Chapter Text
Many people (namely everyone in hell except for Charlie) believed there was no redemption. They were correct. You suffer the fiery brimstone torture with no hope of escape, for whatever you had done to end up here was unforgivable. Why be remorseful? Just make new mistakes and commit new crimes. Become a worse person than you ever could have hope to be while alive. Sell your soul, or gather the souls of others. Amass power and control. Give into gluttony and feast on human flesh in cannibal town. Give into greed and chain others to you in soul contracts. Give into envy and covet the power of other overlords. Give into pride and never let anyone see you frown. Give into the lust for power and make an arrangement for a consensual power struggle all for the sake of your own entertainment. Give into sloth and find yourself unwilling to face the work of building meaningful relationships with anyone.
After all friendships were transactional, and connections could be used against you. Even if you found yourself alone while surrounded by a hotel full of people, it didn’t matter. Redemption was unobtainable. There was no going back to fix wrongs and there was no forgiveness that could be given. Once a monster, always a monster. It did not start with sorry, because words meant nothing and there was no reason to change your actions of cruel self preservation in hell. What was there to atone for? Nothing. The only way to survive was to keep your enemies guessing, with a smile.
Alastor walked into cannibal town, his smile mirrored back to him as he was greeted by passersby. His mic was held firmly behind his back as he walked down the bloody streets.
Though there hadn’t been some grand sexual revelation for Alastor, the last meeting he had with Vox had left him unsettled. The roleplay wasn’t what he’d expected, at first thinking the request was some underhanded way for Vox to see him in a more submissive role. Alastor was not one to play a pampered lap dog, though there had been a lot of petting on Vox’s part. The man seemed absolutely fascinated by his body, something Alastor couldn't comprehend. The sight of a body, be it naked or otherwise, was all the same to him. It was a vessel of flesh who’s most interesting use was for food. Still, there was just something about having the TV demon so inraptured by him, so desperate for him, and begged to be fuck on the exact same bed him and Valentino lay. It stroked Alastor's ego, and bolstered his pride. The TV demon was so consumed by thoughts of him, that he was practically starving for his touch. A touch that Alastor could so easily deny. The radio demon didn’t need to have sex with Vox, much to the TV demon’s apparent disappointment and confusion. Reaching sexual gratification did not need to involve a partner. Despite his active sex life, Alastor was still confused as to why so many people insisted that partnered sex was so much better than masturbation. It really wasn’t worth the self-deprecating hurdles people jumped over. Just for a moment of brief satisfaction and perceived intimacy. You could take care of your own needs better and more efficiently than anyone else could. The monthly wait was no issue for Alastor. He hardly had the urge to indulge in his body’s baser instincts. However, Vox did make for an entertaining partner. That was due to the demon’s devotion to whatever theme they’d chose and his showmanship, not because Alastor found him sexually appealing. There were things he enjoyed about indulging Vox, such as the sounds and the pathetic need the TV demon had for him. It was obvious that Vox found the redhead sexually attractive. Very much so. It gave the radio demon a form of power over the other Overlord. A weakness he could use and abuse. A weakness Vox willingly let him exploit, as his agreement to this month’s roleplay highlighted.
In Alastor’s humble opinion Vox needed to learn some self control, so he had requested chastity as a theme. However Vox wanted to set up the final stage was up to him, but the one thing Alastor insisted on was that the TV demon’s genitals be off limits.
“You were given an absolute feast of bodily sensation last time, so you should be able to control your appetite for one month. Not that I trust a little slut like you to actually be able to control himself, so I’ll need some insurance.”
Vox had nervously but eagerly submitted to having his cock caged. The radio demon was even considerate enough to use a sleek metal device that magically shaped to his flaccid form, so it could be worn comfortably under clothes. For all intents and purposes the TV overlord could go about his daily life without any pinching or discomfort, he just wouldn't be able to get hard. He’d also have to rebuff any advances from his little boyfriend. Lest he be found out.
“How am I going to explain to Val, that I don’t want to fuck for a whole month!”
“That’s not my problem, dear, and don’t act like I'm not doing you a favor. Now you don’t have to suffer through pretending to enjoy yourself with him. You’re welcome!”
It was only fair since last month Alastor had to play the part of spouse for thirty days. Vox should suffer the same length of time. Though Alastor had hated the amount of work that had gone into the previous session, he had grown used to Vox’s presence. Last month he’d talked to the man almost everyday and Alastor was loath to admit he had actually looked forward to contacting the man on occasion. It was just about entertainment really. With the exorcists handled and the hotel back on track with its mission of redemption, the redhead had gotten bored. Vox was just a distraction, that’s all.
The radio demon came to a halt in front of a familiar shop, craving a distraction of a different kind. There was an overlord meeting this afternoon and perhaps Rosie would like to accompany him on the walk there.
“Well, hello there! To what do I owe the pleasure of a visit?” Rosie greeted cheerfully as he entered her shop.
“Morning, dear, I was just hoping you were available for lunch, and a stroll before our meeting.” Alastor greeted his friend who promptly perked up, her menacing smile growing sharp and lovely.
“Oh for you, Alastor, I’m always available! I have some finger sandwiches and deviled eyes, if you’d like a light luncheon.”
“If I’m not putting you out.”
“No, no, you know I always have treats available for sharing. Come now, take a seat and I’ll get started on some coffee for you.”
“Thank you, my dear.” Alastor followed Rosie to the back and took a seat at her table as she fussed about getting lunch ready.
“I do have to ask, did you like the sushi from that new place? I haven’t decided if I should try it yet.” The pale woman came with a tiered plate of small sandwiches and a cup of coffee, setting them down before turning back to the kitchen for her own cup of tea and a platter of deviled eyes. Alastor was surprised at her question.
“Pardon?”
Rosie took a seat of her own, delicately crossing her legs and giving Alastor a suggestive smile. “The sushi Vox special ordered for you. The little love sick puppy was so nervous coming into my territory but he said he had a special occasion and didn’t know where else to go. Now, I know he doesn’t partake, and as far as I know none of the other Vs do either. So I just assumed they were for you.”
Alastor plucked up one of the eyeballs and set it on his plate along with a sandwich. “It was surprisingly tasty, though not the best thing I had eaten that night. So perhaps my review is a bit biased.”
“Oh, Alastor you’re not stringing that poor boy along again, are you? You know he cares about you. The two of you were such good friends before.” Rosie scolded.
“He approached me with a proposition and I just obliged him with a fair deal.” Alastor popped an eyeball into his mouth relishing in the mustard filling and juicy flavor.
“Why would you make a deal with him? Has your rivalry really gone that far? I swear boys and their wounded egos.”
The radio demon smiled at his friend, ignoring her chastising tone. “It’s just so entertaining how absolutely batty he is over me. It’s pathetic and hilarious, and I’m bored. The hotel doesn’t provide nearly as much despair as one would hope.”
“You should be happy our little Princess has found some success! It’ll help along with her confidence, and you’re still there to guide her. Besides, it would be better if you focused on the hotel. If I remember correctly Vox wasn’t the only one a bit batty seven years ago.”
“I don’t know what you’re referring to. Vox is the one who got wires crossed the damn fool, he was always a greedy little thing. Snatching up power wherever he could and pushing for more than he was given. It shouldn’t happen this time around. He has a romantic business partner he can lavish affection onto, and spare me the nausea.” Alastor could feel the weight of his pocket watch as he crossed his legs and leaned back to nibble on a sandwich.
“If you say so, sweetie.” Rosie's smug tone rubbed Alastor the wrong way but he ignored it. “Just make sure your heart doesn’t get distracted.”
The radio demon’s smile twitched but he covered it with a sip of his coffee. “You forget I don’t have a heart, dear.”
Rosie smiled at him softly, resting a hand on the man’s knee. Alastor bristled at the gesture but relaxed when he reminded himself it was Rosie’s hand. “You forget who you talk to about your mother. That heart might be black, but, whether you like it or not, it's still beating.”
“It’s only natural for a boy to love his mother. The woman was a saint. Keeping her optimism and cheer despite all the abuse and discrimination. She deserves all the praises and heavenly virtues bestowed unto her.”
“Yeah, she raised a very sweet and sensitive little boy.” Rosie grinned. Alastor laughed at the outrageous comment but his friend seemed earnest as if trying to hint at something Alastor didn’t want to face.
“You’re an absolute riot, Rosie. Thank you for a pleasant lunch. I always enjoy your company. Such great humor.” With a twirl of his cane he stood taking out his watch and checking the time. Attached to where the gold chain hooked to the watch was a small key. Alastor’s smile grew wide as he thought about what that key unlocked.
“Lovely timepiece, where did you get it?”
“Some fool.” The radio demon closed the watch and slipped it back into his pocket. “We should be off if we want to arrive on time.”
Rosie snuffed up the last bite of her sandwich before wiping her mouth and coming to a stand. Alastor held out his arm for her which she took with a sharp smile. Once they stepped outside the older woman took a moment to open her parasole and then cozied back up to the radio demon. Alastor was comfortable showing affection to exactly two women in hell, Rosie being one and Nifty the other. With Rosie he did not have to fear the lady misreading his politeness as flirting. She insisted that she knew he wasn’t interested as he was an “ace in the hole”, which Alastor didn’t quite comprehend. But he was happy he needn’t worry about her affection.
“With the exterminations on hold I wonder what this meeting will be about.” Rosie mused as they walked down the streets of pentagram city.
“I’ve been keeping my nose out of things, but I do hear there has been some squabbling among other overlords. Many souls are less desperate now without the threat of a yearly extermination. Not everyone is as powerful as they used to be. If I were so inclined, it would be a grand time to start up my radio show again.”
“Not interested in gaining more territory?”
“Not at the moment, I have my hands full. I am currently taking a defensive position. As long as no one comes to bother the hotel and mess with the souls already under my control, I don’t care a whit about what the other overlords do.”
As they came to the building where the meeting was held Alastor spotted Vox and Velvette approaching. Digital eyes glanced at the arm Rosie was grasping onto. The radio demon smirked and released his companion so she could close her parasol.
“Thank you dear.” Rosie said brightly, glancing at the two Vs approaching them. She turned to Alastor with a smile before shuffling slowly towards one of the elevators.
“Honestly Vox, I need you to fuck Val so he stops letting his frustrations out on my models. Especially with the runway show coming up.” Velvette stepped inside Rosie’s elevator without so much as a glance at Alastor.
“Trouble in paradise?” A wide smile crossed Alastor’s face as he leaned in cheerily towards Vox who shot him a warning glare.
“Trouble? Ha, more like a whole pile of issues that keep stacking up and could be easily resolved if someone got that stick out of his ass and put a dick in it instead!”
“Vel I think it’s important we show as a united front during these times, so maybe fucking shut up about me and Val!”
“Pfft what’s he gonna do? Broadcast the news that your bedroom’s dead over the fucking radio? You think people are gonna try and take us down just because you suddenly turned into a prude? Please.” Velvette shot Vox the middle finger as if to accentuate her point. Vox let out a frustrated growl as the elevator door closed and lifted the two ladies up. Alastor found himself alone in the alley with the TV demon who quickly turned to him, face full of rage and annoyance.
“Fucking unlock it! I can't afford to have this thing on much longer!” Vox hissed. “It’s literally causing millions in damages!”
“Really? How unfortunate!” The radio demon gasped, bringing a hand to his chest in mock concern. “I had no idea sex with you was so valuable. Too bad that currently, you belong to me.”
“Al! I’m se—“ Vox’s statement was cut off by the radio demon leaning in close to his screen, his smile excessively wide, and his eyes giving off a faint glow.
“If I remember correctly I marked my dominion last month. Dare I say even conquered you in enemy territory. So as long as you want any hope of having another satisfying sexual encounter, I suggest you keep any hands off myproperty. No matter the collateral damages.” Alastor tapped the side of his staff against Vox’s crotch to emphasize his point. Sensitive ears could pick up the sound of the lock jingling against metal. “Understood?”
Rage and arousal wared on Vox’s face as fine red lines pixelated at the corner of downturned lips. “Fuck you.”
“Oh, that won’t be for another two weeks, dear.” The radio demon laughed providing a laugh track and cheering from his mic to accompany him as he stepped into an available elevator. Alastor watched Vox through a silent tantrum as the glass tube lifted him up.
***
Velvette was on her phone as she sat next to Vox at the table. Camilla was droning on about raining in control over the excessive fighting breaking out. Vox had no desire to stop any fighting and the woman’s growing pacifism was starting to irk the TV demon. She literally sold weapons yet routinely preached avoidance of unnecessary fighting, or turf wars. If sinners needed to work things out using violence that was expected in hell.
“Look into our ability to get Angelic weapons. Now with the knowledge that Angel’s can be killed and Camilla’s pussy footing, I think it’s high time we break her monopoly of that fucking market.” Vox whispered to Velvette who ginned in menacing agreement.
“I’ll add it to the Voxtech Angelic security agenda.” The doll demon tapped a reminder into her phone and added Vox to the document app where she was taking notes. The TV demon’s phone buzzed with the invitation and he took it out to have a look, ignoring Camilla’s powerpoint completely for long enough to check his emails. There was nothing of interest so he sat his phone down. Vox turned his screen towards the front glancing as discreetly as possible at Rosie, who had come to the meeting arm in arm with the radio demon. To say that Vox had been a bit jealous was an understatement. Watching the pair walk down the street like some old married couple out for a stroll had been irritating. Especially considering the last roleplay Vox had requested.
A bit of intimacy and romance would be nice. Having a cuddle or a hand held would be a form of aftercare Vox could melt into. Instead the redhead was always very business-like in his aftercare, either preserving Vox’s modesty by covering him, or simply tidying up the space they had wrecked. The only thing they reestablished after a session was their deal, by providing the next prompt. Vox knew intimacy of the emotional kind wasn’t on the table, still seeing the other demon treat the cannibal with such affection irked Vox. It didn’t help that Valentino had withdrawn his own affections due to Vox not putting out.
The TV demon sighed and propped his screen on his hand, boarded with the meeting, and frustrated with his circumstances. He should have never agreed to Alastor’s month-long celibacy, but then Vox was a fool. Playing with Alastor had always been worth any humiliation and pain, but the TV demon was finding it hard to keep going, especially after the last session. Vox could have lived the eternity of his afterlife without knowing what it was like to kiss Alastor, and he would have been happy. Living in blissful ignorance was a better option than replaying the kiss over and over again in his head. It had been electrifying, literally. Still he knew it had also been part of the roleplay. Alastor would have never pressed his lips against Vox’s screen if he hadn’t been playing the part of devoted husband. The radio demon had played his part well. Vox’s house was a mess again and every meal he had paled in comparison to what Alastor had cooked for him that night.
He glanced towards Alastor again, wondering if the man had ever made lunch for Rosie. They had shared tastes after all.
Alastor was not only a brilliant cook but a resourceful one, as the lunch the radio demon had made for Vox proved. Utilizing the leftovers or their meal, the demon had made strange little doughy balls with an accompanying remoulade. Velvette had seen him taking a timid bite of the deep fried rice balls. She’d asked where he’d learned to make Calas, which was a food he wasn’t familiar with. Velvette had then explained that they were a creole dish, and usually sweet. Though Alastor had made a savory version by taking the time to cut up the meat in the jambalaya real fine so it would mix in with the yeasty batter. It must have taken tremendous effort. Having to chop and mix, waiting for the yeast to bubble and rise, before frying everything and wrapping it up in a neat little package.The radio demon was capable of thoughtful care, and seemed to enjoy playing the role of gentlemen with Rosie, even if he had hated playing housewife for Vox. It was bittersweet, to have the demon’s talents on display but to know it had all been part of a game. That on his own accord Alastor would never cook for Vox, or even just share a meal with him. That he would never kiss him again.
It had all just been part of the deal, fulfill the fantasy and leave until next time. Vox was eager for next time. His body was on edge and wanting relief. The TV demon already had his props ready for their meeting, but at the same time he felt empty. Vox knew his body would be satisfied but the issue was that his heart had started longing too. That wasn’t part of the deal. The TV demon had to get a hold of his emotions. Usually fucking around with Val and listening to the man call him sweet pet names was a good emotional distraction, but Vox didn’t even have that.
It seemed all anyone wanted him for was sex…and Vox was stupid enough to give it to them, because he had nothing else. This dark thought was only reinforced when Vox and Velvette made their way back to Vtower after the meeting.
“Really that meeting could have been an email.” The TV demon grumbled.
“What do you care, it’s not like you have anything better to do, since you’re not fucking Val. Besides, don't tell me you weren't happy for an excuse to leave Vtower, your highness.”
“Valentino has plenty of bodies he can, and does, stick his dick into. It doesn’t have to be me specifically.” Vox defended as they stepped over a dismembered body on the sidewalk.
“Apparently it does. You’re the most accessible and lowest effort fuck avaliable. Val doesn't have to dose you up with his salvia for you to want it, or at least he didn't have to. Keep this vow of celibacy up and who knows what he might do.” They made it to the front door of Vtowers, which had a smear of fresh blood across it, most likely from Valentino torturing someone due to his pent up sexual frustration.
“Good to know I’m an easy fuck.” Vox rolled his eyes, promptly zapping into the nearest available camera only to reappear in his office. The moment his ass hit the chair a call took over his screen. He displayed the call on one of his monitors.
“Mi corazón.” Valentino’s voice said sweetly, large red eyes looking into the camera pleadingly. “Why are you being so cruel? Come upstairs, tell me about the meeting and let's relax together, huh?”
“I’m not in the mood Val.” Vox said turning his chair and checking his phone as a text message from his assistant came in about his schedule tomorrow.
“And why the fuck not!?” Val’s rage took over. “You haven’t been in the mood for two fucking weeks!”
Vox spun around some of his hurt and anger rearing its own head. “Is that all our relationship is to you? Sex?”
“Of course not amorcito, but I just can’t get enough of you. Your sweet little moans, and begging always get me so worked up. Why deny me? Don’t you want to submit to your Papi? We can make an evening of it. Play all night, it’ll help you relax after that meeting. I know you didn’t want to go listen to Camilla whine about whatever shit she’s on now. You work so hard, Voxxie, come up here and relax.”
The offer sounded good. Vox did want to get out of his head, and with everything going on in hell he’d been working overtime trying to keep a tight hold on the V’s territory. Velvette and Val were great business partners but they weren’t as meticulous as Vox was. Vox had his eye on everything and could see a threat coming a mile away. He also kept track of all three V soul contracts. He knew exactly how many souls were on their leash and who belonged to who, he was in the middle of a soul inventory after the latest extermination attempt. While the majority of the Angels had gone to the hotel a few exorcists had flown off to harass sinners once they saw that Charlie and her brode were actually capable of killing them.
The cowards.
“I can see how tired you are. Come on, let me make some decisions for a while, and you can just be my mindless little cock sleeve for a couple of hours, huh baby?”
Vox wanted that. He wanted to turn off his brain and stop thinking about work and…Alastor. Still it would be hard to explain the device restricting his dick, and another part of him wanted to remain untouched just like the radio demon had requested. He thought back to that cane tapping him, and the possessive sound of Alastor’s voice.
“Very tempting Val, but you know I’m in the middle of an inventory, and the meeting has brought up other concerns. I’ll debrief you later but for now I have to finish my work.” Vox hung up before he could get yelled at.
**
Alastor took a sip of his whiskey, savoring the burn of alcohol as it went down his throat. Husk was cleaning a glass absentmindedly ignoring the radio demon for the most part. Alastor had just finished up a round of shadow inspections for the night. Everything was in working order, Nifty hadn’t got stuck anywhere, and Charlie was plotting team building activities in her room. Vaggie was nodding off sleepily as she attempted to be supportive of her girlfriend’s laughable plans for redemption. Angel Dust was unaccounted for, but then Alastor just assumed he was working late.
The radio demon purposefully set down his glass on the counter avoiding the coaster Husk had provided. The bartender glared at him but just rolled his eyes and moved the drink onto the coaster. Small little annoyances were hardly the feast that Alastor would be indulging in come tomorrow evening, but still satisfying all the same. The quiet was interrupted by Angel bursting through the doors with a groan. He slunk his way over to the bar plopping down next to Alastor. The radio demon scooted back trying to reclaim some space, dusting off his pant leg where Angel had accidentally brushed against him.
“I need a strong drink.” Angel muttered and Husk promptly poured him a glass.
“Rough night?” The feline owl asked, with a note of concern hidden by his gruff tone.
“That’s an understatement. I don’t know what is going on between Vox and Val, but whatever it is, it’s bleeding into Val’s work. Had me fucking literal TVs, and I was not into the electricity play.” Alastor's smile grew wide, and he stifled a laugh, enjoying the discomfort he had caused. Who would have known that the simple act of locking up Vox’s dick would cause this much mayhem. It was utterly delightful.
“After that…” Angel glanced at Alastor and hesitated in what he was about to say before shrugging, obviously not caring that the radio demon was there gleefully listening to his pain. “I saw him having an argument with that flat faced prick. I’m glad I was able to leave before I had to deal with the backlash of whatever they were going on about.”
Alastor’s smile pressed into an upward line, stained at the corners. He finished his drink again placing his sweating glass directly on the polished wood of the bar, before getting up. “I am sorry to hear you had a rough time of it at work, Angel, but if you’ll excuse me. I’m turning in for the night, good evening gentlemen.”
The radio demon dissolved into shadow, he distantly heard Angel mutter to Husk. “Since when does he care what fucking happens to me at work?”
Once his shadow had made it out of the hotel he dissolved completely into the aether, warping reality and traveling at the speed of sound towards Vtower. He materialized onto the wall of Vox’s bedroom. He stuck to his favorite corner where the light from the lamp on the nightstand didn’t quite reach. The TV demon wasn’t in the bedroom but yelling could be heard from beyond the door. Alastor was just about to crawl along the walls and floor to investigate when the sound of footsteps came towards the room. He shrunk back to his corner, the door swinging open harshly.
“I fucking said no Val!” Vox came into the room coughing, waving a hand in front of his face as red smoke followed him. “You know that shit doesn’t affect me the same as it does your little whores, so fuck off.”
“Amorcito, why are you being like this? Are you jealous? Have I not been giving you enough attention? You know you’re my favorite piece of ass.” The moth demon trailed in behind the TV. “Just get on the bed, you know you want it. Always so desperate and needy for me, even without my pheromones. That's all you baby, you just love getting on your knees for me. You have my attention now Voxxie, let me take care of you.”
Vox sat down on the bed coughing again, and Val came to stand in front of him. Alastor pulled away from the corner wall a bit, still inky black and obscured but materializing more solidly. An odd protective feeling overtook him but the radio demon brushed it off. If he needed to defend his property he would, that’s all there was to it. It was part of the game, the agreement. Vox needed to be desperate, and untouched. Alastor wasn’t going to let Valentino ruin that.
“I”ll let you fuck me all night on Wednesday.” Vox said calmly, looking up at Valentino. The blue light that emanated from his screen turned up to full brightness, red eye swirling. The moth demon’s eyes narrowed, and Alastor wondered if Vox’s hypnosis would fail. “You can do whatever you want to me, and I’ll beg you to keep going.”
Vox’s finger beckoned for Valentino to crouch down. The moth demon did, the hand holding the cigarette going limp. Vox’s claw ran down the man’s chest seductively as he never broke eye contact.
“You can fuck me and let out all that frustration on Wednesday. I’ll let you do whatever you want and just moan like the little slut I am. Enjoying every fucking minute of it, and asking for more. I’ll be your compliant cock sleeve, no pheromone smoke required.” Vox let out a tantalizing moan, his eye still swirling with black rings. “Cause you know I want it, you know I love being a good boy for you, Papi.” Val nodded dumbly. “But that’s not until Wednesday, tonight and tomorrow night you’re going to leave me alone, got it?”
“Si.” Valentino agreed, and Vox dismissed him with a wave of his hand. Once the other overlord had left the room Vox slumped forward, head resting in his hands.
“Fuck.” He breathed out in relief once he heard the front door of his apartment close. Alastor retreated back into the shadow, pleased with how well Vox had handled the situation. Proud that the TV demon hadn’t let Valentino touch him for an entire month.