Work Text:
Love is one of the strangest emotions to exist, some use words to express their love for those closest to them and some use actions to express themselves. No two people express their love the same way. Being married meant that there was a different type of language, one that they had created. Alastor's love language was spending time with those he loved and cared for, for Max it was cooking and spending hours creating dishes that people would enjoy. Alastor had a love for cooking that came from his mother and one that he shared with Max, Alastor loved to share his mother’s recipes with Max. He enjoyed twirling his husband around the kitchen as they waited for the food to cook. Max knew how to read Alastor’s mood, when touch was too much for him and when he needed time for himself. Even now after seventy years of marriage Alastor still found it difficult to share his space with another.
Their courtship had been chaotic, thrilling and bloody. No shifter worth their salt would court or mate someone weaker than them, most shifters would kill dozens of potential partners before they would settle. Most shifters wouldn't even consider a potential mate unless they were able to draw blood from them.
Max was no different.
He was picky about who he let into his life and while it was true that he had been married before. That relationship had ended in blood and death. There had been a couple of lovers here and there throughout the years, but nothing permanent. He had been hiding in Hell for close to seven centuries, for five hundred years he had terrorised the streets of Hell and those that preyed on the weaker demons. After a while it had gotten boring, travelling from Ring to Ring and sending demons running with fear. He settled down in the Pride Ring and opened a tailor shop; he had gotten customers from all walks of life. He was known for his quality and not overcharging, to his workers he was fair and he wasn't afraid to stand up for himself and those under his protection.
Then Alastor had come barrelling into his life with the force and devastation of an earthquake, Max had taken offence to it. So he had stabbed Alastor, Alastor had then gutted him and tried to get him to make a deal. His life in exchange for being in Alastor’s service. Max had laughed until he had passed out. At the time he hadn't thought much about it, but then Alastor had appeared everywhere. If he went shopping?
Alastor was there if he went for a walk in the park?
Alastor just happened to turn up.
Over and over it happened, then Alastor finally made a move and kidnapped him.
It had been hilarious as it was concerning.
The drugs that Alastor had used on him had been potent, potent enough that it had taken him several days to regain consciousness. He had awoken in a bedroom with a thick green chain around his ankle. Alastor had entered the room like a cat that had gotten the cream and the canary, Alastor had stood there and watched as he tried to remove the chain only to fail. Alastor had then made the mistake of getting too close, he had sunk his fangs into Alastor when he had attempted to touch him. Alastor had been thrilled. Alastor had cooed at him and patted him on the head. It had made the beast inside of him snarl and hiss, Alastor had placed a tray of food down and left the room.
Alastor had declared that he would be a wonderful spouse and Alastor intended to court him. At the time he didn't know whether to be amused or horrified.
Max had tried to escape and more than once he had managed to snap the green chain that bound him and more than once he and Alastor had fought. Alastor had made him bleed more than once. Max wasn't entirely sure when the beast that resided in him began to take notice of Alastor, he wasn't sure when he began to fall for Alastor’s charm. Other than kidnapping him and keeping him chained in his home, Alastor hadn't forced any interactions, if Max didn't want to interact with him then Alastor would respect it. For some unknown reason, Alastor respected his boundaries and that got his attention.
Max was well aware of what sinner demons were capable of, he had seen it.
Eventually, it all came to a head, he had escaped from Alastor’s home. At the time he wrongly assumed that Alastor wouldn't give chase. Alastor had given chase and it had thrilled him, Alastor had been proving himself to be a capable partner, a capable mate. Shortly after that, he had invited Alastor to share his season with him.
Alastor had accepted and the rest as they say is history.
Recently Alastor had decided that he wanted to do a project and that project just so happened to be the hotel that was run by a certain Princess who had dreams of redeeming sinners. It was possible, the first step was remorse for their actions and sadly most sinners didn't regret their actions. Alastor certainly didn't regret what he had done. Killing a hundred and twenty-three people, some of which were the scum of the earth?
No Alastor didn't regret what he had done, but he did regret that he wasn't able to kill more of them.
Alastor would never be redeemed and the deer demon was fine with that, he had made his peace with it and while he did regret that he wouldn't be able to see his mother. Alastor was well aware that if he wanted to see his mother then all he would need to do was tell Max and his husband would bend the uniserve to his wishes and wants. It was a thrilling thing knowing that Max’s body housed such power. Alastor was well aware that his morals were twisted and deformed, that he wasn't what any would call a good man or a decent one. But that was only what he allowed them to see. If they couldn't see past the image that he presented then they didn't deserve to know what lay hidden underneath.
Alastor had no qualms in hiding some of his other traits, the last thing he wanted or needed was for the Vees to find out.
However, Alastor couldn't deny that he was starting to feel fond of those who resided in the hotel and truthfully he wasn't sure if he liked it or not. He and Husk had a friendship, one that had been born from their hatred of the Vees and their antics. Alastor also liked to keep his work life and home life separate, he had made the mistake with Vox once and he had no intention of making it again. Vox had become obsessed with the idea of becoming their third, even after they had told them that they weren't looking for one. Yet Vox had forced the issue on more than one occasion. Cutting Vox out of their lives had been far harder than Alastor had expected, but in the end, it had been a relief when it was finally over. Unfortunately, Vox had become obsessed with them. He had tried all manner of tricks to try and dissuade Vox but with very little success. If anything it seemed to make Vox worse. So Alastor resolved to not give Vox any attention, even during the Overlord meetings. It did very little to deter Vox, but it provided some entertainment for Alastor. Not a lot of entertainment but enough to make the interactions bearable.
Other than Husk and Niffty, no one else at the hotel knew about Max and he had intended to keep it that way.
Alastor tried to ignore the fact that there were songs, plays and books dedicated to him and Max. Honestly, the things that demons came up with, so what if Max had caused a star to go supernova to save him. It wasn’t that romantic. But the citizens of the Pride Ring had lapped it up.
His private life was meant to remain private.
But then Adam targeted the hotel and he had been injured, while he wasn't a sinner demon any more, he was still part infernal being. Which meant that divine magic and powers could still hurt him, not kill him but leave him in a weakened state. He refused to ask Lucifer for help, the last time he had asked for help from someone other than Max, they had tried to use it to bind him into a deal. Thankfully, Max was a paranoid bastard and the deal hadn't been able to form. As interesting as it would have been to have a deal with the Queen of Hell, Alastor had no intention of letting anyone sink their claws into his soul. Well, unless they were called Max.
Alastor knew that despite the vast power difference he was Max’s equal, he was Max’s partner.
While it was true that they had talked about bringing someone else into their relationship, they had yet to do so. It wasn't that they hadn't looked, they had. But those they had looked at had been lacking. That didn't mean that they had fallen out of love with each other, they still loved each other dearly, but Alastor was aware that he wasn't enough for Max. Max was powerful and that had drawbacks, such as buildup and requiring more than one partner. Alastor had time to get used to the idea, Max wasn't human nor was he an angel or a demon. He had a different set of rules and getting upset about wouldn't change a thing. It was far easier to go with the flow and enjoy himself.
Besides Max always gave the most wonderful amounts of entertainment.
The wound on his chest throbbed painfully, it was healing but it was healing slowly and it was causing him a lot of pain. It was painful enough that it would distract him from his duties and the most annoying thing about it, was that he couldn't sneak off to see Max either. During the past few months he hadn't been able to see Max as much as he wanted to, the mating bond that he shared with Max pulsed every day and he could feel Max’s emotions coming from the bond. He wouldn't lie and say that he didn't miss Max, he did. Max was his other half, the opposite side of the same coin.
When -not if- they added a third, he would need to use a different phrase, but for now he was content to use the current one.
The wound on his chest twinged again, it was becoming more and more of a nuisance, all he wanted to do was go home and curl up with Max. No sinister motives, no plotting or murder. Just him and his husband. Perhaps he would be able to sneak away for a few hours.
It was something that he needed to think about.
----
Alastor should have known that his disappearance from the hotel would have been noticed, if not by Husk and Niffty then by Charlie, who for some reason always had something that she needed him to do. Regardless of whether or not he was busy with other jobs. He had spent a wonderful afternoon with Max, the pesky wound on his chest had been healed and they had shared a wonderful meal. He had been in very high spirits when he had returned to the hotel, only to find everyone sitting in the lobby waiting for him. The scowls on their faces didn't mean anything good, idly he wondered what he would be accused of doing this time. He sat down on the settee and waited for someone to start, he didn't have to wait long.
“Soooo, Al, it has come to my attention that you have been skipping out on your duties.” He wanted to snort, skipping on his duties? Really, was that what they were going with?
It was insulting as it was laughable.
Other than Charlie he did the most amount of the work in the hotel, he crossed his legs and leaned further back in the settee, red eyes scanning the room.
“I was unaware that I was not entitled to an afternoon off, and to do something important was against hotel policy. My apologies.” With that, he uncrossed his legs and stood from the settee and left the room, he could hear the sounds of spluttering and Husk’s chuckle.
He made his way to his room and quickly made up his mind, while he had poured a lot of time and energy into the hotel and making sure that it was up to standard, he didn't care what the citizens of hell thought about him. He had spent years cultivating his reputation, but he refused to allow anyone to say anything bad about Max. Regardless of who they were.
He wasn't going to allow anyone to use Max as an excuse, they wanted him gone?
Very well.
He will respect their wishes and leave. They didn't need to make excuses to get rid of him. With a wave of his hand, the swamp began to disappear within a few minutes it was back to normal. He snapped his fingers and his clothing was removed from the wardrobe, within a matter of moments the room was bare of any personal touches. He disappeared in a swirl of shadows, he reappeared in the home that he shared with Max. Max was sleeping on the settee, the radio was playing classical music and there was a book on his chest. A soft smile appeared on his lips as he quietly walked over and removed the book from Max’s chest, he placed it on the coffee table and picked Max up he quickly walked to the bedroom.
A nap with his husband sounded wonderful.
------
Vox had a plan and it was a good one, he was going to woo Alastor and find a way into Alastor’s marriage, he was one of the very few who had even met Max. Valentino and Velvette never had the pleasure of meeting Max, if they did then they would understand why he was so determined to get Alastor onto his side. With Alastor’s ability to control radio waves and Max’s power?
The Pride Ring would be theirs. No one would be able to stand up to them.
He turned up to the hotel with a bouquet of Portulaca he knew that it was one of Max’s favourite flowers and it was one of the very few that grew in Hell. Although it looked nothing like the variant on Earth, it was still something that he could use. When he arrived at the hotel, he was confused. Greatly. To say that it was in disarray was an understatement, Vox looked around, Alastor would never let the hotel get into such a state. Not unless something had happened to him.
“Oi, you. Where’s Alastor?” The grey and white-haired moth demon glared at him, frankly, she wasn't all that scary. Alastor was far scarier when he hadn't had his morning coffee.
“He left.” The snarled response had him pausing, Alastor had left. That wasn't like him, not unless, he let out a sharp hiss. They couldn't have been so stupid. Could they?
The last person who insulted Max ended up in pieces and scattered all over the city, even now. She still hadn't fully regenerated. Vox doubted that she would ever be able to fully regenerate her body. He spotted Husk drinking at the bar and thought about asking Husk if he knew where Alastor had gone. But that wouldn't be a good idea. Husk and Alastor were friends, although how friendly they were he didn't know. He knew that Alastor and Rosie were really good friends and even had an alliance. No one knew where Alastor lived and no one was brave enough to ask, the last demon who had forced the issue ended up appearing on Alastor’s late-night radio show. To say that the screams had been horrendous even by demonic standards was an understatement. Vox never wanted to what such screams ever again.
“Vox.” His eyes drifted to Husk, the other Overlord didn't look happy to see him and that was fine, he wasn't here for the other Overlord.
“They aren’t here, Alastor left about four days ago and no one realised just how much work he did and now they are scrambling.” Vox’s eyes drifted around the room, he wondered why Husk was telling him this. It wasn't as if they were friends and unlike the other Vees, there was no connection between them.
“Look, we both know why you are here, Alastor aint here and neither is Max. So you being here looking for them? It aint going to get you anything, even if he were here. Alastor wouldn't let you within a mile of Max, I aint forgotten what you did and I never will. You go after them? You deal with me.” Husk’s power crackled around them, Vox noticed that the residents of the hotel were staring at them. He held up the bouquet as a peace sign.
“Easy, Husk, I don't have a fight with you.” Husk took a step forward and just as the chimera demon was about to speak there was a knock at the door. Before anyone had a chance to reach the door it opened. Husk’s eyes widened as he looked at the being standing in the doorway leaning heavily on a rose-shaped cane, the green rose glinted under the harsh glare of the lights.
“Can we help you?” Charlie froze as strange glowing eyes moved to her, a sharp burst of angelic energy filled the air. Vaggie and Lucifer bristled as it washed over them.
“Husk.” Husk flinched as those glowing eyes looked at him, he had only seen Max annoyed and irritated a few times. Yet for some reason, Husk got the feeling that this went well beyond the realms of annoyance.
“Vox, I should have known that you would crawl out of whatever hole you have been living in.” The caustic remark had many of them wincing, Husk took a step back. Max wasn't playing games, those glowing eyes swept over them once again.
“Husk, I trust that you are looking after the place.” Husk understood the silent message, Alastor would not be returning and after he left Max wouldn't be either. The hotel had just lost its most fierce protector and Husk wondered if anyone knew just how much Alastor’s reputation protected them. He wasn't going to tell them.
It wasn't his place to, they had already pushed Alastor’s boundaries to the point that he had left. Husk wasn't sure if it was because they had pulled Alastor about taking an afternoon off. Which wasn't even a bad thing, given that he did most of the work. It shocked everyone when they learned just how much work Alastor actually did. Alastor had been doing the work of ten people and no one had thanked him for it, Charlie was floundering, stress filled her frame and even now. She looked stressed.
“I am merely here to pick something up and then I will be on my way.” Max’s green wedding ring glinted in the light as he calmly walked through the hotel ignoring everyone and their attempts to get his attention.
Max couldn't have been gone for more than a few seconds before Alastor turned up, Husk looked at Alastor and noticed the lack of a smile. But more importantly, he noticed his change of clothes, it was very rare that Alastor allowed anyone who wasn’t Max to see him without his famous suit. The turtleneck that Alastor wore gave an air of softness, Altasor was giving off the air of a tired and overworked librarian. Rather than a feared Overlord. His eyes scanned the room before he disappeared in the shadows, he returned less than a minute later with Max thrown over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes.
“You know, if you keep manhandling me like this I will develop yet another kink and it will be all your fault. Much like the other kinks I have ended up with. All thanks to you.” Alastor didn't say anything, he picked up the rose cane that had been dropped and disappeared in a swirl of shadows. Husk snorted and wondered if Max would be able to walk by the time Alastor was done with him.
With Alastor and Max now gone, he turned his attention back to Vox.
“Leave.” Vox went to say something but thought better of it, Husk was grateful. While he was an Overlord he wasn’t as strong as Alastor was. There was a reason that Alastor was one of the strongest Overlords, if not the strongest.
Husk didn't want to find out how strong Alastor actually was.
“Who the fuck was that?” Vaggie’s question was curt, Husk wondered if this was another reason. Alastor had a large amount of patience for a demon, but even he had his limits. Husk wondered if it was more than just Charlie pulling him over about taking an afternoon off. Although Husk failed to see what was wrong with Alastor taking some time for himself.
“The fuck, how do you not know who he is? It is the worst kept secret in the Pride Ring!” Vox’s voice had risen several octaves as he looked at the occupants of the hotel.
“Maximillion Decoux, the Radio Demons husband. Shit there are fucking plays about their love story, some even consider a better love story than the King and Queen of Hell. Fuck, you seriously don’t know?” Husk had to agree with Vox, which was revolting in itself, how had none of them heard about it?
Vox was correct when he said that it was the worst-kept secret in the Pride Ring, so it was strange how Charlie, Vaggie and Lucifer hadn’t heard about it. Not to mention Angel, Angel thrived on gossip.
“Seriously none of you know the story of the Voodoo King and the General?” Husk looked at them all and noticed the looks of confusion on their faces. Vox sent him a disbelieving look, Husk didn't want to admit that he was in the same boat as Vox and it was a horrible feeling.
“Look, there is a play about it. Go and watch it. Husk, you have my sympathies for working with uncultered people.” With those words Vox left, he may not have gotten what he wanted, but he had educated some uncultured heathens.
Husk sighed as Vox finally left, he walked over to the settee and fell onto it face first. He had no idea how Alastor had dealt with this daily, he avoided Vox and the rest of the Vees. He like the rest of the Overlords knew about Vox’s obsession with Alastor and Max, an obsession that had only gotten worse as the years went by. Husk groaned into the settee cushions, he owed Alastor a drink after this. Or several.
“The Voodoo King and the General, it seems a bit pompous.” Husk snorted and rearranged himself on the settee, he looked at Vaggie and noticed the disgusted look on her face. It was at times like these that he was reminded that she was an angel and came with all the bigotry that an angel had.
“Alastor was known as the Voodoo King when he was alive, mainly because anyone who listened to his radio broadcasts couldn’t stop listening to them. Max was a general and a bloody good one. He won more fights by himself than the army he commanded did. To meet Max on the battlefield was to meet death.” Vaggie snorted and shook her head in disbelief, Husk wanted to go over there and shake her. She had been an exorcist, she had seen the things that demons were capable of, did she honestly believe that there wasn't any truth to what was being said.
“Look believe me or don’t but when you piss off someone who can crush you without even thinking about it? Don’t expect me to save you.” With those parting words he left the room and quickly made his way to his room, he needed a drink and the good stuff. Not the cheap swill that was kept at the bar.
Silently Husk wondered if he could leave as well, but at the same time, he had been trusted with the hotel. Husk wondered what combination of things had caused Alastor to leave, he knew that Alastor and Vaggie regularly clashed. Vaggie with her rigid ways and uncompromising views, or had it been Charlie and he constantly going to Alastor for every little thing. Husk wouldn't deny that Charlie did a lot for the hotel, but it was impossible to ignore that Charlie went to Alastor for everything, a clog in the toilet. She went to Alastor. Charlie needed help sorting out bills. She went to Alastor. It was tax month and Charlie had no idea what to do. She went to Alastor.
On and on it went.
Husk wondered if it was starting to drive Alastor insane. Well, more, insane than he already was.
Still, the recent events had shone light onto what Alastor had endured, but he wasn’t Alastor. He found no amusement in any of this and unlike Alastor, he wasn’t going to let Charlie dump all her problems onto him. He had other things to do. He was an Overlord and that came with responsibilities, responsibilities that he couldn't pass off to someone else. He wasn’t like Vox and the rest of the Vees, he didn't have other Overlords to help him. He wasn’t like Rosie and Alastor who had spouses to help. Husk snorted, Max was Alastor’s right hand and shadow, Max kept Alastor informed of all the important events that happened in the Pride Ring. Along with all the gossip. Not to mention if someone was stupid enough to attack Alastor?
Then they dealt with Max as well.
Husk popped open another bottle and began to drink it straight from the bottle. He didn't have the patience or energy to find a glass. What he needed to do was see if there was a way to bring Alastor back or clean up the mess enough that Alastor would return by himself.
Either way, he was going to have his work cut out for him.