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The neon glow of Hell's underbelly seeped into Valentino's studio, casting everything in a lurid haze of red and gold. The air buzzed with tension as cameras whirred and clicked, capturing the carefully choreographed debauchery playing out on set. Valentino, the kingpin of this hedonistic empire, was in his element—flawless in his tailored suit, sunglasses perched perfectly on his nose, a cigarette dangling from his lips. He was the epitome of control, the devilish maestro of chaos.
But the real star of the scene wasn’t on set.
Angel Dust sat perched on Valentino's lap, a striking contrast to the wild energy around them. The spider demon, usually a flirtatious ball of sass and sharp edges, was utterly unrecognizable in his regressed state. He was small, soft, and quiet, leaning heavily against Val's chest. A pacifier bobbed in his mouth as he absentmindedly nuzzled a plush bunny, his favorite. Valentino’s large wings wrapped protectively around Angel, shielding him from the raucous activity on set.
"Cut!" Val's voice sliced through the air, smooth but commanding. He tilted his head toward the director, who immediately scampered over to receive further instructions. "Scene's too stiff. Loosen 'em up, or we're doing it again. You’ve got ten minutes to fix it."
The director nodded frantically, barking orders at the actors as Valentino leaned back in his chair, one arm wrapped securely around Angel’s waist. He glanced down at the little spider demon, his cerise eyes softening behind his shades.
"You comfy, baby?" Val murmured, his voice dropping into a low, soothing register that few ever got to hear.
Angel looked up at him, his wide, innocent eyes shimmering with trust. He nodded, the pacifier shifting in his mouth as he clung tighter to his plushie. "Uh-huh."
"Good boy," Valentino said, brushing a hand through Angel’s soft white fur. He couldn’t help the smirk that tugged at his lips as Angel giggled softly, leaning into the touch. Despite the chaos surrounding them, Valentino’s world narrowed to the little bundle of warmth in his lap.
This wasn’t the first time Angel had regressed, but it was still a relatively new dynamic for them. Valentino, known for his cruelty and ambition, had surprised even himself by stepping into the role of caregiver. Angel’s regression wasn’t something he flaunted—it was private, vulnerable. And Val, for all his faults, had made it his mission to ensure Angel felt safe.
The studio lights dimmed momentarily as the crew adjusted the set, and Angel let out a soft whine, his tiny hands gripping Val’s lapel.
"Shh, it’s okay," Val cooed, his wings tightening their cocoon around Angel. He gently rocked the spider demon, his fingertips tracing soothing patterns along Angel’s back. "Daddy's got you, sugarplum. Ain’t nothin’ gonna hurt ya."
Angel relaxed at the familiar reassurance, his eyelids drooping as he melted further into Val’s embrace. His tiny fangs peeked out from behind the pacifier as he mumbled something incoherent.
"What’s that, baby?" Val asked, leaning closer.
Angel pulled the pacifier out with a soft pop, clutching it in one hand while the other tugged at Val’s shirt. "Bun-Bun's tired," he whispered, holding up the plush bunny.
Val chuckled, his deep voice rumbling against Angel’s ear. "Bun-Bun’s tired, huh? Guess I better let him rest, then." He adjusted the bunny in Angel’s arms, tucking it snugly against his chest. "There. Better?"
Angel nodded, yawning.
Valentino’s gaze lingered on Angel, a rare tenderness softening his usually sharp features. It amazed him how someone as fiery and defiant as Angel could slip into this state of pure vulnerability. It was a side of the spider demon that only he got to see—a privilege Val didn’t take lightly, though he’d never admit it out loud.
The ten-minute break stretched into fifteen as the crew scrambled to reset the scene. Valentino didn’t mind. His focus was entirely on Angel, who had started to hum softly around his pacifier, a tuneless little melody that made Val’s chest ache in a way he didn’t fully understand.
"You wanna nap, sugar?" Val asked, brushing a stray curl out of Angel’s face.
Angel shook his head, his voice muffled by the pacifier. "Wanna stay wif you."
"Suit yourself, kiddo," Val said with a smirk, though his tone was laced with affection.
He shifted slightly in his chair, careful not to jostle Angel too much. The weight of the spider demon in his lap was oddly comforting, a grounding presence amidst the chaos of his work. Valentino had always been a man who thrived on control, but this—this was different. Holding Angel like this wasn’t about control; it was about care.
"Mr. Valentino, we’re ready to roll," the director called hesitantly, clearly wary of interrupting the moment.
Val shot him a look that could kill, but his voice remained smooth. "Then roll, genius. Don’t need my permission to do your job."
The director stammered an apology before scurrying back to his post. Valentino sighed, shaking his head. "Idiots," he muttered under his breath.
Angel giggled softly, his small fingers tracing the edge of the buttons on Val’s shirt. "You’re grumpy, Daddy."
"Only 'cause they’re makin’ me babysit a bunch of amateurs," Val replied, his tone teasing. "You’re the only one here who knows how to behave, huh?"
Angel beamed at the praise, his little chest puffing up with pride. "I’m a good boy!"
"That’s right," Val said, pressing a kiss to Angel’s forehead. "Daddy’s good boy."
The crew finally managed to get their act together, and the scene resumed. Valentino’s attention flicked between the monitors and Angel, who was now happily babbling to his plushie, completely unbothered by the noise and chaos around him.
"Look, Bun-Bun," Angel whispered, holding the plush up so it could "see" the set. "They’re bein’ silly."
Valentino chuckled, his wings shifting slightly to give Angel a better view. "They sure are, baby. Bun-Bun’s got better manners than all of 'em combined."
Angel giggled as he snuggled back against Val.
The hours dragged on, but neither of them seemed to mind. Valentino continued to oversee the shoot, his voice sharp and commanding when addressing the crew but soft and warm whenever he spoke to Angel. It was a balancing act, one that required more patience than Val usually had, but for Angel, he made the effort.
As the final scene wrapped, the studio erupted into applause. Valentino ignored it, his focus entirely on the little spider demon dozing in his lap. Angel’s pacifier had slipped from his mouth, and his soft snores filled the air. His bunny was clutched tightly in his top set of hands, the lower set just resting lazily on Val's thighs.
Valentino sighed, a rare, genuine smile tugging at his lips. He gently adjusted Angel’s position, cradling him closer as he stood. His wings remained wrapped protectively around the spider demon as he strode out of the studio, ignoring the crew’s curious stares.
The limo was already waiting when they stepped outside, the driver opening the door without a word. Valentino slid in, settling Angel on his lap once more as the car pulled away.
The city’s neon lights flickered through the windows, casting Angel’s sleeping face in a soft glow. Valentino watched him for a long moment, his hand brushing against Angel’s cheek.
"You’re somethin’ else, sugarplum," he murmured, his voice barely audible over the hum of the engine.
Angel stirred slightly, mumbling in his sleep. Valentino pressed another kiss to his forehead, his wings curling around them both like a shield.
For all the chaos and darkness that surrounded them, in this moment, they had peace. And for Valentino, that was enough.