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The limousine moved through the streets toward the building where the meetings were held. Normally, he would use these occasions to spend some quality time and share a curious affection with the other Overlord, but things had been different since he had learned that fool Alastor had returned.
Valentino, with his arms crossed—both pairs—looked seriously at the one sitting across from him, who was quietly complaining while staring at his phone. Val cleared his throat to see if he could get his attention, but nothing. He did it again, louder, but still no response, so he took out one of his cigarettes along with a lighter. He took a couple of puffs, expecting some comment from the other, something like not liking him smoking inside his limousine or something similar, but once again the result was... nothing.
—VOX!
—Huh? —The television finally looked up from his phone, staring at the other in confusion—. What’s wrong with you now that you have to yell at me?
—And you still ask that question? Ever since we left, you’ve been staring at that damn phone, you haven’t even looked at me.
—Please, don’t start —He rolled his eyes, clearly annoyed—. Aren’t you worried about seeing that idiot Alastor after what happened? Now that animal and his crappy hotel are going to start gaining relevance.
—The last thing you care about is that stupid hotel.
An uncomfortable silence followed. Val had been holding that in for a while but hadn’t wanted to say anything... until now.
—What really interests you is Alastor.
—Interest me? HA! You’d love to use that as an excuse for your jealousy, wouldn’t you? You know perfectly well that I hate that idiot, and on top of that, I’m going to have to see him at the meeting.
—I think you should be excited. After all, the only thing you’ve done since he came back is talk about him.
—Don’t start again. I’m not in the mood to argue with you.
Once again, silence fell. Vox didn’t seem to care at all about what the other was trying to make him understand. Did he not realize it, or did he simply not want to realize the obsession he had with that other sinner? It was truly impressive how much he talked about him, not to mention all those recordings he had. Even for Valentino, it was sickening. Neither of them felt like arguing, and by the time Val was on his second cigarette, the limousine had reached its destination. Both Overlords got out and took the elevator. Whenever the moth looked at the other, he felt the very human urge to tear his hands off to get him to stop using that phone, though this time he didn’t let his intrusive thoughts win.
When they reached their destination, the elevator doors opened, letting them out. At the end of the hallway, he saw the closed doors of the meeting room. Maybe they were late... What a nightmare. They hadn’t taken five steps when another elevator opened, and the imposing figure of Zestial emerged. He would have barely acknowledged him, if not for the fact that the Overlord himself approached them—or rather, approached Valentino.
—It’s a pleasure to see you here —Greeted them with his usual politeness—. I believe I didn’t see you at the last meeting, hmm?
—Uh... Yes, something came up, and we couldn’t attend —he lied shamelessly—. And now we’re apparently late, tsk.
—Oh, I don’t think that’s the case. In any event, Carmilla shouldn’t be upset with you... I mean, with both of you.
They continued walking down the hallway in silence, although this time, strangely, it wasn’t the uncomfortable silence they had experienced in the limousine. Val tried not to think about it, no matter how odd it seemed that Zestial was speaking to him. But his surprise didn’t stop there, the Overlord had even moved ahead slightly to open one of the doors for Valentino, even bowing a little.
—After you —was all he said with a smile.—
—Uh... Thanks.
"Still not quite understanding what he was up to, he entered the room, followed by the other Overlord, who closed the door before Vox could enter, causing him to bump into it. A couple of curses could be heard, but the truth was that Valentino didn’t care in the slightest. He was still consumed by questions about that behavior, though he knew he wouldn’t get any answers, so he took his seat, as did Zestial in his “special” spot. Only when Vox entered and took his seat did he realize they were indeed the last ones to arrive. He sighed heavily, and the meeting began.
Val had brought a small sketchbook, resting it on his lap as he doodled absentmindedly while listening with boredom to Carmilla. She was talking about things like what they would do with the Hotel, and whether redemption was really possible... Pfft, things anyone with half a brain would know are impossible. He wished Velvette had come, at least to witness something interesting between her and Carmilla. At one point, he glanced up at Vox, who hadn’t taken his eyes off Alastor. He gritted his teeth slightly when he noticed this, but somehow, his eyes drifted over to Zestial. He noticed that this Overlord was actually paying attention to the meeting. For a moment, he felt something strange, so he quickly turned the page and began drawing the figure seated at the other end of the table. He usually didn’t add many details to his sketches, but this one was different. He was trying to make it as detailed and accurate as possible.
At one point, he looked up at Zestial, who also turned to look at him. Their eyes met, and for the first time in a long while, he felt... embarrassed? It only lasted a few seconds, but it was enough to make him nervous and look away. But his curiosity got the better of him, and he glanced back again. That Overlord was still staring at him. He didn’t know what he was up to. Just as he was futilely trying to come up with some explanation, Zestial smiled slightly, though this was a smile meant especially for Val.
After that brief and almost trivial interaction, Valentino’s mind was spinning and spinning. He definitely didn’t understand what Carmilla was saying to Rosie anymore. He felt like a foolish teenager staring at the girl he liked... Liked? What nonsense was he thinking now? It had been far too long since he’d felt that way, a little... vulnerable, to be honest. He awkwardly tried to maintain his composure when Carmilla asked him something about Angel and his stay at the Hotel. Who the hell cared about Angel at that moment?
By the time the meeting ended, he was calmer. He put away his sketchbook and was about to follow Vox when he felt someone gently grab one of his upper arms, making him turn to see who it was. It couldn’t be anyone else but...
—Excuse me, Mr. Valentino, I wanted to make you a proposal, and I hope it’s not too impertinent of me.
He spoke in a soft tone, with a wide yet warm smile, making it impossible for Val not to continue the conversation.
—And what proposal would that be?
—Just going for a simple drink. These meetings can get a little heavy. What do you say? I’ll understand if you’re busy or if you have other 'plans.'
—I... —For a moment, he was about to turn him down, but when he saw how Vox had left without saying anything, anger took over—. I’d be delighted to join you.
And so the two Overlords left the building, walking to the nearest café. It was the first time he’d interacted this closely, so to speak, with another Overlord. The conversation was simple; discussing the meeting’s topics was the easiest way to segue into something else. Meanwhile, Vox was already in the limousine, arms crossed. He had tried to start a new round of taunts aimed at Alastor, but he was brutally ignored by both him and Rosie, so now he was frustrated. When he saw Valentino leaving with Zestial, he was about to open the door for him, but they turned to keep walking down the sidewalk. Confused, Vox quickly lowered one of the side windows and stuck his head out.
—Hey, Tino!
There was no response. The two kept walking away.
—Valentino! —He shouted louder. He noticed them stop for a few seconds before continuing to walk—. Damn it.
He sat back down, closing the window. What had gotten into him, walking off with someone he’d barely spoken to? It was probably just to make him jealous. Yes, that had to be it. But he wasn’t going to fall for his provocations so easily, so he ordered the driver to go, and the limousine began its return route.
—I hope I’m not intruding.
—No need to worry. Please, keep talking about whether you believe redemption is possible —he replied with a wide smile, which was met with an equally warm smile.