Chapter Text
“We could rule hell together, as partners!” Vox reached his hand out, hoping that Alastor would take the offer and shake his hand.
“The worst he could do is say no.” Vox repeated to himself back and forth like a game of tennis. He was waiting, waiting for at least a word to slip out of Alastor’s mouth, there was none.
The silence was short but awkward, each second making Vox want to rip his insides. Suddenly, short bursts of laughter came from the Radio Demon as his smirk grew wider. The short bursts of laughter soon transformed into a burst of cackle and mockery. His dilated pupils formed into sticks, both spread out as his laughing continued.
“OH YOU’RE SERIOUS?!?”
“I KNEW YOU COULD BE PATHETIC AT TIMES, BUT I DIDN’T REALISE YOU WERE SO WEAK.”
Alastor’s words were already enough to shatter Vox’s ego into tiny pieces, all of them scattered onto the floor. His heart palpitating, each beat felt heavier, each beat felt as if his own heart was about to pierce through out his chest. Ringing filled his ears to the top, his vision blurred, causing his eyes to flicker.
“ FRIENDS?!? THERE ARE NO FRIENDS IN HELL VINCENT, I THOUGHT THAT’S SOMETHING YOU ALREADY UNDERSTOOD!”
A heavy painful ball formed in the back of Vox’s neck, his eyes burned until the tears he was holding back, came out of his watery red eyes.
It has now been 20 years since the rejection, Alastor’s words were still glued tight to Vox’s head. Vox despised him. He wanted the absolute worst for him. All of the anger, sadness and rage he felt fused into one when it comes to even thinking about him. He wanted to prove all of Alastor’s claims wrong, he was willing to do anything it takes to wipe that smug smile off his face. Usually, people would move on from an unfortunate event and get on with their lives but that’s something Vox would never achieve. He clung on to the rejection, it wasn’t something to forget and forgive. He hated how vulnerable he was with Alastor, the person who he thought he could trust with all his struggles. The one who he shared his real name to, the one who somewhat helped with his internalised homophobia, the one where he can be more open to. The person who he trusted, took all of that and chucked it in his face.
Vox was already a well known Overlord when he became one, everyone knew him for his powerful influence and how much he evolves with the Media even though he’s down in Hell. Throughout those 20 years, he made Voxtek grow larger and larger whilst also working on his power as an Overlord. Despite being successful, he still thrives for more so it can give some satisfaction with himself.
It was another day in Hell, more souls fell down into the hole of punishment. Some souls deserve it, some don’t but it didn’t matter either way. There was violence like usual, sinners cursing and attempting to kill each other, turf wars were taking place and creeps asking to have sex like always. All of that was extremely casual in Hell. Every soul who was punished will soon be accustomed to it.
Vox had just finished work, he was speaking to the public about his new product and how they should see him a trusting figure, something he was good at. He decided to put work aside tonight and get his mind off all the stress he’s been having this week. A new bar opened up in Hell, it was pretty popular due to its modern look and shows would take place there. As he stepped into the entrance, he was already welcomed by subtle music and warm lighting. He picked the quieter spot as it gives him more time to think for himself.
A few hours had gone by, more customers had entered, making it busier. Vox had a few drinks that were enough to make him a little drunk but not enough to make him completely unaware of his surroundings. He pinched the rim of his cup. A new Overlord has popped up in Hell, every sinner has at-least heard about his name. He’s famous for directing films and porns. His face covered billboards in the Entertainment District. ‘Valentino’ is what they called him. Vox had some interest into introducing himself to Valentino, he wasn’t looking for any partnership of course, not after what happened with Alastor. Vox looked at his empty glass, his foot tapped on the floor. Someone working for him wouldn’t be so bad. Valentino is already extremely well known figure in Hell which can help boost up Voxtek.
Vox ordered one last drink before leaving. As he waited, he took a glimpse at the stage. A show was about to start. Even though Vox didn’t care about the show and was only there to clear out his mind, his eyes still gazed on the upcoming performance. The audience clapped as the show was about to start. Vox was busy looking at his cyan claws with his drink next to him. Suddenly, a 10ft purple moth demon stood on the stage, he wore gold heart shaped glasses that shaded over his red eyes, his antennas that were black and white poked through his red hat, his long, big wings matched the colour of his hat. He had more of a feminine look whilst also keeping his masculine qualities. Vox finally decided to look back up to the stage. It was the famous film director himself Valentino. Vox felt a weird feeling in his stomach but it felt good, he felt his cheeks getting warmer the more he looked at Valentino. Val locked eyes with Vox as a warm smile appeared on the moth’s face. At this point, it was visible that Vox was blushing with bright cyan on his screen. He felt a rush of dopamine on his head, he couldn’t quite describe the feeling. During the performance, Vox was eyeing Valentino. Sure he was good looking on billboards and advertisements but in person, he was jaw dropping.
A wave of guilt hit Vox as he realised what he was feeling. It can’t be true, it can’t happen again. Shame quickly filled him up wishing he dated a woman so he would’ve never developed ‘feelings’ for Valentino. Despite all the shame and guilt, he still felt something inside him. He couldn’t decide whether he was drunk or he had genuine feelings for him, hoping it was the first option.