Numei

"This fucking sucks." Vox grumbled, laying flat on the bed with his limbs splayed out like a starfish. The heavy covers had long since been kicked off the mattress, and he wore only a pair of VoxTek brand boxers, complete with a repeating shark fin design.

Alastor returned from the bathroom, his hair and ears wrapped up in a thin towel. His hooves clicked across the floor as he made his way to the bed, wearing a set of pink silk pajamas.

"How was your ice bath?" Vox asked, turning his screen to face his husband.

"The water never turned cold," Alastor griped, settling on his side of the bed. He unwrapped the towel and scrunched the ends of his damp crimson hair. "It stayed hot. The entire time. And someone never returned with the ice!"

At that precise moment, Alastor's shadow did return, carrying a large bag that probably contained ice at one point. However, it was now a bag of hot water. The shadow itself seemed a bit miffed, and upon closer inspection, the edges of the dark figure seemed to be smoking.

Alastor's eyes narrowed as he flicked the towel into a pocket dimension.

"You were gone for nearly an hour, what took so long? And where's the ice?" He said sharply.

The shadow chittered, waving its arms in annoyance.

"Only fifteen stores? Well, that still doesn't explain--"

More rapid squeaking and hand gestures.

"I'm sure I don't know what you mean. You are a shadow, you physically don't have any limbs to burn!"

The chittering intensified in volume as the shadow grew in height, pointing aggressively. Alastor's posture grew rigid as his eyes turned dark. The lights in the room flickered as his form began to distort with static.

"Don't take that ugly tone with me, you insolent little--"

"Whoa, hey, okay!" Vox sat straight up in bed, raising his hands up like a referee. "I think the heat has everyone a liiiittle on edge. Maybe you two should take a break to cool down, huh?"

Alastor blinked, then glanced over at his husband's concerned expression. His shoulders slumped and his ears fell to the sides.

"Fine. Go on, then." He muttered, crossing his arms.

The shadow dropped the bag of hot water and scampered towards the door, pausing only to grab Vox's shadow by the hand. The two inky shapes then bolted out of sight, leaving Alastor to stare at the steaming bag on the floor.

"My shadow used to be so well behaved... always followed orders, never back talked... this is your fault, you know." Alastor grumbled, snapping his neck towards Vox.

"Wha--me?! How?" Vox sputtered, eyes going wide with surprise.

"Your shadow has been corrupting it for years, I just know it!" Alastor accused, jabbing him in the bare chest with a finger.

Vox rolled his eyes and caught Alastor's hand, bringing it up to his screen for a quick, electric kiss.

"Oh come on, babe... don't be silly. I think it's just grumpy because it got a little singed from the heat. You two will make up tomorrow, don't even worry about it." Vox said soothingly.

Alastor sighed and fell back onto the bed, closing his eyes. The fans continued to circulate air throughout the room, but his forehead remained beaded with sweat.

"That's assuming we don't perish from the heat by then." Alastor said dryly.

"Neither of us are going to die from this, trust me." Vox reclined against the pillows, crossing his arms behind his head. Alastor tilted his head, seemingly unconvinced.

"If you say so, dear. Well, since it's not getting any cooler... I think it's best if we just call it a night, hmm?" Alastor snapped his fingers, and the soft yellow lights in their bedroom shut off one by one. Vox's screen glowed bright blue in the darkness before dimming to night mode.

Alastor turned on his side, squeezing his eyes shut and snuggling into his soft pillow as he attempted to think cold, icy thoughts...

"Al, why are you so far away? Get over here." Vox's voice interrupted his concentration. He cracked one red eye open to find Vox staring expectantly at him.

"No, darling. It's far too hot to cuddle tonight." He said firmly, then closed his eyes again.

"Don't be dramatic, we're in Hell-- it's always hot, and you always let me hold you." Vox pointed out.

"Yes, well, consider this an exception due to... extreme circumstances."

"Please?"

"No."

"Pretty please? Please please please--"

Alastor huffed, opening both eyes to glare at Vox properly.

"You will literally overheat, Vox."

"It's worth it! Come on, I can't sleep if we don't cuddle. Is that what you want?" Vox made a pitiful expression, eyes filled with digital tears.

"That is a terrible lie, and we both know it." Alastor said flatly, smile wearing thin at the edges.

"Well, I sleep better when we do, it's probably a psychological thing. Actually, they've done studies on cuddling, and it's good for you! Mentally, physically... and you like it too, even if you pretend you don't." Vox continued.

Alastor only hummed in response, unwilling to confirm or deny.

"Come on, pleeease--" Vox whined.

"FINE," Alastor snapped. "You are allowed five minutes. No more than that, I mean it..."

Vox immediately reached over and hooked an arm around Alastor's waist, dragging him closer. He pulled the radio demon flush against his body, draping an arm across his hip and resting his claws on the small of his back. Despite himself, Alastor found himself wiggling closer into the embrace, resting his cheek against Vox's chest.

It was unbearably hot, yes, but it was comfortable and soothing at the same time. He could hear the steady rhythm of Vox's heartbeat under his skin, and feel the inhale and exhale of every breath he took. He felt himself relax into his husband's touch as a claw traced up his back, drawing shapes on the silk fabric. Their individual frequencies lowered and then intermixed, tangling together in a pattern only the two of them could hear and recognize.

Something about having Vox so close to him, wrapped around his body like a blanket... it did make Alastor feel safe and secure in a way nothing else could. He could feel himself growing warmer, but he was simply too comfortable to care. He allowed himself to melt into Vox, content to become a big puddle of limbs for the foreseeable future.

"You know, I think you'd feel a lot cooler if you were naked..." Vox suggested, his tone attempting to mimic innocence and nonchalance.

"...don't push it, Vincent."

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this was just a little warm up so I could get back into writing again (work kicked my fuckin ass this week rip) and I thought this snippet was cute so I wanted to share!! I truly believe in my heart that Vox is desperate for cuddles, no matter the cost. He did overheat after this but it was definitely worth it ❤️🩵

ANYWAY I'm hoping to have another fic update for ya'll tomorrow, just not sure which one yet lol. the way my brain works continues to be a mystery to everyone including myself...

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