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Alastor was backed against a wall with an Exorcist before him.
She drew her sword, ready to put an end to The Radio Demon.
Shit… how am I going to get myself out of this one.
Alastors mind was spinning and the slash across his chest from the scuffle was buzzing with pain as blood soaked through his vest. He could feel his vision doubling.
He knew he wouldn’t be strong enough to escape back to the hotel, then he saw the neon blue sign on the face of V Tower in his peripheral.Alastor mustered up the last shreds of power he had to engulf himself in his shadow magic, allowing himself to vanish in a swirl of darkness which whisked him off towards the tower.
The pool of shadows settled on a balcony, leaving Alastor unconscious from the strenuous use of his powers whilst injured like this.
From inside, sat Vox in his office chair.He tapped his fingers on the desk as he focused intently on his work.“Jesus Christ, Vox! enough with that, you’re driving me mad” whined Velvette irritably from where she was sprawled out like a cat on his sofa across the room.
Vox groaned and lent back in his chair “can’t you go somewhere else then?”
“can’t you go somewhere else” she retorted.“ugh fine. I need a break anyway to clear my head” Vox sighed then rose from his place to take a walk, closing the office door behind him with passive aggressive force.
Vox strode down the hall to his bedroom.
I need some fresh air…
He closed his eyes and slid open the glass balcony door and stepped out, taking in a deep breath of cool night air in then as he opened his eyes he saw a figure slumped over on the floor of his balcony. At first he couldn’t make out who it was in the darkness.
Is that… Alastor?!
The demons shadow swirled around his unconscious body, puffing itself up like a frightened animal. It came between the two overlords, trying to protect Alastor as best as a shadow could.
“Its okay, I’m not going to hurt him” Though Vox noticed something already had.
His eyes fell on the demons chest, a large gash was spread across it; oozing blood, creating a small puddle before him.
Vox crouched down slowly and placed a hand on Alastor’s cheek.
Good. He’s alive. Wait, is that good… why is he here?
He had so many questions but right now they’d have to be put on hold.
Vox gently slipped his arms under Alastor’s body, scooping him up princess-style.
He carried him over to his bed then carefully set him down on top of the dark blue sheets.
Dammit. Those are fresh, now they’re gonna be all bloody… What do I do now? I didn’t think this through.
Vox then dialed for his assistant “Ethan! I need you to bring me a boat load of bandages and uh… other medical what-not. Stat.”
“Right away, sir” the voice on the other line responded.
Not long after, there was a knock on Vox’s door and Ethan called through “I’ve got the bandages you asked for, boss!”
“shhh not so loud… Do you want the entirety of Hell knowing my business?” Vox only opened the door just enough to take the supplies from his assistant then quickly closed it in his face, not wanting him to see Alastor.
A few hours later Alastor began to stir.
He opened his eyes and looked around, taking in his surroundings.
The room was unfamiliar and but there was something about it which he couldn’t quite place… Another thing he couldn’t seem to remember was how he got there.
Suddenly, he became acutely aware of the gauze which wrapped his otherwise-bare chest.He looked over at the end of the bed where his shirt, vest and blazer were all neatly folded.
He brought his hand to his chest then recoiled at the sharp pain from the contact.
Whatever happened to me, I’m not in good shape… Where even am I? This looks like no room in the hotel.
Vox walked into the room from where he’d been cleaning Alastors blood off the balcony.
“Oh you’re awake…! Looked like some fight you must’ve got yourself in. How are you doing?”
Alastor’s eyes shifted between himself and Vox, hardly listening to him mumbling away.
Usually Alastor would try to put on a charming front to cover his vulnerability but he just didn’t have it in himself so gave in.
“what… happened? why am I here?”
Vox blinked in confusion then perched himself on the edge of the bed “I’m not sure what trouble you got yourself into either. You were just lying out there, when I found you” he gestured towards the balcony then placed a reassuring hand lightly on Alastor’s leg.
Alastor’s eyes narrowed but felt a warm softness wake in his heart, something that he hadn’t felt in many years.
Vox awkwardly stood up and cleared his throat “well, you’re here now. Let me uh… get you something to drink” then he left the room.
He’s acting strange… why isn’t he relishing in my defenseless state? I would’ve expected to wake up tied to a chair or something… certainly not carefully wrapped in bandages.
What could he be getting out of this?
As he wondered to himself he could feel his eyelids getting heavy, until they eventually shut completely.
When Vox returned, Alastor was asleep. He set down the glass of water on his bedside besides the sleeping demon.
He sat himself in one of the armchairs by the floor-to-ceiling-window looking out at the glowing city, even at night, Hell was bustling with sinners.
Not much time passed before he dozed off as well.
The next morning, Vox was first to wake.
He sleepily blinked as he remembered the events of the night before, glancing over to Alastor. He watched as his chest subtly rose and fell with each breath.Vox took in the scene.
Alastor, The Radio Demon, was sleeping in his bed.
Sure, the circumstances weren’t what most would assume from that sentence, but still, it counted for something.
When Alastor’s eyes eventually fluttered open, the fight was a clear memory in the forefronts of his mind now. The initial stun must have worn off since he could remember how the Exorcist had slashed her sword across his chest and his narrow escape.
He looked over to Vox, still in his armchair, stretching and rubbing his neck from the residual stiffness of his uncomfortable sleeping arrangement.
Hmm, I’m glad he had the decency not to try sharing the bed…
There was a twinge of underlying guilt and pity, a softness for Vox within him.
“Oh! You’re up! How’s your… chest?” Vox stood and moved over towards the bed as he posed the question.
Alastor was uneasy with Vox’s friendliness, it was almost unnerving compared to what he expected. He knew a side of Vox a long time ago which probably would’ve catered to him like this but so much had changed since then and that version of him had been left in the past, or so he thought.
“I’m quite alright, no cause for.. alarm” Alastor replied dryly trying to cover himself wincing with the pain aching in his ribs which burned with each word.
Vox frowned “I find it hard to believe you are somehow mystically healed already”
He lent down towards Alastor, peering at his chest, the fur curling over the bandages, which were now a dark rusty colour from soaking in the blood.
“I should swap those out for fresh bandages, if we leave those on your wound could get infected. Here, let me unwrap them” Vox reached out towards the other demon.
Alastor jolted forward trying to sit up “No need for that, you’ve done plenty”
He attempted to get up but the strain on his muscles was too much, unable to hold himself up, he was forced to nestle back against the pillow which propped him up.
“Woah there, you’re in no shape to move around, Al. Just let me do this”
After a couple minutes of objections, Alastor finally gave in and allowed Vox to remove the bandages.
He carefully held Alastor’s shoulders, supporting him while he unwrapped the gauze.
Alastor’s chest was left bare, exposing the deep cut and his tufts of chest fluff.
He wriggled slightly as Vox began to clean the wound. Under any other circumstance the radio demon would never have let anyone see him like this but he didn’t have much choice.
Vox gently dabbed a disinfectant soaked cotton ball against Alastor’s chest, his eyes were focused solely on cleaning the wound. Alastor almost admired his concentration and stubborn insistence on caring for him. Almost. Perhaps he could appreciate this more if he could shake his wariness.
The two demons met eyes, one looking down curiously, the other looking up then darting his eyes away bashfully.
“I’m almost done… Just need to bind up the new bandages”
Alastor nodded, he wanted this to be over. He didn’t like how tenderly Vox was caring for him. Feelings were only a weakness. Alastor strove for full control and power but emotions were so unpredictable. He couldn’t bear the warmth which Vox was awakening.
Once Alastor was all wrapped up in fresh bandages, Vox abruptly slapped his hands against his knees and got up “Right. Now that that’s taken care of, I need to get to my office. I don’t want the other Vees to come looking for me or to suspect something. Is there anything you need before I go?”
He’s just going to leave me here? Alone all day? How is he so calm about leaving his nemesis unsupervised in his penthouse…
Just before Vox stepped out the door Alastor spoke “Well, I do feel rather… indecent like this. Do you have something I can cover up with?” He had him arms crossed smoothing his hands over his bare arms and slightly shielding his chest and abdomen.
“I really need to go so Val and Velvette don’t get suspicious so just raid whatever you want. There should be some clean robes in the bathroom” Vox hastily gestured to the en suite before stepping through the door, calling over his shoulder “I’ll be back as soon as I can” then he shut the door. Leaving Alastor in his bed, alone with free reign over the penthouse.
Alastor sat in silence for a few moments then slowly began to shuffle out of the king-sized bed and hobbled over to the bathroom. Inside, the floor was white marble and the walls were tiled in a pale teal ceramic. Blue LEDs lined the ceiling and in front of him was a double basin sink. To his right Alastor spotted a tall, slender cabinet. He opened it to reveal an array of thick fluffy towels rolled up neatly, along with a couple bath robes hung above the shelves. Alastor squinted his eyes in silent disapproval of the options in front of him; A cozy looking sky blue robe with a cloud and lightening print
how tacky. I’d sooner put back on my blood stained waistcoat than wear that thing.
Alternatively, next to the ‘tacky’ robe hung a navy blue satin one. While this too had a corny inner lining of cartoon sharks, Alastor could make his peace with it.
He took the hanger off of the rail and slipped into the dressing gown, the fabric was cool against his warm skin. If you looked past the print, it was actually a very nice item, well crafted and made from clearly expensive material.
Alastor examined himself in the mirror, steadying himself by planting his palms onto the black marble of the vanity.
Feeling unable to stand independently was something Alastor despised deeply.
He ran the tap and splashed cold water on his face but that did little in terms of his inability to move comfortably but it helped get his thoughts in order.
I suppose I will just have to wait for Vox to come back Alastor signed reluctantly.
He eventually managed to get himself back over to the bed waiting for Vox.
After what felt like an eternity, closer to 6 hours, he finally returned, quickly slipping through the door.
“Honey, I’m home!” Vox jested, but clearly to the wrong audience… Alastor’s expression was stone cold, despite sporting his broad grin, it was obvious he wasn’t amused.
Vox cleared his throat then awkwardly changed the topic “I see you found my robe, it suits you..!”
Alastor arched a brow unconvinced.
“You know, Vincent, I’ve been terribly bored all day. It was quite rude of you to leave me here all alone without any entertainment” Alastor crooned contemptuously.
“What are you talking about? The remote is right there” Vox’s hand waved to the fancy remote which was sat on the nightstand then he exasperatedly indicated to the large sleek flat screen television that was mounted to the wall adjacent to his bed.
Alastor rolled his eyes and shook his head “Tsk tsk tsk…. You think I’m going to spend my day watching that nonsense? Oh don’t make me laugh, it will only hurt right now. But seriously, how do you live like this? Not a book in sight, not even a radio for me to tune into. Utterly disgraceful!” Alastor mocked disappointingly.
“What have you even been doing all afternoon then?” Vox countered in annoyance.
Alastor nodded his head over to a newspaper which lay on the coffee table and then shrugged “it wasn’t interesting but I’d rather read lack-luster material than watch that deplorable picture box…”
Vox grunted offendedly “Well I guess I should get you something to keep yourself occupied. What do you want?”
“Fetch me a book, something substantial and nothing from recent times. I want something classic” Alastor said decidedly.
“Alright, I’ll see what I have..”
What does ‘classic’ even mean to him? He will be dissatisfied with whatever I offer I’m sure. Whatever this is all very generous of me, he has to just deal with what I pick.
Shortly, after rummaging through several draws and bookcases, Vox presented Alastor with a cloth-bound dark maroon covered book.
“Vincent. You kept this?” Alastor’s tone was soft but unsure. In his hands was a book he had lent to Vox easily 20 years ago in hopes he would read it but based on where the bookmark was nestled - between the first 15 or so pages - he was sure he never did.
“I thought you would prefer to read something you’re already familiar with rather than something from my collection which you probably wouldn’t like.. so uh yeah, I hope that’s okay” Vox averted his eyes from the book and turned away to sit back down in the armchair that he’d slept in the night before.
The two demons settled quietly, Alastor softly turning pages and Vox filling out the last blank crossword in the newspaper.
The hours passed calmly, evening drawing in.
Vox probably hadn’t felt this content since he was alive… or since the last time the two of them were this at ease with each other.
He allowed the memories to flood his mind, reliving the moments they had shared all those years ago. They were his most cherished experiences in Hell.
Vox raised his head to look over at Alastor, his eyes skimming over words with their unusual hazy vermilion glow.
“Reminds me of the old days, like how things used to be” the words escaped Vox’s lips before he could prevent them and his words hung in the air between them.
Once of Alastor’s ears twitched as though just hearing that troubled him, after a few seconds of silence he shook his head lightly “I’m not so sure about that, Vincent. A lot has changed in our time apart…”
Vox tilted his head a little “I don’t think you’re much different?”
Alastor’s jaw tensed “Maybe not, but you certainly are” His tone wasn’t cold, it just had a finality to it, his statement was factual and didn’t allow a shred of underlying emotion to bleed through. Then he continued to read, brushing off the conversation.
What does he mean I’m different? He says it like it’s a bad thing… It’s not! I’m much more successful, better looking, powerful and I’ve made a name for myself! This is all… good..
Vox shifted uncomfortably in his chair, not wanting the topic to die so soon.
“I should swap out your bandages, they’ve been on all day. Hopefully you aren’t uh… actively bleeding anymore”
“Very well then, if you must” Alastor reluctantly slipped out of the satin robe to allow Vox to care of … his wound.
Of me.
Just as he finished cleaning the cut and rebound Alastor in clean gauze, Vox began to talk again, awkwardly muttering about the nights they used to spend at that bar, how he hadn’t been since the last time they went together. The night of my stupid proposal.
He wanted so desperately to know why the rift between them had grown so vast.
Vox opened his mouth but before he could utter another word, Alastor cut in
“Well then! Thank you for cleaning up my little injury again. I should probably get some rest…”
“Rest! Yes, of course… Good idea” Vox stepped away from the bed and made his way over to the pair of armchairs again.
Alastor sighed “You aren’t going to sleep on one of those, are you?”
Why does it matter to me… I don’t care where he sleeps. I should’ve just kept my mouth shut.
Vox’s eyes widened in surprise.
“I just don’t want you all aches and pains tomorrow… Your complaints are irritating” Alastor tried to justify what he was saying.
Between the lines, it almost sounded like an invitation..?
If not the chair, then where was Alastor imaging Vox reside for the night?
“Right.. What are you suggesting as an alternative then, Al?”
“I suppose, as long as you don’t try anything… lewd, then you may sleep on here with me” Alastor placed his hand to the vacant space to his left in the large bed.
“I wouldn’t dream of it!” Well, he had done many times but he’d never admit to that…
Vox didn’t hesitate in case Alastor changed his mind, so he hurriedly scooted round to the other side of the bed then lay down.
Alastor glowered down at him, judging the other demons night attire.
How stupid. Does he even own anything without sharks plastered all over it?
At first neither of them moved a muscle, rigidly staying in their designated sectors of the bed. As expected.
Once they had both fallen asleep, the established boarder between them didn’t seem to matter.
Unconsciously, Alastor turned to face Vox, also sleeping facing him. Their hands were once shift apart. Even in the depths of sleep the electricity which danced on their fingertips was vibrant. So painfully close to one another.
Sometime before sunrise, Alastor stirred awake due to the pain drumming within his ribs at each breath. He noticed another sensation, a warm and gentle weight on his upper left arm and shoulder; Vox, dozing against him.
At first he tensed but he didn’t want to disturb his counterpart so instead of shoving him away, The Radio Demon rested his head atop of Vox’s.
He quickly slipped back into a deep slumber.
By the time Alastor woke up, he was alone again. Vox had gone to the office already. When he looked over to the place beside him where Vox had slept, he felt a heavy aching in his absence.
How odd…
I wonder if he minded. Or if he even noticed.
A couple more days passed by as Alastor slowly improved with Vox’s TLC. The new sleeping arrangement had stuck.
They were both pleasantly surprised that the other Vees hadn’t figured out their secret.
Alastor didn’t like to think of it as scandalous… But still, he was glad nobody else knew.
It was the fifth night since Alastor showed up on Vox’s balcony.
The glow of Heaven shone down over Hell, pouring in through the penthouses floor-to-ceiling-windows and open balcony doors let in a cool breeze.
A record was spinning quietly on the player Vox had Ethan deliver, upon Alastors request.
Alastor was now in better spirits and able to move about, though Vox still insisted he took it easy.
The two overlords were sat in the pair of black leather armchairs, in front of them on the shallow table was a bottle of whiskey; half full - or empty - depending which demon you asked.
As they spoke, Vox clumsily waved his glass around with each overly exaggerated gesture to punctuate his points.
“You’ll end up spilling that all over yourself, Vincent” Alastor remarked playfully, though truly, he was charmed by how animated his drinking partner was.
Vox chuckled feigning insult.
Despite him enjoying Alastor’s company, he couldn’t shake the questions that still lingered in his mind, unasked thus unanswered.
I don’t want to ruin this. One wrong move and he might leave… After all, he’s healed enough to walk around. Nothing is keeping him here anymore.
With a few more sips of his drink, Vox mustered up the courage to seek answers from The Radio Demon.
There was a break in conversation.
Now’s my chance… Here goes
“Hey, Al..?”
Alastor looked up from his glass to meet eyes with Vox and tilted his head slightly as to encourage him to continue. Vox swallowed hard.
“Why did you… say no? When I asked you to partner up with me, back at the bar”
He knew he didn’t need to clarify where, they both remembered that night achingly too well. Vox was only stalling on Alastor’s response.
“Must we relive this? Just let the past be the past, Vincent”
“But I don’t understand, we respected each other, trusted each other but you still refused. We could’ve had Hell as our empire by now”
“I don’t see any point in imagining what could have been. I said no, let it be put to rest” Alastor’s tone was low, there was a twinge of something that Vox was unable to pinpoint, but still he noticed.
“Why did you even come here then?” Vox’s voice was stained, on the verge of cracking.
“I didn’t realise I was such an unwanted guest!” Alastor laughed dryly, avoiding the question.
Vox frowned into his drink, swirling it.
“I’m being serious… I hadn’t seen you in years then all of a sudden you turn up without warning? So much for moving on”
“Well, apologies for not calling in advance to inform you I would be arriving unconscious at your doorstep. I’ll be sure to get into fights at more convenient times for you in the future” Alastor continued to dance around the question sarcastically.
The conversation dissolved leaving only the soft vintage jazz record playing and the light sound of ice clinking against glass.
Alastor signed “I don’t have an answer that would satisfy you, Vincent”
“Humour me” Vox pressed.
“There’s nothing to say. I was cornered, I saw your obnoxious glowing tower, and I suppose I decided I’d rather… See you than die. Though now I’m questioning my chosen route” Alastor grimaced.
He would never say he actually wanted to see Vox, or how touched he was by how tenderly the other demon had been caring for him the past few days… or how happy he felt to be around his old companion again.
“I guess that makes sense…” Vox muttered then took another swig of whiskey.
What was I even expecting - hoping - he would say…
“I just… I thought I’d proven myself to you, y’know…? After taking care of you and spending all this time together again, it got me hoping we could be a team, like how I wanted us to be one all those years ago” Vox couldn’t look at Alastor’s face as he spoke, afraid of the other demons expression shifting to the same disappointed pitying one he had worn on a night similar to this one, when he first turned him down.
Alastor’s heart froze as he listened, taking a sharp inhale, then slamming his glass down onto the coaster and standing up from where he was seated “Why can’t you get it through that stupid box head of yours?! I will never make a deal with you. Stop trying to fool me into being another one of your mindless cronies! I know why you did all this, just to get me to trust you again! You just want to use me… You don’t even need me anymore! You’re an overlord too now! I’m not falling for your fake compassion” Alastor scolded but before he could yell more a stabbing pain tore through his chest once more causing him to grab at his chest and wince.
Vox quickly stood up and held underneath Alastor’s forearms to support him.
“Al… It was never about power with you, sure in the first place it’s what caught my attention but that was admiration! not… a trick or whatever… I’m not asking you to sign a deal. Hell, even if I wanted you to, I know better than to think you would” Vox laughed lightly trying to shift the mood.
Alastor looked into Vox’s eyes furrowing his brow a little “If not for power or a contract.. Then why? What could you possibly be getting out of this”
“All I ever wanted was to be close to you, for us to be allies. To have each others backs and stuff… Not for any ulterior motives, just cause we… care?” Vox said sheepishly
“So, what do you say… Partners? Unofficial, of course…”
Alastor’s expression softened, he wanted so badly to believe him.
What do I even have to lose if there is no binding? Besides my dignity… Though I most likely lost most of that when I allowed Him to see me so vulnerable and wounded. I suppose I could indulge myself, even if it’s short lived.
“Very well then. Officially-unofficial” Alastor nodded.
Small sparks shot out from Vox’s antennae out of sheer delight and excitement, possibly wearing the broadest most stupid smile in all of Heaven and Hell.
Alastor’s ears twitched as a familiar song began to play, he recognised it immediately; it was what had been playing the night Vox had first approached him at the bar.
He offered his hand to the TV Demon “Care to dance then, Partner? To commemorate our reunion”
They danced slowly and gracefully the duration of the song, as the final chorus faded Vox placed his head below Alastor’s chin bridging the distance between their bodies. Alastor wrapped his arms around his dance partner still swaying slightly to the remaining melody before both came to an end, leaving the two in a still embrace.
Vox raised his head slightly, his lips one decision away from Alastor’s.
It was The Radio Demon who closed the space this time.
Tenderly pressing their lips together in a long-awaited kiss.
The perfect end to their evening.
Alastor laughed softly and Vox joined, two happy idiots grinning in each others arms.
Alastor chose to stay.
The End <3