#VARK VARK SPOTTED

[spiderrverse]

Early movie Spot icons request

[roaringheat]

King of listening to shit

[prince--esque]

Feel like if I was in Destiny I would want to do so many silly little things. List of silly things i should be allowed to do in Destiny:

Walk up to any Legionary I find and give them a BFF macaroni bracelet.

Paint a ring of little stars around Zavala's normal spot.

Slap a cheese slice onto Immaru.

Ask Rhulk what his favorite eye is.

Give Crow a new shiny rock every day.

Hand Eramis a post-it that says 'Varks the Coil' with a doodle of Variks as a spring before promptly walking away

Swear loyalty to sweeper bot

Leave a rubber duck for Eido whenever I visit her

Bake a cake for Saint and Osiris that have little phoenix and pigeon cake toppers

Leave Banshee encouraging notes everyday with the dates on them as well as my name

Glue the queen chess piece all over the ceilings of buildings in Sav's throne world

Propose to Xûr

Say hi to Drifter everyday for a month at the same time and each time I do so I put on another piece of armor similar to his own until I look like a bootleg version of him

Sling an arm over Shaxx's shoulder while wearing stilts that make me taller than him and go 'You remind me of myself when I was your age', sigh wistfully while looking out at the City, and leave

Marry Xûr

Make a gorgeous sweater for Saladin that says 'Salad Man'

Attempt to serenade Orin. I fail, of course, but in response I take a bite out of the instrument (it was actually chocolate) while keeping eye contact with her

Draw Clovis Bray as an angry clover and send him the message 'Clover Bray' each day consistently

Tell Spider I have very valuable information and it's just what my favorite constellation is and the type of stars said constellation has in it

I think that's it at the moment.

[hazbinsillynight]

Radiostatic week 2024 Day 2: Vintage

Vox had a really hard day and just wanted to enjoy some free time and relax. Alastor, on the other hands just wanted to discover who was listening to his radio emission at the V tower.

Vox could barely keep his eye open right now, and the pile of energy drinks he drank wasn’t helping at all. The Overlord worked all night and all day, only taking a break to eat once in a while. It wasn’t like he wanted to work that much, but it needed to be done, and it wasn’t some assistant that would be able to fix everything for him.

Between doing his job, helping Velvet to organize her first Gala, and calming Valentino down he didn’t even have a single moment for him! Or at least he hadn’t until now! With a precious box in his hands, he walked with a quick step to his bedroom, not wanting to see anyone tonight.

The door finally closed and he allowed himself to sigh, relieved. Finally, he could let down some pressure off his shoulder and just relax a bit. Vark happily came out of his aquarium when he noticed his master was finally here.

“Oh, Vark! They didn’t even let you out of the room? I swear, these coworkers! Don’t worry about it, they’re fired. I’ll find new people to take care of you.” The TV demon said, petting his pet with love. 

When the shark saw the box he happily waved his tail, knowing that this box was the only thing that let his master relax and rest. With a few more pets and an entire bowl of threats, the shark started purring happily.

Vox smiled at the view and while one of his hands was petting the tummy of his shark the other was opening the box. Inside was an old retro radio that only belonged to the 30’s. It was covered with dark wood and in a perfect state, even the varnish was intact. It was a special edition he paid a small fortune to get his hands on.

If anyone knew what he was about to do this would be in every journal and TV show that existed but here in the safeness of his bedroom, no one would dare to disturb him. Even Val and Velvet knocked before coming in and if they came his alarm system would notify him.

Vark snuggled against his master, searching for the best and most comfortable spot before curling himself against the TV demon. Vox smiled at the adorable scene and turned the radio on.

*******

“-And with that dear auditors let’s conclude our weekly meeting! I shall leave you with this amazing song by Victor Youngs and his orchestra. Stay tuned!” Alastor declared cheerfully in his micro. 

Something was getting him really happy today. When he was broadcasting he found out that the signal of his radio emission was coming out from the V tower. Now he didn’t know from whom but the idea of someone working for or with Vox listening to his emission made him really excited. Oh, how he would tease the TV Overlord about this once he’ll find out who’s listening to him.

It wasn’t the first time this signal was coming from the tower. When he perceived it for the first time Alastor decided to let it pass. It was probably a mistake or something like this, an employee could totally make some even if they worked for Vox, and the Overlord was quite meticulous when it came to his work.

But now it has been several times already, and even when he changed the time of his emission, the signal was always here. He really needed to know who listened to him so dearly.

With a snap of his fingers, he created a shadow portal, leading him to the source of the signal. For an unknown reason, it stayed on even when the emission was over, which sounded strange. What would that employee listen to if the emission was over? Only he had this canal.

The apartment or rather the loft was really huge. It couldn’t belong to any employee of VoxTech, perhaps of one of the Vees? This was even better! Just what kind of face would Vox do if learned that his colleagues listened to him every week? Oooh, this would be priceless!

The Radio demon followed the train of the radio-specific sound that could be heard in the entire loft. His shadow was nowhere to be found but it wasn’t a surprise, the little rascal tended to do whatever he wanted these days. 

Humming an air of jazz Alastor walked to the source of the radio sound, this was funnier than bothering Vagatha! With a cunning smile, he entered the room. It was really dark here and except for a big shape on the bed, he couldn’t distinguish anything else. 

He approached the small radio and lightened it with his micro-cane. It was one of the most beautiful radios he ever saw and he was once a very well-known radio presenter. It was polished, varnished and clearly cleaned often. It was a collector model from Earth when he was still alive. It must have required a lot of work to keep it in such a state, he was impressed. 

“Well, dear follower, I'm more curious than ever to learn who you are.” The radio demon whispered, looking at the radio fondly. 

A small and quiet muffled sound came from the bed, his fan was asleep, curled against something but he couldn’t see exactly what it was yet. The red Overlord turned the radio off, causing the person in the bed to move and whimper, now clearly uneasy by the silence or rather the absence of radio sound.

“So I’m giving you some peace uh? I won’t lie, it is quite unusual for me but if it’s for you, dear admiration I guess I can give you a personal show.” The radio demon said suddenly moved by the stranger curled in his bed.

“Mmmh Al just keep talking…” The stranger suddenly said in his sleep with a voice Alastor could recognize everywhere.

The radio demon put the light of his radio cane on the shape only to see Vox curled against some kind of shark and asleep. Now if it wasn’t a surprise! Vox, his old rival, his nemesis, his Vox, was the one who listened to him every show and kept the radio on for hours. Alastor was shocked. 

Vox hated vintage, he screamed it at him for more than enough time. To be honest he was giving it back to him quite well but still. The TV Overlord was the last person Alastor imagined listening to his shows. The room was suddenly so silent. This wasn’t funny anymore but it tickled his curiosity. Why was Vox listening to him like that and why would he find comfort in it? 

“Al…Don’t leave again please…” The TV demon whimpered while still asleep, curling closer to his pet.

Now Alastor wasn’t sentimental. Hell, he was the least sentimental guy in Hell if you asked Husker! But seeing this? Seeing Vox curled on himself, trying to find comfort in the presence of his pet and his voice? It was touching something in him, something he didn’t like at all.

“Oh Vox…”

Vox was a powerful Overlord, the strongest behind him. They often had to stop fighting because none of them could defeat the other. He was strong, smart, ambitious, and charismatic. Seeing him in such a state seemed unnatural and wrong. 

“I’ll stay. I won’t leave like that again. Don’t worry stupid TV.” The red Overlord said, petting the edges of the screen of the other demon. Oh no, he wouldn’t leave him after that.

“You’ll never have to feel this miserable again.” The radio demon said before gently kissing the forehead of his rival. 

[hazbinhazbinhazbinreblog]

DomesticStaticradio au (ya'll feel free to olay with this idea, go forth my children)

Imagine this, the more Alastor keeps insisting the "static electricity" idea, the more Vox gets frustrated cause the idea with Vark bringing Charlie is cuter. Cue in electrical hubby argument.

Poof.

A small dark hair baby drops into a startled Alastor's hands. The baby boy has an android like body mix with some human like flesh. The baby yawns and opens his eyes, he has Vox's eyes and pale skin (since Vox was a stereotype Caucasian from the mountains of Caucus) but has Alastor's face. The baby has cute antenna on his hair, his ears are headphones, he appears already dressed with a red smock (think chibi Hetalia attire when they were babies). The baby looks a month old.

Vox:....

Alastor:.... Well at least I am right...?

Toddler Charlie comes in: Papa daddy-- ooo baby brother!

Imagine the most hilarious idea, the kid is as sweet as Charlie like for some odd reason EVERY fucking hellborn has a 50% chance to be a sweet angelic like child and this is the first time a child was born between sinners, especially MALES. It is more jarring since sinners can't procreate.

Apparently raising baby Charlie sorta rub her hellborn essence on her adopted dads plus the contract with Lilith/Lucifer sorta give them hellborn or natural demon psyche, in between the physiology of a hellborn and a sinner.

The kid is name Vinyl.

I have a soft spot for fankids that sounds so so sweet

[vylad243]

I'm interested in artic fox Vox. May we hear more?

Alright, so I got a few people asking for this, so I'll give each ask a few random things about Vox if he was a fox!

Vox would still be a very knowledgeable businessman, and all his past trauma would remain the same. Instead of getting his screen smashed in, his tail would be broken by Valentino instead because it's connected to his spine and can be very sensitive. If you look under all his fur on his tail, you can find the occasional bald spot that's healing and his tail his crooked. It doesn't help his balance one bit, and it can make him trip up a lot more

Vox's fur would still change colours as the seasons change, and it's actually how the sinners can tell what season is happening on earth. It's an interesting feature he has, but he would end up dying his fur, either blue or silver, depending on what he's feeling, just to fuck with everyone and not be viewed as some season teller

Vox's heats take place in spring while Alastor's ruts are in fall. They do manage to sync up, but it takes years for that to happen, and throughout the process, Alastor and Vox were both very easily irritated because, let's be honest? Being cuddled with 24/7 and being growled at by your partner if you leave the den would be annoying. Once they were synced up, it was like a huge cloud lifted, and people weren't afraid of having their heads bit off

Vox would be closer to demisexual instead of bisexual as Foxes are monogamous (I googled it), but he would be biromantic! So Biromantic Demisexual would be his sexuality

Vox would still despise children and not want any of his own, but he considers Vark, Velvette, and Niffty as his cubs, and he's 50/50 on Charlie being one of his cubs. He would be a lot more interested in joining Alastor in the custody battle for her

[v-vox-v]

Hello Vox! I just wanted to say a couple of things! 1. Do you wake up looking that attractive? Genuinely love you <3 2. What's your favorite shark fact? 3. How's Vark doing? (don't know if i can do this yet but im giving it a shot) -Love 🌸🔆 Anon

“Doll, I’m always perfect and it’s a pleasure to meet another fan of mine!”

“And Vark, is doing just fine. Now onto the shark facts!-“

“Here’s a hammerhead shark fact they’re my favorite!”

“Hammerhead sharks have a unique vision advantage due to their wide-set eyes, which gives them a 360-degree view in the vertical plane. This means they can simultaneously see above and below them, helping them spot potential prey and predators more effectively.”

[monstrousvoice]

Goodbye

Fandom: Hazbin Hotel

Relationship: Alastor/Vox, Radiostatic, Background Radiostatic

Tags: Background Relationships, Background Radiostatic, it’s there it's just not the main focus, Pre-Relationship, Personal Fic, Vent Fic, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Loss of a Pet, Vark hasn’t made an appearance in the official show and that had me thinking, Angst, Bittersweet Ending, basically I push all my emotions onto Vox and have Alastor deal with it, Shark Facts, Vox is autistic about sharks like me because I said so

Summary: Alastor decides to spend the night people watching and comes across Vox instead.

AN: So as of me posting this, in less than 24 hours I will be saying goodby to my cat. I got her at 6 months old and have had her in my life for 17 years and 11 months. And now it's time for me to say goodbye to her and I’ve known it was coming for months now. So I wrote this. I don’t know why, it just helped a little.

Read on AO3!

When Alastor decided to spend his night people watching, he preferred to go to various bars and dance clubs around the Pentagram. The itch to maim and kill would arise and he'd sneak off to follow his prey for the night, but occasionally when these moods hit him he simply preferred to sit and observe. 

Tonight was one of those moods, the ravenous hunger that gnawed at him was sated for the evening and he was feeling rather…nostalgic might be too strong a word to describe the feeling, but it was the most fitting that came to mind. It would explain why he chose the establishment he did for this night. It was a familiar bar bordering Cannibal Town, and one he hasn't been to visit since…well, for quite some time. 

The building was still the same as it had been for decades, with the same worn leather booths and easy going atmosphere very few bars offered in hell. When Alastor stepped through the front door, he could have believed for a moment that he was back in a simpler time; a time where he didn't feel the oppressive weight of a collar around his neck, when the shark-toothed smile of his picturebox didn't cause such an ache in his chest-

He immediately abandoned that line of thought, focusing on the now to ground himself again. There were a few updates here and there in the building that caused cracks in his nostalgic memories. The floors had clearly been replaced recently, the hardwood stain free with fewer cracks from wear and tear. The far wall had a new coat of paint, and new framed paintings to go with it. The register at the bar was modern and electronic, and there was even a TV at the corner of the bar. 

Alastor did a double take, blinking owlishly for a few seconds before his face settled back into his trademark, unbothered smile. That was no regular TV.

Vox sat in the far corner of the bar top, eyes lidded and a soft frown on his screen. His right hand held his head up as he leaned listlessly against the counter, his left hand hovering over his glass of whiskey, pointer claw circling the rim idly. Now that he saw him, Alastor picked up the familiar feeling of static and electric frequencies that always announced the presence of the television. No doubt he had picked up on Alastor's presence as well.

A spark of glee went off in Alastor’s chest. A night teasing and provoking his old friend for attention was not how Alastor thought this night would go, but he wasn't about to complain. As he understood it, Vox rarely actually left Vee Tower these days, so buried by work and ingrained in his cameras and electronics as he was. To find him idling the night away in what was their hang out spot back in the day was a real treat indeed! 

Paying no mind to the other patrons of the building-they didn't matter anymore, not when Vox was here-Alastor made his way to the empty spot next to where the television demon sat. He still hadn't looked up from the bar counter, and Alastor noticed his phone lying in front of him. He resisted the urge to roll his eyes. Silly picturebox, he always got so wrapped up in work he couldn't even relax properly. Well, a good verbal spar, possibly followed by a physical one, would do the shark wonders, he was sure. And if Alastor got to bask in his rival’s undivided attention in return, then that was his business. 

“Vox, old pal! What a surprise!” His voice was cheerful and not entirely false. After seven years of not seeing the demon’s familiar shark grin, Alastor had been surprised at himself by how much he missed it. Not even the hurt from years before could dim the pleasant feeling that had flooded his veins when he walked through town and saw Vox taunting him on live television. It was exhilarating to have so much of the TV’s focus on him once again. 

He couldn't wait for those red and blue eyes to look up at him - annoyed, surprised, angry, it didn't matter. As long as Vox was looking at him-

His words got no response. Alastor’s left eye twitched, his smile tightening at the corners as he pressed in closer to the media demon's personal space. 

“Vox? Helloooo?” Still nothing. “You are being awfully rude, old friend. I suppose with all your upgrades, manners must have been lost somewhere along the way, hmm?” Static laced his voice, his only tell that the lack of attention was irritating him. He waited, bent over Vox's shoulder, eager for a response. 

Finally he was given one. Vox’s shoulders rose and fell with a deep, weary sigh. His gaze still locked on his phone. 

“Go away Alastor.” He rumbled. Well that simply wasn't going to happen. Vox still hadn't looked at him yet. With narrowed eyes Alastor peeked down at the phone, annoyed at whatever could have his picturebox so enamored. 

His eyebrow raised in curiosity. It wasn't work that Vox was staring at, it was a picture. Or rather, pictures. The TV was clearly using wireless commands on his phone to flick between picture after picture saved to the device, all of them with the main center point being his beloved pet land shark. 

“My, my, is that Vark? He's gotten rather big!” The radio demon commented. Even with his dislike for dogs, the land shark had been an exception to this rule, much like Vox has been an exception to every other rule Alastor had ever set for himself.

The shark demon's left hand stopped playing with his glass, slamming against the bar top as he finally-finally-looked at Alastor. 

“Fuck off, Alastor. I'm not in the mood.” He growled. His massive teeth were bared in his direction, his left eye swirling in apparent irritation. And yet despite the outburst, Alastor could see that he wasn't truly angry. 

With a clear up-close view of his screen, Alastor could see the stress on the demon's face, could see the lack of fire in his eyes when Alastor poked at his buttons. Eyes darting down, he took in the rest of the media mogul’s appearance. His bowtie was undone around his collar, vest slightly wrinkled, the sleeves of his undershirt unbuttoned and rolled up to his elbows.

He looked disheveled, stressed. Tired. 

Very interesting. 

“Now my old friend, what could have you so out of sorts on such a fine night? A less than perfect appearance in public? Very unlike you.” Alastor couldn't keep the purr from his voice. Vox always had a way of making his softer side bubble up to the surface…

Vox scoffed and rolled his eyes, taking a sip from his whiskey before looking back at his phone. As if Alastor hadn't even interrupted his apparent brooding. The flickers of irritation Alastor felt before were changing, morphing into discontent and genuine concern. This was very unlike the Vox he knew. 

He sat on the empty stool beside Vox, pleased when the action got an irritated twitch from the demon's left hand. He wasn't able to ignore him completely it would seem. Alastor brought his elbows up to the bar top, lacing his fingers together and resting his chin on the link they made. Vox’s gaze darted towards him, his frown turning into a scowl very briefly before he flicked his attention back to the pictures of Vark.

“If I didn't know any better, I'd say something happened to darling Vark to get you into such a state.” He prodded, not all together unkind. Even with the years of animosity between them, there were unspoken rules to their interactions. Jabs and insults were superficial and shallow, about their work or preferred aesthetics. Meant to annoy and vex but not actually hurt. If something genuinely distressing has happened to Vark, Alastor would take great care to not use it as future ammo.

Vox glared at him, confusion clear in his gaze. 

“What do you care? I'm surprised you even fucking remember his name…” Alastor blinked in response. 

“My dear, why would I not remember him? I was there when you found the mongrel and insisted on keeping him!” Alastor’s brow furrowed in confusion, smile close lipped as he took in Vox’s words. How could Alastor not remember that night? 

Vox had gone with him to one of Rosie's soirees. He had charmed many of the local cannibal residents with his quick wit and sharp smile. Alastor had been a confusing mix of pride at how much attention his dear friend had been receiving, and jealous that he hardly had a single moment of Vox's undivided attention the whole evening. It was when Susan had started fawning over the TV that Alastor had excused them both, his limit for the night reached. Alastor had walked Vox back to his apartment block, arm in arm, as the shark talked and talked, words as electric as the very power he controlled. He had been so giddy, asking Alastor in every way except words if he had done a good job that night, made a good impression on the community Alastor held so dear. 

It was a tiny squeak from an alleyway that stopped the demon's excited chatter. Vox froze, stopping Alastor too due to their locked arms. Alastor had been certain it was just a random sinner, high out of their mind and possibly overdosing, not that he cared much. They would regenerate by morning, he had reminded Vox. But the silly tv had shaken his head, insisting it was something different. He had pulled away from Alastor and gone into the alley, and Alastor had ‘tsk’ed but followed, only to see Vox crouching over a box. 

The look he had given Alastor then…wide eyes hopeful and pleading, clearly enamored by whatever he found, had made Alastor’s heart skip a beat and pound against his chest. He knew right then that it didn't matter what it was, if Vox said he wanted to keep it, Alastor wouldn't have the strength to dissuade him.

Vox had taken his blazer off and scooped the contents of the box up, wrapping it snug and tight. Curious despite himself, Alastor had stepped forward to see better, and was greeted with the most pathetic looking creature he could recall ever seeing in hell.

Vark had been a small pup, massive eyes swollen shut with infection as he wheezed in Vox's arms. His gills were scarred and battered and his body much too thin. Alastor could clearly remember the way his skeleton pressed against the confines of his filthy skin. (Vox had later explained, in great detail, that they weren't actually bones made of calcium, but rather cartilage. The only ‘real’ bone sharks had was their jaws and teeth. Alastor had been drinking his tea, trying not to let how smitten he felt in the moment show. Then Vox had said that shark's skin was actually made of the same stuff as his own teeth - dentine - and not actual skin, and Alastor had been so startled by the information he couldn't help but laugh.)

By the way Vox was cooing over the small creature wrapped like a burrito in his arms, Alastor correctly guessed that the demonic shark pup would be a permanent fixture of Vox's life moving forward. 

“The pairs of wingtips I had to replace when that pup started teething…” Alastor sighed, rolling his eyes with fondness that he only let a select few, Vox being one of them, see. “Although he is much bigger now than back then. He used to barely be able to reach your knee when on his back legs!” He chuckled, signaling to the bartender with a wave of his hand.

Vox simply stared at him in surprise as he ordered his three fingers of rye. He still didn't say anything about what had him so upset, and the two of them sipped from their drinks in silence for a few minutes. Alastor was content to sit and wait till the tv finally spoke again. He didn't have to wait long. 

“Why the fuck are you here Alastor? Why do you care why I'm here?” Vox glared at him, eyes narrowed in suspicion. “You fucking hate me.”

Alastor choked on his next sip, the burning alcohol getting stuck in the back of his throat as his mind scrambled. Quickly trying to save face, he covered his mouth with a hand, coughing and clearing his throat as discreetly and quickly as he could. Vox looked like he wanted to laugh for a moment, before the general malaise of his thoughts settled over him again. Alastor's voice still sounded a little choked when he spoke again. 

“M-my dear-what-” He took a moment to compose himself again. “What ever gave you that impression?”

Vox looked at him like he grew a second head, indignant and offended. 

“The fuck do you mean, ‘what gave me that impression’!? Alastor. We almost killed each other.” There was the familiar fire in his eyes. Alastor was glad to see it back.

“Oh please, the occasional brawl is nothing for us! An exhilarating battle to get the blood pumping.” He responded, his smile turning eager at the thought. Vox always looked so very pretty when upset…Not as pretty as when he was flustered and shy, to be certain, but Alastor hasn't had a chance to see those wonderful expressions in quite some time…

Vox looked at him with wide eyes, mouth open in shock like a gaping fish. It was rather cute.

“I asked you to join me.” Alastor opened his mouth to respond only for Vox to keep going. “Fuck Alastor, I was in love with you.” He closed his mouth with a sharp ‘click’, staring at the TV demon. 

“You made it very clear you don't feel the same. You said ‘no’, and left. How else am I supposed to take that!?” Vox's voice was laced with static, his left eye swirling again as sparks shot between his antennae.

“Ah…I believe my dear friend…that there was a miscommunication.” Alastor watched as Vox's face went through a slew of emotions, many negative, before settling on confusion and hurt. 

“...What?”

“My dear, I had to leave no matter what. A partnership was never an option for me at the time. I was under the impression I had made that clear.” His voice was soft, red eyes watching the tv next to him. 

“I thought…the way you left, I thought it was because of-of how I felt-” Vox's voice was practically a whisper as he spoke. “I thought you hated me for it…”

Alastor felt his chest ache, realization of how Vox had felt during that time crashing into him hard, like a punch to the gut.

“Vox, my leaving and rejection of your partnership had nothing to do with emotions. Nor should it be taken as a declaration of how I felt towards you at the time. I…truly did not intend for my rejection to be so harsh that it could be taken in such a way.”

Vox looked away from him, setting his elbows on the bar top and cradling his screen in his claws. Alastor took another sip from his rye, giving the other a moment to compose himself. 

It was only a few moments later that Alastor realized Vox was trembling. He placed his drink down, and subtly used his shadows to darken the corner of the room they were in. In the next few moments he was glad he had done so, as the first few tears fell from Vox’s screen. Alastor leaned in closer, his smile strained.

“Vox…?”

“What the fuck…” His voice was barely audible, the words spoken with a shuddering inhale of breath. Alastor felt something worm its way into his gut, slimy and viscous, choking him from the inside out. Vox crying was something he had only ever seen once before, and now with new context added to the situation, he could understand why his rejection all those years ago had caused them. He wasn't sure what about his words had caused them this time. 

He laid a gentle hand on Vox's shoulder, and the other jumped at the feeling. Alastor pulled his hand away as if burned, shocked at the raw hurt and pain he saw on Vox's screen. The shark shuddered as more of his tears fell.

“I-I can't d-d-do this right now, Al-Alastor…I can't do this t-tonight-!” He hiccuped, and Alastor's own expression turned pained, smile strained and trying to pull down against the invisible stitches lining it. 

“Vox…?” His voice was gentle as he called the other’s name. Vox's eyes darted down to his phone. Alastor followed his gaze before looking back at his face. Vox’s eyes were wide and glitching ever so slightly, fat blue tears leaking down his face in rivulets and collecting on the edge of his monitor before falling to the table.

“Do you th-think it's fucking-...fucking funny!? Is that why you're here now!?” Vox gave a humorless chuckle that choked into a quiet sob, burying his face in his hands. Any other sound he would have made was muffled, only the shaking of his shoulders revealing that he was still upset. Alastor’s eyes darted around the room quickly, looking to see if anyone had noticed the apparent breakdown happening next to him. Only the bartender met his gaze, simply raising an eyebrow and nodding towards Vox, then the bottles of booze lining the wall next to him. Alastor shook his head, Vox didn't need more alcohol clouding his judgment.

“My old friend, I'm afraid I don't entirely follow.” If he could frown, he would do so right now. “I would think clearing up this misunderstanding would be excellent news! Why are you so upset-?” 

“Just-! Stop. S-stop talking, dammit…” The television's voice cracked with emotion, head still buried in his hands. Alastor felt truly lost. He was never very good at the ‘comforting others’ business, a power his mother had in spades that he never quite got the hang of himself. It hadn't ever been a problem in the past when it came to him and his picturebox; Vox was prone to anger over sadness when things in Hell became difficult, but on the occasions he was genuinely upset…Well, at the time all Alastor had to do was place his hand on the shark demon's back and that would be enough. Vox would be grounded by his touch and come back to him, tired but good as new. 

Considering the revelation of the night, Alastor was pretty certain such touch would be unwelcome right now. 

“...Fuck. You really have just-...the worst f-fucking timing, don't y-you.” Those wide, expressive eyes were back on him. Despite the fresh tear tracks, the ragged and heavy breathing, the pain in Vox’s face…Alastor still felt his insides grow warm and mushy at having all of Vox's attention on him still. 

He wasn't sure how to respond to the other's words, so he took a sip of his drink instead. 

Vox heaved a bone-deep, shuddering sigh, shaking his head gently. He took a slow sip of his own drink, and Alastor's eyes were glued to the motion of his throat as he swallowed. There was a lull between them, one that had Vox opening and closing his mouth several times. Just when Alastor thought the TV would speak, he'd stop himself, taking another sip of liquid courage as he thought.

Alastor sat and waited. 

“Vark…” Vox took a deep breath, suddenly leaning backwards and scrubbing his hands over his face hard enough his screen distorted into rainbow pixels before clearing up. As if said hands were suddenly made of lead, Vox dropped them into his lap, eyes fixed on a point in the ceiling. He blinked once, twice…and more tears pooled at the corners of his eyes. The fat water droplets raced silently down the television's face. He didn't bother trying to wipe them away. 

So Alastor reached a hand up and used his own thumb to do so. Vox startled, face snapping in Alastor's direction with shock written all over his expressive face. Concerned and confused as he was, Alastor couldn't help but file yet another pretty face Vox made into his memory to think about later. Out of all the crying faces the Radio Demon has seen in his long after life, Vox’s was by far the prettiest. 

The TV sighed after a moment, eyes fluttering shut as he leaned further into Alastor's palm, his own hand coming up to grip at the deer demon's wrist. 

“...Vark passed yesterday.” The words were muffled and quiet, so difficult to pick up Alastor’s ears twitched and strained just to catch the sound being whispered by his picturebox. He stiffened, back straightening when they finally registered. 

“He…?”

“He was old.” Vox whispered. His lips pressed against the warm skin of Alastor's palm with every word. “He was tired, and in pain. He lived for so many years…” Another painful breath in, shoulders trembling as Vox tried to speak. 

“I couldn't-...I couldn't watch him suffer anymore Al…I couldn't do it-'' A choked noise left him, a sound that came from deep in his chest. Alastor felt a pain in his chest, a sharp sting that made his brow furrow and his stomach ache. His strong, clever, independent picturebox…looking broken hearted and sad…

“My dear, I'm so sorry…” he whispered. It was all he could do. He kept his hand where it held Vox's face, moving his free hand to the demon's other cheek. Cradling his screen like it was the most delicate, fragile thing in all of hell. 

Vox gave another quiet sob in response, head bowing as he leaned further into Alastor's space. The deer simply moved with him, adjusting his hold to let the television rest his screen on his chest, wrapping his arms tight around the others shoulders. Vox's own claws gripped the back of his coat, holding on like Alastor was the only thing grounding him to reality. 

“H-he's gone-he's f-fucking gone and I d-don't…I fucking miss him so much Alastor…” Vox cried into his chest and Alastor bit his tongue to keep his own emotions in check. This was not the place for such honesty. No one else should have the privilege to see his shark demon so vulnerable. Without a second to waste his shadows curled over the two of them, melting and carrying them far away from prying eyes and ears.

Barstools were replaced with the soft cushion of a mattress under them, the sound of rowdy patrons and jazz melted away to the silence of Alastor’s room at the hotel. He felt Vox freeze where he held him, muscles tensing up as if to attack or run. When Alastor simply continued to hold him, Vox relaxed by slow degrees. His breathing still came in choked whimpers and restrained sobs. The only thing Alastor could think to do to help calm him was to reach a hand up and gently play with an antenna. 

The television demon jumped in surprise, but he did not move away. Instead, he gripped Alastor tighter, cyan claws gripping him like he would be torn away any second. The deer let him without complaint, his own eyes slipping closed as he held his darling picturebox in a way he hadn’t in decades. Did Vox miss this as much as he did? Did those two colleagues of his give him the attention Alastor knew he craved? Abandonment issues were Vox’s biggest weak point; and now Alastor knew that his main support system, his beloved Vark, was no longer there for him.

Alastor realized suddenly that he would never get to see the pup again either, and bit his bottom lip at the sorrow that swept over him at the thought. He may not be very fond of pets himself, but Vark had still wiggled his adorable shark butt into Alastor’s tight group of things he cared about, and he would truly miss him. He decided Vox should know this.

“He was a truly sweet creature my friend. You always did your best for him, I know.” 

Vox shuddered again at his words, a new wave of tears soaking through Alastor’s coat. He stamped down his immediate gut reaction of disgust. It would wash out. He could handle it. It was as he held Vox close and let the other calm down that he was struck with a sudden thought.

“When was the last time you ate, my friend?” 

Vox coughed, pulling away from Alastor to wipe uselessly at his tear stained face. His multicolored eyes stared off to the side, and Alastor was struck again by how…small he looked. Like the lightest wind could blow him away. Vox gave a barely perceptible shrug to his question. Alastor huffed, pushing lightly at the TV’s chest to stand up from the bed.

“I shall make you something. Sit here.” Vox’s eyes went wide and his hand reached out; as if to grab Alastor and pull him back in and never let him go, to hold him close. The deer demon shushed him, encouraging the other to stay still. “I’ll be but a moment my darling. Take some time to calm yourself, maybe even clean up a little. The bathroom is right through there.” He gestured towards the red wall at the beginning of his room where a door innocently sat before the wall fell away to the endless bayou scenery of his hometown. He pulled his coat off and held it out, his shadow plucking it from his fingers to be washed and dried later.

Vox bit his bottom lip but nodded, pushing himself further back onto the bed to lay comfortably against Alastor’s own hardly used pillows. The sight was one he thought he’d never see again; Vox causally on his bed, in his room, surrounded by his presence and scent. It made a dark possessive part of him hiss in joy. He was careful to ignore it. Now was not the time, Vox needed to be allowed to grieve. He would stake a claim on the television another time when Vox was in a better mindset.

He gave his shadows a silent instruction to watch the shark demon while he was away. With a step towards the door of his room he melted into shadow and stepped back out into the hotel kitchen. He was thankful the late hour meant no one was there to disrupt him. He needed to be done with this fast, to get back to his picturebox for the night. With practiced ease he whipped something up, a pan seared slab of meat (not sinner, he was careful to make sure) with some simple sauteed veggies on the side. He didn’t need anything fancy, just something tasty to get into Vox’s stomach before the shark withered away to nothingness.

When he stepped back inside his own room, two plates of food steaming, Vox was sitting right where he left him. The TV was staring out into the vast openness of his bayou, mismatched eyes darting from firefly to firefly as they flickered. His own coat was off, folded neatly on the edge of the bed with his shoes on the floor. Alastor was pleased he felt no reservations about making himself comfortable. He didn't speak, letting the peaceful sound of water lapping against the floor settle over them both. Alastor used a shadow tendril to drag his arm chair closer to the bed.

Before sitting, he held out Vox's plate. The television looked at him, gaze hollow and…so tired. It made his heart twinge in his chest. He gently pushed the plate into Vox's lax hands and settled down to eat next to him. In silence he ate, trying his level best not to stare at his companion or force feed him the dinner cooling in his lap. His patience was rewarded. 

Possibly encouraged by Alastor's eating, or perhaps he just couldn't ignore his body’s desire for sustenance any longer, Vox took his first slow bite. He chewed listlessly, eyes still fixed on the glowing fireflies hovering over swamp water. Every bite was still progress in Alastor's eyes. 

“I don't…want to go back to that empty apartment…” His voice was so soft, so quiet Alastor questioned if he had even heard the other at first. He didn't draw attention to the fresh tears dripping down Vox's screen.

“Then do not. You may stay as long as you wish.” Alastor replied. He continued to eat, even as Vox put his own unfinished plate aside. Alastor had a shadow move it from the unstable surface of the bed to one of his dressers to deal with later. Vox simply laid back against the pillows once more, tears leaking from his face but nothing else. Perhaps he was too tired to cry any longer. 

Alastor knew it wasn't going to be easy. Not for him, not for Vox. His picturebox wasn't going to be ‘okay’ for a while now. But as Vox’s screen finally powered down, Alastor found he was content with that.

[totkdaily]

Day 20: A Golden Horse and Another Geoglyph

It is unequivocally morning by the time I'm done with the Snowfield Stable shrine, but the sky is grey and dark beneath the snow.

As I begin to cross the snowfield to search for Zelda's golden horse, Tulin shoots a bokoblin off a horse. I mount the horse, thinking to have a quicker ride to the golden horse - but it strikes me how gorgeous his brown and cream pinto patches are. I turn back to register him. His name is Pumpkin. 

Off we go again. I'm steering clear of that huge monster, the Gleeok, trying to spot a glimmer of gold, when I see a texture on the ground ahead. It's another geoglyph! I head there instead - I can pick up the golden horse on the way back - and spot Addison?? Who's gonna read your sign all the way out here, buddy? But I stop to help all the same. 

On to the geoglyph. It's hard to get a sense of its shape this close, but I ride across what looks like two hands reaching before I find the pool. 

A vision. I see...

Queen Sonia, dead, the Princess by her side. A man I don't know, though something about him... he has Sonia's stone. He transforms, and it's... I've seen this before, in the vision of the Sage of Wind.

The Demon King. This is who he was? How he became? The stone fills him with power, and he summons monsters - monsters I know, and some I don't, all born of Gloom. Because that's what it must be. The mummy below the castle - this is the Demon King. Rauru's arm was there to seal him, and when it fell... The Demon King is free. 

Zelda saves them. The Purah Pad takes them somewhere else. I know what happens next, but not what happens in between. The Imprisoning War. That final battle. 

Zelda. I should have been with her - though what good would I be without the sword. And even then - even emaciated and ancient, the Demon King shattered the Sword that Seals the Darkness. He is here, and she is there, and I can't solve this without her. 

The cold returns me to myself. The snowfield isn't safe. I promised I would find the golden horse. After that, the Forgotten Temple. I must know more. 

I drop down on the golden horse from a height, and it takes every ounce of stamina I have to calm it. I leave Pumpkin in the lee of some ruins and race back to the Stable.

Penn isn't grateful - I've thrown him off his rhythm - but Harlow is relieved. And Penn soon mellows - I think he thinks he's mentoring me.  I agree to keep the horse, and its royal bridle and saddle, for when Zelda returns.  Penn pays me as well, which is nice. 

I free Blackberry` in exchange for this golden horse, who I will call Honey.  I ask Varke to fetch Pumpkin - he shouldn't be out in the cold. 

At the stable, Palme (chef) wants me to check on a couple of girls - it's Nat and Meghyn, the mushroom sisters. They pitched their tent in a cave and it got occupied by monsters. If I solve this problem, they'll tell me a secret. I'm sensing a theme... 

I buy arrows from Beedle and have a chat with Varke about the empty frame on the wall. He wants a picture of that snowfield in Hebra that looks like a bird, northwest from the lone pine. 

Old Monkton says a musical troupe came through here headed for Woodland Stable - trying to wake the Great Fairy. The one here has also retreated, since a few days after the Upheaval. I wonder if that horn player who was stuck in a hole is part of this musical troupe - he said they were called the Stable Trotters. 

At midnight, I ride to the chasm and jump in to find the Forgotten Temple.

[couple-o-commanders]

1, 9 and 24 for my girl juuno 🥹

1. Do they fit well into asuran society or are they more at home with other races? How do they feel about fellow asura? Is it because of their personality or something else? Is there any deal maker or breaker?

Juuno fits in FAR better with Norn and Charr than she does other Asura! She's brash, forward, and HATES political and societal games. She's not against invention and innovation, or even friendly competition involving these things! It's the 5D chess most Asura play and the pretzels they tie themselves into to avoid being wrong that she hates.

9. What are their hobbies and pastimes? Do they have any natural talent or particularly strong interest that's not tied to their job? If nothing in particular, what do they do with their free time?

Other than still tinkering with golems (though she now protects their blueprints and parts with her LIFE), Juuno loves to cook! She LOVES exploring new flavor profiles, textures, and techniques, and often cooks for an entire army. Thankfully, between her, a Norn wife, and a Charr husband, this is usually taken care of (though if there's leftovers, it can go to any of the warband members living nearby).

24. Do they have any particular opinion on the Peacemakers and the Arcane Council (and Eye)? Do they have any direct experience with them?

BITING AND CHEWING AND GNAWING AND BITING at the Council and Eye. She is on TERRIBLE terms with all of them, with only a slightly more tolerant spot for Phlunt, of all people. Ludo is... also getting some ground back. Flax? Gave her a public (AND INCORRECT) scolding over the M.I.G., not to mention the entire Gorr thing. Vark and Zudo decided a war criminal was a much better ally than anything a Commander could give (stupid). Yahk's Inquest. And left in a room for more than three seconds with Haia and she will go for the kill (No one mangles HER Val-A golems!!!). Ludo is... Doing better. And despite just how much of a PAIN he is, Phlunt hasn't actually done anything wrong (while she GETS he was being harsh, Juuno understands why he's so upset about Taimi in.. most situations). The Peacekeepers are BIG FUCKIN' NERDS (They're fine. She has an old college buddy who used to be a Peacekeeper and she rags on them for this. Complete Cain Instinct).

[the-smallest-star]

*Vark spotted Ellie bring her some toys from his collection*

Ellie is going to blink, then flop against Vark. Good shark.

[spiderrverse]

The Spot Icons

[roaringheat]

Had my first day at my 2nd job today and I am suddenly very aware of muscles I have never felt before in my life in the worst way possible

[daddymothxxx]

@the-smallest-star [cont. x ]

Valentino had a mixed reputation with pets. He had a hard time empathizing with them like most people did when seeing animals. But he wasn't cruel or mean, just--awkward at first because sometimes animals didn't like him.

He had brought his own small sack of snacks and a bottle of rose Moscato to share. Few DVDs in their cases were in another set of arms. He brought all in with him and deposited the load onto the ground near what he spotted of Gritt already having. Freed up his hands to come back and investigate Snoot. Queefs were so goddamn tragically ugly that they came around on being cute again. So he offered some fingers for sniffage before he'd attempt to rub at some ears. "Have you met Vark? And, mm..." Took him a moment to remember the right name. "Fat Nuggets?"

[venisontransmission]

[ SCREAM ] bc of vark

[ SCREAM ]: sender spots the receiver in a terrified or considerably panicked state, and picks them up to carry them to a less terrifying place to calm down.

Vox had a dog.

"Vark isn't a dog, he's a shark." Vox would claim.

But Alastor wasn't stupid - he knew a mutt when he saw one. Everything from the way that creature moved screamed DOG to the deer demon. And Vox has a habit of letting it run free around his home when he wasn't around.

This led to more than a few unfortunate encounters between the radio demon and the slobbering beast that ran amok in Vox's home -- and, no, he's not talking about Valentino.

Because Vox's dog had a habit of jumping on people. Be it Vox himself, Alastor, or any employees, none were spared from the creature's attempts at affection. And each time Alastor had been that beast's target, Vox had been there to call it off before anything could happen.

Not this time.

He was tired, he wasn't thinking, his head was aching, and Vox wasn't in his home. But the dog was - the dog that he forgot about up until now. Where Vox normally had it in a separate room when Alastor was around, it had full reign of the home right now, and excitedly ran up to the deer demon and leaps at him.

And Alastor is promptly put back in the bayou with a bullet lodged in his left lung.

Hounds are biting and tearing at his flesh, barking too loud - too loud into the crisp night air. They've caught him - their teeth sink in everywhere and it hurts. He's already down one lung and they're trying to wrap their teeth around his neck. The worse he fights, the more aggressive the dogs are. Every shadow is a dog - more seem to appear every second, splitting and multiplying. Teeth. Teeth. Teeth. Cuts into his skin, more barking and Alastor is begging for what comes next to be swift. He wants to hear the sound of a trigger in the distance - get them away, get them away--! If he's dead they cannot follow him.

But it's not there.

Where is the gun? Where is the gunshot? There's just more dogs. They are going to tear him apart - one gets its jaws around his throat and Alastor forces his fingers between bloody gums, trying to pull the maw apart as he screams out--

Hand. Hand. Hand on his head. He feels something wrap around his body - distinctly not teeth. It's something gentle but firm. The radio demon trembles like a leaf, head bowed against... something? No, someone. Someone safe - not a dog. The voice that filters in is familiar, but the deer demon can't make out what its saying. His breathing is swift and erratic, eyes blown wide with panic. He's trying to recall what just happened - where are the dogs?

Whoever has him is moving him - and Alastor is far too panicked to mind. Away is good - away means the dogs aren't there anymore. His arms wrap tight around the familiar figure - it's not saying much considering Alastor is shaking so terribly, but he's at least attempting to calm himself while his heart jackhammers in his chest and he breathes far too fast - overcompensating for a lung that is actually working, but moments ago he was under the impression was not.

[vylad243]

Mermay!Vox AU by the time the 3rd rolls around Velvette is in near tears, and Angel Dust and Charlie are close to finding Vark. As such, and reluctantly Vox--as he doesn't want to give up his vacation spot, (and he is an overlord.) Zaps over and places Vark at a group of sinners who mocked Charlie's gathering place, framing them for his murder. Before hiding in the electric current for Charlie, Husk, Angel Dust, to roll up. Leaving as soon as they spot Vark he snickers as soon as Velvette texts him that Alastor vanished from the nest beside the pool. He feels like he should feel bad, but like those sinners had it coming. Now he's gotta figure out what to do about everything else. Alastor is dumping food into his pool 3 times a day, Lucifer is freaking out, Papermint is running on energy drinks and 4 hours of sleep, Velvette is threatening to shoot Valentino with one of Carmine's angel bullets, and apparently a few of the generators are already beginning to shut down because of an Imp and a noble? Wtf?? Ugh, he's gunna have to act like he forced a quick reformation, which means his body will be weaker and in pain more...which would be easier to fake if it was true.

Velvette grimaces as she wraps another bandage around Vox's tail fin. Glad she wasn't the one who had to call Lucifer about the 'forced regeneration,'...or be the on who called Alastor. She just hoped she wasn't here when Alastor arrived, but knowing her luck for the last few weeks, she'd be here.

Vox rolls his eyes as the shadows darked and the static worsens as his rival appears. He doesn't turn his head--the numbing cream Velvette put on his neck alongside the bandages is thick, and he doesn't want to smear it. "Al." He murmurs, before blinking in shock as the stag settles beside him, curling around him.

I like how he picks people specifically who talked shit about Charlie, and he also knows that Vark would be 100% safe because Vark is a badass.

Vark is getting spoiled at the hotel for sure though.

It's a very adorable idea! Poor Alastor doesn't even want to say anything. He just wants to comfort his rival and have reassurance that he's okay. What a sweetie.

Vox really said, "girlboss, gaslight, gatekeep"