Chapter Text
Under the watchful attention of the distant stars glinting in their crimson sky, Vox led Alastor onto the wooden bridge. It arched over the river which sparkled in twilight hues, reflecting the jealousy of the night sky which could never experience the bubbling excitement currently rippling through Vox's body.
"I haven't been here in years," Alastor whispered, softly so as not to disturb the fragile tranquility embedded in the atmosphere the likes of which only nature could refine. There was no one else in the park but them. They were all alone just as Vox had planned. "Why, the last time I was here was when we-" he broke off as the thought struck him.
Vox simply smiled tenderly, reminiscing over the same memory honeyed by years of affection and unfaltering devotion.
"-Was when you told me you loved me," Vox finished for him. His fingers automatically twitched, squeezing Alastor’s hand lightly.
"I believe you said it first," he countered, raising a brow, though his gaze was brimming with fondness. "I merely responded."
"Yes, but I remember you saying it back more clearly," Vox huffed in amusement.
"I can imagine," Alastor stepped toward him, squeezing Vox's hand back with equal adoration. His beautiful blood-red eyes bore into Vox's and the intensity of their delicate stare never failed to make Vox shiver, as though Alastor was gazing directly into his soul. "You were shaking like a leaf. I'm still surprised you actually managed to speak the words."
Vox bit the inside of his cheek as a hot wave of embarrassment flushed his cheeks. He had - regrettably - been terrified. Alastor was a delightful, yet reticent anomaly that Vox could never properly factor in the scheme of his life. He slotted in at the most unexpected of times yet at the most opportune moments and Vox could never accurately predict how he would act. Through the decades they had spent together, slowly learning each other's tells and inhibitions and when they were being honest and when they weren't, those skulking doubts had petered away from Vox's mind.
He had hoped that Alastor wouldn't notice how stiff he had been all evening. He had barely survived dinner without throwing up in the middle of the restaurant.
His tongue slacked in his mouth from the anxiety and Alastor's expression skewed into one of skepticism. He raked his eyes up and down Vox's frame, noting his rigid posture and uncharacteristic, fidgety demeanor, and it caused alarm bells to start blaring in Vox's ears.
"Actually, Al-!" He puffed out, tugging at the shirt of his collar. Fuck, why was it suddenly so hot and difficult to breathe? Maybe because he was about to do one of the most important things in his life. "I wanted to ask you something."
Alastor straightened up, intrigued and Vox took a deep breath. The scenery was quaint, but unwelcoming. The trees, while shrouded in peaceful darkness, cocooned the area in an eerie embrace that gave the impression it would swallow both of them whole.
Luckily, Vox had prepared for that.
After momentarily closing his eyes to muster up his courage, Vox lifted their clasped hands, brought them to his chest and cradled them securely. At the same time he sent an invoiced command through his systems and a hum buzzed out of him as the signal connected to the small light bulbs scattered amidst the foliage.
Suddenly, motley shades of pink and yellow sprung to life all around them. The harmless light bulbs hidden between the blades of grass and mounted along the ridges and railings of the bridge like creeping vines began to glow. Soft pastels that danced to the music of romance doused the entire terrain and Vox could only focus on the surprise written in Alastor’s expression as he twisted around to take all of it in.
The colors made all of his features stand out. The lashes framing his gorgeous eyes glimmered. Every stray hair was made visible which only accented the smooth curling of his locks like small rivers spooling down his face. The smile donned on it was crinkled so delightfully it curved his eyes into half-moons and for a brief moment, Vox completely forgot what he had been so nervous about. The blue emanating from his screen was the only cold light to invade the warm, loving atmosphere and in the end, Alastor whipped his head back to look at him. Only him.
The wonderful man in front of him was the only thing that mattered. No one else. Nothing else.
"Alastor," he pressed his hand closer to his chest, holding onto it like a lifeline. A shaky exhale left him, jarred by the slight tremor that he couldn't stave off from his limbs. He had rehearsed this speech a hundred times by now, yet the words drained away from his mind. "I... Okay, this is it, listen. We've known each other for a long time now, we've loved each other for a long time now. I had always known deep down that I would be here, asking you this, because to me you're..."
Perfect was what he had written on the piece of paper quivering in his pocket and praying for him not to mess this up. But, it didn't feel right. Alastor was perfect, but that's not why Vox loved him.
"You're... wonderful." His chest stuttered as a thick lump rose in his throat, threatening to cut his voice off completely, but he pushed past it. "You make me laugh like no one else does. You keep me on my toes and you irritate me and you challenge me and you make me feel alive. You make me the best version of myself. You make me happy, Alastor. You're the most inspiring person I know and I wouldn't be the same man I am today if it wasn't for you."
Alastor’s attention was transfixed on him, his eyes blown wide open in shock or joy or terror and Vox didn't know which, but if his heart knew anything, it was that Alastor loved him. Vox knew that Alastor loved him.
"You understand me like no one else ever has. I feel complete when I'm with you and if you let me, I will devote every second of my afterlife to try and make you as insanely happy as you make me."
His throat had dried up to a painful degree and the rest of the world had died away into insignificance. He couldn't take his eyes off Alastor no matter how much the blurry edges of his vision crept closer. His legs shook and he feared they might buckle as he slowly knelt down on one knee.
A burst of pitched static whizzed out of Alastor who had gone just as stiff. He hadn't really blinked for the past couple of minutes and his hand remained outstretched as he watched Vox pull out a small box from the inside of his jacket.
It was covered in red, fuzzy velvet, mirroring the red of the sky that gazed down at them. Vox opened it, revealing a golden, elegant ring topped by a stunning, finely-cut ruby that glimmered just as starkly as Alastor’s irises. Vox had commissioned it himself after surviving the magnanimous disappointment that not a single shop in all of Hell offered a ring worthy to be displayed on Alastor’s hand.
"Alastor," Vox hushed, as soft as a feather. "Will you marry me?"
The moment the words were said aloud, Vox felt the ground getting ready to drop beneath him. His heart beat against his ribcage like a rabid animal longing for freedom and he could hear his pulse in his head louder than the drummings of war.
Alastor... didn't say anything. He simply gaped at Vox, his mouth slightly parted open.
Vox's surrounding spun. The forest whirled over the periphery of his sight, inciting a needling sensation in his temples and he felt his confident grin faltering.
Please say yes, please say yes, please say yes!
His hands tightened over the box and it took all of his focus to stop them from visibly shaking. He had refused to let himself linger on the possibility that Alastor might say no because if he entertained it for even a few seconds he would never have gathered the courage to propose.
Now, he wished he had though as he waited with bated breath for Alastor to give his answer. If Alastor said no, Vox might actually kill himself. No, it was worse. Alastor wouldn't appreciate Vox killing himself so Vox would have no choice but to live with the humiliation and festering grief of what could have been if he hadn't been so bold and greedy for more. He was just never good enough for Alastor. He was never good enough for anything!
"Yes."
Vox blinked himself out of the panicked stupor.
Then he blinked again.
And again.
"I..." Alastor's smile sloped into one of gentle joy, so different from the sharp intimidation he always injected it with. "I would like that very much."
For a maddeningly nerve-wracking moment, Vox wobbled lousily to the side before he righted himself once more. He was quite sure he just had a minor heart attack judging by the boiling sensation that churned in his stomach.
"Really?" He asked, hope and disbelief exuding from his tone.
Alastor nodded and huffed as his smile widened further, happy, ecstatic, and Vox bolted to his feet to wrap his arms around him.
Alastor’s arms wound their way around his shoulders and he clutched Vox just as tightly. He exhaled and Vox shuddered at the warmth his breath sent skittering over his neck. He could feel the tension thawing out of Alastor’s muscles as they held each other in what would go down as one of the most wonderful memories they had created together.
"It took you long enough," Alastor joked breathlessly, the filter in his voice entirely absent. "I was beginning to worry you'd never ask."
"Sorry," Vox buried his face in Alastor’s shoulder, never wanting to part. "I wanted to get it right."
"I believe you succeeded there," Alastor put an imperceptible few inches of space between them to gesture around the décor and fairy-tale lights Vox had installed before tapping a finger at Vox's chest. "It's beautiful."
Their foreheads connected and Vox kicked himself internally for ever doubting Alastor’s loyalty. His eyebrows shot up when he remembered the ring. He took Alastor’s hand again and glanced at his face uncertainly, assessing his emotions. After seeing nothing but blissful resolve and unwavering faith, Vox took the ring and carefully slid it on his finger.
"You outdid yourself, darling." He wiggled his fingers, testing the leeway of the ring and marveling at its beauty. "It will be quite the challenge to find one as dazzling for you."
"Don't worry," he cupped the back of Alastor’s neck, his thumb gently brushing the buzzed end of his hair, the feeling like excited pinpricks against his skin. "I have it covered."
Alastor raised an intrigued brow. "I see. Is there anything that I, the groomsman, can do?"
Vox's processors momentarily malfunctioned at hearing Alastor refer to himself as that. God, this was actually happening. He couldn't properly wrap his head around this heavenly reality.
"Just be there. I don't need anything else."
Alastor’s eyes widened slightly and his smile turned lopsided. "And here I always thought you to be so materialistic."
Vox brought their foreheads together again. "I told you, Al. You make me better."
He heard Alastor sucking in air through his teeth. "Is this an important suit?"
Vox wagered for an answer, caught off guard by the change of topic. He flicked his eyes over his suit, a dark navy blue one with a matching vest and a white cotton shirt underneath. It was simple, but expensive. "Uh, not really. It's new, but I wouldn't say- ngh!"
A sharp pain erupted in his lower abdomen and he doubled over. Focusing, he saw the entirety of Alastor’s thumb had pierced straight through his stomach where he was holding Vox's hip. It was a minor wound and blood was already spreading over the fabric of his clothes, turning them a darker shade.
"Apologies," Alastor audibly grinned with no shred of genuine remorse. "When you say such nice things it makes me want to devour you whole."
Vox watched, gritting his teeth from the burgeoning sting, and he nearly crumbled on the spot when Alastor slid his finger out and licked a long stripe up the pad. His gaze never left Vox's.
"You know what?" Vox gasped, unable to take his eyes off the mad man in front of him. What a fucking tease. "I think this calls for a celebration. What do you say? You up for a midnight brawl on the town?"
Alastor’s smile turned positively lethal. "I'll try to avoid the plaza in front of the Tower."
Vox mouth dropped open in shock. He stared, speechless, and he felt a stone drop in his stomach as he waited for Alastor to elaborate.
He didn't. As soon as Alastor said the words he disappeared into the shadows, leaving Vox to wrestle with the realization that Alastor knew that Vox planned to host the reception at the plaza, which meant... somehow, this entire time, he had known Vox was going to propose.
"Oh, you fucking prick," he said to the empty air.
He was going to kill him. He was actually going to kill him.
A hearty, roaring laugh burst out of him. He shook his head, unable to comprehend how Alastor even existed, and he wasted no time as he zapped into the nearby lights and vanished into the grid to chase down his target.
-----------------
It had been such a nice day. There had been no bombarded walls, no violent fights that decimated the foyer, no harassment complaints, no check-outs, no flooded bathrooms.
Vaggi should have known it couldn't last.
She had been lounging on the hotel couch, perched snugly in front of the TV, when she heard a disruptive screech ring throughout the entire room. Her spear was in her hand before anyone could blink an eye.
Her wings propelled her forward and she stopped short a few feet from Angel who was clutching his hair and staring at his phone as though it had its arms wrapped around his throat.
"What is it?!" She barked, brandishing her spear.
Angel continued to stare at his phone as if he hadn't even heard her. Next to him, Cherri had gone rigid and slack-jawed, her one eye blown wide open.
"Guys?" Charlie rounded the corner, looking just as concerned as Vaggi felt.
Angel hushed something beneath his breath that no one managed to hear.
"Huh?" Charlie stepped towards them, hand outstretched cautiously.
"They're engaged," Angel croaked, his voice splintered.
Vaggi rolled her eyes so far back she feared it might sever the tendons holding them in place. Though, curiosity got the better of her. "Who's engaged?"
Finally, Angel unglued his attention from the phone and whirled toward her with a crazed expression as he thrust the screen in her face. On it played a video and Vaggi had to squint to make out the image, but the figure glitching in static bars all over and the guy dressed in blue with a television for a head were unmistakable. She gasped when Vox suddenly got down on one knee and pulled out a ring.
"Holy shit..." she lowered her spear, not even mad at Angel for the dramatic shriek.
"That's... that's not..." Charlie grappled.
Angel plopped back down on the couch, looking like he had seen a ghost. "That's the best gossip of the century is what it is, toots."
"I thought he was with Valentino?" Cherri said.
"On and off," Angel flipped a hand dismissively. "But mostly off."
"I can't believe Alastor never said anything..." Charlie gripped her upper arms in a facsimile of a comforting hug, expression drooped, distraught.
"Alastor isn't known for being the most honest," Vaggi put a soothing hand on her shoulder. She knew it wasn't any of their business, but she couldn't help but to commiserate with Charlie.
They had known Alastor for a while now and it seemed none of them had any idea that he had been in a relationship with one of the most notorious Overlords in all of Hell. Even more shockingly, Alastor wasn't exactly known for his interest in anything romantic or sexual. Quite the opposite, he consistently showed his aversion for such topics that everyone had naturally surmised he wasn't interested in pursuing anyone.
"Yeah, but still," Charlie shrugged half-heartedly, betrayal weighing her. "They just had a massive fight yesterday, there's no way they-"
She paused, her eyes scanning the vacant floor wildly. Suddenly, she bolted straight with a huge gasp, making Vaggi retract her hand.
"Oh my god! What if he doesn't want to marry him?!"
"Eh, looks like he said yes?" Angel guessed uncertainly, squinting at the video on his phone. "I mean, he's smiling."
"He's always smiling," Vaggi pointed out bluntly.
Cherri pointed a finger at the screen. "It looks like he... stabbed him? See?"
All of them gathered to peer down at the screen. Silence stretched through the room as they waited with honed gazes and, sure enough, when Alastor lifted his hand to his face, Vaggi could see it was covered in blood. Then he licked it because of course he did. She grimaced. A few seconds later, Alastor vanished into the shadows and not even the rosy lights could camouflage the fact that he had abandoned Vox.
"So, Alastor rejects him. Vox doesn't take it well. And then they fight?" Vaggi tried to put the pieces together.
"Of course!" Charlie piped up, stepping away. "It's the only thing that makes sense!"
"I mean," Vaggi tilted her head, skeptical as she studied the stunned expression on Alastor’s face as Vox proposed. "Something's definitely not right." She released a scoff of revulsion when Vox bolted to his feet and lunged at Alastor for a hug.
Cherri snickered with a cruel smile. "Vox is probably begging him to say yes."
"They didn't even kiss!" Charlie flung her hands in the air. "Poor Alastor."
"Yeah, where is he anyway?" Vaggi swiveled to look around the foyer, hoping to catch any minor sign that the demon was perhaps hiding in the shadows. A sneaking suspicion of apprehension wormed its way into her heart as she took in the disquieting lack of irritating chatter and an outfit so red it was an eye-sore. "Did he... even come home last night?"
Silence once more descended on the room. No one chimed in to answer. No one even knew.
"Did... did Vox hurt him?" Charlie whispered worriedly, her hands clasping over each other in concern.
"I wouldn't put it past him," Angel added, a dark cloud falling over his expression as he kept his gaze on the screen. "He just got jilted after proposing and Vox ain't the type to let that slide."
Charlie put a hand over her mouth. "We have to help him," she said quietly, but resolutely. Her fists tightened at her sides and her features hardened into steel. "We have to help him. Vox could be doing anything to him!"
"Babe," Vaggi grimaced, carefully considering her words. "I'm sure he's fine. He would probably get mad at us for even suggesting he might need help. Besides, who's to say; Alastor may actually want to marry that TV-head."
"It's Alastor," Charlie deadpanned.
"So you're saying that Vox is forcing him into the marriage?" Vaggi shrunk her shoulders in query, squeamish at the suggestion. "Would he really do that?"
"It's Vox," Angel answered this time, mirroring Charlie's tone.
"Fair enough," Vaggi conceded with a noncommittal shrug. "Still, there's nothing we can actually do about it."
"But, he's in trouble!" Charlie persisted. "I'm done just staying on the sidelines while my friends keep getting hurt."
Vaggi didn't miss the subtle way Charlie's gaze snapped to the portrait of Sir Pentious planted above the fireplace. Grief briefly gripped her heart, but she brushed it off. She didn't let herself think too long about what had happened to him; Charlie already carried too much sorrow and guilt on her shoulders for Vaggi to be hamstringed. She needed to be there for her.
"Princess," a voice echoed from the bar. "I admire the loyalty, but Vox and Alastor are in love. Have been for quite a while now from what I know."
They all turned in unison to gawk at Husk who merely shrugged and continued to polish the glasses, unperturbed.
"But, that makes no sense?" Charlie tried to find reason and Vaggi, surprisingly, found herself agreeing. "You don't fight someone you're going to marry!"
Her hand found Vaggi's, as though horrified by the idea of either of them hurting each other, and to Vaggi's utter dismay, her cheeks flared red, attacked by the mere suggestion that Charlie was considering a marriage in their shared future.
"And Alastor doesn't really... do love? Which is a shame because everyone should experience love."
Husk simply sighed and directed his attention back to the glass in his hand. "Don't say I didn't tell you."
"We'll have to come up with a plan," Charlie put a finger under her chin, contemplating. "Do we know where Vox is keeping him?"
"Probably V Tower," Angel drawled blandly, not appearing overly enthused by the idea of infiltrating a highly secured building that housed three powerful Overlords to save a cannibal serial killer who would never risk his life to rescue them in return.
Just as the thought coursed through Vaggi's mind, nausea rolled in her gut as she realized how utterly untrue it was. Alastor had risked his life to protect the hotel... and he had been gravely wounded by an angelic weapon in doing so.
She closed her eyes, warding off the guilt and despair that fought with her flaking opinion of Alastor and she exhaled tiredly, relenting.
"Alright, but first let's make sure the asshole is actually in danger before we try to get him back."
-----------------
"I swear," Vox raised his hands imploringly. "I had no idea."
The suspicion didn't evaporate from Alastor's demeanor. His arms remained crossed as he stared Vox down with a disapproving leer, intentionally sending high-pitched static to grate against Vox's signal.
"Look!" Vox rushed to the wall of computers perched on his desk. His fingers rushed over the keyboard with experienced dexterity and a few moments later, various videos of their engagement popped up on the screens. "See! These are all my cameras. Someone must have been spying on us, or following us, there's all kinds of creeps out there. I promise... I didn't leak anything."
Alastor assessed the footage, noting the different camera angles from the one that had been posted online last night. After a while, his shoulders drooped defeatedly and he cast his gaze to the floor, downcast.
Vox's own posture loosened, the tension alleviating. He walked over to Alastor and gently placed his hands onto his shoulders, jostling him. "Hey. I'm sorry. I know you wanted to keep that moment between us only."
Alastor hummed, his head still bowed, his ears brushing the top of Vox's casing. Vox abruptly leaned back when Alastor sharply raised his gaze to look at him and in it Vox couldn't find any mistrust or somber regret.
"No, you're right," Alastor nodded and lifted his hands to softly bracket Vox's middle, reciprocating the conciliatory gesture. "Being with you isn't something I should want to keep hidden."
Affection blossomed in Vox's chest like a hundred butterflies taking flight. He brought Alastor's face to his and laid a tender kiss against his forehead. His arms found their way so naturally around Alastor’s shoulders as though they were carved with Alastor's proportions for guidance.
"Hell would have found out eventually, anyway," Vox reassured, melting into the soft stroking of Alastor’s hands against his sides. "We aren't exactly low-key figures. I'm actually surprised we managed to not go public for this long."
"Hmm, well," Alastor plopped his head comfortably against Vox's shoulder. "Your ratings will certainly go up."
A surprised laugh skittered out of Vox and his hold tightened over Alastor. It was impossible how much he loved this man.
-----------------
"Yes, indeed, it's quite an ingenious invention!" Alastor simpered with the fakest of smiles plastered on his face and the prime sarcasm the human tongue was capable of whittling from his voice. "Coffee beans and tomato juice in one cocktail? Truly unprecedented."
The moron he was currently talking to brimmed with pride at being acknowledged by the Radio Demon and it took every ounce of self-control for Alastor not to laugh in his face and tell him how truly idiotic he was. But, he was Vox's guest, so he couldn't. He could survive one night cozying up to his current and potential business associates. They might as well make the most of the buzz surrounding the wedding and he had no intention of spoiling Vox's solid reputation.
He was just happy Vox had - reluctantly - agreed to minimize the guest list for the wedding to only friends and family. Much to the inconsequential dismay of the press that Alastor couldn't care less about.
He could have dissolved into a puddle of goo when Vox intervened. "Burgess, what a pleasure. How's the cocktail gig?" He asked, donning his most charming showman smile.
"Very well! I was just telling Mr. Alastor here how-"
"That's great!" Vox beamed and clasped his hands, the loud slap garnering everyone's attention. "I can't wait to discuss it, but if you don't mind, I need to borrow my fiancé here for a bit."
Alastor rolled his eyes at the shameless eagerness with which Vox claimed him as his fiancé. The man was practically vibrating with giddiness and his hold on Alastor’s hand was pathetically possessive as he hauled him away from the crowd and into a more secluded corner.
"We can kill that one later, I have no use for him," Vox said once they were out of earshot. "He's as arrogant as he is stupid."
Alastor leaned back against the wall, allowing himself to relax now that no one was watching.
He hated these sorts of meetings. He hated being surrounded by haughty people who demanded that he prove himself to them or live up to whatever expectations they had fabricated of him in their minds. Most of the guests at this gathering however seemed to fear him so their attitudes bordered on sycophantic.
From this angle, tucked away amidst the decorative bushes, he could better imagine what the plaza would look like bedazzled and showered in extravagant wedding assortments and flowers and tradition. He will have to keep Vox on a tight leash so that he wouldn't go overboard.
"Darling, if I had my way, most of them would already be dead."
Vox nodded solemnly, sympathizing with him. "Watching you rip into them is surely going to make this festivity more fun." He glanced briefly at the mingling guests, lost in their champagne and manufactured personalities. "You've done really well, they all seem to like you. If you want to leave it's fine. I'll meet you in a few hours-"
Alastor cut him off with a finger to the lips. "Now now, what have I said?" He didn't expect Vox to respond, silenced as he was, but the sight of him staring wide-eyed at Alastor in such a stark contrast to the commanding presence he upheld with others incited a warmth in his gut he wanted to drown in. "Don't presume my feelings. I have handled my fair share of simpletons. When they leave, I intend to spend my time with the people I actually enjoy being around."
He lowered his finger and instead devoted his attention to straightening up a few wrinkles and creases on Vox's suit, his hands smoothing down the lapels and his tie with loving commitment. His eyes landed back on Vox's screen when Vox swooped in and softly grasped Alastor's wrists and pinned them against the wall.
"I adore you, you know that, right?" Vox whispered against his lips, leaning so closely their faces were inches apart.
Alastor raised a brow. "Mhm, no. You haven't exactly been giving me all your attention today, I'm starting to think you're growing bored of me."
Vox's eyes went round at the accusation. Then, a mischievous smirk spread over his screen, nearly taking the entirety of it, as he accepted the challenge. He taunted a gentle brush of his lips against Alastor’s before he diverted and dove down to lay a kiss on his neck.
Alastor huffed, unwilling to acknowledge how he had slightly leaned forward to take the bait. "You're supposed to be a host Vox. This is highly unprofessional," he mocked, but the words held no bite. "What if someone saw?"
"Then you shouldn't be so irresistible." Vox breathed against his neck before planting another deep, tender kiss that had Alastor arching into him.
"Why should I stop when this is the result I get?" Alastor wiggled in Vox's hold, putting extra emphasis in the movements of his hips just for the purpose of driving Vox mad.
Vox's hold tightened over his wrists. "Goddammit, I hate you so fucking much." He straightened up and pressed their chests flush. With the way they were standing, Alastor’s ears softly brushed against Vox's antennae and he physically felt Vox shiver from the delightful sensation.
"No," Alastor smiled, his gaze softening at the sweet, ephemeral zaps that traversed between his antennas. "You don't."
Fondness completely soaked Vox's expression and Alastor would never get tired of finding it in his eyes, in the sincerity of his smile, in the happiness on his face.
He nuzzled his screen against Alastor’s nose and whispered "Never," before he pressed their lips together in a passionate kiss full of yearning need and invoiced promises of a future flooded with this warmth.
-----------------
Alastor looked miserable.
Shadows cast by the nearby bushes provided sufficient cover for them so they wouldn't be spotted by any wandering guests or ever-vigilant cameras. Charlie's grip tightened over the binoculars as her very soul itched to yank Alastor out of this plight.
"He really does not want to be there," Vaggi commented from beside her, also peering through a pair of binoculars at the plaza littered by all manner of demons and in their midst... was the Radio Demon. His brows were pinched in discomfort and his smile was strained, too sharp at the edges and too toothy for anyone's safety.
A gigantic, unmistakable "I want to go home!" was scrawled all over his expression.
"Damn, I've never seen him look so... not like himself," Angel noted, keeping his voice low and his body ducked behind the bushes. Behind him, Husk was holding Niffty - a precaution after the last time she had rushed to stab Angel's boss - and shaking his head disapprovingly. "Maybe, you were right, Charlie. He ain't someone to put up with shit he doesn't wanna do."
"Ugh..." She groaned. She had hoped she was wrong, she really had.
Complaints cloyed on her tongue, ready to be hurled, when suddenly Vox materialized next to Alastor and whatever Charlie was about to say completely dropped into the past as all of her attention got snatched by the scene.
"Uh oh," Cherri voiced all of their inner thoughts. "Bald Eagle is here."
They were speaking, exchanging either pleasantries or passive-aggressive insincerity and after a moment, Vox took Alastor by the hand and guided him away from the commenced audience. All six of them shuffled along the outline of the decorative foliage, careful not to be seen, as they tried to follow the two Media Overlords.
"Bald Eagle is harassing Furry Eagle," Angel drawled.
Vox was too close to Alastor for Charlie's comfort and she frowned. It took every ounce of the brittle strength residing in her bones for her not to bolt out of her hiding place, throw Alastor over her shoulder and sprint out of there. A gasp left her when she saw Alastor pushing Vox back with a finger to his lips.
"Ew. Take a hint, man?! Fucking creep," Cherri scowled, her lip curling in disgust and Charlie couldn't agree more.
Fury writhed in her stomach at the way Vox was towering over Alastor, at the way he was cornering him against the wall, at the way he was still intent on invading into Alastor's personal space while Alastor pushed at his chest, trying to get him to back off. Her entire body froze over however when she saw Vox take a hold of Alastor’s wrists and pin him back against the wall.
"Oh, that piece of shit," Angel growled under his breath at the same time Vaggi mumbled a few Spanish curses.
Charlie's voice was caught in her throat. She stared, shocked, watching as one of the most powerful and independent people she knew quailed beneath Vox's demands. "Why isn't he fighting back..?" Her voice was small, naïve even, but she didn't care. She just didn't understand. None of this made sense!
Silence met her and it only stirred the gradually inflating dread pooling in her gut.
"Oh... oh no," Angel gulped next to her, his breath hitching. "Fuck... shit."
Charlie averted her gaze briefly to examine him, but still kept it mostly on the two Overlords, interest and concern and a blood-chillingly ominous sense of alarm mixing in her core. "What is it?"
Angel closed his eyes and dipped his head slightly, almost exhaustedly. "I think he's hypnotized Al."
Charlie whirled around to gawk at him in horror. "Hypnotized?"
"Can he... do that?" Cherri bobbed her head above Angel's shoulder, equal unease etched on her expression.
"I don't see why not. He can't do it to Val, but maybe he can do it to Alastor..?" Angel gripped the binoculars and bought them to his eyes again, his features furrowed in concentration. "I mean look at him! If he gets any closer to Alastor's face they're going to be making out."
As much as it pained her with unfettered deplore, she had to admit the theory made the most sense out of everything they had conjectured.
Fire simmered within her, boiling and fierce and hot. It urged at her self-restraint to be unleashed, but she tamped it down. The place was crawling with Voxtek security guards and no matter how skilled they were in battle or how lethal their weapons were, they wouldn't be leaving alive if they attacked Vox now.
A deep, rooted part of her had desperately believed that it was all just a publicity stunt. That Vox had somehow blackmailed Alastor in a weak attempt to skyrocket his popularity and market his products while he and Alastor barely communicated behind the plastic veneer. That it was strictly business and nothing more.
It all vanished into thin air when Vox leaned down to kiss Alastor’s neck.
She vaulted above the bushes with a startling yell. "Get your hands off him, you bitch!"
Someone gripped the back of her shirt and she was flung back down before anyone could see her. Several palms clamped over her mouth, including hers.
"Fuck," Angel whispered as they all scooted together, huddling to avoid being seen. "Dammit, Charlie my boss is there! If he sees us spying I'm done for!"
"Sorry," she rubbed the bridge of her nose, breathing out slowly to level her panic. The outburst wasn't planned and it swept her in a fresh wave of embarrassment.
Suddenly, her chest constricted. A thick lump wedged itself in her throat that bayed any words trying to rush past. She gripped her knees as tears welled in her eyes and all of her focus surged to stave them off from falling.
"Hey," Vaggi - wonderful, kind Vaggi who would of course notice something was wrong with her - looped her hand around her shoulders, shimmying to sit closer. "I know this is hard, but Angel's right. We can't just barge in there and demand Vox just let Alastor go. Remember the last time we tried that?"
Her tone was soft and nurturing, clearly intended to coax the stress out of Charlie without jarring her, but the reminder still made Charlie bristle with shame. She buried her face in her knees, but nodded nonetheless.
"Yeah, and even if we get to Alastor, he's not gonna come willingly. Trust me, I... I..." Angel said lowly and Charlie could have sworn she detected a trace of panic in his voice. "I've seen Vox's hypnosis at work before, alright! If you want Al back you'll either have to wait for Vox to get bored of him or you'll have to knock the hypnosis out of him."
Charlie frowned, disturbed at the idea of striking one of her friends. Her head slammed back down on her knees lamely.
Vaggi's hand ran up and down in soothing strokes on her back. "We'll have to be smart about this, but don't worry," her hold around Charlie's shoulders hardened with unshakeable determination, her voice turning to iron. "We will get him back."
-----------------
Alastor raised his hands up to fight off Vox's assault in a feeble attempt as the demon rained down kisses over his face. The sound of their fused laughter rung in his ears.
"You-" Vox kissed his forehead. "Are-" another kiss landed on Alastor's nose. "Incredible."
Alastor had barely managed to get out of the bathroom after washing himself up before Vox had launched at him. He could hardly see past the lurid blue blasting against his vision and it didn't help that Vox was holding his head in place and refusing to let go until he had charted out every untouched spot on his face with his lips.
Their feet bumped and stepped on each other as they stumbled through the living room. A staggered yelp escaped Vox when his knees hit the edge of the couch and he toppled backwards.
But, not without pulling Alastor down with him.
He crashed on top of Vox, all of his attention aimed at not poking an eye on Vox's casing, but Vox didn't seem to mind. His arms automatically closed around Alastor’s form and the warmth was so familiar, Alastor allowed himself to go lax, knowing Vox would support him. He deposited Alastor on his lap and Alastor wrinkled his nose at the dainty position and instead maneuvered to throw his legs on each side of Vox's thighs.
He plopped down finally, content. "Well, hello."
Vox's smile was so wide it nearly breached the constraints of his casing. "Hi," he placed his hands on Alastor’s hips for emphasis. "A pretty thing like you belongs right here."
Alastor wordlessly weaseled his way out of Vox's hold and Vox scrambled for him.
"Wait, wait! I'm sorry, I'm kidding!" He slurred over his words, caught in his panic. His hold tightened over Alastor’s arm as a furtive expression spread over his face and when Alastor finally spun around to reveal the coy grin he hid, Vox deflated, realizing he was being played with. "You brat."
Alastor laughed, small and genuine, and he didn't protest as Vox steered him back onto his lap. He laughed louder when Vox hugged him tight as though he was afraid Alastor would scamper off again. Like a puppy holding onto his treat. He was absolutely adorable.
Unfortunately, Alastor couldn't properly appreciate the petulant pout on his face because Vox dropped his head against his chest. "Mmhm..." he hummed contentedly.
"Mmhm," Alastor matched his pitch sweetly, letting his thumb idly stroke the back of Vox's neck.
"Hmpf..."
"Hmpf."
"Mm?"
"Mm."
"Thank you," he muttered, his voice muffled and lazy. "For today."
Alastor’s lower lip plumped up, endeared at the earnest tilt to Vox's tone which he so rarely heard. He wished to keep Vox snuggled tightly in his arms almost as much as he wished to lay back and watch him rule Hell with that authoritative presence he summoned so effortlessly.
"Hmm," he let himself melt into the embrace. His finger darted up and pinged one of Vox's antennas and he smiled at the precious little back-and-forth wobble it made. He would never get tired of it. "I was indeed very committed, wasn't I? I suppose this is my reward?"
He squeezed Vox's body softly and it encouraged Vox to crane his neck to look up at him. His eyes peered curiously over Alastor’s features, big and round and gentle, as he said "You can have anything you want."
"Then consider me satisfied," Alastor purred, doting as he ran a finger down Vox's screen while inwardly he screamed with the hunger to chomp his jaw around Vox at how Vox's eyes lidded lazily at the tender touch. "I already have everything I want."
Vox took his hand and pressed it against his face. His brows were relaxed, his body at ease, all the energy and tension and stress seeping away from his muscles.
A tiny clinking sound of the ring grazing Vox's monitor pierced the air and both Vox and Alastor's noses scrunched at it. Vox lowered Alastor’s hand and studied the ring on his finger, his thumb idly brushing over the gleaming ruby nestled on top.
His screen flickered with gray static for a moment before he regained control over it again. "I can't believe you're actually wearing it."
Alastor raised a brow. "Did you think I would ever say no?"
"No!" Vox defended stiltedly, his grip tightening on Alastor’s hand as a glib, faltering laugh left him. "I mean, no. Of course not."
Alastor’s brow raised higher, but he bit back the chuckle itching at his throat. "Mhm."
"I haven't shown you mine yet," Vox pointed out, his confidence sliding back onto his screen. "I just had it picked up a few hours ago."
When Alastor realized what he was referring to, he perked up, adjusting his position to show his eagerness. His hands rested calmly at his thighs as Vox lassoed his jacket into his hold with a cable and took out a blue box from the inside pocket.
He opened it to reveal a silver ring with matching engravements and an identical gem caged by the metal. Only, it was blue, a stunning, mesmerizing sapphire that probably cost an entire house. Moonlight to Alastor's sunlight. Water to Alastor's fire. Wild electricity to Alastor's quiescent shadows.
"Are you sure CEO is the right profession for you? Ringmaster has a nice ring to it," he chuckled at his own pun.
Vox laughed genuinely this time, boisterous and born from somewhere deep in his belly and Alastor wanted to plunge himself in the delightful sound until he couldn't hear anything else.
He didn't know what came over him, but his soul completely fell into the comfort of the moment and his hand shot out on its own accord and wordlessly took the ring to place it on his own finger.
It felt like the entire world halted in honor for a few long, tense seconds. Before him, Vox gaped stiffly at the ring settled snugly on his finger, his whole body locked in place and Alastor couldn't even mock him for it since he himself had gone just as rigid.
The blue contrasted the red of his claws deliciously and the silver looked so out of place with his usual aesthetic that it naturally magnetized the eye to fall on it. The metal was slightly wider than his finger and it slipped up and down it clumsily, but he couldn't deny that it suited him spectacularly.
"Well, fuck," Vox voiced Alastor's inner thoughts.
Alastor hummed at the pleasant sensation the sight evoked; it radiated Vox's energy and Alastor wanted everyone to know exactly who his husband was.
The thought was so so wonderful.
Vox's fingers fiddled with Alastor's initial ring and gently pried it off his hand. Alastor's breath hitched when Vox tried to slide it on his own finger.
It wouldn't fit. His broad claws halted its descent and it hovered mid knuckle quite ridiculously. Vox usually prided himself in the size of his hands - rather obnoxiously if Alastor was completely honest - but now, judging by the creased scowl on his face, he looked like he might chew them with his own teeth just to make the ring fit.
"I'm gonna go back to the jeweler tomorrow to resize these," he commented steadily, as though caught in a trance.
Alastor didn't need to voice his agreement. Not when both of them saw the natural familiarity oscillating from them. It felt right.
"Shit, they're perfect, if he fucks it up I'm going to kill him," Vox's breathing stuttered, a disconcerted frown threatening to damp the exhilaration on his face.
Alastor pressed his hand against his chest, steeling his attention away from his worries. "They will be perfect no matter what."
"Yeah, but they should be more than perfect. Because it's... it's you and you deserve the best. It's my job to take care of these things, Al."
Alastor’s hands landed on the sides of Vox's screen faster than he could process his upcoming answer. "Sweetheart," his tone was patient, but firm enough so that Vox would grasp the severity of Alastor’s words. "The point is that you are the one I'm going to marry, not for you to fulfil some job. I'm not going to marry you for a pretty ring or your money or your fame - I already have those anyway. I want you for you."
"I can at least do a-"
"No."
"I just-"
"Stop it."
"But-"
"No buts," Alastor shushed him, leaving no room for argument. "I would marry you next to a dumpster if you asked. You idiot, nothing else matters to me but you being there. Not the guests, not your fans, not your awful business associates, not the press, not the royals. No one but you."
For a moment, Vox looked like he might protest again. His mouth parted open slightly a few times before he eventually closed it and nodded. The perpetual restlessness visibly drained away from his shoulders and he relaxed against Alastor’s hold.
"I know," he breathed after a while, settling closer. "I just... I just want to show you how much I love you."
If Alastor could have dissolved his body into Vox's so that they would forever be inseparable, he would have. Fondness snatched him in an iron fist and he had no desire to be released from it.
He leant down and pressed their foreheads together. "You already do," he sighed contentedly. "Like this. Every day."
Alastor’s hand found its destined slot into Vox's own reassuringly and he tangled their fingers back together, settling the rings next to each other. They spoke in a harmonious silence of blue and red and silver and gold, almost tranquil in their unsung, contrasting resonance. They looked like they belonged together.
He wouldn't mind wearing Vox's colors for the rest of eternity.
He wouldn't mind that one bit.
-----------------
Vaggi had been reluctant to believe it. Not just for her own peace of mind to spare herself from the knowledge that another of her friends - even one as cutthroat and perfidious as Alastor - was currently suffering, but also because she knew deep down that it was the truth.
There was no way, in Heaven or Hell or Earth, that Alastor would fall in love with that egomaniacal, vain, conniving, avaricious asshole. Looking at them now as she loitered a fair distance from the upper floors of V Tower, held aloft by the flapping of her wings, she felt silly for ever thinking Vox's obvious attraction was mutual.
The wind swept through her hair, but she paid it no mind. All of her focus was sharpened at the two figures in the apartment. While Charlie cooked up a plan to save Alastor and mulled over the best way to sway her dad into helping since there was a slim chance they could extricate Alastor from Vox's clutches on their own - Vaggi had decided to exercise her own skills and gather information. The frown on her face seemed permanently imprinted by now.
Vox just couldn't leave Alastor alone, almost as if he was afraid Alastor would snap out of the hypnosis at any second. She watched, disturbed, dismay roiling within her, as Alastor tried to step away from Vox but the demon grabbed his arm and pulled him back onto his lap. His arms wrapped around him possessively, not allowing Alastor an inch to escape.
She suddenly felt like a fool. She had thought Alastor would be fine, she had thought him invincible. It was unnerving to see him so vulnerable, to realize he needed help just like any other human soul. Just like all the souls that she had slaughtered in cold blood...
She closed her eyes, pain charging through her limbs and turning them to stone with guilt and horror and grief for the countless lives she could never restore no matter how hard she tried, how tirelessly she worked, how faithfully she devoted herself to a good cause. There was no wiping the blood on her hands that diffused so deep beneath her skin it had stained her heart black.
Exhaling a shaky breath, her gaze once more landed on the two figures sitting on the couch. If she didn't know better, she could almost mistake Alastor's soft touches and gentle embrace for genuine. Vox was staring intently at Alastor, their bodies entwined together as he narrowed his concentration into his hypnosis and she wished she could just barrel through the glass window and impale Vox on her spear.
But, she didn't. She was a soldier, trained in strategy and patience. So, she waited. She waited and watched them talk and eventually when they waddled to the bedroom and turned off the lights, plunging the whole floor in darkness, she did nothing even though her very bones begged for her to intervene.
She would not risk Alastor's life by being impulsive. She might not be able to ever atone for her past sins, but she would damn well do her best to save the people who could yet be saved.
And that included Alastor.
-----------------
Anxiety swirled Alastor stomach into a tight knot ready to expel all the blistering frustrations and bottled worries at any moment through one, loud, ear-splitting scream. But, the sheer indignity of it completely dissuaded Alastor from even thinking about it.
Instead, he busied himself by smoothing out the non-existent creases on his otherwise perfectly tailored wedding suit, a sleek black one lined with white, matching the white tie that cut down the red shirt underneath like a sword plunging into a pool of blood and sorrow. He pointedly averted his eyes from his own expression in the mirror because he knew he couldn't muster a smile vivacious enough to conceal his tremor. No one would know, of course. But, Vox would.
He had never envisioned such a glamorous wedding to take place in his future and he was just glad he didn't own one of those pesky mobile devices that would have otherwise further rotted his brain with news articles and clashing opinions and reminders of what he was supposed to do. He was glad for Vox in that sense; his persistence to shower Alastor in the most flattering of traditions and excellencies was irritating, but he had taken care of most of the planning the past month. Something which Alastor very much had no desire to do.
He turned to look through the window down at the bustling crew and maintenance arranging chairs, tables, flowers and all manner of ritzy decorations for the reception. Next to the entrance of the Tower, Alastor spotted the small podium where he and Vox would say their vows. He shivered.
"Just for a few hours," Alastor sighed under his breath as the consuming dread flared in him again. "Then you'll finally be alone with him."
Just the thought of being that emotionally vulnerable in front of so many people was spine-chilling, to be exposed to the unnecessary glitz and glam and attention, to kiss Vox in front of all those guests, to proclaim his eternal love in front of everyone-
"Ugh," he pinched the bridge of his nose, exhaling slowly to ward off the fresh wave of nausea it caused to whirl in his gut.
Stupid picturebox with his incessant need to be acknowledged. Why couldn't he be more like normal people and host a wedding that at least cost less than an entire mall? Alastor could find far better uses for that money; like building himself a torture dungeon and locking Vox in it so he would cool off. He would even get him those Vepsi energy drinks he liked so much because Alastor was just that nice. But, unfortunately, he loved Vox exactly as he was and he wouldn't change a single thing about him.
His eyes blinked open when the door creaked behind him and he straightened up, disassembling his nervousness. "Vox, if this is about the doves again, I told you, I do not need them - oh!?"
His mouth parted open in surprise, whatever he was about to say dying on the tip of his tongue when he saw Charlie Morningstar standing stiffly in the doorway.
His first thought was to guide her out of his bedroom. His second one was why and how she had even managed to get here.
"If you're looking for the reception, dear, you've missed the mark by quite a bit," he patiently clasped his hands behind his back as he raked his eyes up and down her jittery frame that reeked of uncertainty. "But, something tells me you're not."
Her smile quirked up slightly and the anxiousness dissipated from her demeanor. She steeled herself, her expression indurated with resolve. "I was just, uh, wondering if you'd... like to, uh, come to the hotel to have pancakes?"
The question was so ludicrous and out of the blue that Alastor could do nothing but gawk at her for several delayed moments. Her queasy grimace turned sourer by the second. "I'm afraid I can't. Maybe you haven't noticed but I'm going to be married in less than an hour. And I would very much like to attend."
"Yes, but you don't have to!" She abruptly leapt towards him and the shock addled his mind so efficiently that he hardly noticed when she took his hands into hers. "You don't have to get married to him. Come with me now and I can get you out of here."
Alastor flicked his eyes over his surroundings, aiming to catch any sign that this was an ill-timed prank. "I beg your pardon?"
She simply squeezed his hands, comforting, almost encouraging as she began to gently tug him out of the room. "Alastor... I know Vox is making you do this. But, it's okay! We can help you!"
The startling accusation tied his tongue and halted his voice in his throat. On some level, he supposed her concern was sweet, but on a more sensible one, he didn't know whether to burst out laughing or to express the indignation as insultingly as the idea that Vox could make him do anything he didn't want to was.
His senses caught up to him and he calmly extricated his hands out of her grip. "Now, that's enough. Stop this nonsense and we can get on," he tapped the top of her head and turned to walk away with a new spring in his step, having no intention to entertain whatever delusions she had succumbed to. "Oh, and it's quite alright that you didn't get me a gift for my special day. I can only imagine how busy you are with the hotel so packed and teeming with guests."
It was not. They both knew it.
Charlie's shoulders slumped defeatedly, her eyes further sloping downwards with a heavy glint of melancholy that Alastor couldn't pinpoint. The last thing he had expected to stray from the organized schedule for this day was a disconcerted, misguided princess with a bleeding heart. In his bedroom of all places. Honestly, kids these days simply had no manners.
"I hoped I wouldn't have to do this..." she whispered behind him, so quietly Alastor almost didn't hear her.
He twisted his neck back curiously with an intrigued eyebrow. He had only known her for a few years, but something about her felt... off. Her posture, her stance, the way she fiddled with her fingers, the way she kept glancing around frantically.
He would have dug deeper for answers and asked her if she was alright, but then she inhaled sharply and splayed her arm wide to point at something to the side, looking like she had seen a ghost. "Oh, shit what's that!?"
Alastor's eyes followed in the direction she was gesturing and he further squinted at the blank, unimpressive steel plates lining the walls. "I see nothi-"
The glass windows suddenly shattered. Alastor ducked on instinct to shield himself from the fray of broken shards that went flying through the room.
His antlers elongated and his claws sharpened before he could even get his bearings together. Static screeched in the air, making Charlie shield her ears, but he ignored it. He whirled around, his eyes ticking, his body tense, ready to pounce at the threat.
Consumed in rage and frustration, his blood boiled hot and vicious at the sight of Lucifer barreling into his room with a devilish grin on his face. Suddenly, coils of silver erupted from his palm with lightning speed, heading straight towards Alastor like hunting snakes.
The momentary shock briefly froze him, but he managed to shake himself out of the stupor and dodge the attack just in time. He swiveled to the side, letting the silver flop lamely to the ground and a nauseating chill ran down his spine when he noticed they were actually angelic ropes.
His eyes blew wide at the horrific realization and the wrath simmering in his core amplified tenfold. He snarled at Lucifer and let several shadowy tendrils unfurl from his back. They writhed and curled over the floor, eager to choke the life out of his target when something wrapped around his middle, instantly causing them to vanish.
His arms flattened over his sides and he gasped as the well of power residing in his core recoiled from his grasp. He looked down and inwardly cursed when he saw the strand of angelic rope Charlie had constricted around him.
"I'm sorry!" she implored, but Alastor couldn't spare any pity. Not when she had decided to ambush him on his wedding day.
Betrayal plowed through him, glacial and scorching. On instinct, he yanked himself away and Charlie stumbled forward after him with a yelp. The rope slipped from his body and he jumped to shrug it off when suddenly another piece of rope was thrown over his head.
His gaze sharply landed on Vaggi who was holding the other end in a vice grip.
A sensation he detested more than anything slithered into his heart, wrapping around it along with the detestation and fury and deplore already squeezing it to a painful degree. He clenched his teeth as unfettered fear trapped him in its iron clutches.
He clawed at the rope, his efforts growing erratic and desperate as he failed to summon his powers over and over. His surroundings spun in a hectic array of red and silver and he couldn't stop the second round of ropes that were wound around his torso, trapping his hands and effectively immobilizing him. Voices, yelling instructions, breezed past him but he was too lost in the murderous, violent anger intent on making each of them pay for this to notice.
Each of them held pieces of rope that restrained his body in a messy pattern, clearly composed in inexperienced hurry. When Lucifer abruptly yanked the ropes, Alastor stumbled forward onto his knees.
He grit his teeth, rage like nothing he had ever felt before decimating him from the inside and he would have sold his soul all over again to be able to smite the arrogant bastard grinning down at him.
"Dad!" Charlie rushed toward Alastor and put her hands on his shoulders to stabilize him. Her touch burned through his clothes and he was half tempted to bite her hands off.
"Whoops," Lucifer raised his hands placatingly, utterly unapologetic. He rolled his eyes after Charlie hit him with an admonishing glare. "Fine. Let's just get this over with."
"Whatever you idiots think you're doing..." Alastor gasped, his voice raspy and blazing with malice. "If you don't stop it now, I promise you, you will never get a day of peace for the rest of your lives."
"No! No, we don't want to do this. It's for your own good, I swear," Charlie persisted, genuine anguish evident in her expression. "We just need to find a way to free you from Vox's hypnosis and then we'll let you go."
Vox's hypnosis...
Alastor exhaled, rolling his head back with raw, livid exasperation that reached his very bones. They couldn't be this naïve, could they?
He tried to tug at the bindings again, but they held firm and the defenseless state they forced him in could have melted his skin straight off from the frustration that coursed through his body. "Ah, yes, how silly of me. I now see Vox has played me for a fool and I have you to thank for my freedom. Can you let me go now so that I can get married and we can forget this whole sloppy rescue attempt ever happened?"
From the displeased frowns on their faces, perhaps sarcasm wasn't the wisest option he could have tried. Too bad.
He sighed, biting his tongue at the abasement his next words elicited. "As difficult as your empty little heads might find it to believe, Vox and I have a long history, one that you are not privy to. Frankly, I'm offended that you think he could force me into anything."
Vaggi stepped forward, her expression as firm as steel. "You... actually love him?"
Alastor took a deep, fortifying breath, leveling her challenging stare with equal conviction.
"Yes."
Doubt plastered itself on her features, causing her grip on the rope to slightly slacken. Then, she tightened her hold. "Yeah, he's definitely hypnotized."
Alastor huffed, his patience veering past the edge. Vaggi's disbelief, Charlie's overbearing presumptions, Lucifer's haughty leer as he stared down at him with his arms crossed could have annihilated Alastor with the outrage it caused. "Listen to me-"
Suddenly, Vaggi picked him up by the waist and effortlessly lugged him over her shoulder. He spared a moment to marvel at the unfathomable strength residing in her muscles as the world tipped sideways, his surroundings swimming in a hazy blur. She walked him away and toward the broken window where the wind carded through his hair and turned his fingers cold.
When he realized what she was about to do, panic set in and he stammered "No, wait! Stop! Don't you dare!"
But, it was too late. She ignored his protests and with one powerful swoop of her wings she launched them both into the sky.