StaticMoth - like a moth to a flame (Vox x Val)

Chapter 4: I'm sorry I guess

(Val's POV)

I sauntered down the hallway towards Velvette's room, a sense of determination coursing through me as I prepared to make amends for my earlier behavior. Knocking wasn't really my style—I preferred to make a grand entrance. Without hesitation, I pushed open the door and entered Velvette's room, my confidence unwavering as I met her gaze with a cocky grin. "Hey there, Vel" I greeted, my tone casual yet contrite. She glanced up from where she was lounging on her bed, her expression a mixture of annoyance and amusement. "What do you want, Val?" she asked, her tone tinged with irritation. I sighed inwardly, knowing that I had some serious groveling to do if I wanted to smooth things over with her.

"Look, I know I was out of line earlier" I began, my tone more earnest now as I took a step closer to her. "I didn't mean to upset you, you know what I'm like". She raised an eyebrow, her skepticism evident. "That's a first" she remarked dryly, though there was a hint of amusement in her voice. I chuckled softly, knowing that she wasn't about to let me off the hook that easily. "I mean it" I insisted, my gaze meeting hers with sincerity. "I shouldn't have been so...flippant". For a moment, she regarded me with a searching gaze, as if weighing my words. Then, to my relief, a small smile tugged at the corners of her lips. "Apology accepted" she replied, her tone softening slightly. I grinned, feeling a surge of relief wash over me at her forgiveness. "Thanks, darling" I said gratefully, knowing that I owed her more than just an apology. "I'll try to be on my best behaviour". And as I settled onto the bed beside her, the tension of earlier starts dissipating.

Wrapping my arms around her, I pulled her into a warm embrace, a sense of relief flooding through me as I felt her return the hug. "I knew you couldn't stay mad at me for long" I teased, my tone light yet sincere. She chuckled softly, leaning into the embrace as she rested her head against my shoulder. "You drive me crazy sometimes, Val" she admitted, her voice tinged with affection. "Both you and Vox". I couldn't help but laugh at her comment, knowing all too well the truth in her words. "Yeah, we do have a way of getting under your skin, don't we?" I replied, a playful twinkle in my eye. "But you know we love you" I added, squeezing her gently. "Even if we do give you a hard time". She rolled her eyes, though there was a fondness in her gaze as she met mine. "I know" she said softly, a smile playing at the corners of her lips. "And as much as you two drive me crazy, I wouldn't trade you for anything".

She turns and looks at me, "so what's the deal with you and Vox anyway", she asks, her gaze piercing. Her question caught me off guard, and for a moment, I struggled to find the right words to explain the complicated dynamic between Vox and me. "What do you mean?" I asked, my tone carefully neutral as I met her gaze. She shook her head, a bemused expression on her face. "I mean, what's the deal with you and Vox?" she pressed, her curiosity evident. "You two act like an old married couple half the time, but then the next minute, you're at each other's throats" I exchanged a glance with Velvette, a wry smile tugging at the corners of my lips. "We're just close, that's all" I replied evasively, though even I knew that it wasn't the whole truth. But she wasn't about to let me off the hook that easily.

"Close?" she echoed, raising an eyebrow skeptically. "Please, Val, why are you lying to me. It's not just friendship." I sighed, realizing that Velvette wasn't going to be satisfied with a simple explanation. "Okay, maybe there's more to it than just simple friendship" I admitted reluctantly, knowing that I couldn't keep up the charade any longer. Her eyes widened in surprise, her curiosity piqued. "So what is it then?" she pressed, her tone eager for answers. I hesitated for a moment, unsure of how to put into words the complicated mix of emotions that existed between Vox and me. "It's...complicated" I finally replied, my voice tinged with uncertainty. "We're just very close... friends, friends who fuck. We find each other attractive. That's all".

Her skepticism was palpable as she listened to my attempt at an explanation. "I'm sorry, Val, but that's not true, is it?" she remarked, her tone laced with disbelief. "I've seen how you are with him. You're a softie around Vox, always giving him forehead kisses, hugs and taking care of him. Those aren't the things people who just have sex do". I shifted uncomfortably under her scrutinizing gaze, feeling the weight of her observation. "We are just friends, like I said. Close friends" I insisted, though even I could hear the uncertainty in my voice. But she wasn't about to let me off the hook that easily. "Come on, Val, I'm not blind" she replied, her tone gentle yet firm. "There's something more going on between you two, and you know it". I hesitated for a moment, unsure of how to respond to her persistent questioning.

"I'm telling you, Vel, we're just friends" I insisted, my tone firm as I attempted to brush off her probing questions. She let out a sigh, her expression tinged with exasperation. "You know, Val, I've known you long enough to see through your tough exterior" she replied, her tone gentle yet persistent. "You may be a pimp, but that doesn't mean you're incapable of having feelings". I scoffed, feeling a twinge of defensiveness at her words. "Feelings? Please, you know me better than that" I retorted, though the doubt in my voice betrayed my uncertainty. But she wasn't convinced. "Whatever you need to tell yourself" she said softly, her gaze unwavering. "But deep down, I think you care about Vox more than you're willing to admit".

I shifted uncomfortably under her gaze, feeling a pang of guilt at the truth of her words. "That's ridiculous" I muttered, though even I could hear the lack of conviction in my voice. She simply smiled knowingly, her expression filled with understanding. "Maybe" she replied cryptically, her tone gentle yet knowing. "But just remember, Val, there's nothing wrong with caring about someone". As I watched Velvette leave the room, her words echoing in my mind, I couldn't help but feel a sense of unease at the truth of her observation. There was no denying it—I did care about Vox. But what did that mean? Did it change anything? I shook my head, attempting to push aside the unsettling thoughts that threatened to consume me. "It's fine" I muttered to myself, though the words felt hollow and unconvincing. After all, we were just friends. Friends who shared a physical connection, nothing more. It was uncomplicated, straightforward. Or at least, that's what I kept telling myself. With a heavy sigh, I pushed myself off the bed, determined to shake off the lingering doubts that plagued my mind. After all, there was no point in dwelling on something that didn't matter. We were just friends, nothing more.

As I entered the living room, I found Vox fast asleep on the sofa, a rare sight indeed. The toll of the cold had clearly taken its toll on him, leaving him vulnerable and defenseless in his slumber. Without hesitation, I scooped him up in my arms, his slight frame feeling light against my chest. With careful steps, I made my way to his room, the weight of his body a comforting presence in my arms. Gently, I laid him down on his bed, tucking the blankets around him with care. As he slept, his features softened, the lines of worry and fatigue smoothed away by the serenity of sleep. I couldn't help but watch him for a while, the rise and fall of his chest a soothing rhythm in the quiet of the room. It was rare to see him so peaceful, so unguarded. Normally, he was a whirlwind of activity, always on the move, always in control.

But in sleep, he was different. Vulnerable, yes, but also achingly beautiful in his surrender to the unconsciousness that claimed him. I found myself admiring his unique features, like the sleek antennas that adorned his TV head, standing proudly as if always on the lookout for the latest news and updates. They were a reminder of his essence, his role as the master of media and technology in Hell. And as I sat there, watching over him as he slept, I couldn't help but feel a surge of tenderness wash over me. In that moment, all the uncertainties and doubts faded away, leaving only the simple truth of our connection. The only sound to be heard in the room, was the quiet hum of his screen, emitting a slight static frequency.