Infernal Rivalry - The Clash Of Vox And Alastor

Chapter 27: I Need Some Space

(Vox's POV)

As we stepped out of the restaurant, Alastor turned to me, his eyes reflecting the warmth of the streetlights. "Heading home, Vox?". I hesitated for a moment, then shook my head. "No, I think I'll stick around for a bit. Maybe grab a drink at a nearby bar". Alastor nodded understandingly. "Alright then. Take your time. I'll see you back at the house later". With a small smile, I watched him walk away before turning in the opposite direction, heading towards the dimly lit streets and the promise of solitude in the bustling nightlife of Hell's vibrant cityscape. As I sat in the dimly lit bar, swirling the whisky in my glass, my mind couldn't help but replay the evening's events. The realization that I had misunderstood Alastor's intentions gnawed at me. Was it possible that he had meant 'partners' in a romantic sense, not just as business associates? I took a sip of the whisky, the warmth of the liquid doing little to ease the turmoil in my mind. Images of Alastor's smile and the way he looked at me flooded my thoughts, fueling my uncertainty. Was I just overthinking things? Or was there a deeper meaning behind his invitation to be partners? With a frustrated groan, I leaned back in my chair, running a clawed hand down my screen. The ambiguity of the situation left me feeling unsettled, torn between hoping for something more and fearing I had misinterpreted everything.

As I mulled over my thoughts, I couldn't shake the feeling that there was something between us, something more than just friendship and business partnership. The memories of our shared moments flooded my mind—the laughter, the late-night conversations, the comfortable silenceh as we danced around each other in our own peculiar way. But was it all just wishful thinking on my part? I couldn't deny the chemistry between us, the unspoken connection that seemed to draw us closer with each passing day. And yet, Alastor's words replayed in my mind, reminding me that perhaps I had misinterpreted his intentions. With a heavy sigh, I took another sip of whisky, the burn of the alcohol momentarily distracting me from my swirling thoughts. But deep down, I knew that the uncertainty would continue to linger until I had the courage to confront Alastor and lay my feelings bare.

Feeling the effects of the alcohol coursing through my veins, I glanced at the row of empty glasses before me, surprised by how much I had consumed without realizing it. A wave of dizziness washed over me, further clouding my already muddled thoughts. As I sat there, lost in my own world, a voice interrupted my reverie—a smooth, seductive voice. "Hello there" the stranger greeted, their voice carrying a mesmerizing tone. I turned my head slightly, acknowledging their presence but not fully engaging, or even looking at them. "Can I help you with something?" I replied, my tone tinged with a hint of irritation. The stranger seemed unfazed by my response, "You seem like you could use some company". I scoffed at the suggestion, my skepticism evident in my voice. "Do I look like I'm in the mood for company?". The stranger chuckled softly. "Maybe not, but I think you need it". I hesitated, considering their words for a moment before responding. "And what makes you say that?" I asked, my curiosity piqued despite my reluctance to engage further.

"You look rough" they remarked, their voice carrying a hint of an accent. "Like you've had a hard day. And judging by all those empty glasses, you have". The stranger's blunt observation struck a nerve, eliciting a dry chuckle from me. "Well, thanks for the reality check" I replied sarcastically, my tone laced with bitterness. "Clearly, I've been having a grand old time". Despite my attempt at dismissiveness, the stranger persisted, undeterred by my lack of enthusiasm. "Hey, we all have those days" they said, their tone sincere yet playful. "But drowning your sorrows in whisky isn't going to solve anything". I bristled at their audacity, feeling a surge of defensiveness rise within me. "And what would you suggest, then?" I retorted, my voice edged with skepticism. The stranger leaned in closer, "Maybe just talking to someone who's willing to listen" they offered gently. "Sometimes, sharing your burdens can make them feel a little lighter".

I hesitated, unsure if I wanted to engage further. But the stranger's sincerity was disarming, and the prospect of momentarily escaping my own thoughts was tempting. "I appreciate the offer" I responded, "but I'm not really in the mood for company". "Fair enough," they said, not pressing the issue. "But if you change your mind, I'll be at the back, enjoying a drink in the comfy booth. No pressure". As he got up off the stool I turned to look at him for the first time, and my breath caught in my throat. Before me stood a towering figure, a moth demon unlike any I'd ever encountered. His presence commanded attention, his aura a curious mix of mystery and allure. Standing at least three feet taller than me, he exuded an air of confidence that was both intriguing and slightly intimidating.

His skin, a striking shade of grey-lavender, seemed to shimmer under the dim lighting of the bar. Cerise-colored eyes, hidden behind heart-shaped sunglasses, regarded me with a curious intensity, betraying a depth of emotion hidden beneath his enigmatic exterior. His mouth, framed by rows of sharp teeth, held a single golden fan on the far left, adding an unexpected touch of elegance to his otherwise fearsome visage. He had two sets of arms, one hand was holding a long cigarette. White fur adorned his neck, interspersed with playful red hearts that seemed to dance in the ambient light. He was draped in a large red coat, its edges trimmed with plush white and black fur that lent an air of regality to his form. Perched atop his bald head was a vibrant red top hat, adorned with a zebra-print strip and two whimsical antennas, black and white with love hearts running from the bottom to their tips. As I took in his striking appearance, I couldn't help but feel a surge of curiosity and fascination. He was like nothing I'd ever seen before, a captivating enigma wrapped in layers of mystery and charm. Despite my initial reservations, I found myself drawn to him, intrigued by this mysterious man.

Caught in the act, I froze for a moment, my eyes meeting the cerise orbs hidden behind heart-shaped sunglasses. The towering moth demon's playful smirk widened into a charming grin as he teased, "Like what you see, amor?" His voice had a smooth, velvety quality to it, laced with a hint of amusement that sent a thrill through me. I chuckled nervously, feeling my screen heat up, out of embarrassment. "Uh, yeah, something like that" I replied, trying to play it cool. As he turned to leave, his coat shimmering in the dim light of the bar, I hesitated for a moment before making a split-second decision. With a surge of boldness, I pushed myself up from the barstool and called out, "Hey, wait up!". He glanced back over his shoulder, a curious glint in his eyes. "Changed your mind, huh?" he remarked, his tone teasing yet inviting. I nodded, a faint smile playing at the corners of my lips. "Yeah, why not? Lead the way" I replied, gesturing for him to take the lead. With a nod of acknowledgment, he turned and sauntered towards the back of the bar, his confident stride drawing my gaze. I watched as his antenna's moved with each step. Curiosity mingled with a sense of apprehension as I followed him, unsure of where this impromptu encounter would lead but strangely exhilarated by the unknown.

As we settled into the plush booth, Valentino waved a hand to catch the attention of the bartender, ordering drinks for both of us. I fidgeted slightly in my seat, feeling a mix of excitement and nerves as I sat across from this enigmatic stranger. With a graceful motion, Valentino extended his hand towards me, the glint of his gold claws catching the dim light of the bar. "Valentino" he introduced himself, his voice smooth and velvety. I accepted his hand, noting the sharpness of his claws and the weight of the rings adorning his fingers. "Nice to meet you... I" I began, only to be cut off as he added, "Oh, I know who you are, darling". Surprised by his assertion, I raised an eyebrow inquisitively. "You do?". He chuckled, leaning back in his seat with a knowing smirk. "Of course. Vox, quite the reputation you've been building" he quipped, his cerise eyes glittering with amusement. I chuckled modestly, feeling a flush of pride at his recognition. "Well, I do my best" I replied, trying to keep the conversation light.

"Truthfully I'm surprised I didn't see you hear with that strange red head radio demon friend of yours" he comments, smirking at me. Valentino's comment about Alastor caught me off guard. I shifted uncomfortably in my seat, unsure how much I wanted to reveal about my relationship with the radio demon. "Oh, well, Alastor and I do work together" I replied carefully, choosing my words with caution. "But tonight, I just needed some time away". He leaned back in his seat, a smirk playing on his lips. "Ah, so you're flying solo tonight, Voxxy" he said with a wink. I raised an eyebrow at the nickname. "Voxxy, huh?" I chuckled, not entirely sold on it. He grinned, his eyes gleaming with mischief. "Oh, it suits you perfectly". I couldn't help but smile at his comment, though I remained wary. "Well, if you say so" I replied, taking another sip of my drink.