Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Chapter 1.

Valentino

Valentino hated it here. 

The club smelled like stale beer, acrid piss, and old cigarettes. There was a splash of pungent body odor just for good measure as if to remind him this was truly Hell. The air was hazy from the smoke, creating strange shadows as the lights above twirled around the stage, and it was on those he decided to focus to help distract from the stench.

It didn’t help much, but it was something. 

He let himself drift, the drugs in his system more than enough to take out a sinner twice his size. His skin was hot, prickled with sweat, and it was easy to swim through every movement of his dance. The faces in the cheering crowd were nothing but blurs and flashes of red and green and white, their raised glasses reflecting the strobes and cutting long trails through the fog.

Listening to Sylvester’s beautiful falsetto crooning along a remixed version of “You Make Me Feel”, it was almost like being home. 

No…

No, he’d gone from his knees in alleys to his ass gracing the leather seats of a brand new Cadillac Eldorado paid for in cash. He’d had an empire, riches beyond his wildest dreams, and power. 

Yes, he had power. 

Over the bitches, the streets, but now…

He was plastered against a pole, wearing nothing but a fake smile and a red thong with barely a dollar to his name. 

And he belonged to another…

To Claudis.

Valentino shuddered.

He mused that he’d been here before. Well, not here exactly, but in a similar position until he’d been able to stop hooking and take charge of his destiny. Granted, that was when he had a life as a living human and not the damned afterlife of a monstrous moth…

It was fine.

It was fucking fine .

He’d leave this shitty club behind, he’d have his life back, and he’d regain his power because he was going to be free of Claudis one day. 

Valentino was going to kill him. 

Just like all the others, every single person who had hurt him, who had dared wrong him, and—

Shit.

The world spun, colors flashed, and he barely caught the pole with one of his lower hands as he stumbled. 

He turned it into a purposeful dip, allowing his weight to carry him the rest of the way to the stage so he was on his knees. He flapped his wings to help hide how he’d nearly busted his ass, and the crowd absolutely roared.

Oh, of course they did.

Everyone always screamed for Valentino. 

He moved forward, crawling to the end of the stage to finish out his number. Strange hands were all over him as damp wrinkled bills were thrust into his thong and the thick collar of fluff around his neck. He stretched out one of his long legs so a few could slide into the strap of his shoe. 

Valentino took it all in, the wealth of eager caresses and clumsy gropes, desperate touches that promised nothing more than quick and violent exchanges, and he wished his skin could crawl off his bones.

But this was it, wasn’t it?

The height of pleasure and joy he could hope to achieve here within the fires of Hell?

To serve exclusively as an object of the most base sexual gratification, to find bliss only in these fleeting moments while the masses worshipped his flesh and sought to suck him dry of everything he had?

And not in a fun way either.

It was then Valentino could feel himself slipping into despair.

Why keep going? 

All of his effort, all of his skill , meant nothing now. His independence, his very autonomy over his body, had been stolen away. He was a piece of meat again, a bag of holes, and he had to pretend and smile and sell himself even when all he wanted to do was swallow the end of a gun. 

But what would be the point? 

He’d just end up right back here. 

With that mamabicho. 

No. 

No, fuck that!

He was fucking Valentino. 

He had been the biggest and baddest hijueputa and he would be again. Because this was Hell and he had nothing but time, time and more fucking time, and Claudis would fall. 

Oh, si. 

Ese maldito cabrón! Iba a morir de mil maneras dolorosas! Ese bastardo… Ese…

Huh.

A light. 

Something new. 

Valentino knew by the music that his number was almost up, so he rose to his feet once more, heels stomping as he took to the pole for a big finish. He climbed to the top, hooking his leg around it to use as anchor as he curled his body backward and swung around in a seductive twirl.

It was difficult to focus—he was high, head faint and cloudy, but he could see a light in the distance over by the bar. 

A rectangular blue glow, soft but inviting, and within that light he thought he saw a face…

Fuck, these were good drugs. 

The song ended as Valentino gracefully dismounted from the pole. He didn’t see the blue glow again as he blew kisses to the crowd. 

Probably imagined it. 

He let himself stumble once he was behind the safety of the curtains, his shoulders hanging low as he made his way back to his dressing room. The gift of his own private space was the only real kindness Claudia had ever given him. 

He could close the door and fall apart, locking it tight though that didn’t matter much. 

Claudis was an overlord, and he didn’t need a key to get in here. 

Valentino undressed, picking out the cash from his various nooks and crannies. He shoved the money into a hidden pocket of his purse, and then stuffed his purse down into the false bottom of his vanity drawer. 

He’d count it later. 

He wasn’t done with work yet and next came the really fun part—having to let everyone have their fill of him, to lie and weave false praise like a tapestry, a blanket of deception to keep himself safe while he did whatever it took to keep his clients happy. 

A good night was a few bruises, a bit of blood. 

A bad night…

Well, it was bad. 

Ugh, he was sobering now, and he didn’t want to think. 

Valentino slid on a black silk robe, touched up his makeup, and sprayed on a cloud of perfume. He could almost pretend it was a shield, letting the scent relax him as he popped a handful of pills and topped it off with a few lines of coke. 

He’d just finished when a golden portal opened up in front of the locked door. 

Fucking great . 

Valentino put on his best—fake—smile, his voice dropping to a sultry purr as he said, “Aw, Claudis! Amorcito! Did you enjoy the—”

A man came tumbling through, landing on the floor in a heap. He wore a suit and tie, crisply pressed slacks, but no shoes. He appeared disoriented, and he was covered in blood. 

Whether it was his or someone else’s was unclear. 

Valentino was too busy staring at the man’s head. 

It was a big, blocky television. 

Being covered in blood wasn’t so unusual as they were after all in literal Hell, but this…

That blue glow. 

The man’s face was reflected in the screen of the television, handsome but twisted in despair, and he didn’t move from where he’d collapsed. 

“Hey!” Valentino poked the man’s back with his foot. “Pero que coño ? Hello! Hey? You! What the fuck are you doing bleeding on my rug?”

The man curled up on his side and said nothing, shuddering. 

“He’s my latest acquisition,” an all too familiar voice announced with sickening cheer.

Oh, great. 

Fucking wonderful. 

Claudis. 

A monstrous demon who was more fox and jackal and rotten corpse than man with a skeletal leer that sent shivers of dread right down Valentino’s spine. He wore freshly pressed suits like armor, his eyes glowed like golden flames, his big tail swishing like a cat about to pounce. He stepped into the room, and the portal closed behind him. 

"Is there a reason your acquisition is staining my favorite rug?" Valentino drawled, crossing all of his arms. 

"You're going to take care of him tonight," Claudis replied with a little chuckle, as if he found it funny. "Get him cleaned up. I expect him to start work as soon as possible."

"Wait…” Valentino’s head swam. “You're pimping him out?"

Claudis rolled his eyes. "Do as you're told, my sweet little worm." 

"Get someone else.” Valentino groaned. "I just got off stage and do you have any idea how many dicks I've already sucked tonight? Huh? How many I fucked ? I could fist my own fucking ass right now and—”

Claudis hit him.  

Closed fist, hard, right across his face.

The pain rocked Valentino’s head and sent him reeling, dropping to his knees beside the man. He cradled his jaw as bubbles dripped down his chin, and he cursed furiously. “Fuck! Fucking asshole .” 

The man still hadn’t moved. 

“Watch your mouth, worm,” Claudis warned. “Or I’ll find a better use for it.” 

Valentino kept his teeth together but only just, seething silently. 

“Now! Where were we?” Claudis grinned slyly, as if he was about to share a particularly juicy secret. “Ah, yes! My new employee. He is going to be helping me with a personal project. Very important. So, make sure you keep him very happy.” 

“Does your new toy have a name?” Valentino fought to keep the sarcasm out of his voice. 

Claudis laughed. “Silly worm. You’re a filthy whore and you have a name, don’t you? Of course he does.”

Valentino waited. “And it is…?”

“Ah, yes. This is Vox.” 

Chapter Text

Chapter 2.

Vox

Everything hurt, but Vox wasn't sure why. 

The world felt distant as if he was at the bottom of a deep well, staring up at a pinprick of sky impossibly high above him. 

He had been so stupid, so fucking stupid. 

Why had he thought that he could trust someone as untrustworthy as Claudis? 

Because a man’s word meant something, and Vox thought he could believe Claudis.

I won't hurt her.  

She had died quickly, a single stab through the chest with an angelic spear. 

And all the while, Vox was helpless to do anything. 

Too weak, too stupid, too fucking stupid.

Melody had been his whole world for the last fifteen years in Hell, the one spot of brightness in what was an otherwise dark and depressing city not unlike New York where he had lived when he was alive. 

But she was gone now. 

Vox thought he might have screamed, but it was a blur.

The darkness had closed around him, threatening to take him under as he stared at her limp body on the floor of the apartment they shared, a growing pool of dark blood around her. That same blood was all over Vox—his hands, under his nails, and the rich irony scent was clogging his nostrils.

He had signed his name. 

He had signed his fucking name on the golden contract because he had thought Claudis was telling the truth. 

Well, he had been, hadn't he? 

Melody had died quickly.

Vox might not be that lucky.

Everything had changed in mere seconds, as if a bomb had exploded right beside him and sent him reeling off his feet, ears echoing with the odd silence that surrounded him now. He’d hit something hard, body throbbing with pain, and there was a big flash of strobing lights.

The darkness returned then only to retreat some time later—how long had it been? A few minutes? Hours?—and he was definitely on the floor. He wasn’t sure where, but the jolt of landing rocked his chest with enough agony to clack his teeth together.

“Hey!” a male voice snapped. 

Something poked Vox’s back, but he couldn’t bring himself to move. The floor smelled like cheap perfume, but it was better than the blood.

“Pero que coño? Hello! Hey? You! What the fuck are you doing bleeding on my rug?”

Vox said nothing. 

“He’s my latest acquisition,” Claudis crooned. 

"Is there a reason your acquisition is staining my favorite rug?" the other man demanded. 

"You're going to take care of him tonight.” Claudis sounded smug. "Get him cleaned up. I expect him to start work as soon as possible."

"Wait…” There was a pause. “You're pimping him out?"

"Do as you're told, my sweet little worm." 

The voices were simultaneously too fast and too slow, and Vox thought maybe he was going to throw up or pass out. He couldn't decide which sounded worse right now.

"Get someone else.” The man groaned in frustration. "I just got off stage and do you have any idea how many dicks I've already sucked tonight? Huh? How many I fucked? I could fist my own fucking ass right now and—”

Claudis punched him.

The other man fell to the floor in a heap right next to Vox, cursing, “Fuck! Fucking asshole.”

“Watch your mouth, worm,” Claudis warned. “Or I’ll find a better use for it.”

The man collapsing beside him jarred Vox out of the darkness he had been trying to lose himself in. He stared, not sure for a moment what he was seeing. 

Lavender skin, black and white anetannae, small round glasses, big wings, and a thin silk robe that was open and left nothing to the imagination.  

Vox was in a room with someone. 

Not his apartment, and this was not someone he knew. 

“Now! Where were we?” Claudis was practically giddy as he sipped at the drink in his hand, the one he had insisted on stopping to get before coming in here. “Ah, yes! My new employee. He is going to be helping me with a personal project. Very important. So, make sure you keep him very happy.” 

“Does your new toy have a name?” the other man asked.

Claudis laughed. “Silly worm. You’re a filthy whore and you have a name, don’t you? Of course he does.”

“And it is…?”

“Ah, yes. This is Vox.”

Vox groaned, his voice barely registering in his throat as he fought to himself up on shaking arms, trying to turn and look where he thought Claudis was standing. He took a deep breath and forced out between clenched teeth, “I’m not… fucking helping you.” 

Claudis laughed, and a gold collar with a chain attached to it appeared around Vox's neck. He pulled the chain tight, forcing Vox up to his knees.

Vox clawed at the collar, hissing miserably as he glared up at Claudis with all the hate he could muster. 

"That's where you're wrong, sweetness. You're going to do whatever I want, whenever I want it." Claudis gave the chain a sharp yank. "If I wanted to sell your worthless hole to drunks to drop their loads in for a quarter a pop, I would. If I wanted to hang you by your feet in cannibal town and let them eat you alive for days and record the sounds of your screams for a new ringtone, I would. I fucking own you." 

Vox was not going to cry.

No.

He refused to appear weak or give Claudis that satisfaction, even as anger and fear warred inside of him like two wolves fighting over a bone and screamed at him to do something.

Something.

Anything. 

Claudis smiled savagely. “Do we understand each other now, sweetness…?

Vox sucked in a breath, hating how he was still stretched up on his knees in such a humiliating fashion. He decided to focus on his anger to give him strength, barking, “You lied to me! Like the fucking coward you are.” 

"Oh? Did I? I suppose I did. Oh no ! A sinner who lies? Who would have thought?" Claudis laughed. He laughed and he laughed right in Vox's face. The chain vanished and he gave Vox a cruel shove to send him back down to the floor. "Welcome to Hell, sweetness. I can't believe you lasted this long."

Vox grunted as the back of his screen collided with the ground, hard enough for him to see flickers of light. Half of his ribs felt like they’d been ripped out while the other half burned in fiery agony. 

Too weak, too fucking weak.

“Go fuck yourself,” Vox growled. 

"Careful, Vox," Claudis warned, still giggling a little. "Keep talking dirty like that and I might just have to fuck you. Behave yourself now, won't you?" He shot the other man a glare. "Valentino. Do as you're fucking told or I'll send you back to the stocks." 

"Yes, Claudis," Valentino hissed quietly. 

So, that was the man’s name.

He’d stood up at some point, hovering a few feet away with blood dripping down his lip.

Claudis grabbed Valentino's chin, smearing his thumb through the blood from the cut one of his gaudy rings had left. "Good boy." 

Another portal opened up, golden and shining and far too bright…

But Claudis was gone.

That was all Vox was able to comprehend for a moment. He stared blankly at the spot where the portal had been, now only empty air. Every breath was torture, and he

How had everything gone so wrong? 

Not even half an hour ago, he had been happy and content at home, and now... 

"Come on, hermano.” Valentino sighed. “Get up."

Something touched his arm, and Vox jerked away from it with a snarl like a trapped dog. "Get your fucking hands off me!" 

He immediately regretted it when the movement jarred his aching ribs and back like he had electrocuted himself. He hissed softly and wrapped his arms around his middle to try to ward off the pain.

"Mi maldito dios! Will you calm the fuck down?" Valentino rolled his eyes and groaned in frustration. "I am trying to help you, estúpido." He held out one of his hands, his tone a bit softer as he said, "I won't hurt you."

Vox lifted his chin up, and up. 

Wow, this person was tall. 

His eyes met shining red ones, but he looked away. 

He didn't want to accept help right now. Or ever. He didn't want pity or whatever the fuck this stranger was offering. But he couldn't stay on this floor, his whole body pulsing with pain. 

He had to get up. 

He planted a hand on the ground, trying to get his feet under him, but every movement was a struggle.

"Stubborn little shit, aren't you?" Valentino actually smiled. He sighed as he sat down on the raggedy couch, reaching underneath it to grab a bottle of tequila stashed there. He took a small sip. "Mmm, you let me know when you're ready, all right? I'll be right here, hermano."

Vox stared blankly back at him, one arm still wrapped around his ribs. "Ready for what?" he asked, aware that his normally luxurious voice sounded hoarse at the moment.

"Wow, did Claudis knock all your brains out or something? Are you mentally irregular?" Valentino paused to take another big gulp of booze, speaking slowly, "Are you... ready... for... me... to... help... you?"

Vox glowered. 

He did not need this idiot insulting him along with everything else. 

"I don't need your help."

"No, clearly." Valentino nodded. "You're doing just fabulous on your own." He sighed. "Is it your ribs?"

Vox didn't want to admit anything, but he was starting to think he was not going to get off this floor by himself.

"Yeah," he finally said.

Valentino set the bottle of tequila down and stood, gracefully kneeling beside Vox. He took off his robe and tore it into long strips. "They're probably broken. Not much you can do except try to wrap them, all right? Let's do that and then we will get you up on your feet."

Vox tried not to stare, but Valentino was now only wearing heels and tiny black panties that hid very little. He wanted to protest, but he was in no condition to do anything for himself right now. 

He was in his shirtsleeves, though they were rolled up, and Melody's blood covered his hands and arms. His waistcoat was torn, his trousers covered in blood too, and he had no shoes on, only socks. 

Because he had been at home, relaxing, unprepared for Claudis to arrive at his doorstep. 

He hesitantly let go of his torso, trying not to breathe too deeply, as even that hurt like a bitch.

"Come here." Valentino wrapped the pieces of his robe around Vox's chest, winding them tight and tying them off as he ran out of fabric before moving to the next. He had clearly done this before, binding Vox's ribs quickly and efficiently. He offered out his lower hands to Vox. "Here. Ready to stand, hmm?"

Vox nodded slowly. 

This was going to hurt, but he couldn't just sit here like a turtle on a log. He took Valentino's hands, surprisingly warm in his own, before shifting to try to get his feet under him.

"Up we go." Valentino squeezed Vox's hands gently as he tried to pull him to his feet.

Vox braced himself, gritting his teeth, and he managed to get to his feet with only a soft cry of pain. He tried not to double over, clutching the hands that held him a little tighter than he meant to to try to keep himself straight.

"I've got you." Valentino curled his upper arms around Vox's shoulders, urging him to lean against him. "We're going to take some little baby steps to the couch, all right?" He frowned. “Is this... your blood?"

Vox glanced down at the blood that stained his hands, already sticky and growing stiff. Softly, he said, “No.”

“Ah. I’m sorry.” Valentino grimaced. “Come on.”

Vox hissed as Valentino guided him toward the couch. He lowered himself slowly, bracing against one of the arms as he got settled.

“There you go.” Valentino let go of him. “Help yourself to the tequila.” 

Everything hurt and as much as he didn’t want to, a drink sounded good right now. 

“Thanks,” he said, though he didn’t feel up to reaching for it yet.

“De nada.” Valentino crossed the room to a small rack of clothes beside the vanity. He pulled out a short red dress to slip over his slim frame. "Give me just a moment to get cleaned up and then we'll go, all right?" He glanced back at Vox, taking in his petite size. "I might have something that fits you at home."

"Go?" Vox asked, lifting his eyes and staring, like he had never heard the word before.

Go?

Go where? 

“Si . Go. Vamos." Valentino snorted as he adjusted the very short dress. "Claudis told me to take care of you and get you cleaned up. I can't do this here in this shithole." He leaned over to check his reflection in the mirror, picking up a compact to put foundation over the cut. "So, I'm taking you home."

Vox very much doubted that home meant back to his own place. And even if it did, he wasn't sure he wanted to go there. Melody would be there, on the floor where Claudis had left her. 

Would someone find her and take care of her? 

She wouldn't come back. Not this time. Not ever. 

She was gone, and he was alone. 

Alone, with this stranger wearing a dress that was much too short to be considered decent on the streets. Not like there were police around to tell him that anyway. 

Vox looked around the dim room with its ratty furniture that looked like it had gone out of style before he had even come to Hell. “You don’t… live here?”

Valentino snorted out a laugh. "No. I have my very own shithole just a short drive from here." He checked over his reflection before adding a red lipstick that matched his dress. Satisfied now, he turned back to Vox. "What's your name? Vox? I'm Valentino."

Vox nodded slowly once. "Vox," he affirmed. "I... I'd shake your hand, but..." He looked at his hands covered in drying blood.

"It's fine." Valentino offered a strained smile. "I have a tub, all right? We'll get you cleaned up." He slung a purse over his shoulder and then offered his lower hands to Vox. "Up here we go."

Vox wanted to say he would just stay on this couch forever and not move, but this man... Valentino, he had said? Yes, Valentino was being kind to him, and he needed that right now. 

And he wasn't getting away from Claudis by sitting on his ass. 

He exhaled a breath, taking Valentino's hands to steady himself as he rose to his feet with a wince.

"There. Nice and easy, eh?" Valentino steadied Vox, his smile a bit more genuine now. "What kind of drugs do you like? Narcotics? Uppers?"

Vox blinked, staring at Valentino in confusion. "What now?"

"Drugs. Hello?" Valentino blinked back. "What kind of fucking drugs? Percocet? Morphine? Cocaine?" One of his hands pawed around in his purse. "I might have some LSD... Not that you need that kind of shit right now, but hey."

"Um." Vox tried to think, but his mind was too full and too empty at the same time. It wasn't like he hadn't done drugs, alive or dead, and forgetting everything sounded rather good right about now. "I don't... know... Whatever."

"Here, hermano." Valentino fished out a bottle of big white pills. "Let's start small, eh? Have a few Percs. Take the edge off those ribs and soften your brain just a little." He unscrewed the top and shook out two pills. "Open your mouth."

Everything screamed at Vox that this was a bad idea, but at this point, anything that would dull any of the pain was welcome. 

He opened his mouth obediently.

Valentino gently placed the pills on Vox's tongue. He grabbed the bottle of tequila and untwisted the top. "Here."

Vox took the bottle, having to hold it with both hands and feeling pathetic about it, but he swallowed the two pills with a mouthful of tequila that burned all the way down.

"Good boy." Valentino took the bottle back to put the lid back on. He dropped it on the floor and kicked it back under the couch. He sighed as he led Vox toward the door. "Just lean on me, all right? I'll carry you if I have to, but I'd rather not." He smirked. "I like this dress."

Vox nodded numbly, following after him. Each step hurt, and he wrapped one arm around his bound ribs to try to keep them as still as possible.

"I've got you." Valentino kept Vox steady as they slowly made their way out through the rear of the club. 

It was quiet and empty since it was closed now, and Valentino helped Vox outside to the back lot. He propped him against the wall next to the door. "Wait here a moment, okay?"

Vox only nodded again and leaned heavily against the wall. 

He wanted to run. Everything in him screamed that he needed to run as fast as he could. But he was barely standing under his own power right now. Running would have to wait. 

And…

It wasn't like he had to get back to Melody at this point.

A rusted out black Cadillac from the last decade pulled up after a few moments. The seats were covered in zebra-print blankets and a pair of fuzzy dice hung from the mirror. 

Valentino got out and came around to open the door for Vox. "All right, darling. Your chariot awaits."

No.

Valentino had to be kidding. 

Vox stared at the car like it was going to bite him. 

Maybe it would.

"What?" Valentino looked back at his car and then frowned at Vox. "The fuck? Hello? Can we go?"

Vox sighed, deciding he wasn’t going to get any better standing against this wall. He carefully pushed himself off the bricks and slowly approached the car. He was sure it was going to smell like stale cigarettes and cheap perfume, but it was better than standing around in his bloody clothes.

He sank into the passenger seat, leaning back with a hiss of pain.

Well, it did smell like cheap perfume but no cigarettes. He was going to take that as a win.

Once he was settled, Valentino closed the door and then walked around the car to get in the driver’s seat. 

This was better than standing around in bloody clothes all night. He sank down onto the passenger seat, leaning back with a soft hiss of pain.

Valentino’s many hands simultaneously lit a cigarette, cranked the car, and then put it in gear. While he was still lighting up, he slammed on the gas and pulled out of the parking lot, tires squealing.

Vox clutched at the door.

Fuck, he really going to die tonight.

“Slow down!” he protested, fumbling for the seatbelt. 

"Eh? What's wrong now?" Valentino didn't seem the least bit concerned, even as he weaved in and out of traffic. He ignored the traffic light ahead, simply moving around the other cars as they swerved to avoid them. "Do you get carsick?"

"No," Vox replied, though he thought that he might just to prove a point. "You're going to get us killed!"

"What? Pffft. As if." Valentino took a long drag off his cigarette, blowing out a puff of red smoke. 

It smelled oddly sweet and a little spicy like cinnamon, though it was hard for Vox to appreciate that right now when he was certain they were about to die in a horrible accident. 

"You need to lighten up, darling." Valentino took a hard right turn, honking the horn at a sinner trying to cross. He rolled down his window to scream, "Hey! Watch it, pendejo ! Stupid ass!" 

Vox felt like he was plastered to the car seat, not wanting to move and not even sure if he could. He gripped the door tightly with one hand, the seat with the other, as if that would keep him from being ejected like a rag doll.

Valentino finally slowed down to turn into a small parking lot next to a derelict apartment building.

Vox grunted as the car came to a screeching stop, and he glared at Valentino. “What in the fuck was that?

"What are you talking about?" Valentino snorted. "Driving?"

Vox didn’t answer, slowly pushing himself off the seat. He wanted out of this damn car, right now! He fumbled for the door handle, but his hands were shaking too badly. 

"What?" Valentino pouted. "It was not that bad!" 

Vox ignored him.

Valentino groaned in frustration, getting out of the car in a huff. He stalked around to open Vox's door. "Come along, your highness."

Vox glared a little, but he was grateful to finally escape the car. He had to brace himself on the door more than he would have liked to do so, but at least he was free of that death trap.

Valentino rolled his eyes, but he flicked his cigarette away and offered his arms out to Vox. "We'll get you a bath and something to eat, okay? I don't cook much but I can order out."

Vox took Valentino's arm. He was starting to feel a little fuzzy. 

Hopefully that was the drugs kicking in. 

"Sure," he muttered, holding tightly to Valentino.

"I've got you, darling." Valentino guided Vox up a flight of steps to the second floor of the apartment, his touch surprisingly gentle. He paused at the first door to unlock it and then nudged it open with his foot. "Home sweet home." 

It was small but clean with a tiny kitchen, a little living room, and a single doorway lined with a gold beaded curtain that led into a bedroom. The furniture was old, either red or painted gold, and the rug under the coffee table was shag.

Vox was very glad he had died in the real world before this had become the style of things. He tried not to wrinkle his nose. "Thanks," he mumbled, already headed for the shabby couch. 

"Ah! No!" Valentino grabbed Vox's arm. "You're not bleeding on my fucking couch. Come here." He steered Vox toward the beaded curtain. "You're taking a fucking bath, hermano."

Vox hissed softly, trying to pull away from Valentino as he growled, “I’m not bleeding.”

He wasn't actually sure if that was true or not. 

Maybe he was. 

Everything hurt enough.

Valentino refused to let go. "I don't care whose blood it is. You're not getting it on my couch. You. Bath. Now." He rose up to his full, very impressive height. "I will strip you and scruff you like a fucking cat if I have to, but I'd rather not. I'm fucking tired, all right?"

"You're fucking tired?" The words exploded out of Vox before he could stop them. "That fucking coward just beat me, forced me to sign his fucking contract, and then killed my girlfriend in front of me! He even made me stop at that shitty bar to grab a drink before dumping me at your fucking feet, and you're telling me you're tired?"

Valentino snarled furiously, barking right back, "I've had the shit kicked out of me and gotten fucked in every fucking hole I have whether I wanted it or not for fucking years ! Sometimes Claudis gets bored and likes to spice things up by breaking my fucking fingers or putting his cigarettes out in my fucking eye or any other number of fucked up things that pops into his sick ass head. I'm very sorry about your fucking girlfriend but you're goddamn right I am fucking tired." He glared, absolutely seething now. "Now you listen here, hermano. I worked my fucking ass off to get that stupid shitty couch and I am not letting you get stupid fucking blood on it! You're taking a goddamn bath!"

Vox stared at Valentino, trying to process all of the words through the drugs and the grief and the fog. 

He wanted to argue, or scream, or any number of things, but he felt like something had short-circuited inside of him. He had known Claudis was cruel, but he had never heard it put into words before. Everything suddenly made much more sense and hit him with a strange clarity that he wished he had had before this moment, especially as the drugs were starting to make his brain into soggy mush. 

"I..." He didn't even know what to say to that. 

Sorry?  

That probably wouldn't mean anything in the moment. 

So, he just nodded his head numbly. "Okay."

Valentino's chest heaved, his shoulders trembled, and his wings quivered as if he was about to fly forward and tackle Vox into the ground and tear him into pieces. Instead, he sagged, his rage clearly giving way to exhaustion. 

With a sigh, he offered a hand out to Vox. "Come on. The shower is busted but there's enough hot water for a bath, all right?"

Vox hesitated before slowly reaching out to take Valentino's hand. "All right.”

Chapter Text

Chapter 3.

Valentino

Valentino tried not to think about how nice Vox's hand felt in his--for the love of God, Claudis had just killed his girlfriend. 

He led him through carefully through the beaded curtain and into his bedroom, a small room taken up almost entirely by a large bed with gaudy animal print linens and far too many pillows for any one person. A bronze framed mirror hung over the headboard and the lamp at the bedside was beaded too. There were two doors, one a closet and the other opened into the bathroom. It had suffered what many would call the same designing nightmare as the bedroom, but it was in whites and grays to make the tiny space look bigger. 

It didn't help much. 

Valentino left Vox at the sink to turn the water on, checking the temperature before he put the stopper in. He came back to Vox with a small smile. "I can help you undress and get in, all right? I have actual bandages here so I can rewrap your ribs after you're done."

"Thank you," Vox said softly. The words felt thick on his tongue. He scuffed his socked foot into the tile floor. "Valentino, was it? I'm sorry. I shouldn't have yelled at you."

"It's fine.” Valentino reached out to unbutton Vox's shirt. "You've had a shitty day. I get it, all right?" His other hands went for Vox's pants and he sighed. "I've had a lot of those too. Claudis is a motherfucker."

Vox tensed a moment, but slowly relaxed. "Fuck, I... How long have you been with him?"

"Too long. I stopped counting after ten. So, maybe fifteen? Twenty?" Valentino laughed bitterly. "What the fuck is time matter here anyway?" He removed the wrappings he'd placed earlier so he could peel off Vox's shirt. 

He couldn't help a tiny smile as his gaze flicked over Vox's muscular torso.

Okay, fine.

Vox was very cute, and the muscles were an unexpected but pleasant surprise.

"Jesus," Vox said softly. "I... I'm sorry." 

If Vox had noticed Valentino checking him out, he gave no indication. 

“It’s Hell.” Valentino dropped the clothing and wraps tp the floor with a shrug. "I suppose I deserve it." He kneeled to pull Vox's pants and underwear down to his ankles. "Lift up your legs, darling."

Vox leaned his hands on the counter, carefully lifting each leg out of his stained clothing. He looked up to the ceiling, maybe bashful, and he gulped audibly.

Oh.

Vox had two cocks.

Huh, Valentino thought. Like me.

He tossed the clothing into the pile with the rest while his other hands peeled off Vox's socks. He stood and offered his hands again. "Ready?"

Vox nodded, reaching out for Valentino's hands. “Yes.”

"Come along, hermano." Valentino led Vox over to the tub, using a spare hand to turn the water off. "Need help stepping in?"

"Please.” Vox lifted a leg into the tub, setting it down carefully in the hot water, wincing.

"Easy, darling." Valentino's hold was firm, and his other hands reached out to help steady Vox. "Other leg and then all you have to do is let gravity take over, all right? I won't let you fall."

Vox nodded, carefully lifting the other leg into the tub before slowly letting his weight sink down into the water, which almost immediately turned pink from the blood coming off of him.

Valentino didn't let go until Vox was safely sitting in the tub. "Now, do you need help bathing or no?"

"No, I'll be all right," Vox said, barely lifting his head. "Thank you."

"All right." Valentino kicked off his heels and then reached under his dress to take off his panties. He kneeled beside the tub as he peeled his dress off.

Vox blinked, shifting to look at Valentino before quickly averting his eyes again. "What are you doing?"

"I told you, there's enough hot water for a bath. As in, one." Valentino grabbed a pink sponge from the side of the tub to thrust at Vox. "Here." He grabbed another for himself, dipping it into the water behind Vox so he could scrub the back of his neck.

"Oh. I... I'm sorry." 

"It's all right, hermano." Valentino cracked a little grin. "Won't be the first whore's bath this whore has had." He squeezed the water down his chest and around his multiple pits. He got more to rinse off his groin and up between his legs.

Vox kept his eyes averted, and he stayed focused on scrubbing the dried blood off himself. He bent his knees so he could reach his feet, and silence lingered for several moments. 

Finally, Vox asked, “What is that you keep calling me?”

"What? Hermano?" Valentino glanced back at Vox over his shoulder. "It's Spanish. Literally, it means brother, but it's more of like... dude. Or guy. Or something." He got one more spongeful of water to rinse off between his legs because he definitely felt like he needed it.

"Oh.” Vox splashed some water over his face and head, rinsing it away as best he could. He still felt dirty all over, but he guessed that feeling would take much longer to go away. "I... I think I'm all right to get out."

"All right. Hold on a moment." Valentino stood up, giving his wings a little shake as he headed back into the bedroom. 

He dug around his drawers until he found an old pair of sweats he'd cut into knee-length shorts that might work as pants on Vox. He grabbed a baggy T-shirt with two armholes from an ex-fling and then came back into the bathroom to drop them off on the counter. From under the sink he grabbed a roll of elastic bandages. "Just one second."

Vox simply nodded in reply. 

Valentino glanced over the pile he'd gathered and decided it was good. He swished over to Vox with a fluffy red towel in his lower arms. He offered his upper arms to Vox. "Come along, darling. I'll help you, all right?"

Vox reached up his damp arms to Valentino, grabbed him, and slowly stood. He stepped over the edge of the tub, holding tightly to Valentino, and groaned lightly as his feet touched the floor. 

“Here we go.” Valentino was polite enough to find the ceiling interesting as he patted Vox down and dried him off. He wrapped the towel around Vox’s waist before leading him over to the sink where the clothes were. He grabbed the sweats and kneeled, rolling up the legs so they’d be easier to step into. “Foot.”

Vox held onto the counter to steady himself, stepping first one foot and then the other into the rolled up pants. 

Valentino lifted the pants up beneath the towel for added modesty, making sure they’d stay while he removed the towel. “There we go.” He stood, tossing the towel over the top of the shower rod while his other hands grabbed the bandages. “Lift your arms if you. Grab my shoulders.” He smirked. “Or my tits, whatever you can reach.”

Vox gave him a slight glower. He raised his arms, sucking in a pained breath, but he deliberately put his hands on Valentino's shoulders.

Ah, stubborn.

And sensitive about his height.

Valentino rolled his eyes but he did lean over to make it easier. He wrapped the bandages around Vox’s bruised chest, drawing them tighter and tighter. “It’s going to hurt like a bitch, but it’ll help, all right?” He pulled them tighter still and then tied off the end. “There. How’s that?”

"Hurts like a bitch," Vox grumbled, letting out a breath. "Ow." He turned his eyes up toward Valentino. "Thank you though. I... appreciate it."

Valentino blinked a bit when their eyes met, his cheeks turning a slightly dark shade of purple. “Of course.” He took a step back, grabbing the T-shirt to wrestle over Vox’s head.

Vox threaded his arms through the arm holes. "Thank you," he said again, leaning his weight against the counter again.

“Couch time.” Valentino offered out his hands. “What do you like to eat? I’m ordering out.”

Vox took his hands without protest. "Anything is fine," he said softly. 

“Let’s go, right this way.” Valentino, still naked, led Vox back out to the little living room and steered him to the couch. “There we go. How about Mexican, hmm? No decent Puerto Rican cooks have come to Hell that I can find, but the Mexican isn’t so bad.”

"Sure, sounds good, thanks."

“Okay.” Valentino glanced over Vox for a moment. “Let me guess. Tacos, just meat and cheese? Maybe some rice?”

Vox blinked. "I'm not particular. Whatever you want." 

Valentino shrugged and slinked into the bedroom to find his purse so he could get his phone. He threw on a pair of barely there shorts, knee high socks, and his favorite fuzzy hoodie. He placed the order and popped a few pain pills, lighting a cigarette as he came back out. “Should be here in about thirty minutes. Something to drink?”

Vox looked up at him from where he was contorting himself against the arm of the couch. "Sure. Water's fine."

Valentino tilted his head at how Vox was fidgeting. “Do you want some pillows…?”

"Um, that might help," Vox said with a polite nod.

Valentino wordlessly headed back into his bedroom. 

If there was one thing Val had a lot of, it was pillows. 

He picked two simple black ones and a big furry one shaped like a pair of lips. He returned with the pillows, asking, "Where would you like them?"

Vox raised a brow at the lip pillow but only said, "One behind me and one for me to lean on here would be really nice, thank you."

The lip pillow was the largest, so Valentino stuck that one behind Vox's back and one of the regular ones next to Vox. "There you go." He dropped the extra one on the arm of the couch. "If you want it later, it's here." He walked to the kitchen, his hips swaying as he hummed a little to himself. "Water, right? Just water?"

Vox swallowed, adjusting around until he was comfortable with the pillows. "I... I'm not really in a position to be choosy," he said. "I'll take whatever you have."

Valentino dug around the fridge for a moment before he found a bottle of water. He grabbed tequila and a glass for himself. He returned and sat at a respectful distance, pausing to flick his cigarette in an ashtray before handing the bottle over to Vox. "Here. The water here tastes like sulfur. Fuckin' big surprise, right?"

Vox smiled weakly, taking the bottle. "Thank you." 

“De nada.” Valentino poured himself a big glass of tequila. He stretched his long legs out to rest his feet on the coffee table as he sank down into the cushions, nursing the glass between long drags of his cigarette. He waved a hand vaguely toward the little television. "You can put something on if you want."

Vox glanced over at the blank screen, then shook his head. "I'm all right. It's your house."

Valentino shrugged. "I don't care." He ashed his cigarette again without opening his eyes. "Oh, but if you hear any noise or whatever later, don't worry about it."

"What... kind of noise?"

"Claudis visits sometimes." Valentino sipped his tequila, letting Vox figure out the rest.

"...Oh," Vox said softly, taking a big swallow of water. 

"Don't worry about it." Valentino put his cigarette out, his eyes opening as he drank more. "You wouldn't be able to stop him anyway."

"That does not make me feel better about it," Vox grumbled, glaring at his water bottle.

"I told you. He's a motherfucker." Valentino shrugged. "He's been wrapped up in some other sinner bitch lately. I haven't seen much of him." He didn't want to mention that the chances of Claudis's visit was higher since Vox was here though. He didn't see the point in making Vox feel worse than he already did. "How are you feeling? Pills helping?"

"Yeah, thanks," Vox said softly. He stared down at his hands for another long moment. "I... Fuck... You've been working for him for years?"

"Yes. It sort of blurs together after a while. One nightmare after another, blah blah blah." Valentino turned his glass up and then immediately poured another for himself. "He took your soul, right?"

Vox fiddled with the label on the bottle. "He... he threatened Melody. He said if I signed the contract with him, he wouldn't hurt her."

"Oh, mi vida." Valentino wasn't going to point out how stupid it was to trust anyone--especially an overlord--in Hell. It would probably be rude since Vox had literally just washed whatshername's blood off or whatever. He tried to gather as much sympathy as he could muster, reaching over to give Vox's forearm a gentle squeeze. "Mis condolencias. I'm sorry."

Vox shook his head, pressing his palm to his face. "Fuck, I was so... so stupid. He came to me before and offered me a contract. I said no. Fuck, if I had just said yes the first time, she..." He swallowed hard as his voice cracked.

“No, no, no. You stop that shit right now.” Valentino’s grip tightened on Vox’s forearm, another hand cradling the back of his screen. “Listen to me, darling. Claudis is a fucking monster. Do you really think he would have left your lady alone if you’d signed up willingly, huh? I have seen him force sinners to kill the ones they love and much worse than that. She would have never been safe. Because of him. Not you.”

Vox looked up in surprise at the gentle touches, meeting Valentino's red eyes. He took a deep, shaky breath, tears falling down his screen. "Thank you."

Valentino shifted his hand on Vox's arm to use his sleeve to softly wipe away Vox's tears. He kept petting his screen as he was not really what else to do. He wasn't great at offering comfort, didn't have much of a heart left to give enough of a shit, but... 

Seeing Vox so broken reminded him of himself, of what it was like to have one’s world ripped away, and he remembered very well how much that hurt.

He smiled sadly, offering out the tequila bottle.

Vox glanced at the bottle and took it, gulping back a large swallow. "Thank you.” He sighed and cleared his throat. “What... what should I do?"  

Valentino's fingers paused in their petting, a frown creasing his lips. "I'm not sure I'm the one who should be giving that sort of advice... I..." He resisted the urge to reach up and touch his mutilated antennae. "Most of Claudis's people seem to do fine as long as they behave and do what he wants. Whatever this project is that he wants you for? Just do it."

"I... I know it's some sort of video editing," Vox replied, his fingers tangling into the bulky knee of the sweatpants. "That's what I do."

Valentino flinched. He finished off his glass and filled it promptly. "Claudis likes to record his little games with people."

"What does that mean?"

"All the fucked up shit he does to people?" Valentino chugged the glass until his head was fuzzy. "He records it, all right? So, just..." He waved dismissively. "Fair warning. It's gonna be fucked up."

Vox stared at him. "Are... are you fucking serious?"

"No, I thought it would be fun to make that up just to fuck with you," Valentino drawled, his eyes heavy as he stared back at Vox. "Yes, I'm fucking serious. Spoiler, I'm in a lot of them. You may enjoy the one time I stabbed him." He chuckled bitterly. "Oh... Fucking worth it though."

Vox scoffed. "You what? How were you able to do that?"

"Eh?" Valentino blinked. He was pretty sure he had said that in English, but between the pills and booze he wasn't sure. "I pulled the knife out of me and then put it in him. I was aiming for his dick, but I think I just hit his intestines or something."

"Obviously he didn't die," Vox said, a bit grumpily.

"No shit." Valentino spat out a laugh. "Still felt good as fuck though. Asshole."

"Why didn't you try to kill him?" Vox asked with a frown. "Then you would have been free."

"What the fuck do you think I was stabbing him for?" Valentino pouted. "For fun? Of course I wanted to fucking kill him, but then he--" He stopped. "Freedom isn't the fucking problem. Claudis is."

"What do you mean?" Vox asked, shifting a little against the pillows, apparently trying to find a comfortable position again.

"What do you mean?" Valentino made a face and rubbed a hand over his forehead. "I've tried to leave Claudis. He always finds me. It's fucking Pride. There's nowhere to go."

Vox swallowed hard. "I... I've heard that if overlords have your soul, they can summon you from anywhere." That would definitely make it hard to run.

"Oh, right. Yeah. They can do that." Valentino nodded as he nursed tequila straight from the bottle. "But Claudis doesn't have my soul."

Vox's head shot up quickly, and he clutched at his screen. "What? Then why the fuck are you here?"

"What part of he finds me do you not understand?" Valentino fussed, his words slightly slurred. "El me encuentra. He. Finds. Meee. And he always makes it fucking worse. Everyyy time."

"Why does he keep looking for you?" Vox asked, keeping his voice low and calm. "No offense, but whores are a dime a dozen in Hell."

"Maybe I'm just that great of a fuck," Valentino sneered bitterly. "Or, or, maybe it's because it drives him crazy that no matter what he does to me, I still won't give him my soul. Ha!"

Vox shifted uneasily on the couch and directed his gaze to the floor.

Shit.

Valentino was pretty high, but not so high that he didn't realize what he'd said probably hurt Vox's feelings considering the circumstances. "Look, I..." He reached for Vox's hand. "I'm fucking insane, okay? I, I was not well when I was alive and I'm not fucking well now. Don't be too hard on yourself, all right, amorcito?"

Vox looked down at Valentino's hand on his and very slowly curled his own into it. "Well, thank you for being kind to me right now. I appreciate it."

"I'm just doing what I was told," Valentino said quietly, though it could be argued he'd already gone above and beyond what Claudis had expected. He gave Vox's hand a little squeeze. 

There was a knock at the door.

He patted Vox's hand before letting go, managing to stand gracefully. "Mmm, uno momento. That'll be the food."

Vox nodded, taking another swallow of water. 

Valentino answered the door and grabbed the food. He locked the door back up tight before coming over to drop the bags on the coffee table. His many hands quickly sorted the containers, handing one full of tacos and rice to Vox. “Here. You need to eat something.”

“Thank you,” Vox mumbled as he took the food. He opened it and picked up one of the tacos, taking a few small bites.

Valentino had a single beef enchilada, rice, and beans. He settled back in the couch to pick at his food. "I'll bring you some blankets after we eat. Do you need anything else?"

"No, thank you. I... I don't have my wallet to pay you for this, but I will."

"Don't worry about it." Valentino paused, his expression sad as he said, "If Claudis asks... Just please tell him I did a good job, all right?"

Vox blinked, lifting his eyes to look at Valentino as if confused. "Yes, of course. What... what would happen if you didn't?"

Valentino shrugged, replying as casually as if Vox had asked him about the weather, "He's really been into burning people lately. Brands, irons, hangers, shit like that. So, probably one of those."

Vox jerked in his spot and nearly tipped over the almost empty bottle of water. "Are you fucking serious?"

Valentino blinked at him. "Yes! Why do you keep asking that? Where the fuck have you been, eh? We're in Hell, amorcito. Bad people come to fucking Hell." 

Like me, he thought, but he kept that to himself.

"I... I tried not to get too involved with overlords," Vox said with a deep frown.

"It's not just overlords who are sick fucks, darling." Valentino laughed bitterly, already closing up his food though he'd barely touched it. "How long have you been here?"

"A long time," Vox replied with a frown. "I died in 1959."

"What the fucking fuck then?" Valentino stared at him. "How, how are you this... ingenuo. Uh." He couldn't think of the word in English. "Stupid? No, that's not it... I, I just don't understand how you don't understand what this place is like."

“If you keep your head down, you can just blend in. I thought I had done that."

"Still." Valentino was having a hard time believing it, which then raised his suspicions. 

He knew Claudis did so enjoy his fucked up little games--what if this was trick? 

Some sort of setup? 

Fingers trembling, he took another swig of tequila and then lit a new cigarette. 

He had to be sure. 

There was only way he knew to test this. 

He snatched Vox up by the sides of his screen, breathing out a thick plume of red smoke into his face.

Vox coughed, trying to jerk away, but he couldn't move very far. "What the fuck are you doing?" he asked, waving his hand in front of his face to try to clear the stinging smoke from his eyes. “Hey!”

"You! Tell me the fucking truth right now," Valentino snapped furiously. "Is this some kind of fucking trick? Huh? Are you helping Claudis? Is, is this another fucking game? Trying to make me feel sorry for you so then you can both peel my skin off or something because oh, that will be sooo funny?"

Vox tried to shove him away, gasping in pain. "What the fuck? I'm not doing anything for that sadistic bastard! Get off me!"

"Pero que coño?" Valentino retreated instantly, his eyes wide. Terror coursed through him, and he tried to stand, flapping his wings to help balance him. He was moving too fast and tripped over his own feet, falling in a heap on the floor. 

No, no, no. This couldn't be happening. 

The only person he knew his smoke didn't work on was Claudis.

An overlord.

Chapter Text

Chapter 4.

Vox

Vox stared at Valentino in surprise and clumsily slid off the couch, holding his hand out to Valentino. "Hey, calm down! I don't know what you just said, but I'm not doing anything or playing some game. That's fucked that you even have to think--”

"Fuck you!" Valentino recoiled fearfully, scrambling away until his back hit the wall, chest heaving frantically. "Why didn't it work then, huh? Why?" He grabbed a leg of the coffee table, kicking the side of it hard so the leg broke off in his hand. He raised it up with a snarl as the table dropped, spilling the food everywhere. "What the fuck are you?"

"Whoa, hey!" Vox held up both his hands, trying to press himself back against the couch despite the ache that caused. 

Holy fuck, he was stuck in this apartment with a crazy person. 

"Why didn't what work? I'm not going to hurt you, I promise! I'll stay right here."

"Mi puto humo! Hello!" Valentino pointed the coffee table leg at Vox. "My smoke. It did nothing to you and the only other motherfucker I know who is immune is fucking Claudis. An overlord."

Vox blinked. 

That red smoke was supposed to do something? 

"I'm not an overlord!" he protested. He winced as the movement made his ribs shift, and he doubled over, clutching them. “Look at me! Do you think I’m faking this?”

Valentino narrowed his eyes, but he slowly lowered the coffee table leg. "I have no fucking reason to trust you.”

Vox lifted his head, eyes wet with tears of pain that he tried to keep from falling. "I... I get that," he said softly. "Fuck, that's so messed up that you would even have to think that. But... I don't have a reason to trust you either, right? The only thing I know about you is that you work for Claudis."

Valentino frowned. He dropped the table leg finally, looking down at the mess of food all over the shag rug. "I'm sorry about your tacos."

Vox shook his head. "It's all right. Can I help you clean up?" He started to get to his feet, using the couch to brace himself.

"N-no. Just..." Valentino held up his hand. "Just stay there. Please." He grabbed the table leg again and warily crawled forward on his knees to start picking up the food. "What I can do... It's, it's probably the real reason Claudis keeps me around. He likes me to use it on people he's trying to recruit and for whatever other stupid sick shit he comes up with." 

"Oh," Vox said softly. "What... what is your smoke supposed to do?" He stayed on the floor where he was, his hands out on either side of him so Valentino could see he wasn't moving.

"It's like a drug. It gets people high and then they'll do whatever I tell them to." Valentino kept an eye on Vox as he cleaned, picking up the last few bits of rice with a scowl. "Some people might take a few hits, but... Like I said, Claudis is the only one it doesn't work on. And now you."

Vox nodded slowly. "I... I can see how that would worry you," he said, trying to keep his voice gentle. "Look, I'm not an overlord or playing any games with you. I don't know what I can do to prove that. If... if you feel like you need to kill me to be safe, I get it. But you've been really kind to me, and I don't want to see you get in trouble with Claudis if he gets angry, if he's even half of a sadistic bastard as you say."

Valentino frowned but he seemed to be listening, hesitantly looking up to meet Vox's gaze. He shoved the remains of their dinner back into the bag it had come in, his other hands trying to unsuccessfully reattach the broken table leg. "Fine. You want me to fucking trust you? Don't tell Claudis I can't smoke you out."

"I won't.” Vox nodded. “I... I'll even fake it if you need me to. I know that words are cheap in Hell, and you have no reason to believe them. But my words mean something to me. It's one of the few things I have worth anything at the moment, as little as that probably means."

Valentino eyed Vox suspiciously again, but he nodded in reply. "Okay. Fine. Deal. Whatever. I'll take your word." He sighed. "What do you want from me?"

Vox blinked. "I... I don't want anything from you. At least, nothing you don't want to give. You've already taken care of my injuries and fed me. I'm not really in a position to ask for more than that."

"Fine. Whatever. Be fucking weird." Valentino gave up on the coffee table and let it fall. He stood up to throw away the food in the kitchen, rubbing his forehead.

Vox didn't think anything he had just said was weird, but then again, Valentino had been ready to murder him only two minutes ago. 

He slowly got to his feet so he could sit down on the couch again with a soft groan. "I'm sorry about your table. If you have a hammer and nails, I could fix it for you." 

Maybe in a few days when he was feeling a little better, at least.

"I don't," Valentino said shortly, but he paused to add, "But... thank you. I'll figure it out." He headed to his bedroom and returned with a fluffy red blanket. "Here."

Vox nodded, taking the blanket. "Thank you," he said softly. "I appreciate it."

"You're welcome." Valentino fidgeted. "Do you need anything else?"

"No, thank you," Vox said, not sure if he was going to be able to sleep or not. "Um, good night."

“Good night.” Valentino fidgeted again, almost as if he was going to say something else, but he headed back to his bedroom doorway. He parted the curtain to step through, pausing there to say, “If you need to use the bathroom or anything, knock on the frame, all right? Just… just let me know you’re coming in first. Please.”

"Oh, yes, I can do that," Vox said, giving him a weak smile. "Sorry to invade your space like this."

“It’s fine.” Valentino managed a little smile. “At least you’re nice to look at.” He smirked. “But don’t think I still won’t ram that table leg up your cute little flat ass sideways, okay?”

Vox laughed just a bit. "I promise to be on my best behavior while I'm here." 

He assumed that would only be until tomorrow anyway.

"Good night." Valentino's smile had a touch more warmth. "Sleep well." He slipped into his bedroom, the beads lightly rattling behind him.

Vox lay on the unfamiliar couch in the unfamiliar apartment, the foggy pulses of pain making it impossible for him to find a comfortable position. He was exhausted, and he wanted all of this to just be a bad dream.

He had never worn sweatpants in his life, and he was more than slightly mortified that he was having to do so now. 

A T-shirt too. 

God, this really was Hell.

His thoughts drifted to his host, the beautiful but possibly very insane moth. Crazy or not, Valentino had been right about a lot of things.

Like Melody…

This man had much more experience and understanding about Claudis than he ever would. It didn't change that Melody was gone, but what Valentino had told him slightly soothed the guilt and ache inside of him. 

The last thing Vox would want for her would be to be trapped under Claudis too, being hurt and scared and him being unable to stop it. 

He had to have fallen asleep at some point, because he woke up, confused and in darkness. He was alone. He was alone because Melody was still dead, and he was on a damn sex worker's couch in fucking sweats. He refused to let tears fall.

Claudis wasn't worth his tears, only his rage.

Oh…

There was a sound.

Vox was no longer alone in the apartment.

He heard a familiar hum--Claudis.

Vox froze on the couch, not daring to open his eyes as he felt Claudis's eyes on him. Once he heard Claudis, he shifted and pushed himself up, swallowing a pained sound.

There was silence for several tense seconds.

"Mmm, Vox...?" Valentino sounded drowsy, his accent heavy. There was a click as the lamp came on and a dim reddish light filled the room. "Oh, it's you." He muttered in Spanish. "I did what you wanted. He's in there asleep, snug as a bug in a--fuck!" 

Skin on skin, a heavy hit. 

"You motherfucker!" Valentino seethed.

"I didn't ask you to speak," Claudis said calmly. "Now. On your stomach."

"Fuck you," Valentino spat. 

There was a crash, the lamp hit the floor and created weird, fractured angles as Valentino cried out in pain. More thumps, more hitting, Valentino snarling and fighting back furiously.

Vox's heart beat furiously in his chest.

It was one thing if Claudis and Valentino just fucked and that was that, but this sounded much more violent. He didn't know what he could really do, but he compelled himself to his feet, bracing an arm around his chest, making his way over to the beaded curtain. He pushed it aside, the brightness of his screen illuminating the room with a blue glow.

Valentino was face down in bed, his shorts ripped wide open as Claudis forced himself inside. He screamed, thrashing wildly but his arms and wings were bound with thick rope. He reared up and turned, still snapping his teeth and trying to reach any part of Claudis that he could.

He froze when he spotted Vox. He shook his head and cried, "Vox! Go! Just fucking go!"

Part of Vox wanted to turn and run. 

Not that he had anywhere to go; it was a small apartment with nowhere to hide. 

And he was not going to hide from Claudis. 

"Get the fuck off of him," Vox growled, eyes narrowing dangerously, taking another step into the room so the beads swung behind him.

"Or else what?" Claudis grinned, slamming his cock into Valentino cruelly and making him whimper beneath him. "What are you going to do, Vox? Oh. Right. Exactly what you did when I killed Melody. Absolutely fucking nothing."

The words hit like a blow, but Vox wasn't going to back down, even as his brain screamed at him not to be stupid. The absolute blinding anger and hate that he had felt earlier when Claudis had killed Melody had been stuck inside of him, and it boiled into white hot rage. 

"Vox, no! Don’t listen to him!" Valentino writhed frantically, pleading with Vox, "Listen to me, amorcito. Okay? Just go! For the love of fucking God, just--"

"Shut up, worm." Claudis cracked his fist across the back of Valentino's head.

Valentino grunted, sagging against the bed. "Ah, ha ha. Ha haha..." He took a deep breath to laugh even louder. "You... hit... like a bitch."

Vox was pretty sure he was about to end up in a world of pain, but that didn't matter. 

What mattered was getting Claudis off of the one person who had been kind to him and getting his hands around Claudis's mangy throat. "I said, get off!" he snarled, pure adrenaline pushing the pain away only momentarily for him to fly across the small room to try to tackle Claudis off of Valentino.

Claudis’s ear flicked, he smiled, and a golden chain wrapped around Vox’s throat, yanking him violently backwards right out of the air. 

Vox hit the ground on his back, all of his air leaving him with a pained grunt. Everything flickered for a moment, and he struggled for breath, wrapping his hand around the chain and yanking at it desperately.

“Aw, this is sweet!” Claudis cooed. “You like my little whore, do you? Valentino is so very beautiful, isn’t he?”

“Stop it!” Valentino shouted weakly. “Goddammit, Claudis…! Damn you! You fucking cunt!” He gritted his teeth. “Let him go and I’ll, I’ll be good. All right?” 

“Oh?” Claudis tightened the chain around Vox’s throat. “Will you?”

“Good enough.” Valentino put his head back down to display his submission, panting hard. “Just get it over with.”

Vox growled, wrapping his hand around the chain that Claudis held and pulling hard, intent to knock Claudis off his feet, or at least off balance enough that he could try to do something, though he had no idea what.

Claudis barely seemed to notice, much more interested in fucking Valentino into the mattress. Their skin slapped together obscenely and Claudis grabbed the back of Valentino’s neck as he pounded into him. 

“Vox… Just… stop? Please stop.” Valentino’s voice was weak, hoarse. He turned his head but Claudis made him look back at Vox. 

“No, no.” Claudis chuckled. “You look so pretty when you’re getting fucked… Let Vox see.”

Vox was rapidly running out of energy, and Valentino's pleas cut through the painful rage in his head. He stumbled back a step, every breath hurting to take. He didn't know what to do. 

He could try again to get Claudis off of Valentino, but he knew he wouldn't have the strength. He could turn and run, but that felt cowardly. He leaned heavily against the wall, pain making him dizzy, but he forced himself to glower at Claudis, deliberately not looking at Valentino. 

"You're a fucking pussy," he said through clenched teeth. "Only a coward attacks those who can't fight back."

Claudis snarled, finishing inside of Valentino with a low growl and several brutal slams. He tucked himself away, sliding off the bed with an eerily calm smile. The golden chains holding Vox vanished. “All right. Go on. Think I’m a coward, do you? One time. Here you go. Give me your best shot.”

Vox snorted softly. 

At least Claudis was off Valentino now. 

He leaned harder against the wall, one arm still wrapped around his chest. "You fucking think I can fight you like this?" he said with a glare.

“You’re the one who called me a coward.” Claudis chuckled, reaching out to brush a bit of lint off Vox’s shoulder. “I was merely presenting you with an opportunity to do something about it…” He sighed dramatically. “How boring. Now. Who’s the pussy?”

Don't do it, his brain said, but the anger was hotter. 

Melody was gone, Valentino was hurt, and he was already under Claudis's control. With a snarl, he launched himself off the wall, using it for momentum, tackling Claudis with his whole body, forearm up to try to pin the fucker's throat to the floor with it. 

If he could do that, he could crush his windpipe like snapping chicken bones.

But…

Vox would have been more successful trying to tackle a brick wall. 

Claudis didn’t budge. His ears barely twitched. He sighed again, as if bored, and he grabbed Vox by the front of his shirt, hurling him across the room. “A for effort. Love the energy. Ultimately useless though.”

Vox slammed into the wall, fire going up his spine, trying to suck in air as his lungs fought for any amount of oxygen, his vision and screen flickering for a moment.

Claudis laughed in delight. “Wow. Just fucking pathetic, huh? Don’t worry. I’ll still have plenty to keep you busy.” He looked back at Valentino. “Bring him to the club with you. Make sure he looks presentable.” 

Valentino pressed his lips into a thin line. 

Claudis grabbed Val’s mutilated antenna and gave it a yank. 

“Y-yes, sir,” Valentino spat. 

Claudis looked back at Vox, his bushy tail lashing as if he was thinking about something. 

“Thank you, sir.” Valentino sneered, bringing back Claudis’s attention. “Thank you for coming so fast, sir. I love what a little bitch you are, sir.” He kept cursing him out in Spanish until Claudis slapped him. “Ah, fuck.”

“Shut up, worm.” Claudis adjusted his jacket and grinned at Vox. “Tomorrow.” He vanished through a shimmering gold portal.

Vox wasn't sure he could get up if his life depended on it where he slumped against the bedroom wall. His head felt heavy, and everything felt too tight. He groaned softly, lifting bleary eyes toward Valentino. 

"I... I'm sorry," he managed to croak out.

“It’s all right.” Valentino sighed. “I… Thank you for trying.” He pulled at the ropes and grunted. “Could you please untie me?”

Vox blinked, squinting in the darkness to see that Valentino was indeed still tied. 

What the fuck? Would Claudis have just left him that way if Vox hadn't been here? 

"Yeah," he said, forcing himself to his knees, and then up to his feet, stumbling across the space to the bed. His fingers trembled as he tried to undo the knots there.

"Thank you." Valentino sat up a bit, though it was awkward with the way his arms were tied. "Are you all right...?"

"I... Not really," Vox said, forcing himself to take a breath and focus on the knots to get them undone. "Are you all right?"

"I'll be fine. I've had worse." Valentino sniffed quietly. "I..." He glanced up at Vox. "You didn't have to do that. I... I told you not to."

"I know you did," Vox said softly, getting one of the knots around Valentino's wings free and gently sliding the rope away. "But I heard him hurting you, and... I couldn't just lie there and do nothing."

Valentino groaned in relief as his wings stretched and flapped. He frowned, glancing back at Vox. "That's what you should have done, you idioto. Now he knows another way to fucking hurt you." He smiled a little. "But... thank you anyway. No one's ever done that for me."

Vox got the last rope off and tossed it to the floor. "Well, I can't promise I'll be able to keep doing it. But that fucker is at the top of my short list of people who need to get their clocks cleaned. Any chance I get to try to hurt him, I will."

Valentino rubbed his wrists and then stretched his many arms, arching his back with a little grunt. He shook his head, reaching over for Vox's hands. "Amorcito, don't be a hero. He will kill you, okay? Do you get that? You can't hurt him. He literally owns your soul."

Vox frowned, taking Valentino's hands. "Has he killed you?"

“Yes. Duh. Like, a bunch of times. He’s a fuckin’ dick.” Valentino snorted, giving Vox’s hands a little squeeze. “Trust me when I tell you he doesn’t like quick deaths.”

"Oh," Vox said softly, his fingers curling tighter around Valentino's. "I... I'm sorry."

“It’s all right.” Valentino tried to smile. “It’s been a little while since the last one. I’m overdue for a makeover anyway.” He playfully twitched his battered antenna.

Vox reached up to gently touch it. "Does it hurt?"

Valentino tensed, but he didn’t stop Vox. “No. I… It’s a little sensitive. Like the nerve is right there or something. Just… be gentle.”

"Oh, no, I'm sorry," Vox said, quickly pulling his hand back. "I shouldn't have without asking. Did I hurt you?"

“Look at you! All concerned with consent. Cute.” Valentino chuckled. “And no. If it hurt, I would have slapped you. It sort of… tickles.”

Vox snorted. "Despite me probably being too mouthy for my own good, I actually try to be a decent person. I mean, not completely decent, we are in hell, after all. But I'm not a fucking monster like some of the people down here."

Valentino’s smile dipped and he gingerly let go of Vox’s hands. “Right. Of course not.” He sighed. “If you’ll excuse me, this little monster needs to go clean up and get a fucking drink or five.”

Now that his adrenaline had worn off, Vox realized how badly everything hurt. He wondered if he was even going to be able to walk upright in the morning. "Fuck. Do you have any more of those pain killers?"

"Si. Just a moment." Valentino brushed by Vox to head into the bathroom, walking tall and head held high.

Vox watched the door shut behind him, frowning. 

Valentino looked like hell. 

Sure, he was putting on a brave front, but he had to be hurting.

Vox made his way back to the living room to find the bottle of tequila. He took a small sip before bringing it back to the bedroom, sitting down on Valentino's bed with it.

 Maybe he should have grabbed glasses, but he didn't feel like rooting around a strange kitchen, and he was pretty sure if he tried to lift his arms above his ribs, he was going to shatter something, so the bottle would have to do.

Valentino emerged from the bathroom, now wearing a short robe. His makeup was fresh, his lips now painted a deep red, and he smiled when he saw the tequila. He held up a bottle of pills, saying, “Looks like a party now.”

"Is this all right?" Vox asked, giving him a weak smile. "I didn't want to go through your kitchen."

"It's fine. Mi casa su casa." Valentino sat beside Vox, moving back against the headboard with a wince. He stretched out his long legs, curling his wings off to the side opposite Vox. He shook out a few pills to offer out to Vox.

Vox took the pills with a grateful smile, swallowing them down with a mouthful of tequila before handing the bottle to Valentino. "Thanks." He grabbed one of the many pillows and hugged it to his chest, since the pressure seemed to help his ribs feel better.

Valentino popped a few pills for himself, nodding as he accepted to bottle back to wash them down. He kept chugging, chugging, and chugging before he finally stopped. He burped. "Excuse me."

"Don't mind me.” Vox chuckled. “I can go back to the couch if you want to be alone."

Valentino was quiet for a long moment before scooting over to make room for Vox against the headboard. He reached down for the covers to pull up over himself, shaking his head. "It's all right. You can stay if you want."

Vox hesitated. "I... I don't think I'll be going back to sleep tonight," he said softly. "I don't want to keep you up."

"Will you..." Valentino fidgeted. "Will you just stay? Even if I fall asleep?"

Vox blinked, then nodded. "Yes, I can, if you want me to."

"Thank you." Valentino slouched down to make a little nest out of the pillows. He hugged a few to his chest and draped his wing over himself beneath the blanket. "You know..." He paused. "You know I'm not like you. I'm not a decent guy. And I never tried to be."

Vox started to shrug and remembered that hurt, so he just smiled. "That's all right. I appreciate everything you've done for me."

"If Claudis tells me to kill you or something, I'll do it." Valentino frowned. "I don't want you to fuckin' think that we're friends or... whatever." He closed his eyes. "I would feel bad though... That's... sort of new."

Vox smiled a bit more. "I won't blame you for doing what you have to do, Valentino." He very lightly laid his hand on the moth's arm, giving it a gentle squeeze. "Get some sleep."

Valentino flinched a little at the touch but relaxed, shifting a hand over Vox's as his eyes closed. "Good night, Vox."

"Good night," Vox said softly, letting Valentino take his hand as he leaned back against the headboard, clutching the pillow to his bruised ribs.

He thought he heard something--maybe a squeak?

Probably just something making noise in the apartment.

He closed his eyes and tried to sleep, praying for rest that probably wouldn’t come.

Chapter Text

Chapter 5.

Valentino 

Valentino woke up when his phone beeped, signaling it was time to get up. He was sore, a tad hungover, and he knew another exciting day of pain and misery awaited him. He was dimly aware that there was something on his hand--wait, no, someone was holding his hand. He snarled, bolting up and ready for a fight...

But it was Vox.

He retreated back, clutching his hands to his chest as he panted. "I'm... I'm sorry. I... I forgot you were here."

Vox hugged the pillow he’d been holding to his chest, arching in obvious pain. "Sorry, I didn't mean to startle you."

"I..." Valentino rubbed a hand over his face. "I sleep alone. I..." He pulled the blankets up over himself, clearing his throat. "Just give me a few moments to get ready, all right?"

"Yeah, of course," Vox said. "Mind if I use your bathroom really quick to freshen up?"

"Go right ahead." Valentino laid back down with a sigh.

"Thank you." Vox got to his feet, more than a little unsteady. "Fuck," he groaned, still clutching the pillow to himself as he hobbled toward the bathroom.

"Take your time," Valentino called after him. He waited for the door to shut before sliding his robe off. He was a little grumpy about having to share his morning time with another person. It was the one time of the day that was completely his before he headed into work and he had a specific routine... 

None of which involved Vox.

He slid his lower hand over his stomach and groin, teasing his cocks lightly. He was already hard, each of his slits wet with precome, and he sighed softly as his upper hands went to his nipples to pinch and squeeze.

He usually wanted to take his time, but he knew they needed to hurry.

Claudis would not be happy if they were late.

He’d just taken himself in hand when the bathroom door opened.

Shit.

Breathless, he said quickly, “Just wait for me out there, all right? I’ll just be a few moments.”

Vox appeared confused, but then his screen turned pink as realization must have clicked in. He hurried out without another word. 

Valentino finished with himself under the covers and was at least polite enough to muffle his moans. He didn't know why he'd bothered honestly, and it was one of the worst orgasms he’d had in recent memory.

Ugh.

He dragged himself into the bathroom, took a quick bath, tried to enjoy himself again but he couldn't stop thinking about Vox and how adorable that little blush had been. He had to wonder did Vox flush like when he was getting those cocks of his sucked, would he whimper and plead, what did it sound like when he came--

Goddammit. 

With a growl, Valentino got out and then dressed for work--a short black dress, fishnet stockings, and thigh high boots. 

He did his makeup to cover the cut from yesterday and other old bruises that were peeking through. He lit a cigarette, grabbed his purse, and then headed into the living room to peer at Vox.

Vox was on the couch and looked particularly miserable.

Shit. 

The sweats.

"Do you have clothes?" Valentino asked. "Somewhere?" 

Vox stared for a long moment before he answered. "Uh... At my apartment. All I had with me was the stuff I was wearing yesterday." 

"All right." Valentino paused to take a long drag, frowning. "Is that where..." He gestured vaguely. "It happened?"

Vox nodded slowly. "Yes," he said, voice soft and sad.

"Okay. So." Valentino ran his tongue over his top teeth. "How about we go and you just tell me which one is yours, all right? That way you don't have to go in or whatever."

Vox blinked, staring at him for a moment. "You mean... go to my apartment?"

"You need clothes." Valentino cocked his hip, crossing his lower set of arms. "And unless you want me to dress you like a hooker, I don't have anything else for you to wear."

Vox's face went red. "Um... It will be all right with Claudis if you take me there?" 

"He told me to make you look presentable or whatever." Valentino raised his brow.

"I... I should go in," Vox said softly. "I didn't... get the chance to say goodbye."

"If you're sure?" Valentino frowned. "I really don't mind." 

He wasn't going to share he'd seen plenty of dead bodies. 

That didn't seem helpful.

"Yes. I should... probably grab things while I'm there." Vox nodded, getting to his feet with a hiss. "What... Where... do you think I'll end up? To live, I mean." 

"If you do what Claudis wants, he'll pay you an allowance," Valentino replied quietly. "You'll be able to get your very own shithole." He headed to the door, giving Vox's shoulder a little squeeze as he passed him. "You can crash on my couch for a little while. At least until he says otherwise."

Vox frowned a bit. "I don't want to impose," he said, following after Valentino, watching the floor so he didn't step on anything with his bare feet. "I have a fucking apartment." 

"Then stay there." Valentino headed down to his car, shrugging as if he didn't care. The truth was he did and he couldn't imagine living where the person he loved had been murdered. 

Not that he could imagine really loving someone either. 

Not anymore. 

He sighed, glancing back at Vox as he waited for him to catch up. He went ahead and opened the door for him and offered a tense smile. 

They needed to hurry. 

Vox tiptoed around questionable sticky things and broken glass, grimacing all the while. He slid into the passenger seat of Valentino's car with a sigh, holding his chest as he adjusted around to try to get comfortable. "Well, I have to pay rent. If I'm working for Claudis now, he'll have to pay me."

Valentino slid in behind the wheel, laughing lightly. "Darling, where do you think you are...? He doesn't have to do anything. Who are you going to report him to, huh?"

Vox went quiet, leaning heavily against the door and clearly fighting to get comfortable.

Valentino turned on the car, cracking a window to blow out his smoke from his cigarette. He backed out without looking, saying, "As long as Claudis doesn't give me any extra shit over it, my couch is open, all right...? It's either that or crashing at the club."

"Thank you," he said, staring out at Pride as the streets passed by. "My apartment's on Mallard and Bee." 

"Got it." Valentino was still trying to wake up and his driving was surprisingly tame. He even stopped at a red light because he was yawning. He kept his eyes on the road, trying to ignore the thoughts that had invaded his brain in the bath.

This was dumb. 

Vox was just another chump whose soul belonged to Claudis now. A stupid, handsome chump who was polite and kind and stupid but had also held his hand all night and didn't make a single pass--fuck. Fuck fuck fucking fuck.

As they got closer, Valentino slowed down to blearily peer out at the apartment building coming up. "This one?"

Vox had been strangely quiet the entire drive. Now, as the familiar building approached, he winced. "Yes," he said, barely above a whisper. “That’s it.”

Valentino found a spot to park and then reached over to squeeze Vox's shoulder. "You don't have to go if you really don't want to."

"No, I... I want to," Vox said softly, glancing up at him. "Will you come with me?"

Valentino nodded, his expression softening a bit. "Of course, amorcito. Whenever you're ready."

Vox nodded, taking a deep breath before opening the car door and stepping out, keeping his head high. 

Valentino slipped out, shutting the door behind him with his hip. He came over to stand beside Vox, not sure if he should offer his arm or not. He decided to put a hand on his shoulders, just in case, to let Vox know he was there for, well, whatever. "Ready?"

"Yes," Vox said, taking a breath and striding into the lobby of the building.

Valentino blinked in surprise as he looked around, suddenly feeling oddly out of place. 

Fuck, this was nice. 

Well, for Hell anyway.

No bodies, no blood, or even trash. Just polished floors and a fresh, oddly lemony scent.

Vox stepped into the elevator, hitting the button for the fourth floor. He stared silently at the numbers as they rose, and his expression was tense.

Valentino shifted his lower arm around Vox's waist, giving him a gentle squeeze as the floors dinged by. He didn't say anything. 

Fuck, what was there to say?

Sorry we're about to go see your dead girlfriend? Sucks she's dead? 

But hey, guess what I was thinking about earlier...

Val was a monster, but not that much of one.

At least... 

He didn't want to be with Vox.

Vox didn't acknowledge the gentle touch around his waist, but he seemed to relax.

The elevator dinged open, and Vox led Valentino out and down a hallway, stopping in front of a door. He took a deep breath. "Um, this is me."

Valentino gave Vox another squeeze, firmer than before. "All right. Do you want me to go first, darling?"

"No, I... I will," Vox said softly. "Thank you." He swiped his hand over the door lock, and the door clicked open. 

The coppery tang of blood in the air was overwhelming, and Vox swayed, grabbing the door frame.

"I'm right here," Valentino said quietly, staying close and squeezing Vox's shoulder. 

Vox nodded, reaching up to give Valentino's hand a squeeze before pushing open the door and stepping inside.

The apartment was neat and clean, groceries still sitting on the counter half-unpacked from where someone had started making dinner. Vox's dress shoes were still right by the door where he must have left them last night.

Melody lay on her stomach with her head twisted to the side in the living room in a wide, dried pool of blood, a single stab wound to her back, down through her heart. She was pretty, with mouse-like features, big pink ears, blond hair that was spread out around her, partially concealing her face. Her pink dress had turned completely red with dried blood, her blue eyes sunken and staring vacantly at nothing

Vox exhaled, leaning back against the wall as his legs threatened to buckle.

"Dios mio," Valentino murmured quietly, trying to keep Vox standing as he looked over the dead body with a faint grimace. He took a deep breath and grabbed Vox's shoulders, turning him around to face the wall. "You. Stay here for a second, all right? Just... stay. Please."

Vox blinked but nodded, pressing his forehead against the wall as his shoulders shook.

Valentino moved fast, hurrying into the bedroom to grab a blanket from the bed. He came back and kneeled beside Melody, gently rolling her over onto her back. He flexed her arms a bit to break up the rigor mortis so she'd be positioned more naturally and then draped the blanket over her to hide all the blood.

He reached into his purse to grab tissues, cleaning up her face and even adding a little lipstick because her lips looked so gray. A dab of eyelash glue closed her eyes and he brushed out her hair with his fingers. 

Satisfied now, he stood and came back to Vox, reaching for his hands. "Come here, amorcito."

Vox turned slowly around, glancing over at the spot again. He inhaled softly, swiping quickly at his eyes as he stumbled over to kneel next to her. He looked down at her face, then up to Valentino. "You... you didn't have to..."

Valentino shook his head. He wasn't going to share how many of his friends he'd found in similar states when he was alive, but it was probably obvious he'd done this before. "It's fine, darling. Just... spend some time with her. I can go pack for you if you'd like?"

Vox swallowed hard. "I... I can grab my own stuff, if you don't mind waiting for a couple minutes?"

"Of course. I'll, uh..." Valentino looked back to the door, walking toward it. "I'll just wait outside, all right?"

Vox nodded, giving him a weak smile. "All right. Thank you, I won't be long."

Valentino offered a strained smile in return, stepping out into the hall and shutting the door. He leaned against the wall and lit up a new cigarette, sighing heavily. He didn’t know what Vox was doing in there, but he had a pretty good idea.

Probably crying. Apologizing to her for not keeping her safe. For failing her.

That’s what Valentino used to do anyway.

But that was a long time ago when he was alive and had friends to lose. 

Valentino was in the midst of lighting another cigarette with the butt of the previous one when Vox walked out.

Vox carried a gym bag and had changed into a sharply pressed clean, blue suit. It accentuated his broad shoulders and trim waist, and the blue brought out the brilliant cyan of his screen.

Valentino nearly dropped his lighter. He was actually speechless for a moment and he fucking blushed. 

Vox nodded toward the elevator. "Let's go."

"Of course." Valentino cleared his throat and tried to act casual, walking back with Vox to the elevator. Once they were inside and descending, he wondered if he should try to hug Vox. He seemed so untouchable in that suit now, almost like it was armor, so he decided to simply pet the back of his screen like he had last night.

Vox glanced over at him, his expression registering a faint surprise before he smiled softly. "Thank you. For what you did back there."

"Hmm? Oh. You don't have to thank me." Valentino smiled back a little. "It's what a decent person would do, right?"

"I thought you weren't a decent person," Vox said with just a bit of a smirk on his face.

"You must be rubbing off me." Valentino sighed dramatically and teased, "I usually charge for that, you know."

"Add it to my bill," Vox said as the elevator deposited them back into the lobby.

Wow. Flirting?

Valentino wasn’t going to question Vox’s motivations considering they were literally leaving the apartment where his dead girlfriend was, but maybe it was his way of coping. Valentino had certainly done worse to deal with less.

"Careful. You might not be able to afford me." Valentino laughed, giving Vox's screen one last playful scratch before pulling away. He headed out to the car to find a sinner who resembled a bright green snake trying to break into it. "Hey! Fucker! You have two seconds to fuck all the way off!"

The snake sinner growled and reared up on his tail so he was almost as tall as Valentino. "And who's gonna make me? You or your little--"

"Oh my God. I do not have fucking time for this." Valentino took a big drag on his cigarette and blew a blast of smoke in the sinner's face.

The sinner's eyes glazed over and his mouth hung open, swaying slightly.

Vox stared and then laughed, throwing his bag in the backseat. "That's pretty handy."

"Oh, just wait. Watch this." Valentino's smile turned positively wicked and he caressed the sinner's face, crooning, "Mmm, amorcito, why don't you go on and play in traffic for a little while? That'll be fun, won't it...?"

"Yeah." the sinner said, his voice drowsy. "Lots of fun."

"Bye bye now." Valentino sent him off with a little wave, cackling as the sinner did as he was told and plunged right into the busy street. "It'll wear off eventually."

Vox laughed again. "Savage. I like it."

Valentino beamed. He really liked Vox's laugh. He smiled as he got behind the wheel, waiting for Vox to join him. He checked the time and cursed, mumbling, "We might be late. If Claudis says anything, I'll deal with him."

Vox shook his head slowly as he slid into the seat. "No, I'm the one who held us up. I'll take the blame. Please. It's the least I can do for you."

"Vox..." Valentino frowned. "You've already been through a lot... I... I'm used to it, all right? I don't give a fuck what he does to me." He pulled out of the apartment building, hitting the gas hard.

"You think he will actually do anything?" 

"Uh, yes, duh. He's fucking insane." Valentino sped through the streets. weaving around the snake sinner who was still running around. He hurried toward the club, drawling, "He might just decide to stab me 'cause the sky is red, okay? He doesn't need a reason. Just hope he's distracted or something."

Vox frowned, but then busied himself with his phone. 

Valentino saw he was using the app for Cannibal Town’s cleanup service, so he stayed quiet as they approached the club. 

Claudis or no Claudis, he still had a long day of servicing customers ahead of him. 

He parked around back like before, hurrying to get out and adjust his dress. He saw some blood on his knees from where he'd gotten on the floor and spat on his hand, trying to scrub it off quickly.

Vox followed him out of the car and reached into the backseat to get his bag. He was moving slower now, his movements more stilted.

Probably the pain catching up to him.

"Want a few more pills before we go inside, amorcito?" Valentino offered casually.

Vox blinked. "Oh, um... Sure," he said softly. "Thanks."

Valentino dug into his purse for the pill bottle. He only had two left and handed them to Vox. He could always get more later. "Here. Quick."

Vox took them and dry-swallowed them, making a face but nodding. "Thank you.”

"One sec and we'll go inside." Valentino pulled out a vanity mirror from his purse to make sure his makeup was still flawless, his wings fluttering a bit. He hated this part of the day. Not knowing what kind of mood Claudis was going to be in.

Vox watched him and smiled. "You still look perfect."

Valentino squeaked, blushing and quickly clearing his throat. "Th-thank you. Uh. Ready? Let's go." He threw open the door, holding it for Vox and then steering him toward his dressing room.

He didn't see any immediate sign of Claudis and he was just starting to get his hopes up... 

Before he opened his door and Claudis was sitting there at his vanity, smiling calmly.

"Good morning, Valentino. Vox." Claudis kept on smiling. "You're very, very late."

"Good morning, mi vida," Valentino purred, trying to turn on the charm. "Please accept my apologies. I wanted to make sure I looked flawless for you. I'm so sorry I took so long."

"It was my fault," Vox said suddenly , stepping around Valentino to stand slightly in front of him. "He was waiting on me. It won't happen again."

Valentino wasn't sure if he wanted to kiss Vox or strangle him. He grabbed Vox's shoulder, squeezing tight and pleading, "No, Claudis. It wasn't--"

"Shut up, my little worm." Claudis raised his hand, his smile growing wide. "It sounds like you're both responsible to me. You're both so eager to defend each other... I think you'll share the punishment then." He hopped up to his feet, adjusting his tie with a little laugh. "Go on. Set your things down."

Goddammit, Vox.

Valentino sagged as he dropped his purse on the couch, looking at the floor.

Vox set down his bag, adding his cell phone and wallet on top. He appeared calm, but maybe it was because he didn’t understand how bad this really was. 

"Come, come. Let's go!" Claudis grabbed Valentino's arm, escorting him out of the dressing room and downstairs into the basement of the club.

The studio.

It was small, dank, a cramped space with a bed and a camera posed in front of it. There was a little desk with a computer off to the side, and a big rack crammed with various floggers, knives, and other instruments of both pleasure and pain.

Valentino felt sick, but he said nothing, letting Claudis lead him over to the bed. 

Claudis turned to Vox, gesturing to the seat at the desk. "Please! Sit down! Make yourself comfortable. Take off your shoes."

Vox sat down uneasily in the desk chair, nudging his shoes off but not doing anything else as he watched Valentino closely.

“Aw!” Claudis smiled, clearly pleased. "Thank you! See, look at that. You can listen! Loving it. You do look so very nice today. I am glad. I do love a good suit." He chuckled and turned to Valentino, asking sweetly, "Cuffs and that red spider gag, please."

Valentino nodded meekly. "Yes, sir." He headed to the rack to retrieve them and brought them back quickly. "Here, sir."

Claudis shook his head. "Cuff Vox to the chair and put the gag on him."

"Why not do it yourself?" Vox snapped with a slight glare at Claudis.

"Because I know Valentino doesn't want to do it and I like making Valentino do the things he doesn't want to do. And honestly, between me and you, I think Val secretly likes it too." Claudis chuckled, his big tail swishing. "Go on, Val. Now."

Valentino flinched, obediently kneeling beside Vox to cuff his wrists to the arms of the chair. He couldn't bring himself to look at Vox, but he did squeeze his hand briefly, whispering, "I'm sorry."

Vox nodded once at Valentino but said nothing else.

Claudis turned on a few lights around the bed and then busied himself getting the camera ready.

"Open your mouth," Valentino said quietly, holding up the gag.

Vox gawked at the gag. "What is that?"

"It's a spider gag," Valentino said quietly. "It'll force you to keep your mouth open and... you won't be able to bite."

Vox cringed. He swallowed hard, licking his lips to wet them as he glanced nervously over at Claudis before slowly opening his mouth.

Valentino's lower hands lightly rested on Vox's chest as he carefully placed the gag into his mouth. Every touch was gentle, almost reverent, though his fingers trembled a little as he buckled it around Vox's screen. His back was to Claudis and he could hear Claudis still fucking around with the camera.

He placed a quick kiss on the top of Vox's head, right between his antennas. "Just do what he says. Hopefully it'll be quick."

"Oh, my little worm," Claudis sang out. "Bring Vox over here please."

Chapter Text

Chapter 6.

Vox

Vox blinked in surprise at the sudden kiss on his head. That wasn't a flirty kiss, especially not in this situation. His heart gave a strange little flutter inside of him, though he didn't know why. He tried to stay still as Valentino wheeled him over to the bed, the lights bright and a little too warm in his multiple layers. The gag holding his mouth open was extremely awkward and uncomfortable, and he already knew he hated it. It was hard to even swallow, though his mouth had gone instantly dry anyway.

Claudis hummed happily and dragged Vox in a little closer, glancing around the set up to make sure both the bed and Vox would still be in frame. "Ah, perfect. Perfect, I say!" He beamed at Vox, but he spoke to Valentino as he ordered, "Get yourself ready for me. I'd go with something big."

"Yes, sir." Valentino shuddered but nodded, heading back to the rack to grab two large dildos.

Claudis kneeled in front of Vox and grabbed one of his feet, humming as he peeled off his socks. "You know, I would have understood if you couldn't walk or something. That would have been a good reason for being late."

Vox frowned, gazing down at Claudis. He so, so wanted to kick him in the face, but he quickly talked himself out of that idea. He squirmed a little in the chair, chest twinging in pain, though the pills he had swallowed were starting to kick in. He couldn't really respond to Claudis with his mouth stuck open, so he just watched him silently, feeling sweat already beading on the back of his neck under his collar.

Claudis rubbed Vox's foot, almost as if he was giving him a massage. He smiled ever so sweetly up at Vox, his claws focusing on his pinkie toe.

Valentino crawled into bed, sticking the smaller of the two dildos with a suction cup on the bottom on the wall. He grabbed lube to get it slick and then pushed his panties down so he could finger himself while getting in position on his hands and knees. 

He stayed as he was in his dress with his panties around his knees, probably because Claudis hadn’t told him to get undressed. His eyes fluttered as he pushed two fingers in deep and sighed quietly.

Vox took a deep breath, and he couldn’t help but watch.

Valentino was beautiful, every movement erotic and smooth, and it sure beat the hell out of staring at Claudis.

As if sensing Vox’s gaze, Valentino looked up. Their eyes met, but Valentino quickly ducked his head back down.

"Waiting on you, Valentino," Claudis said calmly.

"Yes, sir," Valentino said, quickly backing up and pressing the head of the toy inside of himself with a soft moan. 

Vox shivered.

Claudis grinned and then snapped Vox's pinkie toe.

Vox had been preparing himself for pain, but that didn't make it any better when the delicate bones broke. He jerked in the chair with a garbled scream around the gag, which of course caused his ribs to ache fiercely too. He instinctively tried to pull away and out of the chair, but his arms stayed firmly in place.

"No one told you to stop, little worm," Claudis said in that taunting sing song voice of his, moving over to Vox's next toe. "Go on. Give Vox something pretty to look at."

Valentino had apparently frozen, but he whimpered as he fucked himself back on the toy. He arched his long body and buried his face in the bed, spreading his wings off to the sides to show off the lines of his body. 

“Better.” Claudis chuckled cruelly and broke Vox's next two toes, one right after the other.

Vox wanted to not scream, to not give Claudis the satisfaction, but he couldn't stop the sounds from escaping him as he jerked in the chair, his body fighting to get free, despite his ribs that told him to stay still. He tried to clench his teeth against the pain, but the gag held his mouth open, almost choking him. Several tears made their way down his cheeks, over his stretched lips, to drop, salty and warm, onto his tongue.

God, this motherfucker.

He could hear Valentino sobbing quietly, and he wished he could free himself and knock Claudis right across his smug face. 

Claudis toyed with Vox's big toe for a long moment, humming to himself. "It would just be mean to break all of his toes... Right? Right." He nodded as if deciding on something and he grabbed a hold of Vox's shin with a savage grin. "This should be fine!" He laughed and dug his claws in, snapping the bones there as if they were made of paper.

Vox had been bracing himself for potential pain in his toe, so the sudden massive agony further up his leg surprised him. He screamed, jerking so much he nearly knocked over the chair. His vision swam, threatening to send him into blackness. A sob choked him, almost making him gag as he whimpered, trying to pull away from Claudis as spots flickered in front of his eyes.

Claudis cackled and stood up, admiring his handiwork with a happy sigh. He grabbed the top of Vox's head and gave it a little shake. "Silly little TV. Now you have a good excuse for not making it to work on time! Forgiven. Forgotten. Good thing you'll be working from a desk, right? Isn't that nice?"

Vox glowered at Claudis, though through the hot tears, he doubted he looked all that ferocious. He sank back in the chair, trying to breathe, each one escaping as a breathy whimper. 

Who knew that holding your mouth open made it more difficult?

"Valentino, come here. Bring that toy with you." Claudis snapped his fingers, pointing to the space right in front of Vox.

Valentino whined as he pulled off the toy and hurried to obey, grabbing the dildo off the wall to bring with him. He gasped as Claudis grabbed his neck and forced him to turn around, facing Vox. 

"Valentino is my favorite little worm," Claudis said with a chuckle. He peeled Valentino's dress off and tossed it aside, clawing down Valentino's chest hard enough to draw little rivulets of blood. "Isn't he just lovely?"

Valentino whimpered and looked away, panting quietly.

Vox forced his eyes to focus, even though all he wanted to do was let blackness take him. If he had been alone, he might have. He gazed up at Valentino for a moment before looking away angrily, another pained moan escaping him. He was covered in sweat from the lights and the pain and the drugs and his clothes, and he desperately wanted some water.

Claudis ripped Valentino's panties off and then grabbed his cocks, squeezing them hard enough to make Valentino gasp in pain. "Aw, you're not even hard yet, my sweet worm? Come on. You get to try Vox's mouth first for being such a good little worm for me."

"Wh-what?" Valentino tensed and shook his head frantically. "Claudis, please. Please, darling, j-just let me take care of you, all right. I'll be so, so good--"

Claudis sighed in frustration and grabbed the front of Valentino's throat, squeezing tight enough to constrict his air.

Valentino's hands clawed and curled into fists, trying to fight for breath. He didn’t reach for Claudis or otherwise try to stop him, as if he knew it was hopeless. He closed his eyes, tears running down his cheeks.

Vox jerked in the chair furiously, the pain making his head swim, as he let out an inarticulate sound, trying to get Claudis to let go of Valentino. He took a deep, shuddery breath, his hands clenching around the arms of the chair where they were trapped.

Claudis didn't let go, keeping pressure on Valentino's throat as he continued to jerk him off. "Come on, little worm. Show me what a little whore you are."

Valentino wheezed as Claudis released his throat and he sobbed quietly. His cocks were growing hard, longer than Vox’s own though not as thick. "Por favor, perdóname... Please."

Claudis hummed a little tune to himself, taking the dildo from Valentino and shoving it back inside of him. He pushed it in deep, using it to steer Valentino forward toward Vox's face. 

"Perdóname," Valentino said again, quiet and mournful, his lower hands reaching out to gently cradle Vox's screen as his hard cocks bobbed in front of his face.

Vox wasn't a total virgin at sucking dick; being bisexual in Hell, there were plenty of opportunities, but it had been a long time ago, and none of them had been with his mouth forced open or his body wracked with pain. He turned teary, bloodshot eyes up to Valentino, who looked so absolutely devastated. 

He nodded his head slowly, just once, in a small show of acquiescence. He could do this, for both of them, so that it would end.

Valentino gave a quick jerk of his head in reply, another tear slipping down his cheek as he offered his first cock, sniffing softly as he pushed inside Vox's mouth. He cried out sharply as Claudis shifted something. "Cl-Claudis! Please! Sl-Slow down!"

Vox realized judging by the way Claudis moved his hips that he’d forced his cock inside Valentino’s already stuffed hole. 

Claudis thrust savagely and grabbed Valentino's wings. "Shut. Up."

Vox tried hard, so very hard, to relax his throat and not gag, shifting a little to make it easier on Valentino to get into position. He didn't like seeing Valentino in pain either. He forced his tongue to move, to brush up the underside of Valentino's cock awkwardly. Ever so carefully, he moved his left foot over to brush it against Valentino's leg, trying to offer him the tiniest bit of reassurance that he was here with him.

Valentino whimpered brokenly, gritting his teeth as Claudis slammed into him without mercy. He was clearly in pain, blinking rapidly when his eyes met Vox’s and silently mouthing, "I'm so sorry.” 

Vox stroked his foot over Valentino's leg again, hoping Valentino knew that he didn't blame him. He stroked his tongue over him again as best he could. 

If they had been alone, he would have wanted to make Valentino feel good, and it wasn't his fault anyway. 

Valentino touched Vox’s screen, gentle and soft, though it did little to distract him.

He gagged a bit as a particularly brutal thrust pushed Valentino deeper down his throat than he could take, and he tried to pull back with an apologetic sound.

Valentino cringed and grabbed the base of his cock, trying to prevent his full length from being forced into Vox's throat. He petted Vox's screen more urgently and tapped Vox's shoulder, perhaps trying to warn him that he was getting close.

"I can't hear you, worm," Claudis snarled, violently spanking Valentino's hip. "Scream for me."

Valentino cried out but then immediately moaned, soft and breathless, gazing down at Vox through his lashes. He panted frantically, his sounds pleasurable and real as he focused on Vox's hot mouth.

Vox gazed back up at him, hoping that Valentino understood how grateful he was for the moth trying to make things easier on him. He was very hot and dizzy now, and the pain was making his mind reel. He wondered what would happen if he passed out.

Valentino grabbed his other cock, jerking it frantically. He moaned as he came, spilling over Vox's tongue and the other cock unloading on his cheek. 

Vox tried desperately to swallow the mouthful from Valentino, but not being able to move his mouth made it difficult. He kept his tongue wiggling to hopefully help Valentino enjoy whatever of this that he could, though he was relieved when Valentino quickly pulled out.

Valentino whimpered breathlessly, flushed and panting, and he bowed his head to lap his mess right off Vox's screen. He only got a few licks in before Claudis pulled him back, shoving him toward the bed. He grabbed Vox's screen with a savage grin and shoved his cock into Vox's mouth. He wasn't as hung as Valentino was, but it hardly mattered when his intention was to be cruel. "Mmm, there we go... Isn't he nice?"

Vox gagged, fighting back against him as he desperately tried to swallow back his rising stomach, taking frantic breaths through his nose. He could hear Valentino crying in pain, but it hard to focus on anything else other than Claudis fucking his face.

Claudis squeezed Vox's screen hard enough to make the material creak, in danger of shattering, and he roared as he came. He pushed himself all the way into the back of Vox's throat as his cock pulsed, commanding, "Swallow. Now."

Drowning himself from a forced blowjob was not how Vox wanted to die. 

He took a deep breath through his nose and forced his throat to relax, the mess sliding down his throat as his mouth desperately tried to close but couldn't.

"Good boy." Claudis smiled sweetly, letting Vox squirm for a few more moments before pulling back out. He petted Vox's screen like he was a little puppy, laughing as he roughly unbuckled the gag. "Now! Stay nice and quiet or you're not going to get your treat."

The instant his mouth was free, Vox clapped his lips together as his gorge rose, and he swallowed it heavily back, feeling spit drip down his face, and he used his shoulder to swipe at it. Fuck, he was in so much pain, and his screen flickered a bit as he tried to decide if passing out counted as being quiet.

Claudis grabbed Valentino by his short antenna, prompting a whimper as he dragged him over on his hands and knees to Vox. "Now!" Claudis beamed happily. "Do you want his mouth or his ass?"

Vox forced his eyes blearily open, gazing down at Valentino between his knees. 

Was that a question for him or for Valentino? 

He lifted his eyes up to Claudis, even that movement making him dizzy. "What?"

Claudis rolled his eyes, annoyed. He gave Valentino a rough shake, pulling hard on his antenna. "Do you want his mouth or his ass? How do you want to come? You were so very good for me, I want to give you a treat!" He smiled happily. "Well? I mean... I guess I could fuck him again if you don't want to."

He had to be joking. 

Vox was in so much pain, he didn't think he could get it up if his life depended on it. Maybe it did, which didn't help either. "I... I can't," he said, his voice raspy from dryness and screaming.

Claudis gave Valentino another shake. "Why? What's wrong? Do you not like him?" He hummed and looked over Vox. "Oh. Right. The toes. And the foot. And the ribs. Hmm." He hummed loudly again. "Valentino. Smoke him out. That'll help get him in the mood."

Oh no.

Valentino stared up at Vox with wide eyes. 

Vox felt Valentino's panic like it was his own. He could fake the smoke affecting him, but he wasn't going to be able to fake relaxing enough to be able to get his dicks to cooperate. 

“Wait," he said. "I can... I can do it, but this chair is putting a lot of pressure on my lungs in this position." He took a deep breath that made him flinch; he didn't have to fake that. "Can I lie on the bed? I think that would help."

Claudis shrugged. "Fine. It'll look so much better on the bed anyway." He snorted out a little laugh and let go of Valentino. "Go on. Release him."

Valentino trembled a bit as he fumbled to unbuckle the cuffs. He rubbed Vox's wrists, "Here, I... I can help you up." 

"No." Claudis grinned. "Let him walk. He can do it. Can't you, Vox?"

Vox gritted his teeth, but he nodded, pushing himself up onto his left foot, using the rolling chair for balance. Darkness threatened him again, and he clutched the chair, taking a few deep breaths to try to keep himself awake.

Valentino scrambled to his feet and sat on the edge of the bed.

Vox braced himself and used the chair for support to hop awkwardly over to the bed. Every jolt of his body coming down on his one good foot made pain flare in his chest. Sweat was beading on his face and neck, the lights too hot and bright. 

Only a few more steps...

Blackness hit him like he had been dropped down a dark tunnel, and Vox collapsed forward against Valentino's legs, unconscious.

After a moment, Vox's screen flickered, and he opened bleary eyes to gaze up at Valentino. He was on the bed, Valentino beside him and his many arms wrapped around him. "What... what happened?"

"Oh darling, you... ! You fucking passed out! I... I thought..." Valentino didn't even finished the sentence, but he smiled as he caressed Vox's screen.

Vox blinked heavily, his mind still fuzzy. "'M really hot," he mumbled, fumbling with the sleeve of his suit jacket in an effort to remove it that was entirely useless.

"Here. Let me." Valentino quickly loosened Vox's tie and started to unbutton his waistcoat and shirt. He shifted so he was straddling Vox's hips, but he stayed hovered above him so he wasn’t actually giving him any weight.

"Oh! There we go!" Claudis clapped excitedly. "Now come on. Valentino, sweet little worm... Let's get going."

Valentino grimaced but he bowed his head, turning his face away from the camera as he kissed the side of his Vox's screen to hide as he whispered quickly, "Just tell me what you want to do... If you can't, just pass out again."

Passing out sounded fantastic, but he knew Claudis was nearby. 

If he passed out again, who knew what might happen to either of them? 

“Can I have some water?" Vox mumbled. "Just need a min'te. Please."

"I, I can't," Valentino whispered urgently. "He's right there, I..." He stared down at Vox, his expression softening. "Oh, please don't hate me for this." He cradled the sides of Vox's screen and kissed him, slipping his slick tongue into Vox's mouth. 

Vox grunted as Valentino's mouth closed over his, the moth's tongue tangling with his own. He jerked a bit under him, but that hurt his ribs, so he just lay still, letting Valentino kiss him, sighing at the kindest touch he had felt in the last... 

Had it only been about eighteen hours? 

He wasn't even sure. 

Vox closed his eyes, his own tongue seeking out the slickness. It was strange, but Valentino’s mouth was so wet and hot, and it actually soothed his thirst. The liquid in his mouth was sweet and a little spicy, like cinnamon, and Vox tried to chase it as Valentino suddenly pulled away.

Oddly, he felt more calm and relaxed, and that traveled down his body to between his legs, his dicks stirring in his trousers despite all of the pain. He tried to sit up a little to kiss Valentino again, but he couldn't move all that well with his bruised ribs, so he collapsed back again, watching Valentino kiss down his chest.

"Aw, don't you two just look so pretty together." Claudis cooed sweetly.

Valentino kissed and nuzzled his way down to Vox’s pants, expertly opening them with a quick flick of his fingers. He paused to kiss along the hem of his underwear, darting his tongue there and arching his ass up, making a big show of it. 

Vox squirmed a little, which still hurt, though not as terribly. Maybe Valentino’s smoke did not affect him, but his spit certainly did something. He reached for Valentino, trying to pull him back up for another kiss. “Val.”

It was the first time he had called the moth anything other than his full name.

Valentino looked up then, his brow pinched with worry. He quickly moved back up to cradle Vox’s screen. "Vox? Amorcito? What is it?"

Vox closed his hands around Valentino's cheeks to draw him in close, pressing his tongue back into Valentino's mouth with a soft sigh.

Valentino moaned, a sound of surprise and delight, and he melted, his wings fluttering. He kissed back passionately, and his hips rocked down against Vox's, seeking friction.

Vox let his tongue tangle with Valentino's for a long moment, letting the whatever it was relax him a little more. Everything still hurt like a bitch, but having a bit of pleasure to focus on was helping. He finally pulled back after a long moment to gaze at Valentino with slightly hazy eyes. "Mmm. Use your mouth on me," he said, stroking his cheek and brushing his thumb over a bit of spit in the corner of Valentino's mouth. "I don't think my ribs or my leg will take a lot of movement or pressure."

Valentino was out of breath when they parted, gazing down at Vox in a bit of a daze himself. He smiled, his long tongue flicking out to tease over Vox's thumb. "I'll make it so good for you, amorcito. Mmm, I promise."

He gracefully worked his way back down Vox's body and grabbed his underwear and pants, peeling it all down to Vox's thighs to reveal his two cocks. He couldn't help but grunt, bowing his head and lapping over one and then the other greedily.

Vox started to writhe at the tongue running over his cocks, but movement still hurt, so he went still, fingers curling into the sheets as he let Valentino move over him. 

Valentino used his upper hands to steady Vox's hips as he purred, "I've got you, darling. Just relax." He curled his long tongue around both of Vox's cocks and between them, sucking both of them into his mouth with a heated moan of pleasure. He pushed hard, making sure Vox hit the back of his throat. 

Vox inhaled. Fuck, even breathing hurt, and his head spun a little. But he focused on the warm wetness of Valentino's mouth taking him in, so deep. He couldn’t speculate on whether or not Valentino’s desire was real, but it was certainly an impressive act if it was.

"Nngh, Val," he moaned, trying to keep himself still. Valentino absolutely knew what he was doing, at least, and Vox did not want to accidentally make things worse on either of them.

Valentino groaned in reply and coiled his tongue tight. He then released it only to squeeze again, creating a steady pulsing sensation as he sucked. 

The lights still felt too hot and too bright, and Vox was still covered in sweat, partially just from the agony that was ever so slowly fading into a dull throb rather than a sharp one, but Valentino's mouth on him felt incredible. 

And the movement of his tongue... 

Vox almost opened his eyes so he could watch. Almost. He was still in too much pain to do more than just let Valentino do what he wanted with him, but right now, that was enough.

Valentino whimpered eagerly and kept going, his lower hands slipping down to cup Vox's balls and squeeze them gently while his upper hands caressed Vox's stomach and hips. He bobbed his head faster and dropped on his stomach so he could grind against the bed.

Fuck, it was amazing.

Vox wanted to moan and writhe and grab his shoulders and let him hear how good it was making him feel, but extraneous movement or vocalizing was beyond him at the moment. Even panting in pleasure didn’t feel great, so he tried to keep his breathing as calm as possible. 

"Val, I... I'm gonna..." he warned, feeling liquid fire pooling low inside of him.

Valentino's response was to squeeze his long tongue faster and faster, moaning desperately as he kneaded Vox's hips. He humped the bed frantically. His eyes opened to stare up at Vox, moaning low and deep in his throat as if urging Vox to let go and fill his mouth.

Vox cried out softly, trying not to do too much to his chest, as his hips gave desperate thrust up, and he came into Valentino's throat, first the left side, then the right a few seconds later. Sweat dripped down his face and skin, his clothes under him damp with sweat as he moaned feverishly.

Valentino expertly swallowed every drop, not spilling one bit, and he whimpered as he sucked Vox through every delicious pulse. He unwound his tongue so he could pull off with a breathy little moan. His hips kept grinding into the bed and he moaned, gasping sharply as he caught Vox's eyes. "Vox."

Vox gazed down at him through hazy eyes, wanting to reach down to stroke his face, but all of his energy was gone now. He just gazed back at him, trying to nudge Valentino's leg with his uninjured foot to let him know he was with him.

It was almost over.

Or so he hoped, anyway.

Valentino bit his lower lip, moaning a bit more and then letting out a loud shout. He was coming, grinding into the mattress with firm rolls of his hips to work himself through it. He slid a hand up Vox's chest, resting over his heart as his head dropped. "Mm.... fuck."

Claudis clapped excitedly. "Bravo! Bravo!" He laughed. "Aw, that was lovely." He clapped a bit more. "Now. Valentino. Come along, little worm. Time to get to work."

Valentino sighed, pulling himself up. "Yes, sir."

Vox had forgotten that Claudis was there, and now all the pain came rushing back to him as he refocused on the world again. Whatever effect Valentino’s spit had seemed to be gone and he groaned, trying to curl up to protect his chest, his right leg and swollen foot. 

Valentino slid to the edge of the bed, pausing only to brush his fingers against Vox's 

Vox peeked his eyes open at the soft touch, wanting to return it, but he was pretty sure he was going to throw up or pass out or both.

"Go work the floor." Claudis headed over to his camera to remove the tape, glancing at Valentino as he left the bed to get dressed. He smirked over at Vox. "Bet you won't be late again, will you?"

Fuck you, Vox thought, though he didn’t even have the strength in that moment to glare.

Valentino adjusted his dress and started toward the stairs, but he stopped, cringing as he asked, "What about Vox?"

"What? He's fine. So fine." Claudis chuckled. "He doesn't need his leg to edit, does he?"

Valentino tensed, slowly turning around to face Claudis. "He can't edit if he's unconscious."

"Ugh. Fine." Claudis laughed. "You can take him home at lunch. You can work a double tomorrow to make up for it."

Vox wanted to protest that he didn't want Valentino to do anything for him, that he would be all right. But the way that his skin had gone from burning hot to icy, clammy cold belied that statement, his vision swimming before the world fell away into blackness again.

Chapter Text

Chapter 7.

Valentino 

A few hours later, Valentino came back downstairs to the studio. He was exhausted, sore from several rough fucks, and he had fresh puncture marks on his upper arms from claws. Still, he was done for the fucking day and he could get the fuck out of here for the day with Vox.

Who still seemed to be passed out. 

Valentino kneeled beside the bed, reaching out to gently touch Vox's screen. "Vox...?"

Vox hadn’t moved as far as Valentino could tell, still half-dressed and covered in sweat though the big studio lights were off. His screen was dim, but it flickered brighter when Valentino touched him, and his eyes slowly opened.

"Hi." Valentino smiled softly, fixing Vox's clothes. "How are you feeling, hmm? Probably like shit." He pulled a bottle of water from his purse. "Here. It's warm. I'm sorry."

Vox blinked drowsily and then took the bottle in both hands. He tried to sit up but collapsed back down with a hiss. "Fucking Christ."

"Easy, easy! Here, let me help you." Valentino wrapped his arms around Vox and cradled him close as he helped him into a sitting position. He tried not to think about how good Vox's kiss had been, but he still blushed anyway to be this close to him.

Blushing.

Him.

Over this ridiculous little man with a TV head.

Valentino couldn’t remember the last time a kiss had felt that good, passionate and desperate in the best way, and he swore he’d felt…

Well, something.

Vox leaned heavily on him and winced, but he fumbled the bottle open and swallowed several large gulps quickly. Some spilled down his chin and onto his chest, but he kept chugging until half the bottle was emptied.

Valentino rubbed his back. "I've more pills, all right? Think you can stomach a few right now?"

Vox breathed deeply. "I... I think I need to eat first..."

"All right. Here, we'll stop on the way home, all right?" Valentino finished fixing Vox’s clothes and frowned at his leg. "I may have to carry you. I know it's fucking embarrassing but you're probably just going to hurt yourself more if you try on your own, okay?"

"Are... are you strong enough to do that?" Vox asked, no derision in his voice, just a genuine question as he took another deep gulp of air.

"What?" Valentino managed a little smirk. "Just because I wear a dress I can't pick up your fine little ass?"

"He... he hurt you," Vox pointed out.

"I'm all right, amorcito," Valentino soothed as he took the water bottle to put back in his purse. "I'm built like a brick shithouse. I'll be fine. Come on." He leaned in close. "Hug my neck, all right?"

Vox reached up and wrapped his arms around Valentino's neck, groaning. "Fuck..."

Valentino wrapped all of his arms around Vox and lifted him up as gently as he could. "Here we go. Up, up, up." He hugged Vox's thighs, hoping that wouldn't cause him too much discomfort. His upper arms supported Vox's back, but he didn't want to squeeze him there and hurt his ribs. "Is this all right?"

Vox couldn't hold back a cry of pain as his broken leg left the bed, dangling at an odd angle. He clutched at Valentino's neck, taking several deep breaths as he fought back tears.

"Shit. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry." Valentino cringed and rubbed Vox's back soothingly as he hurried up the stairs. He tried to take them slowly so he wouldn't jostle Vox around too much, but he also knew the faster they left the better.

Vox gritted his teeth against any further sounds until they were at the top of the stairs. "My... bag is... in your dressing room..."

"Fuck. Okay. I'll go grab it." Valentino headed that way, opening the door and stepping in to retrieve it. He grunted as he then hauled the bag, his purse, and Vox toward the back door, grumbling, "When you're all healed up, I expect a fucking epic massage. Not one of those, oh honey, here, and you just rub my shoulders for five seconds or something, but a real fucking massage, goddammit."

"I will," Vox mumbled. "I'll pay for lunch. My wallet's in my bag."

"I'll get it in a fucking second." Valentino didn't want to admit it but even as strong as he was, he was getting tired. He made it out to the car and he hoped Vox didn't have anything breakable in his bag because he dropped it along with his purse so he could open the passenger side door. "Okay, I... I actually do not know how to get you in here without hurting you."

"Just... put me on my feet. Foot," Vox said. "I'll get myself in. Thank you."

Valentino frowned, but his back was aching so he did as Vox asked, gently setting him down. "Oh, shit. I forgot your fucking shoe."

Vox shook his head, balancing on his left foot. "I have another pair in my bag, it's fine. Please. Let's just go."

“All right.” Valentino held the door open. “Go on and get in. I’ll close the door for you.”

Vox nodded, lowering himself carefully down to slide onto the seat, lifting his right leg with his hands into the seat too. 

Valentino waited until Vox was in safely before shutting the door. He threw their stuff in the backseat and hurried around to jump behind the wheel. As eager as he was to leave, he tried to pull out at a somewhat normal speed. 

Vox waited until Valentino was actually driving before he softly asked, "How are you doing?"

Valentino almost laughed.

This man literally had a broken foot and leg, and yet he was asking Valentino how he was?

The memory of the kiss immediately invaded Valentino's brain, hot and delicious, and he tried to stomp it out.

“I’m fine,” Valentino replied shortly. 

It was anything but fine, but Valentino doubted Vox wanted to hear the details of the gangbang he’d had to endure or the sinner who insisted he couldn’t get off unless Valentino bled…

It also didn’t help that he couldn't still stop thinking about that damn kiss. 

“What do you want to eat?” Valentino hurried on to change the subject. “Burgers? Fries? Will that be all right on your stomach?”

Vox frowned. "Anything is fine."

Valentino pulled up into the nearest Wacdonalds, driving around to get in line at the drive through. “What do you want?”

Vox rubbed tiredly at his eyes. "Cheeseburger and fries is fine, thanks." 

Valentino lit a cigarette while he waited for the car in front of them to finish ordering. He sighed heavily and massaged his forehead in between drags. He’d already taken a few pills but he still ached all over and he had a horrible headache.

Once they had their food, the greasy smell making Valentino both ravenous and nauseated at the same time, they went back to his apartment. Valentino parked and then juggled their food, the drink tray, and his purse as he came around to open the door for Vox.

Vox managed to uncurl himself from the seat and get out on his own, though he had to hop awkwardly to get far enough away from the door for Valentino to close it. He struggled to open the back door on his own to retrieve his gym bag, but the weight seemed to be threatening to pull him down to the pavement at any moment.

Valentino frowned at Vox’s leg, asking, “Do you want to carry you again?”

Vox gave an experimental hop, wincing as the weight from his bag tugged on him. "If you can take my bag and I can lean on one of your arms, I think I can do it."

“All right, let’s try it.” Valentino took the bag and slid it up on his shoulder, making a face as the handles caught the scabbed over punctures. He ignored it, offering out his arm to Vox. “Ready?”

Vox held tightly to his arm and nodded. 

Valentino did his best to support Vox and getting up the stairs was no fucking treat, but they finally made it inside his apartment. Valentino immediately steered Vox to the couch, groaning as he set down everything else he’d been carrying. He arched his back with a groan and it audibly cracked. “So many fucking massages.”

"As many as you want," Vox promised, pulling off his suit jacket and tossing it over the back of the couch.He rearranged the pillows so he could lean somewhat comfortably, though his aching, swollen leg remained stretched out miserably in front of him.

“Go on and eat.” Valentino waved at the food. “I want to get fucking changed. Then I’ll patch you up, all right?”

"All right," Vox said, digging into the bag for his food. 

Valentino stripped and cleaned up as much as he could without actually taking a bath. He wasn’t sure if Vox might want one later, even in his current state, and wanted to make sure he had the option just in case. He wasn’t sure why he cared so much—because he didn’t. Not at all. 

Nope.

Not a fucking bit.

And that stupid kiss wasn’t that great anyway! 

He changed into shorts and a cami top with fuzzy socks, not wanting to risk bleeding on his hoodie. He grabbed the first aid kit from under the sink, which was pretty much a plastic grocery bag of various medical supplies he’d bought here and there over the years. He came back out, refreshed and at least feeling a little better and confident and…

As soon as he saw Vox, his heart fluttered. 

Dammit. 

Vox glanced up at him, smiling weakly when he saw Valentino. "That looks comfy," he said, nodding to the outfit as he chewed on a fry.

Valentino cocked his hip, teasing, “Do you want some? I have another set in pink.”

"Thank you, but no." 

"Your loss." Valentino smirked as he sat down beside Vox and put the bag between them. He picked up his purse to retrieve the pills. “Ready for these, hmm?”

“Yes.” Vox held out his hand for the pills. "I did grab some pajamas for myself. But getting my clothes off and another set on right now sounds daunting."

“Let those kick in first.” Valentino passed them over. We need to splint your leg or it won’t heal straight. You’re definitely going to want to be high for that.” He drank some of his soda and then popped the lid to pour some tequila into it.

Vox swallowed the pills with a gulp of his own soda. "Fuck... Would it... Um... Would it be better for me to just die and come back?"

“What? No. It should heal in a few days or something.” Valentino snorted, slurping on his drink so he could add more tequila. “Have you died in Hell yet?”

"Yeah, a couple times. But they were all pretty quick catastrophic injuries. I haven't had anything like broken bones before. This sucks, by the way."

“I know. I’m so sorry.” Valentino reached out to touch Vox’s hand, but he stopped himself and instead went after the food in the bag. “I’m sorry about… everything.”

Vox had watched Valentino's hand come close to his before it stopped, but he only said, "It... it's not your fault. I'm sorry for this morning, for making us late." He sighed and glanced at his swollen leg. "I know this will slow me down, but I'll make sure I don't make us run late again."

“Will you please fucking listen to me from now on?” Valentino pleaded, his temper flaring. “Huh? I told you, I can fucking handle Claudis. It's nothing fucking new. You have to quit with this knight in shining armor shit, okay? I can’t—“ He stared at his food. “I can’t do that again.”

"Can't... do what again?" Vox asked softly.

“Watch Claudis hurt you. Having to fucking help him hurt you.” Valentino hugged himself tightly. “And having to see you pretend just to get through it so we wouldn’t get in more trouble, okay? My, my head isn’t right for this, I…”

Vox blinked, then slowly reached over to touch Valentino's arm. "Val, you did what you had to do. I understand that. I'm so sorry that I fucked things up. You don't deserve that, any of it."

Valentino flinched, but he didn’t pull away. He didn’t understand why he felt like this. He enjoyed hurting people, he loved the power and the thrill… 

But hurting Vox had only made him feel sick. 

“We’re in Hell,” he said with a sad smile. “Maybe I do.”

"Just because we're in Hell doesn't mean we're monsters," Vox said softly. 

One of us is… 

Valentino said nothing.

Vox swallowed hard. "Um, your saliva, by the way..."

“What? I’m sorry, okay?” Valentino pouted. “I know it’s fucking gross! You wanted water or whatever and it was the only thing I could fucking think of.”

"No!" Vox protested quickly. "No, it... it was actually really nice. It made me... feel calmer, more relaxed. But still clear-headed. Is that what your smoke does too?"

Valentino raised a brow. “No. At least I don’t think so. My smoke gets people fucking high and all stupid. You saw that sinner I sent off to play in the middle of a busy street. Do you think he was fucking clear headed, eh?”

"Point taken," Vox said. "Well, it helped, whatever it was. I... I know I wouldn't have been able to get it up without it. So, thank you."

“Oh… uh… de nada.” Valentino frowned a bit more. “Did it do anything else? There’s not exactly a lot of kissing in what I do, okay, so you’re the first person who’s told me that it does anything.”

"Oh," Vox said thoughtfully. "No, I don't think so. It just made me feel really good. Um, maybe that's... if I'm not able to get it up when I need to, if Claudis tells you to smoke me, can you maybe smoke me and then kiss me? That might help hide that your smoke doesn't work."

“How very romantic,” Valentino said with a bat of his eyes, maybe a bit more bitterly than he meant to. “Yes, Vox, I will happily drug you so you can get it up for me.” He grabbed his drink and sucked hard on the straw. 

Though...

It did make him wonder if he could somehow use it against Claudis.

After all, Claudis was immune to his smoke. Vox was too, but his saliva had still affected him.

Curious, but something to think over for another time.

Vox frowned, jerking a little, which made him wince. "That's not what I meant. I just don't want to get you in trouble or have Claudis hurt you because of me."

“Then listen to me when I fucking tell you to let me handle shit, okay?” Valentino scowled. “I’ve tried to tell you that he is fucking crazy.” He wiggled his cup at Vox for emphasis.

Vox sighed softly. "I know. I just... I don't want to see you get hurt."

Valentino finally let himself reach out for Vox’s hand. “I can take it, okay? I’ll be fine. I always am.”

Vox took his hand and squeezed it. "I'll try. He just... Men like that piss me off so much."

Valentino scoffed. "He's not a man. He's a fucking monster." He laced their fingers together and he felt himself being drawn in closer. He needed to stop. But he didn't want to.

Vox nodded slowly. "He is. If I... If I can do anything to help you get away from him, to disappear somewhere, I will."

"Vox, no..." Valentino touched Vox's screen, tracing his fingers over his smooth cheek. "I've tried. Oh, I've tried so many times. He always finds me. He'll never let me go."

Vox frowned darkly. "There has to be somewhere you can go where he won't find you..." 

Even as he said it, they both knew it wasn't true. 

Yes, Pride was large, but it wasn't infinite.

Valentino shook his head, withdrawing his hands. He didn't want to talk about this anymore. He didn't know how to make Vox understand how many times he'd run, the fucking things he'd done to stay hidden, and Claudis always, always found him...

And made him suffer for it.

"Here, let's, let's get you ready for bed, hmm?" Valentino forced a smile as he stood up, wobbling a little from all the tequila. "One second. I need to find something to make a splint for you."

Vox nodded slowly, picking up their trash to stuff into the bag. “I’ll be here.”

Valentino searched through his kitchen until he found a broom with a wooden handle. 

Fuck it--like he ever swept in here anyway. 

He snapped the handle and brought it over, kneeling on the floor beside Vox. "We need to get your pants off, all right?"

Vox blinked in surprise, then nodded slowly, pushing himself to his feet. He undid his trousers and let them fall, slowly sitting carefully down again before lifting his feet for the pants to come off, leaving him in just his red boxer briefs. 

His right leg and foot were swollen and purple, no doubt throbbing painfully.

Valentino ignored how his face heated up. He’d fucked countless men, even some women, and one man in his underwear should not affect him like this. 

He focused on Vox's leg, saying, "All right. I probably have to reset the bone... You're not going to like it." He grabbed thick bandages out of the grocery bag, sighing. "I promise I'll get you nice and fucked up after, all right?"

Vox frowned. "You've done this before?" 

"Yes. On myself." Valentino tried to make his smile reassuring. "You're going to feel me poking at the bone, to see if I need to straighten it or not. That won't feel nice either, but we'll see, okay?"

"Hold on." Vox pulled one of the throw pillows up, then pressed it to his mouth before giving Valentino a nod to go ahead.

Valentino grabbed Vox's swollen leg, pressing his fingers in to feel the bones. They were definitely off and he used his lower hands to grab Vox's ankle, pulling down hard without warning. He figured it was better to just hurt Vox once and get it over with, already reaching for the split and the bandages to wrap it as he cooed, "Here we go, all better now!"

Vox let out a shout into the pillow, his teeth clamping onto it for a moment. "Ugh, fuck you," he grumbled into the pillow, though he probably didn’t mean it. He slowly pulled the pillow away from his face as he took several deep breaths.

"Sorry, amorcito. I don't think I'm your type," Valentino teased, still wrapping the bandages around tight. He smiled sympathetically, saying, "Almost done, all right? I'll wrap your foot  up too. You won't be able to wear shoes for a while though."

Vox nodded, still breathing hard. "All right. Thank you."

Valentino tied off the bandage around Vox's foot and then grabbed a new one to wrap his foot. "You said you had pajamas in your bag?"

“Yes.”

Valentino reached over to dig through the bag, pausing when he ran into a framed picture of Vox and Melody. He smiled sadly and offered it out to Vox. "You can put it on the table if you'd like." 

Vox took the picture, cradling it to his chest for a moment. “Thank you.”

Valentino shrugged and kept rummaging around until he found the pajamas. 

They were silky, dark blue and white stripes, with separate pants and a button-up shirt, with a little red shark stitched on the pocket. 

Valentino rolled up the legs to work them over Vox's feet, being mindful of his injuries

"And thank you again, for this morning, what you did for her.” Vox smiled sadly. “I... I really appreciate it."'

"It was nothing. Really." Valentino shimmied the pants up Vox's legs, waiting for him to lift his butt so he could get them up the rest of the way. He ignored the closeness, saying quietly, "When I was alive, I had to do it for some of my friends."

"Oh?" Vox said softly, shifting to get into the pajama pants. "What did you do when you were alive?"

"I was a hooker, a dealer, and then a pimp," Valentino replied casually, reaching now to unbutton Vox's waistcoat and shirt. "When I was still hooking, sometimes my friends would go with a man and then... just never come back. Sometimes we'd find them. Sometimes we wouldn't."

Vox stared at him in surprise, moving his arms carefully to let the waistcoat and shirt fall away. His chest was covered in a rainbow of bruises. "I'm sorry," he said softly. "You... You'd find them and..." He waved his hand vaguely. "Give them peace?"

"Yes." Valentino's eyes flicked over Vox's bruised flesh. 

Even with all the marks, he was still so handsome. 

Fuck.

Focus.

Valentino grabbed the pajama top, holding it up for Vox to stick his arms through the sleeves. "None of them had any family and we never had any money... So, it was all I could do for them. For those of us who did love them to say goodbye."

Vox carefully threaded his arms through the holes. "I'm so sorry," he said softly. "That had to be so hard."

Valentino shrugged, straightening out the shirt so he could button it up. "That's life, amorcito. I was poor, queer as fuck, and my parents were immigrants from Puerto Rico who could barely speak English. I didn't exactly have a lot of options... And one day, I just ran out of friends to bury."

Vox cringed at that. "I'm sorry. And thank you. Seriously. For taking care of Melody. I will be forever grateful to you for doing that."

Valentino smiled a little, his hands lingering on Vox's chest even after he was done buttoning. "You're welcome. I'm sorry too. For all of it." He gathered the medical supplies with a sigh, perking up a little as he said, "So! Want to get fuckin' high?"

Vox smiled weakly. "Sounds like a good plan.”

"Fuck yes."