Complicated and Sad \\ RADIOSILENCE

[21] - Reassurance

📺⌇➴ Vox's POV

Vox had just gotten back from another day of work and partying when Alastor greeted him at the door of their apartment. Despite his lingering annoyance from the long, stressful day of paperwork and practically forced socialization, Vox could immediately tell something was up when Alastor wanted to talk. That usually bright, charming grin was a small, visibly forced smile, and even with how much Vox really didn't want to talk, he felt concern.

So, setting his frustrations aside, he followed Alastor to the living room and sat down beside him on the couch, pulling his jacket off and tossing it to the side. Before Vox could even get a word in- even just to ask what was up- Alastor was immediately on a ramble, his voice betraying the calmness on his expression.

"Before we start I just want you to know I'm not mad or trying to sound selfish or entitled or anything like that, I don't want to start a fight or argument, I just needed to bring this up with you," Alastor blurted out, almost all at once, his voice growing a bit quieter at the end.

Vox's concern only worsened at Alastor's voice, and he frowned as he spoke. "Take a breath, Al. It's fine, really," Vox tried to reassure, keeping his voice as gentle as he could. "Go ahead, I'm listening."

Vox watched as Alastor's hands began to fidget in his lap, and for a moment he almost debated reaching over and grabbing them- but he kept his own hands in his own lap, just watching Alastor as the other nodded slightly and took a deep breath.

After what felt like hours of silence, Alastor finally spoke again, the other's tone only making Vox worry more.

"I know lately you've had a lot of work and events you've had going on," Alastor began, looking over at Vox with an almost anxious look in his eyes- mixed with guilt. "And don't get me wrong, I'm really happy that you're company is growing and you're getting to do all of this- I know it's what you wanted- but..."

Vox nodded slightly as he listened, growing slightly confused, unsure of where this could possibly be going.

"...I feel like you're slowly abandoning me."

Vox froze as Alastor continued, those words causing his concern to grow. He sat up slightly, looking back over at Alastor, unsure of what to say as the other continued rambling.

"I know it sounds selfish or like I'm overreacting or paranoid, but you've been pulling away ever since you got all this popularity and we rarely ever do anything together anymore. You're always tired or busy and I don't know what to do anymore-"

"I'm not abandoning you," Vox spoke, interrupting Alastor's ramble and watching the other. He felt guilty- he didn't know his absence was affecting Alastor to the point that he felt abandoned. Vox moved closer to Alastor and finally reached out, taking the other's hands in his own and holding them tight- hoping it was both okay and comforting in a sense.

"I'm so sorry that I've been so distant lately," Vox continued, watching Alastor, checking for any sign of discomfort. "I got so caught up in all of this new business and popularity, I lost track of everything else."

Alastor nodded slightly, though Vox could see how uneasy the other still was. He was about to speak up again when Alastor blurted something new out, an unusual shake in the other's voice.

"You're not going to leave me, right?"

Vox paused again, the words taking him by surprise. There was an almost pleading tone in the other's voice, and the anxiety was more than obvious- it was practically dripping in his words. Alastor had shown vulnerability around Vox before, but this...

"Of course not," Vox responded, his own voice laced with guilt. "No, I would never leave you... You're my best friend, no amount of fame would ever make me leave you-"

"Everyone would say that, though," Alastor said, staring down at their hands, his voice still anxious. "How can either of us be sure that's true?"

"Because I won't let it happen, I promise," Vox reassured, putting an arm around Alastor's shoulders and pulling him into a side hug. "I'll take some time from work. We can spend a few days, doing whatever we want. And when I return to work, I'll cut back on the partying."

"Vox, you don't have to-"

"I want to," Vox interrupted, not letting Alastor begin with the refusing and stubbornness. "I miss hanging out with you anyways. You're a lot better than any amount of partying."

The two went silent, and Vox watched as Alastor seemed to silently debate something. But after a few moments, he was flooded with relief when Alastor leaned into his hold, and he wrapped his other arm around Alastor to fully hug him.

"Thank you..." Alastor mumbled, wrapping his arms around Vox to hug him back, his chin leaning on Vox's shoulder.

Vox smiled, his expression soft as he rubbed Alastor's back in a soothing motion. "You're welcome," He said, his voice growing quieter. "Anything for you."

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▪ Word Count: 838
▪ Date: December 23rd, 2024
▪ Credits: Universe + characters belong to Vivziepop. Fanfic story by me (promised.stars)
▪ Reminder: Nothing that happens in this story is canon to the Hazbin Hotel plot/lore. Ideas + events that happen are based off theories

Author's Note: I'm sorry in advance.