beth

it was almost embarrassing how obvious he was. he’d catch himself looking up whenever you walked past his little cubicle, like his head moved on its own. his coworkers noticed, too. they’d nudge each other and smirk whenever you were nearby, and one of them even asked him once, half-laughing, “why don’t you just ask her out? it’s not like she’d have many other suitors.

adam didn’t understand that at all. he was sure many men were lining up at your door just waiting for a sliver of your attention, just like him. if anything, he figured you probably had to dodge invitations like they were flying objects.

and then, one morning, he got the attention he wanted.

you knocked on his thin cubicle wall. “hey, adam? do you have a second?”

he immediately dropped everything he was doing and stood up so fast he nearly bumped his knees on the desk. “of course. definitely. yes. please, sit.” he gestured too enthusiastically to the chair across from him, and you sat down. it took him barely a millisecond to sit too, leaning forward. “so,” he said, trying to sound casual and failing, “what can i do for you?”

you smiled, but it looked a little strained. “this is going to sound stupid,” you let out a small laugh, “but you’re HR, so i thought i’d ask if you could do anything about some of the people in the office commenting on…” you trailed off and gestured vaguely toward yourself.

adam furrowed his brows. “on what?”

you sucked your teeth. “my body.”

“oh my god.” adam’s face dropped. he was shocked, and for a split second his mind went in the completely wrong direction. he didn’t realise that you meant people were commenting on your body in a negative manner. his first thought was that they were talking about you in a sexual way which was making you uncomfortable. “that’s awful. what have they been saying?”

you shook your head quickly. “i don’t really want to talk about it.”

“yeah, no. no, i get it,” he said, trying to be reassuring.

you breathed out, letting yourself be annoyed for a second. “they’ve just been saying i should, you know… lose a few pounds. or stop eating so much.” you rolled your eyes. “like, it’s nothing i can’t deal with. i am confident in my body. but it just sucks to hear it when our workplace keeps labeling itself as inclusive.”

adam blinked, his confusion creeping in slowly.

“wait, i’m sorry,” he said, carefully. “lose weight? why would anyone want you to do that?”

you lifted your shoulders in a small shrug, like you didn’t want to make it a bigger thing than it already was.

“you’re beautiful,” he blurted. and then his whole body froze, because he realised what he’d just said and his face went hot. “not that i mean that i find you- i mean, i do, i definitely do,” he stammered, immediately regretting every word as it left his mouth. “i’m just saying that, like, objectively. lots of people would think that. and anyone who wants you to change is probably just… jealous. or hateful. because you’re gorgeous. again, not coming from me, coming from- from other people. other people in the world.” he was rambling now, and he knew he was rambling, but he couldn’t stop. his brain was short-circuiting in real time. “they think you’re gorgeous.”

you stared at him for a second, and then you gave a small, amused smile. “right.” you stood up, slowly, your eyebrows slightly furrowed, not completely sure on how well that talk went.

adam took in a deep breath, forcing his shoulders to relax. “thank you,” you said, softer. “and if you could deal with some of them, i’d appreciate it.”

“i will,” adam said immediately. “i promise. i’ll handle it.” he sounded almost fierce about it, which made him even more embarrassed, but he meant it.

you turned to leave, and his heart dipped because he thought that was it. that was the moment. the closest he’d ever get. and he’s fucked it massively.

but then you paused at the entrance of his cubicle and looked back over your shoulder.

“and maybe we should get dinner sometime, by the way,” you said. your eyes flicked over him, playfully. “i think you’re beautiful too.”

and then you walked away.

adam sat there for a second, staring at the spot where you’d been standing, then slowly lowered his head into his hands.

“oh my god,” he whispered to himself, happily, because it was the only sentence his brain could form.

celebrates the most when you score a goal or something

chris will tease him about his blush & it’s the first time he sees arthur get actually defensive

he doesn’t want you to know unless it’s him telling you (as if there hasn’t been a million edits shipping you two already)

be calling and messaging you ALL. THE. TIME

“OMG look at this Ladybug.” “I think you would really like this restaurant. I just tried it with Bach. Maybe me and you can go at some point.”

i also fear he is one of those freak who has perfectly grammar when texting

i can so see him getting a call from you whilst at that filming weirdest restaurants with the sidemen, and getting so freaking embarrassed when the lady answers then proceeds to just read some of the latest text he sent you

chris & ethan were DYING from laughter

also more on this message: “I think you would really like this restaurant. I just tried it with Bach. Maybe me and you can go at some point.”

closest he ever gets to asking you out

if he just adds, ‘maybe me and you can go at some point. like maybe as a date.’

but no, he never will

tried to support you the best he can when you do go on dates though

and definitely roles his eyes when he has to meet one of you bfs

thank god they’re all jerks so that you don’t stay with them for long

he won’t ever tell you about his crush but he will slip up at some point which is how you find out

HARRY LEWIS

he will always be there

i feel like if he has a crush on someone he would just want to always be near them

so if you’re in a video

he will always be there

looks at you first when he makes a joke, hoping to see you laugh and smiles even brighter when you do

definitely tries to get you in any sidemen sunday that needs a guest and definitely tries to get you two paired up

everyone has clocked his shit so quickly

he just acts kinda different around you compared to someone he sees as a friend

hard to explain but he’s somehow louder yet also quieter?

he will get quiet and grin a little to himself when he sees you look at him but get really loud when your eyes aren’t on him so it’s like a catch 22

the sidemen tease him about it in videos but no one ever says you name, all is known to the public is that harry has a crush on someone

“so how’s it going with you know who, harry?” “oh fuck off.”

when hes drunk he admits a little too much too you sometimes

you definitely found out about his crush whilst driving him home after a pub golf since he called you to pick him up and refused drives from anyone else

he was just rambling in the passenger seat about how much he likes you

and when he wakes up in the morning he very much hopes that last night was just a dream

CHRISMD

you two are like a dynamic duo

you would definitely see him as your best friend

which makes him feel bad for having a crush on you cause he doesn’t want to be seen as someone who only got close to you bc of that (even though he only started having a crush on you after you two got close)

in each others videos all the time

he will invite you to anything at all

there is definitely a time when you are included in the __ WOMEN vs 1 YOUTUBER/FOOTBALL vidoes

and chris was blushing very hard because he liked seeing you try to get his attention and impress him

even if it is just for the video (let a man dream damn)

he blushes so easily around you

gets embarrassed sometimes when he notices that you are slightly taller then him but eventually comes around to really liking the fact (he kinda loves seeing you in heels …)

you jokingly use him as an arm rest which is something he always laughs at way too hard no matter what

bites you OFTEN

you are his main victim and sometimes you just let him which makes his crush almost worse

chris can never tell how you actually feel bc you act so similar to him

but if he looks at it beyond surface level, you act that way with everyone

which just confuses him so much

he isn’t the one to tell you that he likes you

whilst filming a football video i can see someone like angryginge or arthurtv accidentally mentioning it like “at least i don’t have a crush on her, chris”

they don’t even realise they say it and no one else even pays attention to it which makes it almost worst

because he knows that you heard it

and it was so awkward for the rest of the video between you two

definitely gets very awkward around you sometimes

the two of you went to prom together

it wasn’t lack of people wanting to take you per say, more that everyone in your year thought you and adam were dating which you weren’t (not yet)

when you moved out of your parents home and got an apartment, you invited adam to move in with you — an offer he took IMMEDIATELY

though regretted it once you started going on dates

always found something he didn’t like about your newest man

“he’s too tall” “he doesn’t dress well” “he DIDNT pay for dinner?? that one is not a keeper”

you helped him look for his sword — again, regardless on how much you believed him

when adam stole found the sword, he told you about it immediately!

you thought it was just a plastic toy

but you still supported him!!

when the police came to your house that morning, you tried to convince them that adam didn’t live here but it sadly didn’t work

then adam was taken

and you followed after the police car with your own, planning on arguing with anyone at the police station until they let him free

but then freaky looking creature started causing trouble across the highway

… let’s just say you started to believe adam

especially when a warrior goddess started fighting with it

adam caught you when you all had to jump off the highway bridge despite his own landing not being that perfect

adam tried to convinced you to come with him but before you could decide (even though it would’ve been a yes), beast man grabbed you

and adam watched you scream as teela pulled the ship away

BEGGED her to go back so that the two of them could save you

teela wanted to, she did

she could see how much you meant to adam

but she also couldn’t risk losing the sword

you were the main thing adam was worried about for most of the day, even when come back to his home planet, even when using the sword of power

when skeletor made the announcement in the sky, he mentioned you

even if it was a trap, adam needed to make sure you were still alive, and if you were, he needed to save you

when he saw you again, it was in the cell (so you still hadn’t seen him in his loin cloth)

he hugged you so tightly, so hapoy that you were okay

he would’ve stayed there, hugging you forever if duncan didn’t let out a small cough, then adam finally let you go

soon, adam convinced everyone to work together to free eternia

you helped as much as you could, but you obviously didn’t have the same strength that some of them did

though you did know how to shoot

something adam did NOT know

so you could help 😊😊😊

when the sword broke, and adam was stabbed by skeletor, you were crushed you tried to run to him but teela held you back, in case skeletor tried to hurt you as well

but then!!!!

adam came back with the power and wearing just the loin cloth and a little bit of amor he was basically naked

and you went from sad to horny in all of about 5 seconds which sounds weird but it’s true

you watched as adam tried to talk to skeletor, and you watched him fight and once skeletor was defeated, you ran and pulled adam into a hug which he returned

this time no one there to cough and interrupt

teela and battle cat shared a look before leaving the two of you there alone

“i was so worried about you. you’re not hurt, are you?” adam asked once the two of you finally pulled away.

“no, no, i’m okay, i promise. just a little bruised.” you tried to smile like it was nothing, even though your ribs ached when you breathed too deep. you brushed your thumb over his cheeks. “are you okay? you basically just died.”

“i’m great,” adam said, returning your smile, and leaning into your touch slightly. he tried to keep staring into your eyes (since they were so pretty), but he kept glancing at your lips instead.

you let out a soft giggle and pulled his face down to yours, pressing your lips against his. adam made a small, helpless whimper before he kissed you back, using a LOT more vigour than you had, pouring in every moment of want he had for you and every moment of worry that he would never see you again, but you didn’t mind.

not even a little.

the two of you started dating after that

you stayed on eternia and helped restore it, but eventually came the question on if you should go back to earth

adam was worried, worried that you wanted to go back to your home

he knew how badly he yearned for eternia, so he just assumed you were the same

unaware that you already talked to his mother who agreed to let your stay here

when adam found out he was ELATED & you two lived happily ever after (basically ..)

The fridge door shut slowly behind you and Arthur turned his head to look at you with his eyebrows furrowed like he wasn’t sure he’d heard you right. “What?”

You hummed thoughtfully. “Like… I wanna break up for the month of June, just go, like…” You made a vague little gesture with the knife. “Have a few one night stands with women. To show my support for the LGBTQ community.” You explained, trying to fight the urge to laugh.

Arthur stared at you. “What!?” he repeated, and this time there was a confused smile trying to form, like his brain couldn’t decide whether to panic or assume you were joking.

“Well, you know how Pride Month is in June?” you asked.

“Yeah…” he said cautiously, dragging the word out.

“Right.” You nodded, trying to be very serious. “So, to show my support and respect toward the queer community — which I’m a part of, by the way — I thought it would make sense if I wasn’t, like, in a heterosexual relationship for the month.” You shrugged. “And also so I can, you know… have sex with a few women. Like one or two. Or, like… five max.”

You finally set the knife down and turned to face him properly, leaning your hip against the counter. “And then,” you added, “we’ll just get back together in July. Easy.”

Arthur just stood there with his mouth agape and his eyes wide. Then, as if he’d reached the only possible solution his mind could come up with, he blurted out, “I’ll dress up as a girl.”

For a second, you were actually stunned into silence before it hit you how ridiculous it was.

You burst out laughing so hard you had to bend forward, one hand flying up to cover your mouth. “Oh my god,” you wheezed, and Arthur’s face only got more confused, his smile growing even wider because now he really didn’t know what was happening. Tears pricked at your eyes from laughing so much.

“Out of everything you could’ve said,” you managed, gasping, “you said that?”

Arthur lifted his hands a little, helpless. “What was I supposed to say?”

You shook your head, still laughing, and grabbed your phone from behind the plant leaves. You pointed the camera at him, still giggling. “It was” you tried to speak, but another laugh cut you off. “It was just a prank. I’m not gonna break up with you.”

Arthur let out this huge, dramatic breath before he began laughing too, rubbing the back of his neck. “Oh, thank god. I was so confused.”

“About what I was saying,” you asked, tilting your head, “or the fact that your first proper reaction was that you’d dress up as a girl?”

He paused, then shrugged. “Both.”

And that was exactly where the video ended.

comments

He folded under zero pressure im cryibg

at least u now know hes up for it

i want an arthur in my life fr

if you still wanna crack girls im available 🙋‍♀️

"Yeah, well... she didn't!" Vox said defensively, his voice rising slightly. "She was actually elated about the whole thing- you know what, let's just drop it now."

"You were the one who brought it up in the first place," Velvette mentioned with a raised eyebrow, scrolling through her phone again.

"Because I knew you two would ask about it eventually, and now I want to stop talking about it, so let's just stop talking about it!" Vox snapped, his screen glitching momentarily with irritation.

It had been a few weeks since Vox last saw you, and he was riding the biggest high he'd ever felt since... well, ever!

He owns Alastor now. His meticulously crafted plan to ruin Charlie Morningstar's reputation is going perfectly. And while Angel Dust doesn't know it yet, very soon he'll be a massive help to the cause. Everything is falling into place like dominos.

Vox doesn't think he's ever been this excited in his entire life — both living and dead — and he's certain that no one in Heaven or Hell can take this feeling away from him now-

"Vox." A voice spoke, the same siren voice that haunts his dreams and mind constantly, the voice that makes his body shiver with both fear and something he won't admit.

Vox spun on his heels, his digital eyes widening at the sight of your shadow cast against the wall. "Heh," he breathed nervously, his voice crackling with static. "Uh, hey!" His tone came out soft and fearful. "Hey- hey, hi!" He corrected himself quickly, forcing more confidence into his words. "What are you doing here? Usually you just send your... other shadows to deliver messages."

For weeks now, Vox had been making private deals with your shadows — the ones who watch over the Vees — desperately begging them not to tell you that he'd completely disregarded your explicit wish to drop his plan about taking over Heaven. He'd offered them favors, information, anything to buy their silence. But clearly, one of them had turned into a fucking rat and told you everything.

"What do you think you're doing, sugar?" you asked him, your voice carrying that deceptively sweet tone.

"Nothing! Nothing at all!" Vox stammered, gesturing vaguely. "Just about to, uh..." He turned his head, watching as dancers passed behind him in the hallway. "Go on stage. For a normal... VoxTek promotional thing. You know how it is business as usual!"

"Do you think I'm that stupid, Vox?" you asked. "Now don't you dare lie to me, honey, otherwise this isn't going to be pretty for you. I suggest you start telling the truth."

"I'm not lying!" Vox lied.

"Tell me that you haven’t gone through with your little plan about Heaven," you said, and suddenly a black chain materialised around Vox's neck. Your hands pulled him closer toward the wall where your shadow was pressed flat. "Tell me that you haven't been bribing my shadows to lie to me. Tell me, Vox, that you have not disobeyed a direct order from me.."

"HAHAHAHAHA!!" Alastor's voice screeched with unrestrained glee, the sound of his laughter echoing through the room as he wheeled his chair — his body still bound to it with restraints — toward you and Vox. "You-“ Tears actually welled up in Alastor's eyes from his excessive laughter, his grin somehow growing even wider. "You mean to tell me that you sold your soul, Vox? Oh, this is simply delicious! The irony is exquisite!"

"Why don't you just shut your pie hole, Alastor!" Vox yelled, his screen flashing with angry red static.

"Aww, is Vox going to throw a tantrum now?" Alastor taunted, his voice dripping with amusement as he leaned forward in his chair. "Are you going to short-circuit from embarrassment?"

"Don't forget who owns you, Alastor!" Vox shot back venomously, though the retort didn't have nearly the impact he'd hoped for, considering the chain currently wrapped around his own neck made his situation rather obvious.

"And don't you forget who owns you, old pal," Alastor countered smoothly, his grin never faltering. "I mean, going against their wishes like this? My, my, how the mighty have fallen." He then turned his attention away from Vox entirely, focusing on you with much interest. "I don't believe we've been properly introduced. I'm Alastor, the Radio Demon. Quite the pleasure to make your acquaintance."

Alastor's shadow detached itself from behind him, moving independently across the floor and up the wall toward you. It took your hand with surprising gentleness and pressed a delicate, courteous kiss upon it.

"My, aren't you quite the gentleman," you commented with genuine appreciation, your voice warm. Meanwhile, Vox was absolutely seething with jealousy. The first (and last) time he'd tried to kiss your hand in greeting, you'd slapped him clear across the face and he'd had to replace his entire screen. Why does Alastor of all people get to touch you and kiss your sweet… soft skin….

"Oh my fuck, Voodoo?" Valentino's voice cut through the tension as he walked into the room. "I haven't seen you in forever, baby-" He cut himself off abruptly when his eyes landed on the chain around Vox's neck. "What... what happened here?" he asked hesitantly, taking a cautious step back. He knew from experience that one wrong move, one wrong word, and his own chain would make an appearance around his neck too.

You waved your hand dismissively, and Alastor's shadow immediately disappeared from beside you, snapping back to its owner like it had been yanked by an invisible cord. The Radio Demon's eyebrows furrowed in surprise at the casual display of power over his own shadow. Interesting, he thought.

"Well now, Val," you said, your voice taking on that deceptively pleasant tone again. "Isn't it just so amazing to see you, sugar? And you know what? I really do appreciate the fact that despite my direct orders — my very clear instructions — to NOT go through with your little plan of taking over Heaven, you all still went ahead and did it anyway. So thank you so much for that, honey. I'm just thrilled." you said, sarcasm dripping from every word.

"But Vox said that you-" Valentino began, confusion evident in his voice as he gestured toward Vox. But an sharp elbow to the ribs from Vox made him stop mid-sentence, letting out a pained grunt.

Valentino sent Vox a bewildered look, and then the realisation dawned on him like a bucket of ice water. His eyes widened. You had never agreed to the plan. Vox had fucking lied to them, fabricated your approval entirely, and now they could very realistically die because of him.

"Now you listen here, and you listen good, Vox," you said firmly, your shadow solidifying even more as you leaned in closer. "You're going to drop this plan of yours. Completely. Otherwise, honey, it's no more empire for you. No more VoxTek, no more power, no more of this little kingdom you've built for yourself. Do we have an understanding?" You gave him a clear ultimatum before releasing him. Your shadow dissipated like smoke, and the chain vanished from around his neck. Then you were gone entirely, leaving only the faint scent of magnolias and magic in your wake.

"You mother fucking FUCK! Valentino exploded, rounding on Vox with fury blazing in his eyes. "We're going to fucking DIE now because of YOU!!"

"Val, just calm down and don't worry about it," Vox said, completely unfazed — although the quick rise and fall of his chest suggest otherwise.

"DON'T WORRY ABOUT IT?" Valentino repeated, his voice rising to a near-hysterical pitch. "DON'T FUCKING WORRY ABOUT IT?! I just covered for you! I'm well within the possibility of losing my fucking Overlord status because of YOU and your FUCKING stupid ego! Do you have any idea what you've done to us?!"

"Don't tell me she owns your soul too," Alastor spoke up from behind them, his tone dripping with amusement.

"YOU SHUT UP!" Valentino yelled at him, whirling around with fury blazing in his eyes. "Fuck, fuck, fuck," he muttered under his breath, his hands trembling as he stalked past Velvette, who was just making her way into the room. He didn't even acknowledge her as he stormed out.

"What the fuck was that about?" Velvette asked, her brows furrowed in confusion as she watched Valentino's retreating form.

"Nothing," Vox told her dismissively, waving his hand as if to brush away her concerns.

"Oh, Valentino just found out that the sinner who owns your soul doesn't agree with your little plan to take over Heaven," Alastor spoke up cheerfully, his smile widening with malicious delight at the sight of an increasingly angry Velvette and a cornered Vox.

"WHAT?!" Velvette screeched, her voice cracking with disbelief. "Oh my gosh, Vox! You lied to us! You looked us straight in the face and lied!"

"It wasn't a lie," Vox corrected defensively. "It was just... a twist of the truth. Look, I think she would be quite happy once we finish the plan and she sees the results. Which is exactly why it has to work. Don't you see?"

"You are such a fucking ASSHOLE, Vox!" Velvette screamed, her face flushed with rage. She turned on her heel and stormed out of the room, slamming the door so hard that it rattled in its frame. Vox immediately followed after her, already launching into explanations about how his plan would work, how it was all going to be worth it in the end, trying to convince both her and Valentino.

But that left Alastor alone in the room, a smirk playing across his face as his shadow began to detach from his body, already planning its journey to find the Overlord and tell her exactly what was happening — and how he would gladly spy on the Vees if she wanted him to.

Sitting in your usual armchair, you rubbed at your temples, your mind deep in thought about the situation with Vox and what needed to be done.

You didn't like to hurt people. You were in Hell, yes, and you were an Overlord, so people half expected you to be ruthless and cruel. But that just wasn't what you liked to do- not anymore, at least.

At first it was different when you first arrived in Hell.

God, you were obsessed with making everyone pay for what had happened to you. You were utterly ruthless, taking out your rage and pain on anyone who crossed your path, until one day you killed someone who had a child.

They died in the same car crash. and whilst you were killing the dad in the comfort of their apartment in Hell for double crossing you, the young girl came out of her room fearfully as you were standing over her dead father's body, your hands still stained with his blood.

Realistically, you knew that she was probably as bad as her father — especially if she was raised by him in the kind of environment that would land them both in Hell — but your heart still ached and your mind was still haunted by the look on her face.

And since that day, you vowed that day to never kill again. No matter what.

You knew that Vox didn't have a kid, and very few people would genuinely miss him when he was gone but what were morals if you didn't follow them? You prided yourself on being a women of your word so what was the point of making promises to yourself if you broke them the moment things got difficult?

The sudden stop of jazz music playing from your radios, being replaced with harsh static, interrupted your spiraling thoughts. You lifted your head in confusion, walking over to the radio and twisting the knobs this way and that — but still, nothing but static came through.

"Hello, my dear!" a voice rang out cheerfully, making you jump back in surprise.

You furrowed your brows. The Radio Demon? But other Overlords' powers didn't work in your shop. You'd made sure of that with protective spells woven into every corner of this place.

"Don't look so confused, darling," the voice continued. You turned to see his shadow pressed against the wall, moving independently. "I'm merely here to offer you my services."

You stayed silent for a moment, trying — in all honesty — to remember his name. His real name. Arthur? No, that wasn't it. Albert? Something with an A... A- A- A-

"Alastor!" you said finally, snapping your fingers as it came to you. "How the hell did you get your powers working in here? I've got protections on this place that should keep every other Overlord's magic out."

"Simple disarming spell, my dear," Alastor replied smoothly. "I'm from New Orleans too, you know. We learn these things."

"I did not know that," you replied, settling back in your chair. You'd never had much interest in the Radio Demon — especially not after you found out that Rosie already owned his soul..

"Anywho, sugar, what do I owe the pleasure?" you asked. "I'm sure you didn't come all this way just to show off your magic tricks."

Alastor's shadow frowned slightly. He had expected you to be angrier, or more annoyed at the intrusion- not polite.

"Well, my dear, I was hoping to help you help me," Alastor said, making you furrow your brows.

"Mhm," you hummed, crossing your arms and waiting for him to continue. "I'm listening, honey. Go on."

"As you know, some of your shadows aren't exactly as loyal as you might have wished — especially if they can be bought by whatever useless trinkets and promises Vox gave them," Alastor began, his tone dripping with disdain when he mentioned Vox's name. "But you see, I am loyal. And more importantly, I am stuck with Vox every single second of every single day, forced to witness his every move and his every scheme. So my proposal is that we work together! I spy on Vox, tell you all the juicy details of what he's planning, and in return, you help me get away from him when this is all over but The Vee’s still leave the hotel alone."

You contemplated for a moment, tapping your fingers against the arm of your chair. You didn't like making deals willy-nilly. every deal you'd ever made was calculated, thought through from every angle. Every deal was proposed by you and created by you on your terms. Accepting a deal like this felt like you were on the lower end, like you were the one who needed something instead of the other way around, and that didn't sit right with you.

But on the other hand, Vox was a liar who had proven he couldn't be trusted. And his ego was getting much too big if he thought it was okay to try and play you like some kind of fool. Having someone like Alastor — who probably hated Vox just as much as you were starting to — spy on him? Well, you'd probably get information without any sugar-coating or manipulation. Alastor would tell you exactly what Vox was up to, if only because he'd enjoy watching Vox fall.

"Alright then, honey," you agreed finally, leaning forward in your chair. "Here's what we're gonna do. You tell me everything Vox does and I mean everything sugar. Every little thing he's cooking up in that TV head of his. Don't leave out a single detail. And once I deal with him properly, I will remove you from his care and I'll keep the hotel safe. Charlie and all her guests won't have to worry about a thing from me or anyone else. You have my word on that."

"Oh, how delightful!" Alastor cheered through the radios, his voice crackling with genuine enthusiasm. "I do believe this is the beginning of a beautiful partnership!"

"And one more thing, Alastor," you said firmly, your voice taking on that sweet but dangerous tone that made it clear you were absolutely serious. "If you double cross me or lie to me — if you so much as think about playing games with me, sugar — you can say goodbye to your freedom forever. And you can say goodbye to that hotel and all your little friends too. I don't make idle threats, and I always keep my promises. We clear on that, honey?”

authors note

okok hiii i hope you all enjoyed that!!

uh because of those last two episodes of hbht — i think i’ll probably write just one more part for story which i’m expecting to be much longer than part 1&2.

"Vox…" a voice sang out, like a siren's call.

Vox turned in a circle, frantically trying to see anything that could hint at where the voice was coming from. And that was when he saw it — a door slowly opening in the alleyway, right at the very end, spilling warm golden light onto the wet pavement.

"Come on, Vox," the voice sang out once again.

Vox's feet moved before his mind could decide whether he should follow or not, almost as if he had no control over his own body like the voice itself was moving his limbs for him.

He walked through the door with furrowed brows, trying to make sense of what was happening. The door shut behind him with a soft click, leaving him in a room that was warm and inviting, which was nice, considering he was soaking wet from the rain.

"Hello?" he called out cautiously, jumping slightly when old jazz music suddenly started playing from multiple radios scattered throughout the space. The sight of the radios made him frown deeply, because it brought his mind right back to Alastor and the humiliation he'd just endured.

He shook his head forcefully, trying to dispel those thoughts, and walked further into the room.

it was like stepping into a crowded antique shop, and Vox found himself accidentally bumping into things as he walked, the room seemingly going on and on, stretching endlessly before him until he finally saw a silhouette sitting at a circular table, gracefully pouring tea from an ornate teapot into two cups.

He felt something push him from behind, and he stumbled backwards falling into a chair sliding across the floor on its own, pulling him towards the table.

"How do you like your tea, sweetheart?" that same ethereal voice asked, but the darkness surrounding you covered your face completely from Vox's view, leaving only your silhouette visible.

"I'm sorry, what is this?" Vox asked with a confused frown.

"How do you like your tea, sweetheart?" you repeated, your tone unchanging, almost like a broken record stuck on the same phrase.

"Tell me what the hell this is!" Vox demanded, his voice rising as his anger and frustration increased.

"How do you like your tea, sweetheart?" you repeated once more.

Vox sighed heavily, rolling his eyes in exasperation. "Milk, no sugar," he finally answered, deciding it was easier to play along.

You poured the milk into his cup before passing it to him, his wet shirt dripping water droplets onto the polished table surface when he reached forward to take it.

"By golly, you're absolutely soaking," you observed. "Here-" You waved your hand gracefully, and a gust of warm wind suddenly spiralled around Vox before dissipating, leaving him completely dry. Vox looked down at his now-dry hands in shock, the crease between his eyebrows deepening as he processed what had just happened.

"Who are you?" Vox asked hesitantly, looking up at you, though he still couldn't make eye contact due to the shadow that covered your features.

"Well, let's not bother ourselves with such small details," you replied dismissively,. "Now tell me, Vox, why were you crying?"

"How did you know I was crying?" he asked, frowning suspiciously.

"I have eyes and ears everywhere, darling," you said simply. "Now, why were you crying?"

"It doesn't matter," Vox mumbled, looking down and fiddling nervously with his fingers, unable to meet your gaze even if he could see it.

"Oh, now don't be like that," you gently reprimanded. "I'm here to lend an ear. Sometimes it helps to talk about these things."

"Uh…" Vox sighed deeply. "There was this demon Overlord that I thought I was becoming friends with. But he… he laughed in my face when I asked him if he wanted to work together. Which really sucks because I genuinely looked up to him. I admired everything about him. I thought maybe we could be partners, equals even. But I was wrong."

You sat there silently for a long moment, letting his words hang in the air between you, before finally speaking. "My dear, why would you trust an Overlord? They're notorious for their treachery and self-interest."

Vox shrugged helplessly, not having a good answer, feeling even more foolish now that someone had pointed out what should have been obvious all along.

"What was the deal?" you asked him, your voice cutting through the silence like a knife.

"Huh?" Vox responded, confusion evident in his tone.

"The deal," you repeated patiently, as though explaining something obvious to a child. "You wanted to work with the Radio Demon, so I assume you offered him some sort of partnership agreement."

"I didn't mention that it was Alastor I was talking to,” Vox replied defensively, his body tensing as he tried to stand up from his chair but an unseen weight pressed down on him, holding him firmly in place and not allowing him to leave his seat. "Let me go!" he said angrily, his screen flickering with agitation. "I don't know what game you're playing, but let me go-"

"Let's not quarrel," you interrupted. "It's not good for relationships."

Vox glared angrily at you. "Let. Me. Go," he repeated slowly, emphasising each word.

"What are you going to do, Vox?" you asked rhetorically, a hint of amusement colouring your voice. "You have no power in here. And even if you did, you couldn't overpower me. Most people can't."

Vox was silent for a long moment, his brain trying to piece together what the hell was happening and who exactly you were.

"You're an Overlord," he finally said, the realisation dawning on him.

"They were right! You are smart!" you exclaimed with what sounded like genuine delight.

"They?" Vox questioned, his confusion deepening. "Who are 'they'?"

He jumped slightly when he felt a cold hand settle on his shoulder, turning his head sharply and seeing his own shadow grinning at him menacingly.

"Now, Vox, if I'm not mistaken… you want power, right?" you said, leaning forward slightly in your chair.

Vox nodded silently, unable to deny it even if he wanted to.

"Well, I can give you that power," you told him matter-of-factly. "You just have to shake my hand." You extended your hand toward him, holding it out expectantly in the space between you.

"What's the catch?" he asked warily, not trusting you at all despite the tempting offer.

"No catch," you replied , your hand still held out for him to take. "Well… you just have to get your name out there, build your reputation. And I'll do the rest."

"I'd like to know the whole plan before I make any deal with you," Vox insisted, trying to maintain some semblance of control over the situation.

You scoffed dismissively. "The whole deal is that I own your soul. Simple as that. And in return, I'll help you build your empire from the ground up. And while they aren't dead yet — I'll even get you some friends to help along the way-"

"What do you mean 'aren't dead yet'?" Vox interrupted, his curiosity getting the better of him. "How can you see the living? I thought that was impossible for sinners."

"The more questions you ask, the less inclined I am to help you, Vox," you said, a warning edge creeping into your previously friendly tone. "So why don't you just shut up and shake my hand?"

He stayed silent, unmoving, weighing his options carefully.

"Come on…" you coaxed, your voice taking on that siren-like quality again. "Won't you shake a poor sinner's hand?"

Vox would've liked to say that he never shook your hand — that after Alastor laughed at him, he created his own empire with no outside help. But he can't. He can't say that because he shook your hand. He made a deal with you, and you own his soul.

God, it's pathetic. You've set up everything for him and the Vees. I mean, the second Val and Vel died, you got them to make deals with you as well, helping them all become the biggest names in Hell.

Of course, you would be the biggest name if you bothered to leave your home, if you didn't just send your stupid shadows to do your dirty work.

He doesn't even know your name, for Hell's sake! You've owned him for almost seventy years, and he doesn't even know your fucking name!

Well, technically.

Not your real name, at least. He only knows your stupid fake name that other people call you. Voodoo.

Even thinking about it for too long makes him angry. Angry because he hates you, and angry because he so desperately wants to know more about you. He wants to know everything there is to know about you. And not even for a sinister reason, not really. Just because he thinks you would be a good front and centre addition to the team. Because how amazing would it be if he could get the Voodoo to join his team properly? Because, while yes, you are technically on his team now, you're the coach, not a player like he is.

Today he has his regular meeting scheduled with you. Once a month, he comes into your shop, telling you about what's happening and his master plans. Although he doesn't truly understand why you need these meetings as he knows you're always watching through your shadows — he is very happy to see you again and always has a skip in his step the day of.

He has a binder full of information to show you, walking down the familiar alleyway, your door already open for him.

With how much he comes here now, he doesn't flinch when the door shuts behind him, nor does he bump into any objects, having now figured out the best way to make his way through your clutter.

"Hello, hello!" he greets you with a grin, falling into the chair that pulls him to the table.

"You seem chipper, Vox," you noted, pouring him a cup of tea

"Hell yes, I am!" he exclaimed. "I have so, so much to tell you!"

"Well, I'm all ears, sugar."

Vox rambled for a while, telling you stuff you quite frankly already know, but you didn't bother telling him that. In fact, it's nice to hear the difference in stories from other points of view. You took a sip from your tea as you listened.

"And me and the Vees are going to overtake Heaven!"

You spit out your tea in shock. That part you were not told about by your shadows.

"What!?" you yelled, turning into your demonic form with your shadow overtaking both Vox and yourself, darkness swallowing the room.

Vox cowered, lowering himself in his chair. "Uh, yeah… we, uh… we- we planned to overtake Heaven, uh… to become God, basically, and be the strongest people in the afterlife…" he explained, his voice trembling.

"You stupid, reckless fool!" you yelled. "What in the name of all that's unholy were you thinking?"

Vox wanted to cry. He thought you knew. He thought that maybe his shadow or Valentino's or Velvette's shadow had reported to you and told you of the plan before he came here.

"I- I- I thought you knew," he whimpered, his screen flickering with distress.

"Well, obviously I didn't, now did I?" you snapped. "Lord have mercy, Vox, I expected better from you!"

"You-" Vox cut himself off, trying to figure out how he could fix this. "You could be God. You… I mean, you own my soul! Instead of me being God, you can. You can rule over everything. You'd be perfect for it!"

Your shadows dwindled slightly but still left you being a black blob of darkness.

"You know good and well how much I hate the spotlight, Vox," you replied, your tone stern. "You ask me every single meeting if I would join you and the Vees, and my answer was always no. And now you expect me to want to be God? Child, have you lost your mind?"

Vox stayed silent, unable to meet your gaze even through the darkness.

"And, by the way, you think you, of all people, could be God?" you asked, disbelief colouring your words.

Vox frowned, the words hurting him more than he thought possible.

"You thought itty-bitty Vox could play God?" you continued, your voice taking on a mocking edge that cut deep. "Sugar, that's just plain foolish."

You scoffed, shaking your head. "You're a joke, Vox! The only reason you're so powerful is because of me! And I can take that away just as easily as I gave it to you. So do not — and I mean do not — go through with that plan, or I will tear you and the Vees down so fast it'll make your screen spin! You hear me, honey?"

Vox stared at you for a long moment before speaking, his voice small. "Okay." He nodded slowly. "I'll… I'll get rid of the plan. We won't do it. I promise."

Your shadow form disappeared, leaving only an unclear view of your face.

"I want you to leave, Vox," you told him, your voice quieter now but still firm. "I need some time to myself."

"What?" he asked with a frown, confusion and hurt evident in his expression. Usually, after chatting over business, you and he would talk casually almost like friends. Those were his favorite parts of these meetings.

"I don't want to see you right now, cher," you said, rubbing at your forehead, trying to ward off a headache. "I need to think, and I can't do that with you here."

Vox sighed heavily, standing up from the chair. "I'm sorry," he told you, his voice genuine. "I didn't mean to make you upset. I really thought you knew. I would never…"

He trailed off, not knowing how to finish that sentence. He walked away from you, towards the door of the store. Once he was out, he turned to look at the door when it shut, watching as it disappeared into the wall as it always did.

He stood there for a moment, and the more he thought about your reaction and your mean words, the angrier he became.

"Fuck you," he muttered under his breath as he walked away. "Fucking fuck! I'm going to fucking take over Heaven anyway. She can't fucking stop me. Fucking asshole. Who does she think she is?"

But even as the words left him, doubt gnawed in his mind. Because deep down, he knew exactly who you were and he knew you absolutely could stop him. But damnit to hell if he wasn’t going to try.

authors note

okay hihi i hope you guys enjoyed that!! i might write a part two (or make this a series) once more episodes come out because i do have a few more ideas but it’s not definite

also.. i just want to mention how funny i find the part where voodoo said overlords are only known for their self interest and then less than a few moments later vox was like ‘okay!! i’ll make a deal with you!!’ he so stupid 🥹🥹 i love him