Infernal Rivalry - The Clash Of Vox And Alastor

Chapter 30: Awkward Conversations

(Vox's POV)

As morning sunlight filtered through the curtains, Alastor and I sat at the kitchen table, savoring the warmth of our freshly brewed coffee. The familiar routine of our morning ritual brought a sense of comfort, grounding us in the quietude of the early hours. As we enjoyed our morning coffee, Alastor's mention of his busy day ahead prompted a sense of understanding from my end. "I've got a few things to discuss with Rosie" I mentioned, "Some business matters to sort out". He nodded sympathetically, acknowledging the demands of our respective roles. "No worries, Vox" he replied with a reassuring smile, "I've got my hands full today anyway". I couldn't help but feel a twinge of relief, there's something I want to discuss with Rosie, without Alastor. "It's a shame you can't come" I lied, "Your insights are always valuable in these discussions". His smile widened a touch, a flicker of camaraderie evident in his expression. "Well, perhaps next time" he suggested optimistically, "For now, you've got this". With a nod of appreciation, I finished my coffee and gathered my belongings, ready to embark on the day's errands.

As I made my way towards Cannibal Town, lost in my thoughts, a sudden screech of tires and the roar of a powerful engine brought me to an abrupt halt. My initial instinct was to curse and shout at the offending vehicle, but as the limo's door swung open, revealing Valentino emerging from within, my anger dissolved into surprise. "Oh, not you again" I muttered, taken aback by the unexpected encounter. He flashed me a charismatic grin, unfazed by my less-than-enthusiastic greeting. "Well, fancy meeting you here, Voxxy" he drawled, sauntering towards me with an air of effortless confidence. I bristled at the familiarity of his tone and that stupid nickname, crossing my arms defensively. "What are you doing here?" I demanded, eyeing him warily. He shrugged casually, his demeanor nonchalant. "Just passing through, darling" he replied smoothly, "But it seems fate has brought us together once more". I rolled my eyes, unimpressed by his theatrics. "I highly doubt that" I retorted, my skepticism evident in my tone. He chuckled softly, undeterred by my lack of enthusiasm. "Oh, come now, Vox" he purred, stepping closer, "Surely you can't resist the allure of my company". I resisted the urge to scoff, maintaining a cool facade in the face of his persistent charm. "Trust me, I can" I replied tersely, eager to extricate myself from the conversation as quickly as possible.

Valentino's smirk widened as he leaned against his sleek limo, the epitome of nonchalance. "Rough start to your day, Voxxy?" he quipped, his tone laced with amusement. "Tell you what, I can give you a lift to wherever you're going. Least I can do after my driver almost turned you into roadkill". I hesitated, torn between my reluctance to accept help from Valentino and the practicality of reaching my destination more quickly. After a moment's consideration, I reluctantly acquiesced. "Fine" I replied tersely, swallowing my pride. "But don't think this means we're suddenly friends". He chuckled, flashing me a smug grin. "Wouldn't dream of it, sweetheart" he retorted, holding the door open for me with a flourish. "Hop in".

I rolled my eyes at his persistent banter as I settled into the plush interior of the limo. His cavalier attitude grated on my nerves, but I remained composed as he joined me inside. He raised an eyebrow, his gaze fixed on me with mild curiosity. "So, where to?" he inquired, his tone casual. "Cannibal town" I replied shortly, my irritation evident in my voice. Valentino's lips curled into a smirk as he leaned back against the seat, crossing his arms. "Cannibal town, huh?" he mused, amusement dancing in his eyes. "Not exactly your usual hangout. What brings you there?". I sighed, growing increasingly exasperated with his persistent questioning. "I'm meeting with another overlord" I explained tersely, hoping to deter any further inquiries.

Valentino's smirk widened as he nodded knowingly. "Ah, Rosie, right?" he quipped, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Never thought you'd be cozying up to the likes of her".  I narrowed my eyes at Valentino, feeling a surge of annoyance at his presumptuousness. "And why is that?" I retorted, my tone laced with skepticism. He chuckled, unfazed by my reaction. "Oh, nothing, just didn't strike me as your type" he replied casually, his demeanor nonchalant. I shot him a pointed look, my irritation bubbling to the surface. "It's business-related" I reiterated, my tone firm. "And what's my type anyway, smart ass?" I added, my voice laced with sarcasm. Valentino leaned back against the seat, his smirk widening. "Oh, I don't know. Maybe someone who can handle a little heat" he replied with a suggestive glint in his eyes. I rolled my eyes again, regretting my decision to accept the ride.

"I'm glad I found you again actually, since I met you the other evening, I have a proposal I've been wanting to run by you", he says nonchalantly, intensely gazing at me. I raise an eyebrow, curious despite myself. "And what might that be?" I ask, trying to keep my tone neutral. "Ah, well" Valentino begins, a smirk playing on his lips, "I've been thinking... You and I, we could make quite the team, Voxxy" He leans back in his seat, eyeing me with a mixture of confidence and intrigue. Valentino leaned back in his seat, a sly grin playing on his lips. "Our industries go hand in hand" he began, his voice smooth and persuasive. "You control the media and technology, and I, well, let's just say I manage the more intimate side of things" He chuckled, tapping his fingers together. "But imagine the power we could have if we merged our operations. The reach, the influence... we could dominate Hell together".

"I appreciate the offer, Valentino," I replied, trying to maintain a neutral tone. "But it's not just me in this partnership. I'm doing business with Alastor. The two of us are a pair". His grin widened. "Ah, the radio demon" he mused, as if the name amused him. "I don't think that boring old man will be interested, but if you needs his permission, then fine. Bring him along for a meeting, and let's see if we can't make something happen" He reached into his pocket and handed me a card with his number on it. "Give me a call when you're ready, Voxxy". We arrive at my destination, as I stepped out of the limo, Valentino's parting gesture caught me off guard. Blowing a kiss, he bid me farewell with a smirk, adding, "I look forward to hearing from you soon". With a mix of bemusement and irritation, I waved him off before turning my attention to the task at hand. I strode into the emporium, my thoughts swirling with Valentino's proposal and the impending conversation with Rosie.

Rosie's surprise was evident as she caught sight of me amidst the bustling emporium. With a warm smile, she approached, her demeanor curious. "Vox, what brings you here today?" she inquired, her gaze scanning the area as if expecting someone else. "No, Alastor's not with me" I replied, noting her unspoken question. Sensing the need for privacy, she gestured for me to follow her to the back room.  As we settled into the quiet sanctuary of the back room, I felt a rush of uncertainty wash over me. Rosie's gaze held a mixture of concern and anticipation as she took a seat opposite me. With a deep breath, I began to voice the tumult of emotions swirling within me. "It's about Alastor" I started, the weight of my words heavy in the air. "I need some advice... about something personal". Rosie leaned forward, her expression attentive. "Go on, Vox. I'm here to listen".

I hesitated for a moment, grappling with the vulnerability of my confession. "I... I don't know how to handle my feelings for him" I admitted, the admission feeling like a weight lifted off my chest. "I've grown fond of him, more than just as a friend or colleague, well you know that. But I'm not sure if he feels the same way, or if it's even appropriate given our working relationship". Rosie listened intently, her brow furrowing in contemplation as she processed my confession. "Vox, that's a difficult situation" she began, her tone measured yet empathetic. "In all the time I've known Alastor, I've never seen him in a romantic relationship with anyone. But that doesn't mean he's incapable of love. I can see how much joy you bring him, and I believe he cares deeply for you, perhaps more than he lets on".

Her words struck a chord within me, offering a glimmer of hope amidst my uncertainty. "But" she continued, her expression turning somber, "telling him could be risky. Alastor is... well, he's not one to easily open up about his feelings. It could catch him off guard, like a deer in headlights, no pun intended" I nodded solemnly, acknowledging the gravity of her warning. Rosie's insights offered a valuable perspective, reminding me of the delicate balance between honesty and discretion in matters of the heart. I sat there, feeling the weight of my emotions pressing down on me like a heavy burden. "I just don't know what to do," I confessed, my voice strained with uncertainty. "The other night, he asked me to be his partner, and I... I misunderstood. I thought he meant... something else." I recounted the awkwardness of the situation, how my assumptions had led to a moment of misplaced hope and subsequent embarrassment. Rosie listened attentively, her gaze filled with compassion. "It sounds like there's a lot of unspoken feelings between you two" she observed softly. "Miscommunications happen, Vox. But maybe this is an opportunity to clarify things between you and Alastor". Her words resonated with me, stirring a flicker of resolve within my heart. Despite the uncertainty and fear of rejection, I knew that I couldn't continue to suppress my feelings. With Rosie's guidance and support, I felt a glimmer of courage to confront the truth and seek clarity in my relationship with Alastor.