Burnt Circuits and Velvet Ash

Chapter 1 - Electric Beginnings

The low hum of music thrummed through the dark club, lights flashing and pulsing to the beat. Hell wasn't known for quiet places, especially not on a Saturday night, and tonight was no different. Vox stood by the bar, his face illuminated by the pale, blue static glow of his screen. His black jacket stretched over a yellow ribbed turtleneck, and his boxy screen flickered slightly as he scanned the room. This was one of the few nights he allowed himself to step away from his new business to get a taste of the city's nightlife.

But nothing—nothing—could have prepared him for the vision on the stage.

A very tall moth demon moved with a fluidity that bordered on hypnotic on the main stage. Every sway, every sashay, commanded attention as he paraded in a skintight dress that hugged his lavender skin in all the right places. His heart-shaped nipples peeked through the sheer fabric, connected by a gold chain that glimmered under the dim lights. His large wings hung loosely, feathers catching the beams as if they were built to flirt with the glow. Vox's screen blinked in a rare moment of silence. He felt frozen, transfixed, captivated by this stunning man. Valentino was the most beautiful creature he'd ever laid his eyes on. It wasn't just the way he moved, but something else—a spark, a fire in his cerise-coloured eyes that called to him.

When the music stopped, Valentino's gaze briefly locked onto Vox's screen. There was a hint of mischief in that look, a flicker of something that seemed to say, I know you're watching.

Before Vox could even register it, he felt a presence beside him—a tall, intimidating figure with a rough sneer. Valentino's pimp, a massive demon with scars across his face and a cold, calculating glint in his eyes, leaned in, flashing a grin that was anything but friendly. "Enjoyin' the show, Overlord?", he sneered, sizing Vox up with a predatory gleam. "I noticed you couldn't keep your eyes off my top star". Vox's screen flickered slightly as he forced himself to stay composed. "What can I say? He's certainly captivating". The pimp's smile widened, and he clapped a massive hand on Vox's shoulder, making it clear that he wasn't taking no for an answer. "Then why don't you get to know him a little better?" He gestured towards Valentino, who was stepping off the stage, his hips swaying as he approached.

Vox's screen crackled. It wasn't unusual for a demon to find their way to him—he was an Overlord, after all—but there was something about this man, something that made him feel... different. Unpredictable. "Hello there, amor", Valentino purred, his voice smooth as silk, dripping with a Hispanic accent that wrapped around each word like a promise. His hand traced a feather-light touch down Vox's chest. "The name's Valentino. And you... you look like trouble". Vox chuckled, his eyes flickering in amusement. "I could say the same about you, Valentino". Val's laugh was as sultry as his gaze, his wings fluttering behind him. He leaned in close, breath tickling the edge of Vox's screen. "Oh, Papi, you don't know the half of it".

For a brief moment, everything around them disappeared. The music, the chatter of other demons—it was just Vox and Valentino, their worlds colliding in a burst of electricity and charm.

But the spell was broken when Val's pimp gave a low growl. "He's not here to flirt, Valentino. Show the Overlord a good time". His voice held a menacing edge, a reminder of the control he wielded over his life. Val's flirty smile didn't falter, but his cerise eyes flickered with a trace of something darker—something that Vox recognized all too well. Fear. "Of course, sir" Val purred; his voice laced with an extra touch of forced sweetness. He sidled closer, his fingertips tracing the edges of Vox's yellow turtleneck. "Maybe we could take this somewhere a little more... private?". Vox's screen darkened, his smile flickering into something softer, more controlled. He placed his hand over Val's, giving it a gentle squeeze. "I'll tell you what, sure", he murmured, loud enough for only Val to hear. "How about you sit with me for a drink?". Valentino's smile softened, a glimmer of gratitude breaking through his performative charm. He nodded, letting Vox lead him away from the prying eyes of his pimp.