Caught Off Guard

12 1 0

by whiskersandwebs

by whiskersandwebs

The sound of footsteps echoed down the stairs as Vox emerged into the lobby, his usual air of smug composure faltering ever so slightly. He had hoped to slip out unnoticed, but Alastor, perched casually on the barstool nearest the stairs, clearly had other plans.

"Well, well, Vox," Alastor began, his grin impossibly wide. "I couldn't help but overhear an interesting little tale. Something about a late-night visitor and a certain... *negotiation* with Ava?"

Vox froze mid-step, his crimson eyes widening before narrowing suspiciously. "I don't know what you're talking about," he replied, though the faint pink tint creeping up his cheeks betrayed him.

Alastor chuckled, swiveling to face him fully. "Oh, come now. Don't play coy. Lucifer mentioned your unusual generosity, and I happened to catch Ava muttering something about a tablet for her 'discretion.' Care to explain?"

Vox sighed, scratching the back of his neck. "It's... not what it sounds like," he started, though his tone lacked conviction.

"Really?" Alastor leaned forward, resting his chin in his hand, his grin growing sharper. "Because it sounds like you were *caught* doing something quite scandalous."

Vox's composure cracked, and he looked away, clearly flustered. "Fine, okay," he mumbled. "I had a guy over last night."

Alastor blinked in mock surprise, then his grin widened into something downright predatory. "You? *Vox,* the suave and untouchable technomancer, sneaking men into the hotel like some lovesick teenager? Oh, this is rich!"

Vox held up his hands defensively, his face flushing deeper. "Look, it's not like that!" he said quickly. "I just... I've been lonely, alright? Val and I used to—you know—every night, and now it's just me. I panicked when Ava saw him, okay? I didn't know what else to do!"

Alastor tilted his head, his grin never faltering. "So, your solution was to bribe her? With a *tablet*?"

"She asked for it!" Vox shot back, his tone almost pleading. "What was I supposed to say? No? She's scary when she wants something!"

For a moment, there was silence. Then, Alastor let out a low chuckle that quickly escalated into full-blown laughter. He clapped his hands together, shaking his head. "Oh, Vox. *You're priceless.* A child outsmarted you, and now you're stuck playing sugar daddy. Tell me, how does it feel to be utterly outmatched by a six-year-old?"

Vox groaned, burying his face in his hands. "I'm never living this down, am I?"

"Absolutely not," Alastor replied gleefully. Then, his tone shifted, becoming mockingly thoughtful. "Although, I must say, I do have a solution to your *predicament.*"

Vox peeked through his fingers warily. "Do I even want to know?"

"Oh, it's simple!" Alastor said, his grin turning sharp. "Instead of skulking about on dating sites and engaging in clandestine hookups, why not try something revolutionary? Find a *real man,* settle down, and—dare I say it—form a meaningful relationship!"

Vox groaned again, though this time it was more out of exasperation than embarrassment. "Thanks for the advice, *Dr. Phil,*" he muttered.

"Anytime!" Alastor quipped, standing and giving Vox a playful pat on the shoulder. "But seriously, Vox, do think about it. It might save you from future blackmail attempts."

As Alastor strolled away, humming a jaunty tune, Vox muttered under his breath, "He's unbearable." But a small, sheepish smile tugged at his lips nonetheless.