Chapter Text
Vox looked up from his phone as Emily sat down across from him. She was staring right at him.
“What's up?”
“Demons get married down here?” Emily asked with a slight frown.
“Some do, yeah. Why?”
Emily looked over her shoulder before she sighed and jumped up onto the couch beside Vox. She pressed her body against him, her wings wrapped around him. “I've never seen a wedding before.” She whispered.
“Never? You're older than time though.” Vox was in disbelief.
“I know. I'm aware of their happenings on Earth, but I've never had the chance to watch them. I was always so busy in Heaven. In Heaven, no one really gets married. Everyone is happy with how everything is. They never strive for betterment like they do down here.” Emily sighed, her gaze dropped a bit. “If anyone did get married in Heaven, no one would invite me.”
“Is it like some big dream of yours?” Vox asked as he set his phone down. He moved his hand to rest on top of her head. She closed her eyes and accepted the touch gratefully.
“Weddings are a union of love and bring joy to many people. It's my job to spread joy. I want to witness what humans do. To see how they make an everlasting bond. They're picking a partner for life. There's just something so magical about it.” Emily laughed a bit before she jerked her head away, waving her hand frantically. “It’s no big deal of course. I can just sense people's emotions, as you know, and there is something about married couples that are so unique and different. I want to see their emotions surge when they agree to be one another’s.”
“I never asked. Do emotions fuel your powers? Attention fuels mine. That's why some days I'm a lot more active and embracing Hell, and then on others I'm miserable.”
Emily tilted her head and her brows furrowed a bit. “I never really thought of it. I've never felt weaker since arriving in Hell. I think maybe it contributes to my powers- but they're more inside of me.”
“No weaknesses for you then?” Vox asked with a weak smile.
“Aside from angelic blades and opinions? Nope!” She sounded so cheerful as she spoke. Vox's heart couldn't help but break a little bit at her positive outlook.
“Well, maybe one day you could see a wedding.” Vox smiled. “People love to try and get your attention anyway. They might invite you just for the hell of it. They know where you live.”
A sad smile overtook Emily's face. “Yeah, but it won't be the same. I wanna watch one of my friends get married. I want to be a part of it and help it be the most perfect day ever. I'm holding on to hope that Charlie and Vaggie might get married one day.”
“Not me and Alastor? Or Angel and Husk?”
Emily shook her head before she continued. “Husk and Angel are still working out their relationship. Marriage would do them more harm than good. You and Alastor, on the other hand? I would love to see a wedding between you two, but I know what Alastor is like. He's not exactly the most comfortable outside of the hotel, and he still gets snappy if the others poke fun at his relationship with you.”
“What about me?” Vox was rather curious to hear what the angel had observed. Emily may seem young and naive, but she was no fool. She was very aware and in tune with herself and her surroundings. Sometimes it was hard to gauge her reaction to things because she had a mean poker face when she felt like it.
“You thrive off attention. It would be very good for your powers.” Emily narrowed her eyes as she spoke. “I think you worry too much about Alastor and his boundaries to even consider the attention you would receive. I don't think it’s ever crossed your mind either, and if it did, then it would be purely out of spite and pettiness.”
“Wow. Ouch. Not wrong though.” Vox laughed a bit as he spoke, but the laugh was hollow and he could feel his gaze slowly blur as he stared into space, starting to disassociate as thoughts took a hold of his mind. A soft buzzing sound ringed in his mic.
Emily watched as Vox got lost in his thoughts, her eyes rounded with slight worry. She remained quiet, just moving closer to lean her body against Vox.
“Hey, Emily?”
“Yeah?”
“I actually have to go.” Vox smiled at her, letting her move away so he could stand up. He grabbed his phone off the couch and threw it in his pocket. “If you wanna chat a bit later I would gladly do so. I just remembered that me and Alastor have a supper planned, and honestly if I'm late he would be very sad.”
“Oh! Of course! Thanks for answering my question! I hope you have a good date!” Emily waved at Vox before she flicked on the T.V. and changed the channel to some random drama show. ‘The Sinnerette’ it was called. Vox has no idea what it is, or the hype around it, but apparently it's a popular show on Earth. Well it's called something else but copyrights we're a lot harder to handle in Hell. Vox smiled at Emily before he disappeared into the T.V. and reappeared in his and Alastor's living room.
Alastor looked up from his cooking and leaned back a bit to see Vox before he looked back down. “What an entrance. You didn't make anyone upset, did you?”
“No. I just had a conversation with Emily and I wanted to talk to you about it.”
“Oh boy.” Alastor put his knife down on the cutting board and looked at Vox with a raised brow. “Is she still having difficulties fitting in? Did some sinners give her trouble? I'll gladly kill them. I'm running low on flesh.”
Vox shook his head before he entered the kitchen. “No, nothing of the sort. She's been watching T.V. lately and spending time on the internet. I think she's still a bit too scared to try and put herself out there again.” Vox sighed a bit as he spoke. It was hard when her weakness was now exploited for all of Hell to use to their advantage. Carmilla was given a call shortly after Emily's falling and they made her swear up and down to refuse to sell any weapons to anyone who is planning to hunt her down.
“We really need to guide her attention to radios and books.” Alastor grumbled. “I don't like her watching that stuff. It can get pretty violent.”
“Hey! I've been doing my best.” Vox frowned. “I’m always aware of what she’s watching and seeing. I work hard to keep her off of the more dangerous and inappropriate sites.”
“My point still stands.” Alastor argued, but there was no bite to his words, especially when as soon as Vox got close, Alastor grabbed him and pulled him in close. “What ever did she say that has you troubled, then?”
“Alastor,” Vox started, his voice a bit hesitant and fearful, “Emily has never seen a wedding before.”
“She hasn't? Why, with her age I would have assumed she's seen many.”
“I thought so too, but zero! None! Na-da!”
“I suppose you want to fix that.” Alastor hummed thoughtfully. “You want to get married to me, don't you?”
“It doesn't haven't to be real!” Vox raised his hands up in surrender immediately. “We can just throw a fake wedding or a reception.”
That suggestion made Alastor's eye glow. “Are you implying I won't want you to be mine forever?” Alastor snarled as he leaned into Vox's personal space, his face just inches from Vox's screen. “I would be foolish to think a part of you doesn't want that. You crave promise and stability, while I am content with how things are.” Vox's breath hitched a bit as Alastor's lips grazed against his cheek. Why was everyone insulting him? What the fuck did he do?
“I just- Emily told me you're still touchy about our relationship.” Vox whispered. “I figured you wouldn't want anything… permanent, I suppose. I want to make Emily happy though. I'm sorry for suggesting it. Just pretend we never had this conversation.” Vox tried to wiggle free from Alastor's grip, but he couldn't.
“You misunderstand my words.” Alastor tightened his hold on Vox and spun them around so Vox's back was pressed against the counter. The edge dug right into Vox's spine but he couldn't care. “I do want something permanent with you, because I already have something permanent with you.” Alastor flicked Vox's scar with his fingers. “Well two things if you count Emily. She looks to you for guidance. You admire and love her deeply. You didn't even consider the possibility of marriage until she brought it up to you. I imagine it's not because of anything to do with me.” Alastor traced his fingers along the bottom of Vox's screen as he tipped his head up. “I imagine it had to do with what people said to you when you were alive. Their insults and threats. They got to you, haven't they? You haven't even shared the burden of what your living life was like.”
Vox gulped a bit, his eyes widened. He could move or do anything. The tears started to build up. He screwed his eyes shut and fisted Alastor's shirt. “Alastor… the words spoken to me when I was alive were cruel. People would tell me that I am a girl, or I'm just a monstrosity. ‘It's just a phase, Valerie’ was what they would say. ‘A real man will make you realize that you're just a pretty girl.’ Or ‘What about your future babies? No baby wants a confused parent.’ Or my least favourite. ‘No one wants to marry a girl pretending to be a man.’”
Alastor listened. He seemed a bit annoyed that Vox was tearing holes into his clothes, but he listened and didn't stop Vox.
“I've been told those things for years.” Vox whispered. “Alive, and even in Hell I run into people who think I'm just some confused little lass.” He hugged Alastor tightly. “Having you, the oldest, most difficult son of a bitch I know, respect what I am and call me what I prefer. It felt like the gates of Heaven opened before me. Even when you found out, you never once stopped and judged me. You never tried to use it for blackmail. You respected me. Even after we fell apart.” Alastor's grip tightened at the mention. “I was so afraid you'd out me. Tell everyone my biggest fears and insecurities, but you were dead silent. I guess in hindsight it makes more sense, but you never once considered it.”
Alastor guided Vox away from the counter and led him into their living room, being gentle and slow. Alastor didn't realize just how much baggage there was in Vox's past. He needed Vox to be comfortable since he was opening up, not pinned against the kitchen counter next to a knife.
Vox fell back a little when Alastor pushed him onto the couch. Alastor snapped his fingers and some muppets appeared. He sent them to work in the kitchen immediately before he sat down next to Vox. Alastor brought Vox's feet up onto the couch and forced his mate to lay against him.
“I would never do that to you.” Alastor whispered. “When we were friends, I saw how panicked and scared you were when I first found out. I saw the damage done to you by people even jokingly calling you a lady. The way you would flinch.” Alastor's lips pressed against the top corner of Vox's screen.
Vox closed his eyes and embraced the warmth from his mate. “I appreciate you.” Vox whispered. The two fell into a comfortable silence. The sounds of Alastor's muppets chopping vegetables was the only sound they could hear.
“So will you do me the honour of getting married with me so Emily can witness a wedding?” Vox finally asked after a few seconds.
“Rephrase that question.” Alastor kissed Vox's forehead again.
“Will you marry me?” Vox tried, his heart was beating so fast and so loudly that Vox swore anyone could hear it.
“I will.” Alastor moved Vox's head so he could press their lips together gently. It was slow and tender. Vox threw his arms around Alastor's neck and pulled his mate's head down. Alastor carefully cradled the back of Vox's head as he towered over him. Everything felt warm and Vox still had a few drying tears on his screen, but Alastor didn't care. Vox was going to marry him, even if Alastor never cared much for weddings or marriage, he cared for Vox and he could tell it was something Vox actually really wanted. Vox could hide and argue that he was doing it for Emily, but Alastor watched him look at wedding videos and wedding cakes with a sad glint to his eyes.
Alastor pulled back from Vox with a heavy pant and pressed his forehead against Vox's shoulder.
Vox hugged Alastor tightly, his eyes were welling up again but these were happy tears. “I never thought I'd get married.” Vox whispered in a small voice. There it was. The admittance.
“I know.” Alastor whispered back as he pulled back from his mate. “I know how badly you want this.”
“You can always see through me, can't you?” Vox laughed, it was more of an embarrassed laugh than anything.
“I'm just very observant.” Alastor grinned widely at his partner.
“Wouldn't want you any other way.” Vox trailed his fingers through Alastor's hair before he grabbed one of his ears and tugged on them a bit. He seemed a bit worried again.
“What's eating you?” Alastor asked, his brow furrowed as his free ear flicked.
“I'm just a bit worried for the future.” Vox turned his head a bit in shame, his screen a light dusty pink. “Marriage will be great, don't get me wrong, but I can't help but stress over this.” Vox gestured vaguely to his body and Alastor could put the connections together very quickly.
“Your body doesn't bother me, or any of its natural functions. You don't need to worry about it.”
Vox breathed a sigh of relief. “Thank goodness.” He threw his hands over his head and stretched out a bit. “I know you've mostly accepted who I am, but I worry.”
“Of course you do.” Alastor answered simply. He could understand the fear, maybe. A little. He wasn't trans himself but if it made Vox worried, he was worried.
Vox closed his eyes again and grabbed Alastor's ears, pulling his head down a bit to rest on his chest. “Wedding planning is going to be pretty hectic.” Vox laughed. “How should we tell everyone we're getting married?”
Alastor's grin turned mischievous. “I think the same way we told them we're dating.”
~☆~☆~☆~☆~☆~
“Hey Alastor! Hi Vox! What did you want me for?” Charlie closed the door behind her as she entered the door. She was a little surprised that Alastor asked her to come over, but she didn't question it too much. She originally thought that Vox was having another rough period and needed her help to get rid of the pain, but he was standing upright, holding Alastor's hand so that clearly wasn't the case.
“Charlie, dear. We have something very important that we would like you to tell everyone.” Alastor threw his arm around Vox and pulled his mate in close. Vox's face was bright red and he was fidgeting an awful lot.
“Of course! I'll do anything for you guys!” Charlie clasped her hands together and stared at the two with wide eyes. “Did something bad happen? Do you guys need a break from the hotel?”
Vox took over with a shake of his head. “Nothing bad happened. Charlie, we just figured you would be the best person to announce our engagement.”
“Your what?” Charlie looked shocked. Her mouth was open and she took a step forward. “Are you pulling my leg?” She whispered. “It's not April Fools' anymore, guys.”
“We are getting married.” Alastor kissed Vox after he spoke, a wide, wolfish grin plastered on his face.
Charlie began to shake violently, she hopped up and down for a second before she let out the loudest scream imaginable. “Really?”
“Yes!” Vox laughed as Alastor twirled him out of the way. Charlie had run straight for them and managed to throw her arms around Alastor.
“Congratulations! Oh my gosh! No way! I'm so happy for you two! You really mean it? I can tell everyone about your engagement.” Charlie's eyes were a bit wet and hopeful as she stared up at Alastor.
“You may.” Alastor hummed. “It's only natural. You told everyone about our relationship, we thought it was fitting.”
Charlie clocked in immediately what Alastor was asking for. “Tomorrow at breakfast?”
“Preferably.” Alastor nudged Charlie away from him before he took a step back.
Charlie looked between Alastor and Vox for a second before she frowned. “Uh, while I'm really happy for you two, I think you're both forgetting something really important.”
“What ever would that be, my dear?” Vox asked as he slid right next to Alastor, rubbing his body against his mate's.
“Vox… you're the adopted brother of the sins.” Charlie laughed a bit, her hands were clasped together as she fiddled with her thumbs nervously. She purposely looked away from Alastor and Vox as she spoke.
“So?”
“Well… sins are considered royalty.” Charlie tried again, her face a bit red as she tried to explain. “You're royalty, Vox.”
“Oh.” Vox was silent. His eyes were a bit wide and his grip on Alastor's hand tightened. “I am, aren't I?”
Charlie looked at the two and waved her hands frantically. “Not that there's anything wrong with that of course, but… it would be the first big royal wedding since my mom and dad. The Goetias’ wedding is always flashly, but a sin getting married is a huge deal! Your royalty outranks theirs every day of the week.” Charlie winced a bit as she spoke, her mind was running with different reactions to the news. “Alastor would be becoming royalty in a way, and it's going to be a big deal once it gets out. All the sins are going to want to come. You're their baby brother, afterall. Are you going to invite the Goetias? Are you going to hold a public wedding or a private wedding? Oh gosh. Do we have to make you guys crowns for your wedding? How do royal weddings work?” Charlie seemed a lot more panicked than Alastor and Vox, but Vox had completely froze up. He was holding Alastor’s hand tightly, his pupils small and his eyes wide with terror.
Vox never paid much attention to being royal. It never really affected his day-to-day life and Alastor never cared for it, but Vox never thought about other people’s views and expectations of him.
Alastor used his free hand to pull Vox against his chest and gave a low growl to Charlie. “Charlie, please pipe down.” Alastor warned.
Charlie snapped her jaws shut and looked at Vox. She gasped and threw her hands over her mouth as she slowly approached him. “I'm sorry, Vox. I didn't mean to stress you out. This should be a special day where you enjoy yourself and have fun. I didn't mean to ruin your engagement by bringing it up.” Charlie reached her hand out and gently grazed her fingers along Vox’s screen. He blinked before turning his screen away from Charlie.
“No, it's fine.” Vox mumbled. “I just didn't realize how big of a deal this would be. I don't want this to be some big thing, Charlie. I would like to keep the guest list rather small if we could.” Vox closed his eyes as he inhaled deeply to slow his beating heart. “Of course the sins will be invited, as will the hotel and our friends, but I don't want a bunch of strangers included. I think a live stream would be good enough.”
“Oh! That’s perfectly fine! Whatever you two want. Do you want it to be a small wedding too, Alastor? Are you okay with it being live streamed to all of Hell?”
“I can tolerate it for a day.” Alastor pressed his head against Vox’s. “I never thought much of Vox’s ranking, but I suppose this would be the best course of action considering everything. If any strangers come to the wedding to watch, I will eat them.” Alastor added with a low growl. “They get the video and that’s it. Nothing else. If I wear a crown, I'll have you know that Niffty gets to make it. I don't care if there's a formality for something. She gets to make it.”
“Of course!” Charlie waved her hands frantically. “This is supposed to be the happiest day of your life! Whatever you guys want is what you'll get! It's yours and Vox's wedding.” Charlie reassured Alastor.
“Don't worry, Alastor.” Vox reassured Alastor, his hands rubbing up and down Alastor's arms. “We'll make this as comfortable as possible for you.”
“I'd never doubt you for a minute.” Alastor chuckled as he pulled Vox in close. “Just make sure you make it enjoyable for yourself.”
“I will.” Vox promised before he kissed Alastor gently. A loud ‘awww!’ from Charlie echoed throughout the room.
~☆~☆~☆~☆~☆~
Vox rubbed his eye as he walked into the dining room. Everyone was seated and had already started eating. Vox made his way over to Alastor and kissed his cheek. “Why did you let me sleep in?” Vox asked.
“You seemed exhausted, Star. You could barely get out of bed for a bath. I had to sit on the floor the whole time to make sure you didn't slip in.” Alastor hummed in response. He scooted his chair back and let Vox take his seat beside him. Niffty had already brought over Vox’s plate before he even sat down.
“Thank you.” Vox smiled to Niffty before he leaned against Alastor. His eyes were still droopy, it was clear his chronic pain was acting up.
“Charlie, Dear. I believe you had an announcement to tell everyone?” Alastor ran his hands up Vox's body as he spoke to Charlie. She sent a hesitant glance to Vox who just smiled and nodded his head. With consent secured from both the overlords she stood up and looked everyone down with narrowed eyes.
“Did you help those two murder someone?” Husk asked. His ears were lowered down slightly as he took in Charlie's serious face.
Charlie inhaled deeply before she slammed her hands down on the table. “Alright. Listen up! I have a serious announcement to make about our lovely residential overlords!” She beckoned over to Alastor and Vox. Her face broke and she started to giggle. “Okay, I can't do it with a straight face! I'm too excited!” Charlie hopped up and down before she wrapped her arms around herself.
“What's going on, Hon?” Vaggie tilted her head, a curious look in her gaze as she stole a glance towards the two overlords who were cuddled up to one another. It was a very common thing everyone was used to at this point. Alastor loved to invade Vox’s personal space a lot more than he loved to invade everyone else’s and he liked Vox in his personal space too. They thought the two sharing seats was a one and done thing, but soon it became a very common sight to see. One time Vox tried to sit away from Alastor; he was picked up and carried him right on over to his seat.
“Vox and Alastor are getting married!” Charlie screamed.
Niffty and Emily screamed in excitement while Angel, Husk, and Vaggie all shouted out a loud “What?”
“Congratulations!” Emily unfolded her wings and shot right over to Alastor and Vox's side, grabbing both their hands as she squealed. “You guys are actually going to get married? This is not like some prank?”
Alastor chuckled darkly before pulling his hand back, rubbing his hand on his suit while Niffty crawled up the back of their chair to stand on Alastor's shoulders. “We are. Vox was inspired by his conversation with you and has come to the realization he wants something more… permanent.” Alastor gently grasped the bottom of Vox's screen, slowly turning his mate's head so they could look at one another. “Lucky for him, I do despise the idea of sharing and was more than happy to make my claim even more public than it already is.”
“Possessive asshole.” Vox teased Alastor before kissing him. “You're lucky I'm into that.” He whispered lowly so no one else could hear them, but Alastor's red face was more than enough evidence to what he said.
“Hon, you're not kidding?” Vaggie looked over to Charlie, her brows furrowed a bit. “Alastor and Vox are actually getting married?”
“Of course we are!” Alastor answered before Charlie could. “We have quite a lot of planning to do and a lot of errands to run before the wedding, so Miss Vaggie, I do hope you can be understanding about my difficulties to do as much work as I used to do.” His grin was wider than usual, and his eyes narrowed. He was daring Vaggie to yell at him.
Vaggie sucked in a sharp breath of air before she forced herself to grin. “I will gladly pick up the extra slack under one condition.”
“What's that?” Vox asked, tilting his head, worry in his eyes. “I really want Alastor to be able to plan this with me.” He added quietly.
“Of course Vox, my condition was rather simple.” Vaggie stood up and walked over to Alastor, relishing in how his ears flicked back and how he leaned away slightly to avoid her touching him. “If Alastor breaks his vows to you, I get first dibs on hurting him.”
“Vaggie!” Charlie scolded.
“I would rather die than break Vox’s heart.” Alastor agreed coldly. “I will accept these conditions.”
“Good.” Vaggie smirked. “Congratulations Alastor and Vox. I look forward to seeing what theme you guys come up with, oh and Alastor?”
Alastor narrowed his eyes at the mention of his name.
“Make sure you wear those contact lenses Vox got you. Wedding planning will be so much easier if you can actually see what you're picking.” Vaggie patted Alastor’s shoulder, ignoring his growl as she backed away over to Charlie, gently kissing her girlfriend’s cheek.
“Do you guys even have engagement rings?” Angel asked with a frown. “Was this a spur of the moment decision?”
“Oh please.” Emily scoffed. “They've been dating for years, Angel.” She folded her arms over her chest as she glared at Angel. “Who cares if they have rings? They're already devoted to each other.”
“I'm actually making both the wedding bands and the engagement rings.” Alastor cut in. “Vox only deserves the best, and I'm not going to spend a bunch of money on some shitty rings when I can source the materials myself and make him the best of the best.”
Vox flushed a dark shade of pink as he looked down. “You don't need to do all that. I'll be happy with just some cheap plastic rings.” Vox mumbled.
“I know. That's why you're getting the best.” Alastor kissed Vox's cheek. “You're so easy to please, it'll make it all the better when you get something you deserve. Besides, you can buy anything you want. You can't buy what I make you.” He added in a low voice.
“This is so exciting!” Niffty cried out as she jumped onto Emily's shoulder. “Vox and Alastor are going to get married! Then after marriage there are babies!” Niffty clapped her hands together before she pulled out a notebook from literally nowhere. “I have so many drawings and ideas to come up with!” She gasped. “Wedding suits! Wedding themes! Wedding everything! I need to update all my fanfics!”
Husk’s ears pinned back as he made a face. “Maybe let Alastor and Vox do the announcing, Nifft.” Husk chuckled. “It's their special moment.” He added with a side glance towards Alastor. “I'm sure they don't want people to know before they tell everyone.”
“I don't give five bucks about that.” Vox slammed his hands on the table. “How many fanfics have you written about us? I thought we're off the table!”
“Oh… oops.” Niffty giggled. “Alastor just said ‘no porn.’ He never said I couldn't write fluff!”
Alastor's eye twitched before he heaved a heavy sigh and buried his face into his hands with a loud defeated groan.