Mine ( Vox X Reader )

Chapter 19

''Oh, I never got your name,'' Y/n said as she set her martini down on the table.

After the play, there was a small party for the actors—it was the last show of the week. The room was crowded with actors, technicians, makeup artists, hair stylists, all drinking and talking over one another. Laughter and music blended into a low, constant hum.

Y/n had been chatting with an actor she'd met earlier for a while now. He was easy to talk to, familiar in a way that felt almost uncanny, like they'd known each other for years. Still, she couldn't shake the feeling of being watched.

That gaze.

The same one she'd felt throughout the entire play.

He hadn't come to speak to her, not once, but from the stage she'd caught sight of a faint blue glow cutting through the darkness.

She turned back to the man beside her, who hesitated briefly before answering her question.

''I'm Henry.'' He nodded, a soft smile tugging at his lips as he took a sip of his drink.

They were on their third—maybe fourth—drink. They'd lost track.

''Have you been in Hell long?'' Y/n asked, leaning back against the table.

Henry hummed, eyes lifting to the ceiling as he thought for a few seconds. ''A few years... maybe four or five.''

She nodded simply. ''You're a baby in Hell.''

He chuckled, rolling his eyes.

''Sure, grandma,'' she chuckled, nudging his shoulder as he laughed along.

''You said you were always a Broadway actor,'' she continued. ''But didn't you ever feel like changing careers once you got to Hell? You know—make a change?''

She tapped her nails lightly against her glass, then tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. He didn't look away, his gaze following every small movement.

''No,'' he replied. ''I've always wanted to be an actor. That didn't change just because I died. I guess I was just talented enough to succeed in my death.'' His eyes never left hers, and it unsettled her more than she wanted to admit. He was a charmer, and his confidence only amplified his charisma. 

''But I think it's the same for you, isn't it? You've always been a designer.''

She nodded, staring down at her glass. ''Yeah. Always. Why change the cards when they keep winning, hm?''

She glanced back up at him. He smiled and nodded in agreement.

''You're right. But you know,'' he added, ''you could make a career as an actress. You're incredibly beautiful—flawlessly talented. Magnificent on stage.'' His words slowed, his gaze drifting briefly to his drink before lifting again, settling on her with renewed focus.

She smirked, raising an eyebrow. ''Is that an attempt at flirting?''

''Maybe...'' he replied.

They both chuckled, and she nudged his shoulder again.

''Well,'' she said, taking a sip of her drink, ''you'll have to step up your game to get me.''

She didn't look away as he leaned closer, gently brushing a strand of hair out of her face. She liked that back and forth. That little playful spirit they got between them. Almost remind her.. of him. 

''Really? I should've known someone with your name wouldn't fall for someone like me that easily.'' He clutched his chest dramatically, wearing a mock-wounded expression as he pouted. They burst into laughter again, voices overlapping, before finishing their drinks in one go.