Infernal Rivalry - The Clash Of Vox And Alastor

Chapter 19 : This Calls For A Celebration

(Alastor's POV)

Before we left, I made sure to inform Rosie of our plans, inviting her to join us for a couple of drinks. Vox shifted nervously at the mention of her name, a subtle unease flickering in his eyes. Knowing Rosie's... peculiar tastes tended to put him on edge. "Come on, Vox", I teased, nudging him playfully. "Rosie's not that bad. She's a sweetheart, really. Just don't let her get too close". I chuckled at his apprehension, enjoying the opportunity to tease him a bit before our night out. With a good-natured eye roll, Vox reluctantly agreed, though I could tell he was still a bit wary. Nevertheless, we set off for the bar.

Vox glanced around, his expression thoughtful as we made our way through the streets of Hell. "You know", he mused, "it's still strange to think about it. Back when I was alive, I wasn't exactly a saint, but I never bought into the whole idea of heaven or hell". I nodded in understanding. "Yeah, it's a lot to wrap your head around", I agreed. "But hey, at least here we get to be ourselves without any judgment. Plus, we can indulge in all the sins we want!". He chuckled, his screen lighting up with amusement. "I suppose you have a point there", he conceded, a hint of mischief in his voice. "Let's make the most of it then!".  With a shared laugh, we continued our journey, ready to embrace the night.

As we stepped into the cozy confines of the bar, a warm wave of chatter and soft melodies enveloped us, instantly creating an atmosphere of relaxation and camaraderie. The dim lighting cast a gentle glow over the space, accentuating its intimate charm.
Taking a moment to survey our surroundings, I couldn't help but appreciate the simplicity and allure of the venue. The stage, though unoccupied at the moment, held a promise of potential performances, while the rows of stools at the bar invited patrons to unwind and indulge in conversation over drinks. Finding ourselves a spot at the bar, Vox and I settled onto the plush stools, the polished wood beneath us adding to the rustic charm of the setting. As Vox leaned in, his voice a soft murmur against the backdrop of ambient noise, he inquired, "What'll it be tonight?". With a playful glint in my eye, I leaned back slightly, considering the options before responding, "Ah, you know me. A glass of whisky with some ice, please". Vox nodded, a subtle smile playing at the corners of his lips as he caught the bartender's attention and placed our order. The clinking of glasses echoed in the air, a prelude to the evening of camaraderie and relaxation that lay ahead.

As the bartender delivered our drinks with a courteous nod, the clinking of glasses resonated softly, signaling the beginning of our evening reprieve. I lifted the glass to my lips, savoring the familiar warmth of the whisky as it cascaded over ice.  Lost in the comforting embrace of the moment, I caught a glimpse of Vox's wave out of the corner of my eye. Turning to follow his gaze, I found Rosie making her way over to us, a playful grin dancing across her lips. With a bright smile, Rosie greeted us, her presence injecting a burst of energy into our corner of the bar. "Well, well, well, look who it is!", she exclaimed, her voice carrying over the hum of conversation. "Mind if I join you two for a drink?".  I chuckled, gesturing to the empty stool beside me. "Of course, Rosie. Pull up a seat". As Rosie settled into the seat beside me, her familiar warmth radiated, and before I knew it, she planted a friendly kiss on my cheek in greeting. I found myself unaffected by the gesture, a testament to the genuine affection I held for Rosie. While such displays of affection might typically irk me coming from others, with Rosie, it felt entirely natural, a testament to the easy camaraderie we shared. So, instead of flinching or pulling away, I simply grinned in response, acknowledging her greeting with a nod of appreciation.

With a confident yet graceful demeanor, she signaled to the bartender, her request for the classic "Old Fashioned" delivered with a touch of elegance that seemed second nature to her. As she took a leisurely sip from her drink, her attention turned towards us, her eyes alight with curiosity and a hint of mischief. "So, what's the occasion, boys?", she inquired, her voice carrying a playful undertone that invited us to share in her intrigue. "Why are we celebrating today?". Her genuine interest in our affairs brought a smile to my face, tempered by a sense of camaraderie that had developed over time. With a glance towards Vox, I felt a surge of gratitude for the friendship we had forged in the depths of hell, a sentiment mirrored in the subtle nod he gave in acknowledgment of our shared journey.

I leaned in closer to Rosie, a mischievous glint in my eye. "Well, Rosie, we're celebrating because Vox here has just learned to throw a mean punch", I began, nudging Vox playfully with my elbow. "And not just any punch—this one comes with a shocking surprise!". I tell her about his spark creating ability, Vox screen turns pink from embarrassment. Rosie's eyebrows shot up in surprise, a grin spreading across her face. "No kidding? That's impressive!". she exclaimed, turning her attention to Vox. "Looks like you've been keeping busy, Vox. I'll have to watch my back around you now!". He chuckled, the pink hue lingering on his screen, as he rubs the back of neck sheepishly. "Yeah, it was a bit of a surprise to me too", he admitted. "But I'm glad I found out about it". As Rosie raised her glass in a silent toast to Vox's newfound abilities, I couldn't help but feel a swell of pride myself.

As the lively chatter of the bar filled the air, I felt a surge of adrenaline coursing through me, spurred on by the infectious energy of the evening. With a quick glance at Rosie and Vox, who were engaged in animated conversation, I made my way to the bar owner. "Hey there", I greeted him with a friendly smile, leaning casually against the counter. "Mind if I hop up on stage and belt out a tune or two?". The bar owner, a burly figure with a gruff exterior softened by a warm smile, chuckled in response. "Go for it, man" he said, gesturing towards the stage with a nod of approval. "We could use a bit of entertainment around here". Grateful for his permission, I flashed him a quick thumbs-up before making my way back to our table, excitement bubbling within me. With a mischievous grin, I leaned in towards Rosie and Vox, anticipation dancing in my eyes. "Guess who's about to take the stage?", I announced, unable to contain my enthusiasm. "Time to show these demons what real music sounds like!".

With a flick of my wrist, I commanded my small shadow creature to transform into a band, their ethereal forms taking shape on the stage. The smooth, soulful tunes of the jazz ensemble enveloped the room, drawing the attention of the patrons who turned their heads towards the stage, their eyes alight with curiosity and anticipation. Taking a deep breath, I stepped into the spotlight, my voice resonating with power and passion as I began to sing. As the music filled the air and the crowd began to sway to the rhythm, I could feel the energy pulsating through the room. It was exhilarating to be on stage, commanding the attention of everyone present with my voice and presence. Vox's surprise was evident as he watched me, his expression a mix of admiration and wonder. It was clear that he hadn't expected me to take the stage so confidently, but I could see a hint of pride in his eyes as he listened to me sing. Rosie, on the other hand, seemed right at home with my impromptu performance, flashing me a knowing smile as if to say, 'I told you he was good'. She clapped along to the music, her enthusiasm infectious as she cheered me on. As the song came to an end and the applause erupted, I couldn't help but feel a surge of satisfaction. It was a moment of pure joy, shared with friends who had become like family in this strange and unpredictable world.

Making my way back to our table, I was greeted with cheers and congratulations from Rosie and Vox. Their support meant the world to me, and I couldn't help but grin at their beaming faces. "Thanks, guys", I said, still riding high on the adrenaline of the performance. "That was amazing". Rosie grinned and gave me a playful nudge. "You were born for the stage, darling". Vox nodded in agreement, his smile warm and genuine. "Absolutely. I'm glad we came out tonight, cause it meant I got to see that. Completely unexpected". Raising our glasses in a toast, we celebrated the moment together, the music still echoing in our ears and the thrill of the performance lingering in the air. It was a night I would never forget.

With a gleam of excitement in my eyes, I leaned forward, addressing Vox and Rosie with a grin. "I'm going to hit the dance floor. Care to join me?". Vox chuckled, shaking his head. "I think I'll stick to watching for now". Rosie nodded in agreement. "Yeah, I'm good here. Knock 'em dead out there, though!". I laughed, giving them a playful salute before making my way to the dance floor. As I moved to the rhythm of the music, I could feel their eyes following me, their cheers and encouragement fueling my every step. Lost in the music and the energy of the dance floor, I spun and swayed to the rhythm, feeling utterly alive in the moment. But even amidst the pulsing beats and flashing lights, I couldn't help but steal glances back at Vox and Rosie. From across the bar, they seemed engaged in conversation, their expressions animated as they leaned in close to each other, sharing laughs and smiles. Despite the distance, I could sense the warmth between them, I was pleased to see Vox was getting to be at ease around her.