Hellbound (Hazbin Hotel x Reader)

Chapter 17 : Cracked Tensions

As Velvette and I awaken from our peaceful sleep, we take a moment to stretch and yawn. With a shared glance, we exchange sleepy smiles before rising from bed and beginning to prepare for the day ahead. Once we're dressed and refreshed, we make our way to the main room of the penthouse, where Val is already waiting. His eyes light up as he sees us, a grin planted on his face. "Good morning, ladies" he greets with a charming smile. "I see you've finally emerged from your beauty sleep". I can't help but giggle at his remark, while Velvette rolls her eyes. "You know Vox isn't much of a morning person" Val continues, a knowing twinkle in his eye. "I'm sure he'll join us when ready". As I reach for a mug of coffee, the rich aroma wafting through the air, my attention is drawn to the sound of footsteps approaching. Vox emerges into the main room; he is sporting a slight but notable crack in his screen. Val's nonchalant attitude remains unchanged, but Vel's subtle glance towards Vox speaks volumes, her expression hinting a silent understanding between them. I wonder what that's about. With a sense of urgency, she announces her departure for a fashion show, shooting Vox a meaningful look before hurrying out the door. As I rush over to Vox, concern etched into every line of my face, I reach a hand out towards his face. "Vox, what happened? Are you okay?", my voice filled with worry. He pushes my hand away, "Don't worry about it" he snaps, his words sharper than I've ever heard them before. I'm taken aback by his uncharacteristic reaction. "I'll take care of myself. Just leave it be. I'll be back later after I get this fixed" he snarls. Before I can respond, he's already heading for the door, his movements tense and hurried. With a frustrated slam, he disappears from the room, leaving me standing there in stunned silence.

I'm now left alone with Val after Vox's sudden departure. Turning to Val, I voice my concern, unable to understand why he seems so unfazed by the situation. "Why aren't you more bothered by this?" I inquire, my voice tinged with worry. "Vox seemed really upset, and his reaction was no unlike him, not to mention the crack on his screen!". Val offers me a reassuring smile, "It's nothing major" he assures me, his tone gentle. "Vox can be a bit temperamental at times, but he always comes around. I wouldn't worry too much about it"> His words do little to ease my apprehension, but I nod in reluctant acceptance nonetheless. Still, uncertainty gnaws at me. "Should I wait around for him to come back?" I ask, the uncertainty evident in my voice. Val considers my question for a moment before offering a thoughtful shrug, "It's up to you" he replies, his tone measure. "But knowing Vox, he'll probably be back before you know it. In the meantime, why don't we make the most of time we have together", he offers a gently smile, which is rather out of character. Sitting down with Val, the tension in the room is palpable, a stark contrast to the easy banter and flirtation that usually characterizes our interactions. As we both nurse our cups of coffee, Val breaks the uneasy silence with a tentative question. "So, how are you finding it in Hell?" he inquires. I can't help but notice the absence of his usual charm and flirtatious energy and I comment on it, unable to hide my surprise. "You seem different today", I observe, my words laced with curiosity, "Not as... flirty as usual". Val response was a small chuckle, though there's a hint of bitterness in his tone. "Don't get too comfortable" he remarks cryptically, his words laden with unspoken meaning.

"What do you mean?" I ask cautiously, sensing his growing impatience, bracing myself for a sharp retort, "I'm just curious, Val, is everything alright?". His response is more cutting than I anticipated. With a low growl, he shoots me a glare, "You ask too many questions" he retorts sharply, his tone hostile, "Don't you have a job to do or something?". His words sting and I can't help but feel a twinge of hurt at his dismissive tone. "I still don't have one" I reluctantly admit, my voice twinged with frustration. "I've been truing but it's not exactly easy to find employment in Hell". To my surprise, his expression turns as he considers my words. "Is that so?" he muses, a calculating gleam in his eyes. "Well, perhaps I can help you with that", his offer catches me off guard and I can't help but feel a flicker of hope. "Really?" I ask. He looks at me, "I've tried to offer you one before" he says. His admission catches me off guard, "You've tried to offer me a job before?" I ask, my voice twinged with scepticism. He nods, a hint of frustration evident in his expression. "Yes, numerous times" he confirms, his tone twinged with annoyance. "But Vox always seems to interrupt, making it rather difficult to have a proper conversation". As his words sink in, I can't shake the memory of my previous interactions with Valentino; a sense of apprehension creeps over me. "I see", I murmur, my mind racing with conflicting thoughts.

Curiosity piqued, I lean forward slightly, meeting Val's gaze with a mixture of apprehension and intrigue. "So, if I were to accept your offer, what exactly would I be doing", I start. "I am in no way, being a porn star!". Val chuckles softly at my remark, his amusement evident as he shakes his head. "Oh, sweetheart, don't worry" he reassures me, his sly grin returning. "I wouldn't dream of making you do anything so... mundane". "Though, if you ever want to go down that route, I can make us both rich... well you rich and me richer", he says. A short feeling of relief floods through me at his words, though I can't help but wonder what he has in mind instead. "Well then, what would my role entail, exactly?" I press, eager and nervous to learn more. His grin widens, and he leans back in his seat, considering his words carefully. "Let's just say I have a few... projects in mind that could use someone with your... unique talents" he replies cryptically. I raise an eyebrow, intrigued by his vague response, "And what exactly are these 'projects'?" I ask. He pauses for a moment, as if deliberating how much to reveal. "Well, one of them involves finding new talent for the studio" he explains, his voice taking on a hint of excitement. "We're looking to expand our roster, and I believe you have an eye for talent". I nod, starting to see where he's going with this, "So you want me to be a talent scout?" I ask. "Exactly" Val confirms, a pleased smile playing at the corner of his lips. "You'll be responsible for seeking out promising individuals who have the potential to make a name for themselves in the industry", his smile grows, "And just a few extra tasks here and there, nothing too demanding, I assure you. Just some... errands, let's call them". I narrow my eyes, sensing there's more to his words than he's letting on. "Errands?" I repeat sceptically, "What sort of errands?". He waves a dismissive hand at me, "Oh you know, the usual" he replies casually, though there's mischief hidden behind his eyes. "Running errands for me, attending to some minor matters, perhaps keeping an eye on certain... individuals of interest". "Alright" I finally say, a hint of uncertainty lingering in my voice. "I'll consider your offer". He smiles at me, a spark of satisfaction dancing in his eyes. "Excellent" he purrs.

As Val hands me his number, I nod in acknowledgment, slipping in into my pocket for safe keeping. Just then, Vox returns, his attitude noticeably altered, although he still seems icy towards Val, his overall mood seems lighter than before. Val sensing this, declares he has work to attend to and excuses himself from the penthouse. I watch him go, turning back to Vox, I catch his eye and offer a small smile. "Everything alright?" I inquire, noting that his screen has been fixed. Vox nods, though there's a hint of weariness in his expression, "It's nothing you need to worry about" he replies curtly, his tone dismissive, "Just a minor mishap". "But your screen was cracked" I press, unwilling to let the matter drop. "Did something happen between you and Val; I know you stayed with him last night". Vox's posture stiffens and he gives me a sharp look "I said it's fine" he insists, his tone brooking no further argument. "It's been taken care of. Let's not dwell on it". I relent; sensing that pushing further would only strain our already tense conversation. "Alright" I concede, though a nagging worry still gnaws at the back of mind. "You know how to reach me, if you need anything". While I make my way out of the room, I catch a fleeting glance from Vox, his expression betraying a hint of reluctance. It's as if he wants to call me back, to delve deeper into the conversation we just had, but something holds him back. Perhaps it's the weight of whatever transpired between him and Val, or maybe it's simply the weight of his own thoughts. Despite the unspoken tension lingering in the air, Vox remains rooted to his spot, his gaze following me until I'm out of sight. As I walk back to the Hotel, I drop Val a text letting him know my number.

'Hey Val, it's me, thanks for your offer, I'll let you know what I think about your offer', I send.

The phone buzzes as he responds. 'Hey, glad you reached out. Anytime you need anything, you know where to find me. looking forward to hearing from you again, take care'. I can't help but smile, his text seemed genuinely nice, something you didn't think you could associate with Valentino before now.