek as a whole, I’ll be signing the rights over to Velvette. And all the souls I own will be set free.”

“What?” Peppermint asked, the scribbling of notes not heard on the other line.

“Peppermint, I know I haven’t said this nearly enough but…thank you. For being so loyal to the company for…however long you’ve worked there. I’ll write you any references you need for another job. You were really good at your job. Thanks for dealing…with my shit for so long,” Vox told him genuinely. There was silence. “Peppermint?”

“Yes…I…You…Sir, I…That’s the nicest thing you’ve ever said to me,” Peppermint replied, sounding a little choked up.

“Oh, don’t be like that, you’ll make me emotional,” Vox rolled his eyes, “Have a good afterlife, Peppermint.”

“I hope you…get that redemption, sir. But you really were an asshole before,” Peppermint remarked before worriedly adding, “Am I allowed to say that?”

Vox laughed and sat down on his bed. “Yes, I deserve that.”

“I’ll go make that statement right away, sir. Goodbye.”

“Goodbye.”

Vox hung up and took a shaky breath. This really was a new chapter of his life. He never thought he’d actually have the balls to do that, but he did. And oddly enough, he was happy about it. He called Velvette next. She picked up instantly.

“Vox–”

“Vee, hey, listen. I’m resigning from the Vees and giving you the rights to Voxtek,” Vox told her, expecting some kind of excited reaction but instead he got:

“WHAT THE FUCK?!”

“I know it’s sudden, but–”

“Wow, okay, Jesus fucking Christ. We can talk about this later but I needed to let you know that…Val saw what was on the news and he’s on his way to the hotel. I tried to stop him, Vee, I really–”

“When did he leave?” Vox asked urgently.

“Like…two minutes ago?” Velvette said, unsure and a little worried.

“Right. Right, okay. Remember me, Vel. I love you.”

“You’re so fucking dramatic–”

Vox hung up and teleported back into the living room next to Niffty, who was killing bugs while everyone was closing the curtains and boarding up holes in the walls. “Guys, we have a small probl–”

Before Vox got to finish, a gunshot was heard from outside and Angel’s eyes widened. “DUCK!” Vox yelled, grabbing Niffty and teleporting behind the couch, Husk, Angel and Cherri jumped behind the bar, Vaggie dragged Charlie into the hallway and Alastor teleported next to Vox.

Everyone took cover except Lucifer. “Where?” He asked excitedly. Another gunshot sounded and a bullet shot through the wall, Lucifer managed to dodge it by a quarter of an inch. “Not that kind of duck,” He said disappointedly when the door swung open and Valentino walked inside, four guns pointed in every direction.

“Where the fuck is he?” He asked dangerously.

“Who is this overgrown weed? Put the guns down, man,” Lucifer said in a dad voice but Valentino shot another bullet in his direction, “Do you know who I am?” Lucifer asked before Vox took a breath and teleported in front of him, pushing him to the side where Charlie grabbed him and pulled him into her hiding spot.

“Val.”

“You. Fucking. SLUT!”

“Hey, I didn’t fuck Angel, okay? Let’s be civil about this–” Vox tried to reason but Val walked forward and grabbed his collar, lifting him up in the air, choking him. “Val, I didn’t–I know I lied, okay? And I’m sorry–”

“Do you have any fucking idea what I’m going to do to you and that ungrateful cum dump?” Val asked, his voice echoing around the hotel, magenta spit dripping from his lips, flying in every direction. Vox tried his best to avoid it, holding onto Val’s wrist to not choke.

“He didn’t do anything wrong, it’s all me, Val, please, let’s go home and talk about–”

“HOME?! YOU HAVEN’T BEEN HOME IN WEEKS BUT NOW YOU WANT TO GO HOME?!” Val screamed, Vox shook his head, trying his best to reason with the maniac.

Vox wasn’t ever terrified of Val the way he was now – he never had a reason to be. They fought a lot but it was always a match in power but right now, Vox felt completely helpless. He kind of hoped in his heart of hearts that Val still had enough reason in him not to mess with him or the hotel, he knew that Valentino always hurt Angel way more than he could ever hurt Vox and right now, he was desperate to protect him. But he was afraid it could be the last thing he ever did.

“Let him go!” Charlie exclaimed from behind Vox.

“Charlie, let me handle this–”

“Aww, you found friends, Voxy?” Val asked, bringing Vox closer to his face, his eyes burning red into Vox’s. “That’s adorable.” He said before throwing Vox against the wall, Vox felt the wall cracking behind him and the back of his head hitting it so hard he shut down for a second before slumping to the ground.

“Vox!” Charlie exclaimed.

Vox tried to get up but Val kicked a heel right into his screen, shattering it. Yelling out in pain, Vox short circuited as Charlie ran to his aid and Valentino walked away. Alastor emerged next to Vox, helping him up with Charlie. Vox couldn’t see out of one eye, leaning on Alastor, slipping in and out consciousness – trying hard to keep his eye on Val, who stalked into the middle of the room.

“Angel, come out, come out, wherever you are, baby, because if I find you–”

“Angel, don’t!” Husk tried to stop Angel from climbing out from behind the bar, pointing a pink phallic object at Val, which Vox recognised as the gun he gifted him.

“Hahaha, what’s this? A peace offering?” Val laughed coldly.

“Funny. It’s a gun, bitch, so if you wanna taste angelic bullets then take a step, I fucking dare you,” Angel challenged, his hand shaking as he pointed the gun between Val’s eyes.

“Angelic bullets? Really? You’re bluffing, baby, you’re ugly when you lie,” Val replied, his voice laced with sweet poison.

“I don’t give a shit, Valentino. Get the fuck out. Now.”

“You think just because you fucked my man that now you’re tough shit? I know you, Angel, you don’t have the balls to kill me,” Valentino said, stepping closer, Angel stepped back, backing into the bar.

Vox, Charlie and Alastor watched, frozen in place – Vox noticed Niffty standing a few feet behind Valentino, watching everything go down like a TV show.

“You should know by now I have balls, or are you too blind to see ‘em?” Angel smirked, finger on the trigger, his hand becoming steady.

Valentino laughed, cold, and took a drag of his cigarette, the smoke wafting through the air until it reached Angel, the smoke formed into a hand and wrapped around Angel’s throat. Angel’s eyes shimmered with tears, his hand started shaking and Vox saw his finger slipping on the trigger – he was about to pull it.

Vox pulled himself out of Alastor and Charlie’s grasp and fell to the ground, to weak to stand on his own but shot out a bolt of electricity that wrapped around Val’s neck and dragged him to the ground, out of the way right in time for Angel’s bullet flying past, hitting the wall.

Angel exhaled a breath of relief as Husk climbed out from behind the bar and stood in front of him protectively. Vox knew Angel had every reason to want Valentino dead, but he didn’t want to kill him. Vox sent hard shocks through Valentino’s body, he convulsed on the ground, laughing maniacally.

“Is that all you got, really?” Valentino chuckled when Vox slumped down, too weak to keep shocking him, “You never did last long.”

“L-Let me-me G-GO!” Vox screamed, glitching out as Valentino started getting back on his feet. “If y-you ever really lo-lo-loved me, you’d g-get th-the fuck OUT! I-I want t-t-to be a be-better person! I’m t-trying and y-you…I-I h-had to l-l-lie! I-if y-you lo-love me, l-let m-me go.” Vox pleaded, feeling completely defeated as he tried to get up but failed.

Maybe it was the love that Vox still had for him, lingering in the back of his mind, making him unable to muster the strength to kill Valentino for good. Just like Alastor couldn’t kill Vox seven years ago. He wanted Valentino to find some heart, if any, to let him be. But it wasn’t Valentino’s style.

“If I ever loved you?” Valentino laughed, “I loved you more than anyone ever loved you in your sad, sorry, pathetic little life, Vox!” he screamed, limping towards Vox, grabbing his screen and forcing eye contact.

The image was blurry, Vox could make out the glimmering gold tooth, the fiery eyes glaring into his and the pure rage Val had never shown to Vox directly before. God, how could he have ever been jealous of Angel? Is this what Vox wanted back then?

“I’d respectfully disagree,” Alastor remarked from behind Vox. “We never did finish that fight, did we, Valentino?” He added before a tentacle wrapped around Val’s body and threw him against the wall. Niffty clapped as she watched him slumping to the ground and opening up his wings. Vox collapsed and Charlie rushed to him.

“Ooh, tentacles. Kinky, Radio Demon, I’ll hand it to you,” Valentino remarked, “I made a porno about this once, right, Angel?”

“Can we focus on the task at hand?” Alastor asked, grabbing Valentino again and throwing him against the stairs, that seemed to take the wind out of him. “Killing you here would be rather merciful, therefore I’m going to politely ask you to leave. And if you ever terrorize Vox or any of our residents again, I will take your soul and broadcast your screams for all of hell to hear.”

“Again, sounds kinky,” Valentino laughed, crawling away from the tentacles before they caught him again and brought him up face-to-face with Alastor.

“Oh, trust me,” Alastor’s eyes went dark and his teeth sharpened, “It’ll be far more than ‘kinky’, and sinners will be talking about your death for centuries.” A tentacle wrapped around Val’s throat and started choking him, he laughed before actually choking and coughing up a lung.

Charlie wrapped Vox’s arm around her shoulder and pulled him away from Alastor. Throwing Val to the ground next to the door, Alastor returned to his normal form.

“Don’t ever come back,” Alastor warned.

“Fuck all of you bitches,” Valentino grumbled hoarsely, struggling to get up. He screamed when he noticed Niffty on his shoulder, she snatched a piece of his fur and stuck a needle in its place, Valentino yelped wretchedly, throwing her off. “FUCK ALL OF YOU! I HOPE YOU ALL DIE!” He started crying hysterically before walking through the door into the crowd of reporters outside.

As soon as the door slammed behind Valentino, Angel ran towards Vox, quickly followed by Husk and then everyone else.

“Are you okay? Oh my god, your screen,” Angel assessed the damage, concern filling his eyes.

“I’ll b-be f-f-fine, Angel, th-that was s-s-sick what you-you pu-pulled back the-there,” Vox tried his best to smile, “P-proud of yo-you.”

Angel beamed, tears in his eyes as he pulled Vox into a hug. Charlie quickly joined in. “I’m so proud of you both! Standing up to that mothman like that takes balls, Angel,” She remarked.

Then Alastor appeared beside them and wrapped his arms around everyone, turning it into a massive group hug, which Cherri, Husk and Vaggie joined. Niffty crawled under everyone to climb onto Vox’s shoulders and he laughed. Lucifer stood a little bit away, acting unbothered while checking his nails.

“I guess I have to admit that was pretty cool. That guy totally deserved that so...uh…I guess well done Alastor or whatever,” Lucifer remarked and everyone chuckled before beginning to laugh, everyone joining in, even Lucifer, giggling like idiots at practically nothing.

“Is a-anyone e-else really c-craving a bur-burger?” Vox asked, a huge smile plastered on his cracked screen.

“Let’s get you cleaned up and then burgers all around!” Alastor announced, plucking Vox up and carrying him bridal style.

“M-My kn-knight in shining arm-armor,” Vox chuckled, still glitching as he wrapped his arms around Alastor’s neck.

“Burgers sound like a great idea,” Charlie beamed.

Alastor patched Vox up, soft and nurturing, caring about him silently, his sweet touching almost healing Vox right away. They then made their way to the kitchen, where Vox sat on the counter while Alastor and Lucifer fought over who was going to make the burgers – Lucifer arguing that he knew more about them since he used make really good ones back in the day for Charlie, who was dragged into the argument and told them that maybe they could make the burgers together, which led into an argument about who was the chef and sous chef.

Angel sat on the counter with Vox, making fun of Valentino together as Husk and Cherri made drinks at the bar, their loud arguing carrying over into the kitchen. Niffty was stitching some kind of cloak with the fur she managed to snatch off of Valentino. Vaggie was forced to be an assistant to Lucifer and Alastor, grabbing things from the fridge and such, Charlie helped her.

Vox excused himself to call Velvette before the burgers were ready. He plugged himself into his phone and video called her.

“Hi, darling. Oh, god, he really fucked you up didn’t he? Don’t worry, he’s way more fucked up, babe, the idiot is crying in his tower,” Velvette assured.

“Haha, don’t worry, Vel. How are you dear?” Vox questioned, looking at her fondly. She looked dolled up, probably doing a bunch of interviews for the press. She was beautiful.

“I’m good,” Velvette beamed, “I’m getting a lot of attention. So what’s this about you signing Voxtek off to me?”

“Don’t get cocky now,” Vox chuckled, “But yes, I trust you’ll manage it well?”

“Duh!” Velvette exclaimed, “But what are you gonna be doing now? Getting redeemed?”

“I don’t know. I think I want to cook more, listen to jazz. Retirement, you know how it is,” Vox expressed offhandedly.

“Oh wow the Radio Demon really did whip you into shape, huh,” Velvette teased, Vox rolled his eyes playfully.

“I really love him, Vel.”

“I’m happy for you.”

It was genuine, meaningful. Velvette wasn’t a good person by any means, she didn’t like people thinking she was, she was pissy and angry and mean but when she cared about someone like she cared about Vox, she was the sweetest angel. Of course, Vox wouldn’t call her that to her face but he thought it every time they spoke.

Vox didn’t need Velvette to join the hotel, he was happy that she was glad to take on his role in the company. He knew she could do it if she put her mind to it, and keep Valentino in line. Vox was grateful to have her.

“Burgers are ready, darling!” Alastor exclaimed from the dining room.

“Well, gotta go. Duty calls,” Vox told Velvette.

“Kisses, babe, love you,” Velvette blew kisses into the screen.

“I love you too,” Vox smiled.

He hung up and headed into the dining room, pulling his sleeves up and rubbing his hands together. “This is a whole feast!” He exclaimed, sitting next to Alastor.

“A thank you to the chef?” Alastor grinned.

“Thank you, Lucifer,” Vox beamed, nodding his head at Lucifer, Alastor folded his arms angrily.

“Ha! That’s right, bitch!” Lucifer yelled, pointing a finger at Alastor.

Vox leaned in and whispered into Alastor’s ear, “And thank you too, dear.” He took Alastor’s hand as the demon smiled proudly.

“Husker, can we keep the mother bird feeding to a minimum at the dinner table, please?” Alastor scolded, wagging a finger at Husk, who was feeding Angel a burger.

“Big talk for someone who’s basically in Vox’s lap–”

“Husker!” Alastor exclaimed, clearly somewhat embarrassed.

“He has a point,” Cherri shrugged before taking a big bite of her burger.

“Aww you two finally agree on something!” Charlie exclaimed, looking between Cherri and Husk with big eyes and a goofy smile.

“No, we–” Cherri and Husk both started defending themselves at the same time before glaring at each other.

“Ladies, ladies, please, ya both pretty,” Angel said, wrapping an arm around both of them and they smiled at him.

“Bad boy, look! I’m a bad boy too!” Niffty giggled, pulling on Vox’s sweater, he looked at her, a tiny replica of Val’s coat on her shoulders.

“Oh, wow! You’re gonna take my place, missy!” Vox exclaimed, lifting her up to show her off to everyone else.

“Aww, that’s fucked, Niff,” Angel cooed.

“Jesus Christ,” Husk huffed, shaking his head with a slight smile.

“Uh…that’s very creative of you, Niffty,” Charlie smiled awkwardly.

Niffty looked at Alastor for approval and he nodded with a wink. Vox put her down on the ground and she scurried off as Vox picked up a burger and bit into it. It was probably the most delicious burger he’d ever had, juicy and perfectly cooked, the buns were toasted to a slight crisp, soft in the middle.

“Mmmgrrmmhhmm, I’m gonna cum,” Vox remarked through a mouthful.

“Not at the dinner table, please, dearest,” Alastor replied, patting Vox on the back.

“These burgers are great, dad,” Charlie beamed.

“Thank you!” Lucifer and Alastor answered at the same time, glaring at each other the moment they did. Everyone else started snickering.

“And Alastor,” Charlie added, red in the face.

“Can I call you daddy too?” Vox asked cheekily, Alastor’s eyes widened.

“Poor thing! You must be suffering from a brain injury, I’m your good friend, not your father, darling,” Alastor expressed, feigning worry as he wrapped an arm around Vox’s shoulders and stroked his head.

Angel was dying of laughter as he ate his fries, everyone else was containing smirks and giggles.

“Vox, is it true that you’re leaving the Vees?” Cherri questioned, raising an eyebrow.

“You’re leaving the Vees?!” Angel exclaimed.

“Who are the Vees?” Niffty questioned from a corner.

“Yeah, I am. I’m going to be a nobody now,” Vox smiled proudly.

“Welcome the club,” Husk remarked with a grin.

“Thanks,” Vox said, taking another bite of his burger. Alastor placed a hand on his knee, squeezing reassuringly and every worry Vox may have had melted away.

Vox had never felt like he belonged. He was always jealous of those who did. But now, he truly belonged with these people who accepted him as he was and made him a better person than he ever thought he could be. And if that wasn’t something to be jealous of, he didn’t know what was.