#though i hate valentino so bad i almost feel bad for vox

[corujalesbica]

Yeah your boyfriend loves you, but does he love you more than he loves the concept of his enemies death?

[helluvapoison]

Make Me Weak

˚✧₊⁎ The Vees ⁎⁺˳✧༚

warnings: violence

ʕ•̫͡•ʕ•̫͡•ʔ•̫͡•ʔ•̫͡•ʕ•̫͡•ʔ•̫͡•ʕ•̫͡•ʕ•̫͡•ʔ•̫͡•ʔ•̫͡•ʕ•̫͡•ʔ•̫͡•ʔ

˚✧₊⁎ Velvette ⁎⁺˳✧༚

• Everything you are she should abhor– and would if it was anyone else— so she doesn’t pretend to understand how you weave into her life so easily. That time is instead spent wondering how the fuck she’s survived both her hellish lives without you

• Velvette always felt she was owed the praise and compliments she got. Receiving them from you was an entirely different type of high to ride. Your candied tone and sickeningly sweet words clung to her like smoke and had her itching for more

• You massage her hands so she has no choice but to surrender her phone, only then does she realize how cramped they’ve become. You sit in her workshop during Hell Week, sending a mellowing wave that relaxes her chaos in the form of a simple thumbs up. You make up for not being on the receiving end of her camera by setting up aesthetic dates for her to capture instead

• Velvette captures your chin, “You put up with a lotta my shit, Dollface. I’m not great at sharing credit, but I couldn’t have done this without you.”

“But I didn’t do anything?”

“You’re my muse, baby. Gimme the word and I can have you on a billboard tonight. Fuck Joanne, the raggetty bitch, I’ll bump her and have you up there for all of Hell to see!”

Your smile falters to a grimace, your eyes telling her what she already knows. Vel doesn’t get why you hate the limelight. This conversation always ends one way and if she hears you say one bad thing about yourself, she’ll tear out her hair. With a sigh, she tucks you back under her arm and kisses the crown of your head

“Fine. I didn’t wanna share you anyways.”

Your light laugh makes her smile again

˚✧₊⁎ Valentino ⁎⁺˳✧༚

• Val does everything in his power not to allow you to witness one of his volatile moments. He has a very specific image of you in his mind and to a looser extent, you do too. You’re not prim or naive that you don’t know what he does, but his violent tendencies are something else to behold. You’re too sweet, too pure to completely join his world

• It’s never bothered him before, seeing that look on someone’s face. The one where their eyes go wide in horror because they know exactly what comes next but there’s no telling what would happen if the pedestal Val put you on crumbled because you saw him grabbing a whore by the neck and using them as an ashtray

• Truly, no indulgence he’s ever sampled has come close to taking the edge off him like one of your hugs. Softer than angel wings and more intoxicating than any elixir, you’re euphoria trapped in a sinner’s body

• “I almost feel bad for keeping you to myself,” Val purrs in your ear. He’s been laying underneath you for six minutes and already the shittiness of the day evaporated, “I could bottle and sell you. Make everyone in Hell as happy as I am.”

A nervous, bitter laugh escapes you

“You wouldn’t make much money, Val.”

“I would make millions, corazón” He argues seriously, though he has no intention of sharing you

˚✧₊⁎ Vox ⁎⁺˳✧༚

• The irony is lost on him; someone as soft as you could bring him, an Overlord, to succumb. Below the surface, he’s more insecure than he lets on. He’s perfected the mask of a charming show host, developed it so well that it bleeds into his personality. So much so, that you make him glitch when he gets an inkling of self doubt. Your gentleness makes him weak and it terrifies him, fills him with the urge to push you away but your arms are so inviting that he lets himself be cradled by them. How could he do anything but?

• Rare are the days where he actually feels tired but those are the days he seeks out your affections. To him, you’re safe. You won’t judge him, you don’t pry for details, you’d never tell him to suck it up

• Vox lets himself sink into the couch beside you, tapping your thigh with a claw to invite you to come closer. You never fail to accept and deliver exactly what he needs. It’s bizarre how you know what he needs when he doesn’t himself. Turning to straddle him, you rest your head on his chest and hug him impossibly closer

• “You’re tense today,” You comment quietly, giving him a comforting squeeze.

“Come with me to set for once, you’ll find out why.”

Nuzzling into his chest as if trying to find his nonexistent heartbeat, you replied, “Nah. Sounds like too much of a hassle.”

“Exactly why I need you there.”

“Promise not to bring me on air like you’re always threatening to?”

A dry cackle escapes as he keeps his gaze towards the ceiling. Vox has this fanatical plan that you two could be the power couple of Hell, outranking Lucifer and Lilith (and lasting twice as long) if you would just sit at the same desk as him, deliver news and playful banter that would knock 666 News down a couple thousand pegs. You were worried someone wouldn’t want to see your face, you’d make his ratings plummet, you’d ruin everything he worked so hard to build. He hates when you spiral like that.

“No.” Vox mumbles honestly.

He’d prove you wrong like he’s done everyone else, one way or another

[starryeyeddreamer21]

I'm at the beach and I hate it so Hazbin Hotel characters beach head canons:

Alastor: Does not want to be there. Reads the entire time and tries to pretend he's not with the group. Is five seconds away from drowning someone as soon as they get there. Was baited into having a sand castle building contest with Lucifer... He loses. Has a weird grudge against life guards. Also he's wearing the same suit he wears every day like he did not change clothes for the occasion.

Charlie: Doing her best to keep everyone civil. Has to remind everyone to put on sunscreen. WAIT 30 MINUTES TO SWIM AFTER EATING! Tries to keep everyone hydrated. Trying to be the mom friend and saving time to drool over her girlfriend is proving a challenge but she's great at multitasking. Is the only one that ended up sunburned because she was too busy worrying about everyone else

Vaggie: Not a huge fan of the beach but Charlie was SO excited. She's ready to drown Angel and Alastor at all times. Her and Cherri get WAY too competitive at volleyball.

Husk: Was forced to come. Hates the water. Sits in a beach chair drinking from a flask the entire time. Ends up playing volleyball because Angel can be very convincing. Is definitely not staring at Angel the entire time. Falls asleep a couple hours in and sleeps the rest of the time. Alastor definitely dumps a bucket of water on him to wake him up.

Angel: Loves the beach. He spends most of his time tanning/relaxing but he does go in the water for a little while. He only planned on going up to his waist because he didn't want to get all of his fur wet but Cherri makes it her personal mission to dunk him. Is kicked out of volleyball for being too tall. Smokes weed with strangers.

Nifty: Is absolutely obliterated by the waves she almost drowns multiple times... She's having a blast. She sheds a tear for every grain of sand that lands on her blanket.

Sir Pentious: Is so excited to go to the beach but as soon as he touches the sand he's ready to go home. He still ends up being buried though.

Cherri: Was invited last minute. She LOVES the beach. She talks so much shit during volleyball and unfortunately for everyone she can actually back it up. Dunks Angel and is shunned until they become friends with a bunch of weed smoking strangers. Buries Sir Pentious.

Lucifer: Having the time of his life. He's swimming, he's digging holes, he's amazing at volleyball, he befriends a seagull, and he crushes Alastor in a sandcastle building contest. He loves spending time with his daughter but uh oh he gets overstimulated and wants to go home now. He feels really bad about it. Even his duck floaty can't cheer him up.

Vox: Spends hours info dumping about sharks. He water proofed himself but still doesn't spend too much time in the water. The time he does spend in the water is him trying to catch creatures. His bathing suit is just covered in cartoon sharks velvette does not approve of this.

Valentino: Just tans the entire time. Probably tries to recruit people. Will NOT get in the water but will probably throw Velvette in. Ends up leaving with someone else early.

Velvette: Aesthetically pleasing pictures. Is only there to post about it and make people jealous. Val throws her in the water ruining her hair so she ruins every chance he has to recruit someone as revenge.

Also the vees are definitely those people blasting music from a speaker... like this is a public space c'mon now

[dapperinsanity]

HH S2 Leaks: Just some whining and complaining from me below LOL

TikTok spoiled things and I almost thought it was fake and realized it wasn’t.

Well, I was hoping they wouldn’t go down that route with Rosie but they did. There was something that was leaked around S1 where Rosie was revealed to be either Lilith/Eve or Roo in disguise. I’m not surprised she owns Alastor’s soul but I am disappointed that Rosie is not who we thought she was before this. They really keep going lower and lower with Alastor’s character though. I fully expected it but it still annoys me. You’re telling me Alastor is basically…nothing? The only reason he’s “powerful” is thanks to Rosie and he can’t do shit without his staff. No one is scared of him and no one takes him seriously. What else is there of him? Just an annoying and whiny attention whore who has no skills whatsoever. He’s pathetic and I will never stop being bitter over how badly the show butchered him compared to the YT pilot.

Now Sir Pentious and his backstory was fine. I didn’t see all the clips but apparently Pentious tries to commit suicide? I haven’t seen the clip for myself but damn. I feel bad for him but that’s because I have soft spot for Pentious.

I found myself actually interested in the leak with Lute hallucinating Adam. I hate both these characters so that was something I guess? It’s nice to see Lute getting so frustrated because no one is on her side.

Sera’s song leak is whatever. I don’t have anything say on it. It’s alright. I don’t have much to say about God’s Speaker or whatever the bird lady was called besides this. If she’s a speaker for god and it’s clear that the show is avoiding anything to do directly with god, I think it’s gonna be revealed that there is no god. Either that or she’s a fraud and isn’t a speaker of God. I could totally wrong but just a thought I’d share.

Let’s talk about Abel and St. Peter. First of all, why the fuck is St. Peter back? He’s annoying. So, what about Abel? Well, idk tbh. If he wasn’t Abel, I wouldn’t mind his character I think? He’s just whatever.

Lastly, haven’t seen any clips of this but apparently, Alastor and Angel manage to get hypnotized by Vox. I’m very worried how that’s gonna go. We already had…episode 4…and we know Valentino and Vox are a thing; I’m sure you get my concern. Like, for fuck’s sake, I hope Alastor doesn’t become a victim too. Look, call me crazy, but once it was revealed Al and Vox were friends in the past, I had a bad gut feeling. Let’s hope my gut feeling was wrong.

Also, side note, can we talk about why the show treats Vox and Val’s relationship as fine? While I know the Vee’s are villains, Vox knows that Angel is a victim to Val. Granted, there isn’t anything saying their relationships is good or bad, I’m just confused on why everyone is chill about VoxVal? Idk *shrugs*

Anyways, I feel bad for the animators who worked hard on season 2 only for it to be leaked. Wonder what’s gonna happen now.

[gabrielsbubblegumbitch]

How are the Vees with kids/teens? For example, let's say they have young fans who are really interested in their work, like Velvette's fashion brand etc.

Velvette hates kids. She has this edgy Twitter girl attitude like ugh, shitlings and probably would constantly post about banning children from public spaces, but that would be bad PR. Teenagers she hates due to her school bullying trauma, so she actively makes their lives more miserable with fake, aspirational content. However, she's always willing to take a photo with a fan if it means creating an even stronger parasocial relationship.

Vox has mixed feelings. He likes meeting his young fans because there's something so rewarding in being loved by kids. It's just... They see you as a god almost (like, work with children is so rewarding? When you buy them, they are amazed by everything you do) and that's not a feeling he could resist. But at the same time, children are chaotic and unpredictable and teenagers can be so darn judgmental he'd rather not spend much time with them.

God, I hope that even in Hell Valentino doesn't have any kid fans?? Though he likes children similarly to pets. They can be entertaining for a few hours if they are of the 'fun, non-crying' kind. He's so irresponsible though; you shouldn't give him one. His teenage fans he loves because they mostly think about sex and drugs, which are his two favorite things, so they can party. Though it's not his preferred company because after a few times, it simply got boring; there's only so much entertainment some high schoolers can offer to the grown-ass man. But it's a great pool to recruit from.

[starrclownshazbinblog]

You know, I've seen the complaint that Hazbin Hotel is predictable. I do agree with some of those complaints. I think I fell into that same rabbit hole. My rewrites of the Vees are boring. Vox and Velvette already hate Valentino but they have to stick it out. I did the same thing I complained with Hazbin, I made Valentino not a threat. He's not intimidating if everyone already hates him. So I'm doing a uhaul on the Vees relationship to each other.

Vox and Velvette relationship is weird. They are kinda like siblings that are 20 or so years apart. They almost have nothing in common because of their technological differences. They do try to make it do though. Vox tries to understand Velvette's fashion brand and influence in social media. Considering he's from the 50's he doesn't understand that T.V isn't as big as it used to be. Velvette teaches time about what happened when she was alive. Vox is big into the future and always wants to learn more. At the beginning at the story, I feel like they would be awkward. Not hostile, but weird.

Vox's and Valentino's relationship is basically the same as before. Valentino is a abusive partner. He doesn't respect Vox in the slightest. He's possessive, jealous of others, he gets violent with Vox. Vox tries to stand his ground but he knows that he's weaker. He's also emotionally weaker. Vox struggles with his self worth. Valentino absolutely takes advantage of Vox's need for love. Vox is a bleeding heart after all.

Velvette and Valentino have a great relationship. It's all fake though. Valentino dotes and spoils Velvette to win her trust. He's extremely two faced. Velvette thinks he's being genuine. Valentino keeps his girls out of Velvette's sight so she never finds out about the abuse they go through. She thinks he's a sweet pimp. One that takes care of his girls. Velvette is also used as leverage against Vox. Velvette doesn't believe that Valentino would do anything THAT bad. It's all a lie but she doesn't need to know that.

I think this is more interesting that what I originally had. I hope yall like it too.

Asks are always open, art is always here, commissions are open, kick abusers in the teeth.

- ⭐️StarClown⭐️

[hazbinmurderparty1846]

Full list of casting for the Sweeney Todd AU (and reasons for all of them)

Mr Todd: Obviously it has to be Alastor. Why? Well, because first of all: serial killer. Second of all, I feel like Todd is what Alastor would become if he went off the deep end. I know he's already pretty fucked-up, but he's not as bad as he could be, and mark my words if you put him through something like what Todd's been through, that is exactly how Al would become. Possibly even worse.

Mrs Lovett: Rosie. Do I need to say more? She's a sweet, cheerful cannibal lady with motherly qualities, and she cares for Alastor a whole hell of a lot. I did have some issues with casting her as Lovett, though, mostly because Lovett seems slightly less stable than Rosie and her relationship with Todd is clearly not very healthy on either end even before he kills her. But Rosie still fit her too well not to.

Toby: Now here, look. I couldn't figure out who the hell to put as Toby, so unless y'all have any ideas I'm gonna be casting an OC in his place. Said OC was already intended to be Rosie's adopted child, so it fits. But if anyone has a better idea I'll be glad to hear it, I hate using OCs in things that aren't centric to them.

Judge Turpin: Valentino. Again, need I say more? His main thing is being a rapist, and so overwhelmed by lust that he would ruin a man's life for a small chance at a woman he found attractive. Val already demonstrates this kind of behavior in canon, albeit towards Angel Dust, not Emily. Who else could it be? Plus he dies, so.

Beadle Bamford: Velvette. She's the closest character to Val that I could think of, and them being assholes together would make sense. Plus I just really wanted to draw her in a suit and top hat.

Signor Pirelli: Vox, of course. His only purpose is to be Todd's rival and get murdered by him almost immediately, who else could it be? Vox would probably openly allow Alastor to murder him tbh, the bottom that he is- plus, I also just really like the idea of him singing opera in an obnoxious Italian accent.

Lucy: Emily. Now hear me out - I'm not normally an AngelicSmile shipper, but it's the only Alastor ship other than RadioRose that I can even remotely picture. Plus, she's sweet and naive enough to be Lucy - her getting taken advantage of by Val and attempting suicide after, while a very dark and sad concept, is very plausible.

Johanna: Again, unless y'all have any ideas, I'm replacing her with an OC. I considered Vaggie, but decided against it because she'd be Alastor and Emily's daughter and that just felt weird. I considered Niffy too, but Niffty x Charlie is really not something I wanna write, so I scrapped that too. Help is welcome.

Anthony: Charlie. Who else could it be? A naive, idealistic, determined young sailor who never gives up, especially when it comes to love. Sounds like Charlie to me. Plus, her rescuing Alastor and bringing him home is such a Charlie move, let's be real, nobody else on the cast would do that.

And that's it for now! :D So, do y'all agree? Any suggestions for improvement? I'd love some help if you'd offer it, but if not thats fine! ^^

[theunpopularopinions]

Unpopular Opinion: My Problem with Valentino

This post will contain spoilers for all of season one of Hazbin Hotel and will also be chock full of my own opinions, views, and personal ideals. You don't have to agree with anything I have to say, but please be respectful when reading, commenting, etc.

Discussions of Rape, Sexual and Physical abuse, and assault will be mentioned. If you are triggered, by these topics, please skip this post.

I don't hate Valentino as a character, there I said it, I honestly enjoyed this character.

Before the show and Addict Music Video came out. Before the show, before poison, before everything canon. I loved Val because he was the perfect fanon character, and I liked RPing him on Discord with my friend. Before he was a rapist.

Now I'm not going to go around and defend him for his actions in the show and music video, but I am going to point my finger at Vivziepop and say the following.

You can make a character a bad person, a shitty person, and awful without them being a rapist. Having a rapist character in a positive light is a very dangerous thing, and I'm not saying the team is having him in a positive light, but the fandom is at points. Valentino has dedicated fans all over Tik-Tok, Tumblr, and Reddit.

Many times I have asked a friend "So what did you think of Valentino?" and they didn't see him as a problem, the only time he was a problem was when he was hitting Angel on screen or was raping him in the music video. Is Addict even canon anymore? I honestly have no idea. He's been CHILLING most of the series and he could have STAYED that way.

I think it's important to register that there are people who are saying they want to see more of CANON Valentino. Fanon can do what they want, pop off y'all, and prosper, but the canon wants to see more of a portrayed Rapist?

It feels off, and Vox and Velvet aren't helping at all.

Like I know it is hell but they don't hesitate to point out his anger issues and even Vox tells Val that he needs to knock it off because he needs to keep his image. It is almost, ALMOST, teasing accountability and then yanks it back on the short leash it is on

But then again, image.

In the end, it's all my opinion. Valentino could have been a bad guy without being a rapist. I like my FANON Valentino that I can RP without feeling like a scummy piece of shit.

Fuck Rapist Val, he didn't have to be like that though

[randomly--accessed--memories]

I'm thinking about other scenes from the show and where Vox might fit into them. Specifically I'm thinking about when Cherri took the crew to the bar. Now, should Vox go to the club? Probably not, but Charlie dumped some cash on Cherri and ran. I don't remember where Al was during that episode but assuming he disappeared to do whatever before Charlie left, the hotel crew is left with a choice, bring Vox to the club or leave someone behind to babysit, and nobody wants to do that.

Angel almost chooses to, not because he wants to, but because he's trying to be a better person, but Cherri convinced him to just bring Vox along.

The rest still happens like in the show, Niffty goes running up to Valentino (side note, anybody else think it's funny Val chose to go to a club named Consent?) and Angel still has to rescue her. Val still slaps Angel around and Husk still comforts Angel, but as they're walking away, Husk pulls Vox along with them from where he was standing. Maybe puts an arm around his shoulders because it's the easiest way to steer him, and that's when Valentino sees him. Vox is here, and he either didn't see him or didn't recognize him, and now he's leaving with a washed up ex-overlord and Val so desperately wants to chase after them, see if Vox remembers him and will come back with him, but he knows it'll make a scene. Vox is anonymous with the hotel crew, the Vees have been keeping him secret and if Val goes to him it's inevitable that a photo will be all over social media in the next 10 minutes. Val can still hear Vox lecturing him, back in the day, about not making stupid decisions that ruin their brand.

So Valentino just has to stand there and watch as Vox leaves, and there nothing he can fucking do about it. And then to add insult to injury Niffty still yanks out his fluff.

Ok I gave you angst, now someone give us the silly, what does drunk Vox do in the club?

Oh jeez... Val's just like "...Is this that instant karma thing Vel told me about" internally. Also, the fucking horror at realizing he didn't even recognize Vox between the club lights, his bad eyes, and Vox's new look. I had been imagining that he switched to the retro head while he was still at the tower, but the idea that he did that after Alastor took him, probably at Alastor's direction so he'd be less recognizable and more to Al's own tastes...

Vox can't drink alcohol, but he can absorb battery acid. He's not the only screen-head in Hell, so the bartender might have to dig around for it, but would probably be able to find something for him to imbibe. He'd keep trying to go inside the club lights or the music system and the crew has to keep pulling him back. As soon as they take their eyes off him though, he's trying to do it again, partially with Cherri's prompting (she thinks it's funny and wants to see him get kicked out of the club). He's getting better at not frying things, but by the time they leave, most of the electronics in the club are on their last leg.

Also, Pentious would be trying the whole time (and mostly failing) to pretend he's not friends with Vox since Cherri hates him so much. Vox doesn't understand why he's doing that and is a bit hurt, but when Pentious pulls the whole "I'M HAVING SEX WITH EVERYBODY!" thing, he'd make sure he doesn't get dragged off by the crowd (it's my AU, I get to rewrite the poorly thought-out canon scenes!), which makes Pentious feel like the biggest asshole for having ignored him all night.

[candycoated-rage]

hazbin hotel review (first four episodes, spoiler free)

i literally only watched the show to see if it was any good outside of the ads and the hate on twitter and... its very hit or miss

im not gonna address ANY of the controversies in this show because it will lead to a biased opinion, but if you wanna look into the controversies, go ahead. this is only reviewing the show itself. not the producers, just the show. the cut underneath is gonna be long so be warned

the humor is either pretty good or very bad. and most of the time, most jokes are dragged down by ones before it or proceeding it. i personally find some visual gags funny, but most of the jokes revolve around swearing, sex, and violence. if you're into that, i won't judge. but i personally really don't like it.

the animation can be really beautiful at times! but i've also noticed a lot of animation errors. nothing major, but the most common one i've seen is that many charcters have a different lineart color than other characters (for example, angel dust as pink line art, while charlie has black) and it makes it look as if the characters are on completely different planes. theres a scene in the first three minutes of the show where charlie is holding onto vaggie, and it looks very unnatural to me. this isnt to mention the character design, as well. personally, i love the designs for characters like Velvette, Valentino, Nifty, and Sir Pentious, as well as a lot of the background characters. however, i don't like the designs of characters like Vox, Alastor, Angel Dust, and many more. the silhouettes of many characters end up looking extremely similar, and with the mostly red backgrounds in the show with most character's colors pallettes being shades of red, it makes it hard to distinguish the background from the character itself. the backgrounds are BEAUTIFUL, though. they're genuinely stunning, and i love the art done for them. it makes the world feel lived-in.

the show is a musical, and many of the songs are either very good or very annoying or forgettable. my favorite of the few we get is alastor and vox's song; i love the fast pace, the bickering between the two, and their general "tv and video" and "radio star" theme. on the other hand, both songs in episode three are extremely forgettable to me. i watched the episode not even an hour ago and i don't remember either of them. i also find Poison a very annoying pop song, and i really don't like that it's been stuck in my head ever since i heard the chorus. but, despite that, the music is usually the most consistently good thing throughout the show.

the voice acting is fine. some voice actors do great! alastor and husk have very unique voices, and they fit the character very well. however, my main criticism with the voice acting is angel dust. the accent is very jarring to listen to, and it feels pretty fake. again, very hit or miss.

the plot itself is what i don't like. the show often stops in its tracks to dump information on you, and it feels very shoehorned in. some episodes also have very generic plots, especially episode three. i could predict what was going to happen every step of the way. the structure makes it feel almost like it's for a younger audience, and not for adults.

overall, i personally think the show has its highlights, but i wouldn't go out of my way to watch any more. there are much better shows for mature audiences out there. if i were to rate the series, it would be around a five or a six for me. it's not atrocious, and if you enjoy the show for what it is, i completely understand. there are some great moments in the show! however, i wouldn't recommend this show for someone who likes adult animation.

tl;dr, it's a fine show, i have a very mixed opinion of it. wouldn't recommend unless you want some pretty good songs and some nice animation.

[kiame-sama]

"Thanks again for letting me crash here for the night, Angel. I really appreciate it."

"No problem, Vizzy baby! I know how it feels to end up in the gutter on a bad day. Sides, I think Charlie likes having you here."

Viz smiled as she looked at the group of sinners sitting at various parts of the lobby eating their breakfasts. Angel was a good friend despite the less than positive way they happened to know each other. Still, between the night escapades and the genuine camaraderie the two had, there was more than enough to make up for the less than positive reality.

"Oh, your friend stayed over again, Angel? I'm so glad we have someone new staying at the hotel!"

Charlie's hair was a bit messy due to having just woken up, but she still was her happy self when she noticed the additional sinner at breakfast. Most of the others had gotten used to seeing the oddly familiar sinner hanging around the hotel, though the little background they got on her still left more questions than answers. Husk wasn't overly fond of Viz, but he didn't hate her either since she rarely ever encouraged bad behavior from Angel.

"Nice to be here and loving the warm welcome, Charlie! Though I think if Papa or Dad knew I was here, they would have more than a few things to say about it."

"Oh, your parents are in Hell too?"

"Well, yeah, Charlie. You do know I'm Hell-born like you, right?"

"Really? Who are your dads? Do I know them? Do they live in the Pride ring?"

Viz chuckled softly at the curious way Charlie would rapid fire questions, always happy to spend time with the princess of Hell. It was during these questions a rather ominous aura hung over the sinners, drawing attention to the staircase in the center of the lobby. Alastor had apparently woken up and was eyeing the newcomer curiously with his ever sardonic smile plastered on his face.

"Oh, seems we have a new guest. I look forward to her failure to redeem herself."

Despite how Charlie wanted to chastise the deer-demon for his blatant lack of faith, it was the accompanying laugh from Viz that gave her pause. Usually others would just take the verbal lashing from Alastor and glare at him, but it was unusual to see someone amused by him. Something about the newcomer had Alastor's lip curling though he couldn't place exactly why.

"Hello, I take it from your appearance and your humor that you are Alastor, the ever infamous Radio Demon. Good to finally meet the monster in the flesh."

"Oh, someone who knows me from my radio show? Quite the unusual guest indeed."

"No, no, not at all. I know of you because my Dad is obsessed with you. Hell, he even dresses the same way you do."

"I see... And just who would this pathetic sinner with mildly good taste happen to be?"

It was Viz's turn to wear that same sardonic grin, almost a sneer despite not intending it to be so aggressive. She knew the question was going to come eventually and Angel already knew the answer, she just hoped the others wouldn't turn aggressive towards her once they learned the truth. Both her Dad and Papa were rather disliked by the Hotel and the denizens within, so it would be a true testament to Charlie's forgiving nature if she could forgive the child of these monsters.

"Well, you already know both, though one you would have likely considered an old friend."

"Hurry up and tell him, Viz, I wanna see his creepy face when he looks surprised."

"My fathers are the overlords Valentino and Vox."

The loud and sudden reactions from those around her gave credit to the actual surprise the others felt at this revelation. It was no secret that Vox was obsessed with Alastor and Valentino was the one who owned Angel's soul, so both were rather well hated among the Hotel occupants. Naturally, this revelation put almost everyone besides Angel and Viz on guard.

"Yeah, Dad has clearly been obsessed for a while, but I'll make sure to tell him you think he has somewhat good taste. Papa might get jealous though. To be fair, when is he ever not jealous?"

"Wait," Husk snapped before anyone else could, feeling tricked and lied to not just by Viz, "you mean to tell me you're the fucking spawn of those two jackasses?"

"Yeah. How do you think Angel and I met? And before you ask, yes, I have tried to get Angel out if his contract. No, it has not worked. Papa may selfishly care for me since he is a narcissist, but he isn't as much an idiot as he may seem."

"So, what, you two just don't fucking care that your 'Papa' exploits the hell out of Angel and abuses him?"

It was then Angel spoke up, his tone unusually cold despite talking to Husker.

"That's enough, Pussycat. Don't blame Viz for Valentino's actions. He's an ass and a bastard, but she isn't Valentino, that's for damn sure."

Viz couldn't stop the genuine smile she gave Angel, having always loved how understanding he was towards the separation from her and Valentino. Tough she did care about both Vox and Valentino as her fathers, she wasn't blind to the terrible things they both did despite her attempts to stop them. Luckily, because they were busy being overlords the chains they had on Viz were kept nice and slack, but if they ever knew she was in the Hotel...

"Thanks, Angel."

"Eh, I still owe you for that one trick to turn off Valentino in seconds. Works every time."

"You don't owe me anything, Angel."

Name; Vizuality (Viz)

Spawned daughter of Vox and Valentino. She looks more like Val despite having a personality closer to Vox, an ideal co-host to whatever show Vox is partaking in. Velvet often uses Viz like a dress-up doll and likes being the "fun aunt" despite Viz not really being interested in anything the Vees do. Val refuses to have Viz be part of any of his business as an overlord.

Closest Friend; Angel Dust

They met while Angel was on set and had a particularly rough video. While Val didn't bother with helping Angel, Viz genuinely showed Angel kindness. She has tried to convince Valentino to let Angel go but he flat refuses despite seeing Viz as an extension of himself due to his narcissistic and manipulative tendencies.

Relationships; none so far

Her fathers don't like the idea of her dating, Valentino because he believes no one is good enough and (ironically) doesn't want her seen as a whore. Vox is forever stuck on seeing Viz as "his baby" and refuses to believe Viz could ever be mature enough for a significant other. Viz has been showing some interest in Carmilla's daughters, but has yet to approach either one.

[trashcanfanfics]

May I get a fanfic in Val’s POV where Valentino is in one of the worst moods he’s ever been in since nothing has been going his way correctly and he ends up lashing out in reader?(Im a sucker for angst) 🥲

There were a few more asks that I felt could fit into this so thats what I did! Also, friendly reminder, I write gender neutral! Hope you enjoy!

Valentino was pissed. Nothing was going right. Three actors were maimed, five more killed, and to top it off, Y/n wasn't at work or answering his texts. He had half a mind to march down there and demand why they didn't come to work. He missed them more than anything, really. Val thought that seeing them would definitely would change the whole day. That was before he remembered that he confessed while drunk. He decided to let them be, but he was irritated to say the least. He was losing money, afterall!

He gave up on trying to be the bigger person. Valentino was their boss, fisrt and foremost. He pulled out his phone and pulled up their contact. He'd call them.

The phone rang twice before a groggy "hello" answered. Val's anger raised. They ditched work to sleep in? Absolutely not. It doesn't matter how much he loves them, this was unacceptable.

"Y/n where the FUCK are you?" He was seeing red. Val was also slightly hurt. It seemed like they were avoiding him the last few days. Whenever he tried to talk to them, it seemed something else was in the way. Their breath caught in their throat. Fear. That was fear. They were scared of him. That didn't sit right in his mind and made his anger worsen, but this time, at himself.

"I'm sorry, Boss, I-" there was vicious coughing fit, "-I'm a lil' under the weather." There was more coughing. Guilt bubbled up in his chest. Of course they're sick. They've been looking awful for at least two days now. He can't believe he didn't notice sooner.

"It's alright, it's just been a stressful day today." They hummed back in tired underestanding. "Get some rest, babycakes." He hung up the phone and turned to the closest office person. Val informed them he would be out for the rest of the day and to contact his second in command to take care of whatever else was needed today. With that, he left.

~*~

Y/n's place was that little house Val murdered their stalker in. They appreciated not living in a run down apartment now, but was slightly confused as to how he got the house. He told them not to worry about it and enjoy their new space.

Upon entering the house, he took off his coat and hat, hanging them on the rack by the door. The furniture was replaced with lovely red and black walnut instead of that tacky white and bright makore it was before. He had let Y/n take over with his interior designer and decorators. They certainly had taste, just as he knew they did. The ceilings, he was pleased to notice, were now high enough that he could stand properly.

Val made it to the kitchen and opened up some cabinets, looking for some type of soup he could make for them. That's what people eat when they're sick, right? It's what Vox always made him when he wasn't feeling his best. When they weren't fighting or on a break. He found it weird that he didn't feel empty the way he used to when he broke up with Vox before. Maybe it's because he didn't have anything past platonic feelings for him now? Hm.

He found the soup and then went searching for a pot. The pot he pulled out was...very well used, to put it nicely. Val made a mental note to get them a new pots and pans set. Heating up the soup, he added a few extra seasonings to it to make it less bland. the next thing he found that needed replacing were their dish and silverware. How did they live like this? Their bowls and plates had chips in them, silverware with dents and scratches. Plastic cups from the second hand store? No wonder they got sick! He immediately went online and bought them new dishes.

He grabbed the bowl of soup in his bottom hands while grabbing a chipped mug (more replacements needed) and pouring some juice from the fridge into it. Putting the juice back, he handled both items in both sets of hands. He carefully made his way down the hall to the room.

Inside, he was greeted by Y/n's sleeping form. Their peaceful face made his heart melt. He gently placed the soup and drink down on the nightstand before gently shaking them awake. They snorted and sat up, immediately groaning, then held their head. A headache probably. Their eyes met his and widened.

"Bo-" They started coughing harshly. Val placed a hand on their back, rubbing up and down to help. His lower hands reached for the mug and brought it up to them. They looked at it when their coughing calmed down and then took it, taking a drink.

"How're you feeling, Y/n?" The question took them off guard. Had they expected him to be angry? The thought made the guilt from before rise up again.

"I'm...not the best." They looked down at the mug in their hands, gently rubbing the rim with their thumb. Val rubbed their back some more before grabbing the soup in his upper hands and sitting on the edge of the bed.

"I heard soup can help with that." He smiled as he dipped the spoon into the soup. Val offered the filled spoon to them. They stared at it amoment before looking him in the eyes and taking the bite. Val's face erupted with a blush. Why did they have to do it like that? He looked away as his lower hands smoothed out the bedsheets near them. The thumping in his chest reminded him that he had drunkenly confessed just a few days ago and hasn't said anything about it to them since.

"...Val?" His breath hitched wheen he heard them say his name. He looked back at them. "Can I have more?" He just about died again. He quickly dipped the spoon back into the bowl and raised it back to their lips. Their...very soft looking lips. The way they wrapped around the spoon and took the soup with it. He was getting very hot and bothered. Oh no.

"How about I take that cup and you take the bowl, precious. I'll get you more juice." He stood, holding out the bowl with his upper arms while the lower ones reached for the mug. They let out a soft laugh and handed him the cup before grabbing the bowl. Both of their hands touched and Val swore it felt like fire raced across his skin. He squinted, awkwardness forgotten for a moment, and leaned down to place an unoccupied hand on their forehead. They had a fever!

"Uh...Boss?" Their face was red, probably from the fever. He removed his hand and hummed. Val left the room without a word and headed for the kitchen. He opened the fridge and picked up the jug of juice in his upper right hand, twisting the cap off with the upper left. As he was pouring the juice into the cup, he wondered what he wwould do about the confession thing. He capped the juice and put it away.

Back in the hallway right outside the bedroom door, he knew he had to tell them again. But sober this time. He entered the room and walked over to place down the mug. Y/n watched him, the bowl, empty, had been placed on the nightstand.

"Y/n, there's something I'd like to discuss with you." He sat down on the edge of the bed again as they went ridged. There's that fear again. He hated the way his chest hurt at the thought of them being afraid of him. "About a few days ago. When I was drunk." He wasn't looking at them, but heard their sigh as they relaxed. The ache in his chest eased a bit when he saw that from the corner of his eye.

"Yes...That." Their reply almost made the moth laugh. They felt just as awkward as he did over this. That made this easier somewhat.

"Yes, well, I meant what I said." He took a breath. "I love you, and that's the reason that Vox and I aren't together anymore. He called me out on my infatuation with you a while ago but I said it was just a passing thing and that I wanted to make things work between him an' me."

"So...You two are back together now, I'm confused by the continuity, here." Y/n's voice was hoarse. They cleared their throat as Val reached over to hand them their mug. They thanked him and took a swig.

"No. This time it's for good because I want to pursue you." He grabbed one of his antenae and scratched where the base and his head meet. A tic he'd picked up from Y/n. Though, they have hair that they run their fingers through instead. "I would like to become your lover." He finally met their eyes. They were staring blankly at him. His heart sank to the bottom of his stomach. They didn't feel the same.

"...You do know how...inappropriate this is right?" They ran their hand through their hair, undoing knots as they came across them. Val itched to help them with that. Even when their hair looks like a rat's nest, he imagined it'd feel soft. "If we were to be together, how would that look? I'm your employee, a porn actor. everyone'll see this as you taking advantage of me. How would that be for your reputation?"

"To hell with my reputation! I couldn't give less of a fuck. All I want is you! If it makes you feel better, I'll fire you, I'll make you co owner of the studios! Anything to have you beside me and share your existance with me."

"Boss-"

"To allow me to kiss you! To let me hold you! To let me wake up to you every morning and fall asleep with you every night!" He was waving all four hands and his lower ones reached out to hold them by the upper arms.

"Boss!" He didn't hear them, too caught up in his feelings.

"To share meals and experiences! To live with you and laugh with you!"

"Valentino!" This snapped him out of it. His upper hands were now gently holding their face. He enjoyed the warmth and how close they were. They let out a breath. "Calm down, I still have a headache." He immediately let go of them and scooted as far as he could from them.

"I-I'm sorry, precious, I don't know what came over me." He looked down at all four of his hands folded on his lap. They sighed and reached over to hold the bundle of hands.

"I do. You've got it bad." They huffed out in amusement, but their attempt at a joke made his heart sink further. "But, uh, I kinda got it bad too." These words made him whip his head back up to look at them.

"What...?" He could have slapped himself if he wasn't so focused on the next words to come out of their mouth.

"I love you, too, Valentino. I would love to be your partner." Those words made him grab them into his embrace and snuggle his head into the crook of their neck.

"That's wonderful, precious! I'll make you so happy, I promise!" He squeezed them tighter. They wheezed slightly.

"That's great and all, but," they wheezed again, "I'm still sick." Oops. He let go and stood up to take care of them thoughout the rest of their sickness.

The word after may have changed, but they wwill always be his favorite.

[syntaxeme]

One Good Turn ch. 4

[Read on AO3] | [First Chapter] | [Next Chapter] Rating: T  Story summary: Angel’s clean streak is broken when Val forcibly calls him back to the studio. On principle (and not at all out of concern for Angel's wellbeing), Alastor takes it upon himself to free Angel from Valentino's control. But what started as a simple favor becomes something much more complicated, all because of an innocent thank-you kiss.

— — – 

Angel was right to think that Valentino wouldn’t be long in asking after him. The following day, Charlie welcomed Angel back with open arms and tears of joy. The mood throughout the entire hotel improved with his presence, in fact, from the staff to the guests to Angel himself. He seemed very pleased to be back, while the others—Alastor included—were delighted to have him. Yet in the midst of their happy reunion, there was an undercurrent of nervous anticipation, and only a few of them knew why.

After roughly five days of waiting, another large and intimidating demon, different from the last, came knocking. This time, however, Alastor was waiting in the lobby to greet him, having relieved Husker of his duties for the moment. “Good afternoon, my friend,” he called cheerfully from the bar. “Are you here to reserve a room for yourself? For a friend, perhaps? We’re happy to accommodate—”

“Can it, Radio,” the other demon growled.

“—whatever needs you might have,” he concluded. “Well, if that isn’t why you’re here, what can I do for you?”

“I’m lookin’ for Angel. Where is he?”

“Angel? Hmmm, Angel…” Alastor pursed his lips, leaning forward against the bar and drumming his fingers along it rhythmically. He materialized the hotel’s registry in front of him and flipped through the pages too quickly to read them. “You know, I’m not sure who you mean. That name doesn’t appear in our records. Could you give me a more detailed description? I hate to be unhelpful.”

“Look, I’m not in the mood for any of your fuckin’ games. Tell me where I can find Angel Dust. Boss knows he’s here. The longer you keep him from goin’ back, the more pissed Val’s gonna get.”

“I see. Well, we wouldn’t want that,” Alastor said, nodding, sweeping out from behind the bar to meet the visitor. “Maybe I should go and have a chat with Valentino to avoid any misunderstandings.”

“No deal. I’m here for Angel, and I ain’t leavin’ without him.”

“Are you sure? I really think”—there was a burst of static, Alastor’s voice distorting slightly as he gestured toward the door—“this is the best option for everyone. Yourself included. Now, I try not to make assumptions about the feelings of others, but I can promise you, if you refuse to take me to Valentino, you will regret it.”

“Uh.” The crony took a step back, his eyes widening as the room darkened further and further. He must have recognized just how serious Alastor was about this. “All right, all right, just come with me. If you wanna be the one to break the news, be my guest.”

“Why, it would be my utmost pleasure!” the Radio Demon agreed, congenial once again now that he was getting his way. He followed Valentino’s employee out to the limo, which was empty this time. They rode in utter silence, Alastor observing through the window and considering all the various ways Valentino might take the news he had to present. Plenty of possibilities, plenty of options. Of course, it would be simplest if he could talk his way through the disagreement without needing to resort to violence, but then…

Then he recalled the tears in Angel’s eyes those few nights ago, how terrified he was of being touched, how disgusted he sounded when talking about Vox and his men…and he wondered if perhaps a little violence wasn’t in order. Angel wasn’t likely to get revenge himself, but his suffering still deserved to be repaid to the ones who had caused it. Something to think about, at least.

The studio, when they reached it, wasn’t the sort of place Alastor would’ve spent his time willfully. Visual media. Flat facts, no imagination, what a bore. The demon who had driven him there tried to take him up the elevator, but he slapped the man’s hands away from the buttons and entered the car alone with a smile and a grateful bow.

When he reached the top floor and stepped out into Valentino’s lounge, the pimp was waiting sprawled on a velvet-upholstered couch. The look on his face said he’d already been informed in the change of plans regarding his guest. It wasn’t a pleased or welcoming expression by any means.

“Radio,” Valentino said simply. “I knew somethin’ was keepin’ Angel at that shithole of a hotel, but I didn’t figure it’d be somethin’ like you.”

“Well, I do try my best to do the unexpected. To be clear, though, I haven’t been ‘keeping’ anyone anywhere,” he replied, absently twirling his staff through his fingers as he wandered the room. The view from this height was quite impressive—as impressive as Pentagram City could be, that is. “Angel has expressed an interest in staying at the hotel, so I thought I might do you the favor of explaining why.”

“As if you understand anything about him,” Valentino sneered. “You met him, what, a couple months ago? You don’t fuckin’ know him.”

“Not as well as you do, I’m sure. But I also have no interest in leading him to feel or think any particular way. I’m told that’s an area where you and I differ.”

“Then why’re you comin’ here to speak for him? There a reason he couldn’t tell me all this himself?”

“There is! And I’m sure you’re well aware of it,” Alastor said, coming back to stand in front of the couch, hands folded at his back. “After all, you’ve been using it to manipulate him for years, haven’t you? Any time he began to argue with your orders, any time he fought you for his freedom, you subdued him with a show of force that you know he can’t resist. If he were to come here, you would do the same thing yet again. Am I wrong?”

“Must be real easy to stand there and run your mouth about shit you don’t understand.” Valentino’s long fingers tapped slowly along the arm of the couch. “But it sounds like you two’ve spent a while chattin’ about it. He tell you about all the times I got his junkie ass outta trouble? All the times he came crawlin’ back to me when he couldn’t make it on his own? Nah, I bet he painted this big sad picture for ya where I’m the bad guy and he’s never done a thing wrong in his life. That’s what I mean when I say ya don’t know him. You don’t even realize when you’re bein’ played.”

“He didn’t ask me to come here,” Alastor pointed out. “In fact, he asked me not to. His fear of you is so powerful it extends even to others he cares about outside of himself.”

In an instant, Valentino was on his feet, bearing down on Alastor menacingly but not enough to make him back down. “People he ‘cares about’?” he growled. “The fuck is that supposed to mean? You’ve been screwin’ him, haven’t you? You’re the reason he thinks he doesn’t need me anymore.”

Alastor tossed his head back and laughed aloud. “My good man, you are wrong on every possible count. Well, other than Angel realizing that he doesn’t need you. That, he has.” A feather or a tuft of fur from Valentino’s coat floated down to rest on his shoulder, and he brushed it off casually. “No, I’ve been doing nothing of the sort. But he’s made it clear to me that you are not what he wants for his future. So I’m here to make it clear that you will not be a part of his future.”

After a moment of exchanging silent glares, Valentino let out a laugh without ever smiling. “You really think you’re hot shit, don’t ya? You think you can waltz into my place of business and tell me what I can or can’t do with my own property?”

“I sincerely hope you’re not referring to Angel Dust as ‘property.’” Despite all the windows in the room and the fact that the sun was still up, shadows began to slowly gather in the corners and edge toward him. “I’ve come to think of him as a friend, you see, and I don’t much appreciate my friends being insulted.”

“A friend. I just bet,” Valentino scoffed.

“Why else would I have come here in his defense?”

“You tell me, Radio. Vox says you ain’t interested in sex. Not really. Nobody knows what the fuck you’re interested in. But you obviously have some kinda investment in Angel. So what is it about him you like so much?”

The sound of his rival’s name made Alastor’s smile edge into a sneer, and he made no effort at forcing it back into something congenial. “As much as I appreciate your efforts to understand me, I’m afraid I just don’t have the time or will to explain myself to someone like you. Kindly give me your word that you’ll allow Angel to live his own life free from your interference, and I’ll leave you to continue your distasteful business in peace.” He offered his hand, ready to seal the deal and be done with this conversation before being forced to examine his own motivations too closely—but Valentino refused to cooperate.

“And if I don’t?” He raised his head, jutting his chin out defiantly. “If I tell you none of your petty threats or parlor tricks are gonna work on me and I’m not lettin’ Angel go for all the hookers in Hell? Then what?”

Alastor took a slow, deep breath, his mouth twisting into a disappointed grimace as he rested the end of his staff on the ground and ran his free hand through his hair. “If you were to say that, I would be distraught. I did tell him I would try to resolve this peacefully. That being said…” He tapped his staff once, and the shadows that had been slowly creeping closer suddenly shot forward to shackle Valentino’s wrists, yanking down sharply and forcing him to his knees. Not bothering to pretend he wasn’t enjoying this, Alastor went on, “I also told him that if you forced the issue, I had no qualms about forcing your acquiesce. So here we are.”

“You fuckin’ piece of garbage.” Valentino thrashed, and his physical strength was surprising, almost shocking in that it nearly broke the shadows’ hold on him. Nearly. As he was dragged back down, he growled, “Say what you want, but I know you’re tryna keep him for yourself. You think you can take what belongs to me and get away with it? I was the one takin’ care of him. I was the only reason he made it as far as he did. Whatever I wanted as payback, I deserved. If he thinks he can—” Another shadow tendril snaked around his throat to cut off his voice as Alastor grew tired of his excuses.

“I appreciate your dedication to your principles,” he said, starting to stroll thoughtfully back and forth just a few feet from where Valentino was bound. “There’s something to be said for a man who really sticks to his guns, even if your particular guns are objectively repugnant. Now, do you have any sort of formal deal with Angel that details him as your ‘property’?”

“You got me curious now,” Valentino answered, ignoring the question. “You gotta know who I am. You know what kinda trouble fuckin’ with me is gonna get you into. But you’re doin’ it anyway, for his sake. With your reputation, it just doesn’t make sense. But Angie’s got his hooks in you deep, I can tell.”

“A contract? A verbal agreement?” Alastor suggested, not bothering to respond to the other demon’s musing. “Something regarding his career, maybe? What will it take to sever your hold on him once and for all?”

“It ain’t like this’s never happened before, y’know.” Valentino had stopped fighting his bonds altogether, simply sitting still on the ground and watching Alastor thoughtfully, his voice turned smooth and calm. “He does this to people. Sometimes it’s the guys he shoots with. Sometimes it’s fans or clients. They spend a little too much time with him and start gettin’ the idea there’s more to it than sex. I’ll tell you the same thing I tell them: whatever Angel says, whatever little pity games he wants to play, he likes the work I have him doin’.”

“He gives a very different impression.”

“Sure he does. That’s part of the game. He likes havin’ some power to play with, seein’ how far he can get a man to go for his sake. Or maybe he just likes seein’ me kill his drooling puppy-love dickheads over and over to keep him to myself. Who knows what goes on in his head? But you’ve known him a little while. You’ve seen how he acts. You think I taught him to be like that?” Valentino let out a cold laugh. “Nah. He was a slut before he ever met me.”

Alastor’s smile was distinctly pained at this point, his face reddening with an emotion he couldn’t quite identify. “I don’t see what any of that has to do with this conversation.”

“The point is he doesn’t want out. He just wants control over somethin’. Doesn’t that bother you? Doesn’t it piss you off to think he’s usin’ you?” With a growing smirk, he went on, “Doesn’t it make ya wanna punish him? Bring him back here for me and I’ll let you.”

Horrified, the Radio Demon reeled back a step as static started to build in his ears. “Excuse me?”

“Hey, it doesn’t hafta be sexual; however you wanna do it’s up to you.” Valentino was practically salivating at the thought, grinning ear-to-ear. “I’ll even make it so he won’t fight back. Do whatever ya want with him, teach him not to fuck with an Overlord. Your thing is audio, right? Well that voice of his sounds even better when he’s screaming—”

Alastor’s fist closed abruptly, and the shadow around Valentino’s neck tightened, jerking downward to slam his face into the cold tile floor. All sound in the room had been drowned in squealing, buzzing static, betraying how utterly livid he was. That was what Angel had noted in relation to Vox. What’s the point if I don’t scream, right? The thought of being compared to that odious cretin in any aspect was enough to boil his blood, but it was especially insulting to suggest his cooperation might be so easily bought with the promise of carnal pleasure, as if he had no more significant motivation.

“I hate to interrupt while you’re clearly enjoying this subject so much”—he spoke over (or under) the static without trying to subdue it—“but I think we’ve gotten a little off-topic. I was asking you whether there are any official deals binding Angel to you. And you were going to tell me so that I could end them. Yes?” Placing his mic under Valentino’s chin to force his head up, he took slight satisfaction in seeing that the pimp’s kitschy heart-shaped sunglasses were now cracked. Better yet, there was no trace of a smile on his face.

“Motherfucker,” Valentino grumbled, sitting up as well as he could. As the tendril around his neck slowly coiled tighter and tighter and Alastor was debating whether it might be safest to simply kill him now and be done with it, he choked out, “No, all right? It’s nothin’…like that. It’s just understood.”

“Then I’ll need you to revise your understanding.” He knelt to be eye-level with his opposition and ordered, “Tell me you and yours won’t approach Angel Dust or coerce him into anything again. Promise me that, and the most you might lose is some revenue. Refuse, and I’ll make it my mission to prove exactly how much more you have to lose.” The white noise had pitched higher and higher to an ear-splitting level, but Alastor didn’t so much as blink as he waited for an answer.

After several moments of stubborn, cringing silence, Valentino finally broke down. “Fine!” he snarled. “I won’t come get him. I won’t make him leave your little freak show. But you need to know he is gonna come back to me, just like he always does, and when it happens, I’m not lettin’ him outta my sight again.”

The screeching static dissipated all at once as Alastor got to his feet again. “Considering how unlikely that condition is, I’ll accept it. I’m glad we could finally come to an agreement.” The shadows released their hold on Valentino and slipped away into the corners of the room again, all returning to its proper state before his arrival. He offered his hand to make the deal official, not at all concerned about Valentino attacking him; even if he tried, it had already been proven which of them was stronger.

Begrudgingly shaking his hand, just once, Valentino growled, “Now get the fuck outta my studio.”

“Oh, with pleasure! I wouldn’t spend a moment longer here than necessary,” Alastor agreed, already heading for the elevator and humming happily to himself. All things considered, those negotiations had gone quite well.

…

It took some time for him to get back to the hotel, as he was forced to walk this time. By the time he reached the lobby, the sun was already setting. Inside, Husker was leaning against the bar and watching an uncharacteristically anxious Angel pace back and forth in front of it, while Charlie waited with her arms crossed. When they caught sight of him, Charlie and Angel rushed over to meet him immediately.

“Al! Where the hell’ve you been?” Angel demanded, looking him over as if to be sure he wasn’t hiding some sort of injury.

“You left the front desk empty too,” Charlie added with a pout. “I mean, no one came in while you were gone, but what if they had?”

“I apologize for the sudden disappearance; there was some business I needed to attend across town. But now that it’s taken care of, I’m back and able to give the hotel my full attention,” he assured Charlie. “If you need anything at all, remember I’m just a call away. In the meantime: Angel. Could I have a word?” With this, he headed toward the stairwell, certain Angel would follow—which he did.

“Niffty said she saw Val’s car out front earlier,” he explained once they were alone and working their way toward the third floor, where Alastor’s room was located. “Is that where you were?”

“Well, I was only in the car for a short period,” the Radio Demon teased. “Most of my time away was spent in Valentino’s lounge. Nicely decorated, that place, if a bit gaudy for my taste.”

“So you talked to him? What’d you say? What’d he say?”

“Surely you don’t expect me to repeat it all word-for-word,” he chuckled. “Maybe I should’ve been recording it for you, if you’re so interested.”

“Alastor, seriously.” Angel didn’t try to touch him this time, instead moving to block his path on the stairs. “What happened?”

“We had a discussion. Like gentlemen,” Alastor said, folding his hands behind his back. “It took some persuading on my part, but he agreed not to pursue you any further. As long as you don’t go back to the studio of your own free will, you shouldn’t have to deal with him again.”

“Wait, so that’s just it? It was that simple?”

“Not quite, but those are the most important details.” Remembering the deal Valentino had tried to make with him, the offer of torturing or otherwise ‘punishing’ Angel still sent an uncomfortable chill down his spine—but he was well aware that hearing all that wouldn’t do Angel any good. “I figured you would want to know, so you can stop worrying every day that you’re going to be called back to him. It won’t happen.” I’ll make sure of that. As he moved to continue up the stairs, Angel spoke again.

“So what d’you want?”

“Want?” Alastor repeated, pausing to glance back at him.

“Yeah. I mean, if you’re for real about this, you just did me a pretty huge fuckin’ favor,” Angel pointed out. “Nobody down here does shit for anyone else without expectin’ somethin’ in return. I know you like your bets and deals and all. So tell me what ya want.”

That was all very fair logic. Alastor did very much enjoy making deals, often the sort that weren’t exactly as they seemed, and collecting favors from those he worked with. It was true he’d taken quite a risk in threatening Valentino, and it made sense that he should want to be repaid. Yet he hadn’t been thinking of it that way up to this point.

“What I did today wasn’t entirely selfless. While I am glad to know you’ll be free to make your own choices, I also wanted to keep you here with us. Er, to give you that option. If that’s what you want. Of course you’re free to leave if you prefer,” he added, not wanting to liken himself to Valentino in that way. “Point being: you don’t owe me anything, cher. I’m satisfied with knowing you won’t be abducted by some third party.”

Angel didn’t respond for a moment. When he did, it wasn’t in the way Alastor expected. Because Alastor was a step or two higher than him at the moment, their heights were roughly equal, which made it simple enough for Angel to lean forward and kiss him. For once, his buzzing static went completely silent, and his eyes widened further as gloved hands slid into his hair on either side of his head. It was a simple, lingering kiss, just light pressure and warmth—but before he drew away, Angel did lick his lips once, softly, briefly.

“Hmm.” As he stepped back, fingertips trailing down the Radio Demon’s cheek, Angel wore a playful, self-satisfied smirk. “Lemme know if ya change your mind about that.” And he left to head back down the stairs, most likely to take the elevator up to his room.

Alastor remained very still, hands clenched at his sides as he tried to understand exactly what had just happened and how he felt about it. While it was true he’d never had much interest in sex, this was something rather different and not altogether unpleasant. Maybe… Maybe he did want something from Angel. But he wouldn’t ask for it. He refused to prove Valentino right in his theory that Alastor had only freed Angel in order to claim him for himself—though that word, ‘claim,’ and all it implied did make him shiver with intrigue.

No. He would not be what Valentino was, what Vox was, what Angel expected of every man he encountered. He wouldn’t insist that he needed no repayment, then immediately prove himself a liar with the slightest temptation. That being said, if Angel were to offer again…Alastor might have some difficulty refusing.

[crimsondustofficial]

Helping Hands

The burgundy colored clouds drifted slowly over the city, the stale wind swooping behind the former child stars long, yet beautiful snow white hair up into the air a bit before the strands gracefully fell back down and brushed against her back. The dark vermilion scleras and small, white irises gleamed beautifully in the nearby lights of the building next door.

"Even though it has been a while, you're still as beautiful as ever, my dear."

That same award winning smile danced its way onto the Overlord's crimson painted lips as that familiar, radio voice sang from the shadows. Her soft, snowy white hair gently hit her turquoise colored face just when the Radio Demon himself appeared right beside her, still looking the same as he always had: Charming and dapper in his own special way.

"You never cease to amaze me, Alastor. But. . .What exactly is it that you wanted to talk to me about?"

Ah, yes. The real reason as to why Alastor called this meeting. If he could get some info on where Ruby is being held, then he can contact Angel and let him know. Unfortunately, Alastor doesn't know Valentino as well as Angel does, so, he wouldn't have any idea as to where Valentino usually spends his time. But how he wouldn't pass up the opportunity to stab a hole through that pompous bastard Vox's TV screen of a head and watch it short circuit.

"I need some information. On this little girl." A picture was handed to Lucy as she gently took it and examined it. But what she saw made her heart melt immediately. Ruby was sitting on a couch in what appeared to be the hotel library, smiling her innocent little smile and looking like the sweet little angel she was. Such purity. . .A child such as this one should not belong in a cesspool of violence that was this city.

"She's so precious! Oh, you must let me meet her, Alastor!"

A smooth, yet deep chuckle danced its way out of Alastor's throat as he held his hands together behind his back. However, he could only imagine Ruby, alone and terrified, strung together in a dark web. And what's worse, that bastard Valentino and his pompous piece of shit TV headed lover, Vox were pulling the strings. She was their little puppet slave at the moment, probably being tortured for their amusement.

"All in due time, Lucy darling. However, there is a bit of a. . . predicament we have. Unfortunately. . .she's been kidnapped. By Valentino. And we're trying to find her."

At the mention of Valentino, Lucy's teeth gritted together as the anger began to boil inside of her. She despised that moth son of a bitch with a fiery passion. And it was clear on his end, he saw her as nothing more than a Cinderella wannabe looking bitch. How Lucy wouldn't mind stabbing his eyes out with the ends of her beautiful, sequin studded, peacock high heels.

A quiet ping of her phone smacked her back into reality before she pulled out her phone. Alastor gave her a minute to talk to whoever it was on the other end of the line.

"What is it? If you can't already tell, I'm in the middle of a conference."

"Sorry Ms. Lucille but-"

Oh, how she hated it when people called her by that name. Countless interns were killed, their blood splattering her office as she stood there, panting angrily from the many tantrums she's thrown from how that word never should be uttered. Then, she'll have calmed down and call for a new intern. But that name ties to the dark past that has plagued the poor star to the bitter end. "Let me make this perfectly clear: You are to never, and I mean NEVER, call me Lucille. If you dare call me by that name again, I will prove all those doubters wrong that you can die twice! Understand?!"

An audible gulp as well as a shaky 'Yes, Ms. Lucy' was shuddered off of the poor soul on the other end. A quiet huff as well as a deep breath of air exhaled from her shimmering, ruby red lips, Lucy turned back to the patiently waiting Radio Demon.

"I'm sorry for that, Alastor. Please, continue."

A quiet yet audible clearing of his throat, Alastor had to think for a moment as to where he stopped at.

"Yes, well. . . She was taken with the daughter of an old friend of Husk's this afternoon. However, the last time she saw Ruby alive was when they were separated. I just came to ask if any of your workers have heard or seen anything regarding what happened."

Pondering this a little bit, no recollection of anything mentioned about Ruby stood out to Lucy. But. . .Knowing Valentino, he'd make sure that this little girl knew fear, like she's never known it before.

"I'm sorry, Alastor. . .But I have no recollection of any of my workers mentioning her. But I'll ask when I head back. How does that sound?"

It pained Lucy when she thought she wasn't being much of a help. Alastor didn't blame her though, up until this moment, she's probably never even heard of Ruby. But it was worth a shot. However, knowing Angel, he'd probably go off on his own and get her back, even if it killed him.

"Of course. It was wonderful seeing you again, my dear. I'll make sure to bring the little one with me next time. I won't take up too much of your time. Until we meet again."

A gentle wave was exchanged between the two before Alastor disappeared, nothing left of him but a cloud of smoke. The wind picked up a little bit as a turquoise hand gently rested on the soft tufts of pure, snow white hair as alluring eyes glared over at the sign to Valentino's studio. As if she was trying to turn the building into stone from her Medusa like glare. Seeing Vox and Valentino exit the club, no sign of Ruby with either of them, Arackniss glared at them from the shadows. The limousine sped off, the tires screeching before the vehicle disappeared, the sound fading away. The Spider Demon noticed that those two were in there for quite some time. Probably doing horrible things to the poor kid.

"Time to call the cavalry."

Pulling out his phone, Arackniss wasted no time in dialing up Angel's number. Seeing as how his brother was extremely close to this kid, or from what he's heard, he'd be antsy to get the little girl home safe. Tapping his foot against the sidewalk in slight impatience, Angel's voice on the other end rang loud and clear.

"Anthony! God, it's about time you picked up. Listen, you gotta get down here now."

Confusion dripped from his brother's voice as Arackniss looked through the window, seeing it completely empty. Like a ghost town. But no sign of Ruby anywhere. And that gave him a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach.

"Your boss and his little bitch of a co-worker were here. They had the kid with them. But when they left, she wasn't there. Chances are she's still inside. I'm outside that nightclub he owns." Immediately, Angel agreed and said he'd be there shortly before hanging up. A gruff sigh escaped the shorter Spider Demon as he waited for his brother to hurry down here in those high heels of his. Almost fifteen minutes had passed and Arackniss was about to get angry. Where in the fuck was he? Before he could reach into his pocket and pull out his phone, about to call him, he could see a blur of pink and white stripes.

"Sorry I'm late. . .Had to call someone real quick."

A confused expression crossed over onto Arackniss' face before Angel looked up and waved at something. Or rather. . . someone. Jumping down from the rooftop she was, Cherri Bomb made her way over to them. Well, the more hands they had in case there were any security guards or whatnot, the better.

"Well, if we run into any trouble, at least we'll have enough hands to get us out of any situations."

"How long were they in there for?"

If Arackniss remembered correctly, they were inside the club for probably a good twenty minutes before finally coming out. He couldn't really hear anything of what was going on but that burning feeling of something bad happening to the poor girl crawled over his back. Another silent yet gruff sigh escaped the black as night, shorter spider before he replied to Cherri's question.

"Twenty minutes. Couldn't tell what was happening or if they were saying anything. But she's still in there somewhere."

Seeing Angel clench his fist, Cherri gently hugged the poor Spider Demon, who's fears were almost eating him alive. This was exactly what he was trying to avoid. Holding back the burning hot tears from falling down his cheeks, Angel's face hardened with a bit of determination. If Valentino did hurt Ruby, he was coming for him. No more acting like a scared little bitch. If Angel remembered anything of his previous life, it was to not back down anymore.

The sound of a gun clicking caught his attention, seeing Arackniss pulling out his pistol and Cherri held one of her bombs, planning to use it if any trouble came their way, she could easily blind them with the smoke and it'd be much easier for them to be taken down. Pulling out his Tommy Gun and clocking it, Angel gripped the weapon tightly in his hands before looking at the doors, about to welcome them inside.

"Let's go." (Lucy belongs to another member on the team, another dear friend of mine. All rights goes to them.)