Chapter Text
So far... everything has been sorta peachy with the Vees ever since Vox's breakdown and becoming a public pariah. He's still allowed to live in V Tower, he just can't be in public anymore for the time being.
Velvette finally started talking to him again. Valentino, not so much. He's still mad at him and he's busy trying to keep his newly acquired business afloat. Ethan was given the task of bringing food, water, and other necessities to the now shut in Vox to his room.
Vox decides to spend his afterlife in the safety of his bedroom even after he regenerates his body, with the windows covered and avoid contact with other people as much as possible. He couldn't take being hated and wanted to just not do anything forever.
Of course, that came to a bitter end one day after a blackout...
------
Ethan is bringing Vox his meal and was planning on just knocking on the door and leave the tray like he always did considering how bad his room smelled. But something told him that Vox isn't coming out to get it.
Ethan opens the door to deliver Vox's meal. "Vox? Sir? I have your meal here if you want it. I know it's not much but..."
Ethan's eyes widen in horror at the state of Vox's room. What was once was a pristine and futuristic bedroom fit for Vox was now a complete mess, but that wasn't what scared him.
The most horrifying thing was the blood on the floor and walls. Fearing what happened, Ethan treads the room with upmost caution. Whoever or whatever did this was definitely dangerous.
"V-vox? What happened? Are you okay? Where are you?" Ethan hears a few coughs behind Vox's desk, making him run towards the source. "Vox! Vox, it's me, Ethan, your assistant!" What Ethan saw was one of the most horrifying things he witnessed since his employment.
Under Vox's desk was a severely injured Vox. His screen is cracked, there's cuts and bruises all around him, mostly on his arms, legs, and stomach. "O-okay, as long as it wasn't caused by angelic weapons, he's going to be fine."
Unfortunately, Ethan saw an angelic dagger in the middle of the bedroom, covered with Vox's blood. No doubt, it was Vox's blood. "Oh, fuck!", he screams. Now he knows Vox is in danger of permanent death.
*******
Valentino is still sleeping off the hangover he got last night, which was interrupted by a very untimely call. "*growls* WHAT THE FUCK IS IT?! I'M TRYING TO SLEEP OFF THIS FUCKING HANGOVER!"
What he didn't expect was the call coming from Velvette, who was crying; not because of the yelling, but because of the news.
"Val, it's Vox. Someone tried to kill him with an angelic dagger. We don't know if he's going to survive it. I know you two are having a rough patch right now, but he needs us."
*******
Baxter is in his laboratory, working on biomechanically enhancing more cockroaches for him and Niffty. He has to admit, this is a pretty fun thing to do in his spare time.
Unfortunately, a blue drone snuck into the hotel and snatched Baxter from his seat.
*******
Vox is currently lying on a medical bed, being treated for his wounds the best the kidnapped Baxter can do. If they had waited any later, Vox's soul would have ceased to exist.
"Shit, shit, shit! Who did this?!", Velvette shrieks. Valentino meanwhile is uncharacteristically sorrowful that the love of his afterlife is dying. "The last thing I said to him was that I wasn't talking to him. He's going to die thinking I hate him. No wonder why he was so reluctant to call me his boyfriend..."
Velvette sees how broken up Valentino is seeing Vox like this. "Val, you heard what that mad scientist said. Vox will make it. He's a fighter and you know it. If he can fight the infamous Radio Demon and live to tell the tale, then he can survive these injuries."
"The Radio Demon... It was him! That bastardo snuck in Vox's room last night when V Tower had that blackout and tried to kill him! I'm going to murder him in front of everyone to show what happens when you cross us!" Valentino marches to the door, but Velvette stopped him.
"Val, you can't just jump to conclusions and murder anyone without reason. It's bad for business, especially when it's recovering from a scandal. What makes you think it's him?"
"Hello? He's the one who has the biggest motive to want Vox dead, he's the only Sinner I can think of who can over power Vox, and he can bypass all the security we have here! Face it, Velvette, it was Alastor! Pushing Vox into ruining everything wasn't enough, so he decided to just finish him off!"
Velvette had to admit Valentino does have a valid point. Alastor has been known to be very vicious and he and Vox hate each other. Alastor has almost killed Vox before, but Vox was able to pull through like nothing happened.
Their thinking is interrupted when they get a notification that someone is at the entrance. The people in question was Charlie Morningstar and Vaggi.
*******
Neither Charlie or Vaggi are happy to be here,with the latter brandishing her spear. "Why the fuck would they do this? They already coerced Angel to come back, we're not losing Baxter to them. He wants to stay with us, damn it."
"I'm upset about this too. Let's just get Baxter and get out. We can focus on retrieving Angel another time." The door opens, revealing an unhappy Velvette.
"Look, whatever this is, it can wait. We're dealing with an emergency and we need... what's his name to fix it." It's clear to Charlie and Vaggi that Velvette is trying not to cry. "Is something wrong, Velvette?", Charlie asks.
"No, shit! What do you think?! We have a problem and it's your deer "associate's" fault!"
*******
Charlie and Vaggi were taken to Vox's recovery room to see what Velvette meant, who's pacing around and yelling. "That deer did this to Vox! I know he's tried to kill everyone and this rivalry has gone too far, but you can't deny that we're beyond pissed that Alastor tried to kill Vox!"
Baxter in next to Vox, shaking a little from hearing Velvette. "Holy, fuck.", Vaggi squeaks. "You think Alastor did this?", Charlie asks. "Who else could've done this? Alastor can bypass the security system, he's the one who has the biggest motive to kill Vox, and he has the power and resources to kill him!", Velvette yells.
As much as Charlie and Vaggi want to give Alastor the benefit of the doubt, the Vees would have reason to believe that he would do this. "I-i can't be here right now." Velvette leaves, trying not to break down in front of them.
"Even after everything, Velvette still cares about Vox. I guess it's not that surprising. The Vees are thick as thieves.", Vaggi said. "I know, right? Maybe this proves there's still some good in them and they can be..."
"I'm not sure, Charlie. If someone is going to be redeemed, then they have to make the choice themselves and I don't see any of them choosing redemption." "You never know, Vaggi. You never know."
The two turn their attention to Baxter, who's uncharacteristically gloomy. "Hey, Baxter. You're okay? I mean, I know you can't stand your former boss, but it's okay you're upset about his near death. He played a good part of your afterlife, so I understand it.", Charlie said, trying to console him.
"That's not why I'm upset. Yes, this is rather gory, but the truth is... I think I know what really happened. And before you ask, I don't think it's Alastor.", Baxter said. "Really? That's great. You can tell the Vees and..." Bater interrupts Vaggi.
"I don't think I can. What I'm about to say is very sensitive and if I tell them, they'll either be in denial or they will be so distraught they'll probably destroy everything and everyone."
"Well, you can tell us. What do you think happened?" Baxter looks at them and look at the comatose Vox. After a few moments he finally spoke, albeit sad and somewhat quiet.
"I think the person who did this... was none other than Vox in an attempt to kill himself." Charlie and Vaggi look at him, not sure what to say or do.
"Look at the injuries. They're in vital areas, some which would be hard to individually and specifically hit if you're fighting but are easy for the individual to reach themselves. And look here, the cuts are too precise and clean upon closer inspection. His wrists are slit several times. The cuts on his arms and legs are horizontal and vertical, thin and clean cut. His abdomen is cut, his right ankle is stabbed, and his screen face appears to have been smashed by choice like he's trying to destroy his eye. I'll need more evidence, but suicide attempt is the most logical answer."
The women both believe and couldn't believe it. Vox had tried to end his existence with his holy cannon and he's lost everything, so the possibility of suicide attempt is realistic.
"Please, don't tell Valentino or Velvette this until I'm absolutely sure. I know attempted suicide is something no one wants to hear, even if the people are the Vees. They're still human souls and they're inseparable.", Baxter pleads.
"Okay, we won't. But we do need to keep them from going on a rampage and trying to kill Alastor in the meantime. I'll keep an eye on them, you and Charlie should go and find proof.", Vaggi said.
*******
Charlie and Baxter head to the scene of the "crime": Vox's bedroom. They were overwhelmed by the stench lingering in it. "Okay, be careful with touching anything." Baxter takes a camera and starts photographing the bedroom.
"From what it looks like, Vox was having a breakdown and trashed his room. To the untrained eye, it would appear he got into a fight with a intruder, but I can tell. See the stains of the floor? That's from the bottles on the shelves and look. They're all the same foot size and shoe type.", Baxter said.
"Wow, I wouldn't have noticed that.", Charlie said amazed. "There's more. The Vees had to up the security in Vox's room for his protection, which very few know how to operate. It's designed to protect him against Goetia strength demons, who are far more powerful than Alastor."
"Whoa." "Yep, it was originally supposed to protect us for when someone accidentally says the banned words and Shok.wav goes on an excitable rampage, but it was still in the developmental stage. Looks like they completed it and use it for Vox's room to protect him. While yes, it would've been weakened by a blackout, but it can still hold up."
Baxter goes to inspect the broken bottles further along with the trashcan overflowing with food wrappers. "Vox must have been binge eating and drinking to cope with his downfall, but he broke some of the bottles. I can lift some handprints on these so I can analyze them. Then I'll analyze the weapon and if only his prints are on it, I can prove it was a suicide attempt."
As Baxter lifts some prints, Charlie looks around at the bedroom. She couldn't believe Vox would sleep here where it's all messy, smelly, and scary.
Baxter sees some glass by Vox's desk, where there's also a blood splatter. "Huh, there's some blood on this glass. No doubt the missing shards of glass from Vox's face."
"Baxter, what's Vox like in private?", Charlie asks. "It depends. With most, he's just a jerk who's trying to run a business and to stroke his ego. With Velvette, Valentino, and his "fin babies", he's almost normal. Although, Vox is into some pretty crazy shit. But he is a cinephile and pop culture expert."
Baxter sees the cameras in Vox's room broken. Almost like someone or something didn't want anyone to know the truth.
*******
Vaggi is looking around for Valentino and Velvette. "Where are they? Where are they?" She fears that the two Vees are already out of V Tower and on their way to the Hazbin Hotel to kill Alastor.
*******
Baxter and Charlie continue to investigate. Right now they're in Baxter's old lab. So far, the only prints Baxter was able to lift from the bottles are Vox's. Now it's onto the angelic dagger. Amazingly, it's left untouched, making it easy to examine it.
"Just as I thought. Only Vox's handprints and blood are on this.", Baxter said. "How did Vox got ahold of this?" "The Vees were in cahoots with Carmilla Carmine, so it shouldn't be unbelievable if they have a sew angelic weapons lying around."
"You were right. Vox did tried to..." Charlie couldn't finish the sentence. Even after everything Vox did to her and her loved ones, it was still horrifying Vox would try to do this.
"How are we going to explain this to Valentino and Velvette? "Hey, Vox tried to kill himself because he lost everything and you guys locked him up?" Oh, god. Why couldn't have Alastor just broke in and try to kill him? It would've been so much easier to tell them that than this."
"Baxter, you and I both know we have to tell them the truth. Lying and saying it was Alastor isn't going to solve this. We need to tell them what really happened."
"But, Charlie. The Vees are psychotic yet close knit maniacs. If I tell them Vox tried to commit suicide, then they'd probably think I'm covering for Alastor. It doesn't help I betrayed Vox to help you."
"Then, let's find evidence that can't be refuted.", Charlie said. "That could work. It worked for redemption. I can ask Ethan about any of Vox's recent behavior, finding any motive to end it all. And find any potential last will and testaments. Oh, I should also to a tox screen to see if there's any substances in his system. The more proof the better."
*******
Valentino is in his room gathering all his guns and bullets he has to prepare for his revenge. He's been wanting to do this for sometime, and now he has the perfect excuse. If anyone asks, he'll say it's because Alastor tried to break into V Tower and steal something from them.
"Ooh, that deer is going to pay BIG TIME! Pushing Vox into casting us aside and nearly killing everyone wasn't enough, so he decided to kill him when he wasn't amusing anymore! I'll show that deer what happens when you mess with my man!"
*******
Ethan is being interrogated by Charlie and Baxter. "Uh, hi Baxter. Been awhile huh?" "I'll cut to the chase, Ethan. We're investigating Vox's "attack". Has Vox been acting off since he locked himself in his room?", Baxter sternly asks.
"He mostly spent his time binge watching TV or VTube while binge eating. He hasn't really left his room since getting ousted." "How do you know that?" "Because his room reeks of his disgusting B.O."
"Oh, right. I forgot that Vox reeks of dead fish, ammonia, and sweat when he goes too long without bathing. It's partly because of his shark traits in him. But, has Vox had any visitors?"
"I have to deliver his meals and other necessities to him, but I don't stay for long. And Velvette just recently been talking to him again. Valentino... not so much. He's still really mad at Vox and he's been busy with the company.", Ethan said.
"Does Velvette visit him?", Charlie asks. "Yes and no. She doesn't like how bad his room smells, so they video call each other. She does visit every now and then, but she is a busy woman."
"I see. Well Ethan, I need you to call someone to gather all drugs, alcohol, and other substances in V Tower and bring them to my lab so I can do a tox screen. In the meantime, I need you to look through the security footage to find anything suspicious, mostly of the person who had the angelic dagger. Charlie, can you print out the photos in the camera? I need to check something else that can help our case."
*******
Velvette is in her room stocking up on potions and her phones she has for her revenge on Alastor. So what if she and Valentino are still pissed at Vox? He's still their friend who will be avenged and he would do the same if it was one of them.
*******
Back in Baxter's lab, Baxter is performing tox screening on all substances in V Tower to see if there's anything in Vox's blood.
"Huh. There's a large quantity of alcohol in Vox's blood. He's lucky he's a Sinner otherwise the amount would've killed or severely harmed him. No doubt he drank it to numb the pain of cutting himself."
"Baxter, has Vox ever showed signs of being suicidal before he tried to take over Heaven?", Charlie asks.
"It's hard to say. Vox has always had a screw loose, otherwise he wouldn't be in Hell. He's been known to have violent outbursts when Alastor is involved, a lack of empathy for people who aren't Velvette, Valentino, or his sharks, and let's not forget how easy it is for him to get drunk with power. But, sometimes it feels like he's scared of being vulnerable even to those close to him. It's why no one here really know much about Vox, let alone what he was like when he was alive."
*******
Valentino and Velvette meet up by the elevator, now locked and loaded for their siege on the Hazbin Hotel. "Ready Val?" "Ready as I'll ever be, Vel. Now let's fuck that deer up!"
Just as the elevator door opened, the one woman inside was Vaggi with her spear. "Don't even think about it." "Oh look, it's the Princess's angelic bitch threatening us.", Velvette said sarcastically.
"It's two of us against her. Let's put her in her place like all the other dead Exorcists!", Val declares as he and Velvette went on to attack her.
*******
Baxter and Charlie are back in Vox's recovery room. Baxter is repairing Vox and Charlie watches. "Charlie, we can't deny that Vox tried to kill himself." "I am aware of it. But, now we can prove it to Velvette and Valentino, and they can help Vox."
"Charlie, this is Hell. Even if there is a way to help Vox, they can reject him without second thought." Charlie is about to say something, but Baxter stops her.
"Please tell me you're not about to suggest him staying at the Hazbin Hotel." "No. I was going to say that there's therapists in the Sloth Ring and I can call one up here for Vox as a live in counselor."
"Oh thank God. I know the whole point of the hotel is redemption, but realistically, Vox blew it.", Baxter said. "Don't say that. I believe anyone, even someone like Vox, can be redeemed.", Charlie said.
"Charlie, he's a megalomaniac who nearly killed everyone with a laser cannon, actually did kill people with it, and tried to take over Heaven and Hell just to satisfy his ego. Even before that, he knew what Valentino was doing to Angel Dust but stood back and let it happen out of jealousy that he's Val's favorite. He's hypnotized people into adoring him. He's a monster who many would agree should've died by an Exorcist's hands."
Charlie doesn't know what to say. "Come on, let's go find Vaggi and the Vees."
*******
Vaggi is doing her best to fight the two off. It was difficult considering it's two against her and they have a wider range of arsenal and powers, but she wasn't one of the top Exorcists for nothing.
It wasn't easy to fight off Val's smoke and bullets, but fortunately they missed her. Velvette tried to knock her out with a vial of knock out potion, but Vaggi deflected it and it hit Valentino.
"Oh, fuck no!" Velvette grabs her phone. Just as she was about to summon physical manifestations of emojis, a hand grabbed her wrist. Looking up, she sees Charlie. "Let go of me! Val and I need to - !"
Charlie got upset enough to enter her partial state. "Enough! Velvette, there's something you and Val need to know about what really happened." We know what happened: that Radio Demon tried to kill Vox! Don't even bother coming up with an excuse because we know you're going to try to make excuses for him!"
"We have proof that Alastor is innocent, Miss Velvette.", Baxter said with an armful or paperwork. Behind him is Ethan with the security footage. "This is my research on Vox and his "attack", or should I say, suicide attempt."
-------
After Velvette calmed down and the group showed her their findings, she was distraught that Vox tried to kill himself and she didn't notice it sooner.
"I, I don't know what to say... He said he was fine yesterday. We even talked to each other face to face..." "It's not uncommon for suicidal people to act fine before they kill themselves. It's mostly because they accepted death.", Baxter said gently.
Valentino, who's still knocked out and tied up in a chair, is slowly waking up. "What the fuck?! You think this is going to stop us from avenging Vox?!"
"Val stop! It wasn't Alastor, it was Vox! He did this!", Velvette pleads. "What are you talking about?" "Val, no one broke in here, Vox tried to commit suicide again!", she said with tears in her eyes.
"Babydoll, what did these cabronas told you?" "Vox's injuries are in vital areas that are easy to access yourself but not from someone else. He has copious amounts of alcohol in his blood. And, and... there's footage of Vox taking the dagger from the armory."
Valentino gave a look of denial. "Velvette, you can't be serious." "I saw the footage. He went in and took the very same dagger before the blackout. There's no denying it, Valentino." Baxter and Ethan stepped in. "There's something else you need to know.", Ethan said gently.
"According to the security footage, the state of the fuse box, and the automatic timer for the fuse box to turn back on, there was a tower wide blackout about two hours before Vox was "assaulted" in accordance to the dried blood and healing process of his wounds. It was around the Witching Hour when everyone was asleep. If I remember correctly, Vox's powers are tied to his emotions and he can cause blackouts when emotionally distressed and it's not uncommon for people who are trying to kill themselves to have emotional hangups.", Baxter said.
"He could've been fighting off the Radio Demon but got severely injured and caused a blackout with his powers!", Val said desperately, trying not to cry. He doesn't want to believe Vox is still suicidal.
"Valentino, the security you guys put in his room can withstand Shok.wav when he's on a rampage, even during a blackout. Vox can get in and out whenever he pleases and can lock it to keep people out even when he's not in there. The cameras in his room were broken before he was stabbed and the evidence showed it was Vox thanks to his hands were scratched up and his blood was on the cameras. The only prints on the dagger are Vox's. The alcohol in his blood was from his personal stash. It's clear Vox tried to kill himself.", Baxter said.
Velvette walks to Valentino and untied him.
"Val, what he's saying explains Vox's behavior. You didn't know because you were still giving him the silent treatment, but I've been communicating and visiting him. When we talk, he tried to act like he's got his crap together, only to switch to sobbing and crying and go back to "normal" within the span of 10 minutes. And yesterday, he acted nothing was wrong. He hasn't been taking care of himself since he regenerated his body and you know how much Vox cares about his appearance. And yesterday, he acted nothing was wrong, but I knew something wasn't right. I tried to talk to him, but Vox kept brushing me off."
Valentino looks at Velvette. Neither wants to believe it.
"The security footage doesn't lie, Val. He was having a really bad nightmare and then left his room on his own accord just before the blackout. He looked distressed and then his powers went out of control and he knocked out the power. Then as soon as the power came back on, he was in the middle of a meltdown in his room and broke the security cameras. But there was a glimpse of that dagger in his possession."
Valentino could only sit there as he processes the thought of his boyfriend trying to kill himself. Velvette realized something. "Who's looking after Vox?"
*******
Fortunately, Vox is just lying down on his bed, still comatose. No one went in the recovery room and did something bad to him. All anyone could do is look at him and thought about how far he gone off the deep end.
Velvette and Valentino can only look at Vox in despair. Even after everything, they don't ever want him to die. He was the reason they became the Vees. He helped them with achieving everything that made them successful.
Velvette sees an unopened bloodstained envelope on the stand that Baxter pulled out of Vox's tuxedo, with Velvette and Valentino's names on it. Reading the letter confirmed that Baxter was right.
To my fellow Vees, Valentino and Velvette.
If you're reading this, it means I have faced my second and permanent death, like I should have during the Extermination. I realized that no matter what happens, I just ruin everything for everyone. Alastor was right about everything. My unsustainable ambition only lead to me having nothing but hatred from everyone. No popularity, no attention, no love, no friends, no family, no power, no paradise, no hope for improvement, no approval from anyone, no point of existing.
There's no reason to drag you down with me as you clean up my mess. You two have been more of a family to me than my own, more equals to me than my last coworkers were, and more friends than I ever had when I was alive. I wish I didn't took our partnership for granted, but it's too late. I ruined it and I can't take it back.
Just like how I ruined everything with Alastor.Now, I have nothing left to lose, but my existence. So, I'm doing the right thing and go away forever where I will never go back from. All I've become is a target for anyone who finds out I'm still here with you guys. As long as I'm here, people would want to kill me and you two for being still being associated with me. You two don't deserve it.
All I can say is I'm sorry for everything. I know you two don't need or even want me anymore. I shouldn't be an obligation for you guys. I'm not worth the trouble. At least with my final death, you can claim you killed me, allowing you to recover substantially and have a whole tech company to improve your businesses.
All I ask is for you two to take care of my sharks or at least find them a loving home.
Sincerely, Vox, your former Vee and partner.💧
They couldn't believe what they're reading. It was so uncharacteristically like Vox, but it was his handwriting. "It's true. Vox tried to commit..." Velvette couldn't finish the sentence. She just dropped the note and cry.
Valentino looks at it and wonders if him giving Vox the silent treatment, taking over his company, and denying knowing Vox on TV was the breaking point for him. It would've been for him.
Charlie picks up the note and saw just how broken Vox became since that day. She almost forgot that Vox was still a human soul with feelings and issues.
The remaining Vees whisper on what to do with Vox. They don't know how to help him or know anyone who could. Val discretely looks at Charlie and got an idea.
Not taking his tearing eyes off Vox, Valentino automatically extends his lower left hand at Charlie. A scroll magically appears and he hands it to her. As the Vees look at Vox, Charlie, Vaggi, and Baxter read it.
Valentino the Film Overlord hear by grant the Hazbin Hotel permission to take Vox the Media Overlord in for mental health treatment and suicide watch even though their purpose is to redeem Sinners. While Vox stays there, it's heavily advised that his presence be made public for his and everyone's safety.
The Vees are free to visit Vox anytime they want and will provide the Hazbin Hotel things such as medical supplies, monetary gain, personal belongings, food items and so forth to care for Vox if needed. Vox can reject visits if he feels he can't handle it.
In exchange for Vox's treatment and residency at the Hazbin Hotel, Valentino is not to harm or assault Angel Dust a.k.a Anthony. Angel Dust is to still work for Valentino regardless if it's pornography, prostitution, or any other odd jobs he's given, but he will be safe in Valentino's care.
Furthermore, Alastor, a.k.a the Radio Demon, is to not harm or manipulate Vox during the latter's stay.
Failure to abide by these conditions will result in the deal being declared null and void.
Signature: Valentino
Signature:
Signature:
"Por favor, acepte esta oferta. Vox is the love of my afterlife. He made Hell worth living for. I know you and your staff still care about that spider, so if you want him safe and sound here, then accept the deal and take Vox in. I don't care if your purpose is to redeem Sinners, you're the only place I can think of that'll take Vox and won't kill him."
Velvette looks at him. "Val, are you serious? This is the same hotel we tried to discredit and made enemies with. You can't make a deal with them."
"I am, Babydoll. Vox fucked up, but we all have. It killed me to say I didn't know him on TV, but it's true. I really don't know him and this proves it. If they can redeem Sinners, then, maybe they can help suicidal ones."
Valentino hands Charlie a pen to sign her name. "This isn't us selling Vox's soul to you and you still own your's. You're just looking after him for us and make sure he doesn't kill himself."
Charlie, Vaggi, and Baxter look at each other. This deal can assure them, Cherri, and Husk that Angel Dust will be safe from Valentino's abuse. But, they've never dealt with a suicidal Sinner before and everyone hates Vox.
"So, it's a deal then?"
*******
A limousine arrives at the front of the Hazbin Hotel door. Coming out is Charlie, Vaggi, Baxter, and the Vees. Vox is in a stretcher and hooked up to an I.V, still comatose as Ethan and a newly repaired Kitty carry him.
Velvette has a trunk of Vox's belongings floating above ground. Charlie runs over to the counter and hands her a room key. "His room should be down the hallway upstairs."
Cherri, Husk, and Alastor were definitely not happy seeing the Vees here. But, they were confused on why they see a comatose Vox being carried up to a room in a stretcher and their ignoring everything else.
"What the fuck is happening?", Cherri mutters. Vaggi shows them the scroll. "This is what's happening and we have to get used to it."
None of them were particularly happy with Vox staying, but Cherri and Husk will put up with it if it means keeping Angel safe from Valentino and his abuse. He's still their friend no matter what.
*******
It was quiet on the way back to V Tower. Velvette and Valentino really hate doing this, but they don't know how to handle suicidal people. The fact one of their own is like this makes it worse.
"This is my fault. I kick-started these chain of events.", Valentino said. "Val..."
"Don't make excuses for me, Velvette! If I hadn't told Vox the Radio Demon was back just to spite him for calling me out on my tantrum, he wouldn't have escalated this badly! Even if Vox had executed his plan, he wouldn't have fired that weapon all over the place just to kill the demon we all thought was gone for good and he would still be able to be out in public and have his company! But nooo, I just had to open my damn mouth and tell him! He helped me countless times and I thanked him by telling him the man he hates most is back instead of letting him believe otherwise! And now, I have to run his company and deny being associated with him AND live with the fact I am indirectly responsible for him trying to kill himself, TWICE!"
Velvette doesn't know what to say. "Face it, this is my fault. And there's nothing we can do to but leave him in their care."
*******
Everyone sees Valentino in a foul mood, so they run off before they get caught in his warpath. Much to there confusion, Val just sadly ignores them and walks off.
Valentino sadly mopes his way up to the penthouse. He's in no mood for sex, beating up anyone, or filming whatsoever. He doesn't even want to draw or smoke. He just wants to lie down under a blanket and eat greasy food until the pain goes away. Vox does it all the time and it works.
Meanwhile, Angel in in the penthouse, bracing himself for a beating or worse. He knows how it is with Valentino when he's upset. As soon as the door is opened by Val, he just stays put and let Val vent so the abuse won't be any worse than it needs to be.
Oddly, Val just plops himself on the couch with the saddest expression he's ever had. Angel is confused as ever as to why his boss is acting like this.
Valentino didn't noticed Angel until he walked towards him. "Not today, Angel cakes. Just leave me alone. Find someone else for company. And tell Ethan to order something really greasy with a sweet drink. Don't care what, just want greasy comfort."
Whatever it was that got Val like this must be pretty bad. It's very uncharacteristic for him to ignore Angel Dust, not bothering to do anything other than eating greasy food when he's on a diet, and is sad instead of angry. Angel sees it as a sign to leave Val alone.
"Okay, Val. I'll leave you alone and I'll call Ethan." Val just curls up, not even bothering to wipe off his bleeding makeup off him. Kitty had to bring and change him into pajamas because he couldn't.
Valentino picks up his phone, not to surf the web, text or call anyone, but to simply look at the photos he saved. He doesn't know why, he just wants to look.
Most were pictures of him and Vox together. They were happy memories of them going on dates, to celebrating achievements and holidays, to just being together.
"Vox... I wish I can take it back. I shouldn't have told you the deer was back. We never should have went along with your plan to become gods. I should have tried to save your reputation instead of denying knowing you. I shouldn't have gave you the silent treatment. Then everything would be how it's supposed to be."