Chapter 25

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Meeting after meeting after meeting. And if there weren't meetings, Vox would spend his time cooped up in his office, large TV screens blinding the room and cups upon cups of coffee.

Was this healthy? No. Did he care? No.

His health, both physically and mentally was getting worse and worse. Drowning himself in caffeine and work made him utterly exhausted, and being forced to keep his charismatic facade on was even harder which was a huge problem. Especially when his entire career is focused on socialising and entertaining.

His schedule of meetings and work only grew more and more concerning, so much so that even Valentino noticed and began to get worried.

"Voxxy~ You've been hiding in your office for 189 hours. I'm sure it wouldn't hurt to take a break~?" the moth said. His eyes were lidded and seductive, obviously trying to imply something.

"I'm not in the mood, Val. Go away." Vox muttered, scribbling his signature angrily on a pile of paperwork.

Valentino sighed, walking closer and placing his hands delicately on the other's shoulder. "In that case why not take a walk with me? We can stop by your favourite cafe, if you wish."

Vox's grip on his pen tightened, a rush of energy surging through his veins as a spark of electricity flickered his body, electrocuting the moth demon. "Oh-...uh. Sorry, Val." he quickly put his pen down to observe the pissed off Overlord's burnt hand. "I didn't mean that."

Valentino's irritation turned into something into a mixture of confusion and concern. "Whats got you so riled up these days, Vox?" he used the TV demon's real name. It showed he was serious, which meant Vox had to make an effort too. Great.

"Just...tired from all the work I guess..." he lied. Valentino didn't buy it.

"Then take a fucking break!" he exclaimed, throwing a pair of his hands in the air. "Go outside or get some fresh air. Or let out some of your steam on me..." he paused, realising this was a serious conversation. "Either way, you look like shit and you're not being the greatest 'role model' to Velvette."

Ah. Velvette. An intelligent, independent young woman with a sharp tongue...just like Alastor. Vox had spent hours trying to find the perfect candidate to replace Alastor. After all, he, Alastor and Valentino were supposed to be a team. They were supposed to build an empire together. And now everything's ruined.

"You're right. Get us some drinks, Val. I'll need to be drunk to do this." Vox gave in eventually.

"Wait are you implying-" Valentino's eyes were wide with disbelief.

"Yes. Yes I am. Hurry up. Meet me in my bedroom."

Valentino wasn't sure whether he was more worried or excited.

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Alastor changed. And for once, it was in a good way.

His smile reached his eyes, looking more genuine and much more approachable despite the razor sharp teeth. His movements were less stiff, and more lively as he walked. His temper was better, his attitude was better and for once he seemed to be relaxed and at ease.

Something else was different too. Alastor had always been in and out of the hotel, but now he seemed to be going out much more often and actually seemed excited about it. Sure, he was excited about a lot of things when going out. Whether it be Rosie, or a murder spree. Either way, he would come back smelling of rotten flesh or covered in blood. Now, he smelled of good food and alcohol.

Husk couldn't help but find it amusing. It seems as if his plan had worked. 'Operation fix Alastor' as Charlie liked to call it.

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"What is the one thing that makes him happy?" Charlie asked.

Husk thought about it for a long time. Rosie made him happy. Nifty made him happy. So did Mimzy. But these 3 people have been in his (after)life forever. One extra visit wouldn't solve whatever he seemed to be going through.

Thats when Husk remembered that one specific day. The day Alastor came back home looking as if he had won the lottery. The day he had met Vox.

"The one thing that makes him happy is something beyond his and any of our reach." Husk explained. "It's impossible."

"We're in hell. Anything is possible at this point." Angel shrugged, but he made a good point nonetheless.

"I suppose it is possible..." Husk remembered how Alastor invited Vox to the dance. "But for Alastor it's impossible."

"It's cause of the deal again, right?" Lucifer asked. Everyone in the hotel knew about Alastor's deal now. However, only Husk, Nifty and now Lucifer know who was at the other end of the chain.

"Probably...but I'm not exactly sure why. God knows how his brain works." Husk muttered, swallowing down another gulp of his wine.

"What if he's scared?" Charlie suggested.

"He's the fucking Radio demon. He's never scared." Vaggie scoffed.

"Trust me toots. Soul owners are scary." Angel responded, Husk giving a grunt of agreement.

"Dad...I don't know who this dealmaker is and I don't know how Alastor thinks. But I believe that if we offer protection, he can finally let his guard down for once and relax." Charlie said. "He seems so...exhausted all the time. But if this can help him reach whatever makes him happy, then I'm willing to do it. We're the strongest beings in hell. No matter who owns Alastor's soul, they are not match for the Princess and King of hell, right dad?"

Her eyes sparkled so much, Lucifer couldn't help but smile. "Of course, Charlie. However I...know Alastor's soul owner. They're powerful, to say the least. More powerful than you."

Charlie blinked. "Oh."

"But don't worry. If this is truly what you believe, then I'm willing to give it a shot." Lucifer smiled. Then added, "For you, though. Not for Alastor."

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Husk wasn't sure what Lucifer told Alastor, but whatever it was it worked. The deer was definitely going out to see Vox, just like they had planned. And surely enough, he seemed much more happy than he was 2 weeks ago.

So imagine how surprised Husk was when Alastor barged into the hotel, a panicked and desperate look in his eyes.

"Boss?" Husk kept his voice low, not wanting to wake up the sleeping residents. Despite that however, his voice was laced with concern and urgency. "What happened? You...look like shit."

In the past, Alastor would have grimaced, glared or threatened the cat demon at such blunt language towards him. Now, he didn't even seem to register what was happening.

"Husk..." he whispered. The deer was even calling Husk by his real name. Something was definitely wrong.

"Yea? Boss what is it? What the fuck happened?" at this point, the bartender had rushed away from the bar and next to his owner's side.

"Husk..." Alastor paused, steadying his breath. "I...release your contract. Your soul is now free."

That was all he said before melting into the shadows.

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A/N: I have realised I have spelt the word 'definitely' wrong for 5 years of my life. What the fuck is wrong with me.

Secrets of a Demon Heart || Alastor x Vox (RadioStatic) || Hazbin HotelWhere stories live. Discover now