This was a request on AO3 for a party interaction with Val, Zestial, and Carmilla. This also gave me a reason for more Rosie and Alastor interactions.

Plus, you can never go wrong with protective Zestial.

Enjoy~

Carmilla took one final glance at her appearance.

She gave credit to the mysterious sinner who gifted the dress. They certainly held a talent for fashion.

The dress itself was more revealing than she was used to. The fabric split at her breastbone, traveling upwards to tie around her neck. It left the entirety of her back exposed. A wide, black ribbon wound itself around her waist, separating the dress in two. The bottom flowed free, a long slit traveling up the length of her left thigh. Her white angelic shoes pleasantly contrasted against the darkness of the dress.

"Mom, Zest's here!" Clara's voice echoed through the hallway. With a sigh, Carmilla straightened her shoulder, readying herself for what was to come. Reaching the top of the stairs, she heard the pleasant conversation between her lover and daughters.

"Thine appearance is truly one of heaven incarnate." Zestial bowed as he offered his hand as she descended the remaining stairs. Carmilla smiled, laying her palm flat against his own. Returning to his full height, he raised her hand, gently pressing his lips to her knuckles.

"Thank you, Amor." Shamelessly she let her eyes drift over Zestial's own outfit. The suit itself was deep black. Small pearls formed an outline along the lapels of the jacket. Underneath, he donned a dark gray high collared dress shirt. A silk stash tied around his slender waist. "You look rather dashing yourself."

"Art thou ready?" Zestial questioned as Carmilla threaded her arm through his own.

"As I'll ever be."

"You kids have fun tonight!" Clara called out as she waved goodbye. Carmilla shot her youngest a pointed look as the shadows enveloped them.

Taking a step out of the shadows, Carmilla glanced around for any potential threats. A habit she found herself doing every time she entered the streets of the city. Instead, she found there to be a surprising lack of sinners littering the area around their destination.

L'enfer was one of the higher end restaurants in Pentagram City. Its bricks, once vividly red, now faded with the passing of time.

The Overlords climbed the concrete stairs. Two Hellhounds, dressed in tuxedos, stood guard in front of the round stained-glass doors. As they neared the top, Zestial removed two invitations from the inside of his coat, placing them in the Hellhound's awaiting hand.

The hound's eyes scanned the invitation. With a single nod to his companion, the other opened the door.

"See, I told you they'd be here!" A familiar voice nearly shouted as they entered the foyer.

"Zestial. Carmilla." Alastor greeted as they approached.

The Darling Demon unlinked her arm from Alastor's. She reached out, placing her arms on Carmilla's own as she held her at length to examine the dress. "You two look absolutely fabulous." Rosie gushed.

"I see your outfits where coordinated, as well."

"They were. It makes me wonder who this mysterious sinner is. Lucifer knows that Vox is making such a fuss about them."

"'Tis in Vox's nature to exaggerate."

"Indeed, it is Zestial!"

"I'm surprised you received an invitation, Alastor." Carmilla commented, keeping her tone neutral. While she and Rosie were considered friends, her interactions with Alastor were limited. Mostly due to her concerns over his unpredictable nature.

"Oh-ho! I didn't." The Radio Demon chuckled darkly as he tapped his fingers along the top of the microphone on his cane. "But Rosie here is an absolute doll and needed a date!"

"He can't say no to this face!" Rosie laughed as she nudged the Radio Demon with her elbow.

Zestial and Carmilla shared a knowing look. They may not have known the entirety of the drama between the Television and Radio demons, but everyone knew the disdain the two held for each other. "Art thou certain the reason behind thine's actions is not one of malice?"

"I just needed a night out." The antlered demon brushed off the accusation. For a brief moment his usual smile turned darker. He let out a chuckle. "If my attendance ruffles a few feathers? Well, I'd consider that a win-win. Oh! It appears as if the festivities are about to begin. Why don't we take our seats?"

After entering the large room, the group took their seats at one of the red cloth-covered tables furthest from the stage. They were all in agreement that they wanted to be as far away from Vox as possible.

As soon as everyone settled in, Vox took center stage. Microphone in hand, he welcomed everyone to their 'little get-together'. A young sinner, who introduced herself as Velvette, stepped out from behind the closed red curtain. The sinner was young, Zestial could tell. She strutted around the stage spouting nonsense he didn't truly bother to listen to.

Once she finished, Vox and Valentino took the stage beside her and announced their new alliance.

And then, the party began.

"Something's amiss." Alastor said as he focused on the women missing from their table.

Earlier, Rosie stood from the table. Wandering around, she took hold of Carmilla's wrists and tugged her to the center of the dancefloor. Together, the pair moved to the upbeat music. Spinning, twirling, and laughing without a care in the world.

Zestial felt nothing but pure admiration as he observed Carmilla's dancing. It was exactly that, however, that confirmed something had changed. Her movements were still flawless, flowing like water. But something still remained different.

Keeping half of his attention on his lover, Zestial's lower set of eyes shifted to the demon across the table. "Thou hast perceived the shift in thy behavior as well?"

The change in behavior was subtle at first. The tenseness of Carmilla's shoulders slowly faded away as they ate their meals and chatted amongst themselves. Slowly, her usual guarded behavior shifted towards a more relaxed. One he rarely witnessed outside the safety of their homes. At first, Zestial thought he might have been just imagining it.

Yet even Alastor noticed the change in demeanor.

"I did." The redhead confirmed.

While it was true that alcohol had been served to their tables, Carmilla only indulged herself in two glasses of wine. The cannibal drinking three. Zestial might not have the knowledge of Rosie's tolerance, but he certainly knew Carmilla could handle her alcohol. After all, whiskey was her drink of choice.

So, being drunk was certainly out of the question.

"Zestial." Alastor nodded over to the bartender. The sinner glanced around quickly before lifting a vial to the drinks on the counter. Tilting it slightly, a single drop of liquid slipped out, mixing itself with the alcohol.

"Do you see what I see?" Not receiving a response, Alastor turned. However, instead of Zestial's form, he was greeted with an empty chair. "He did. Things are going to get very interesting."

"I demand to know what thou'st hast done." Zestial hissed as he rose to his full height, towering over the unsuspecting bartender.

The lowly sinner froze. His eyes widened as he gulped. "I-I'm sorry sir? I'm n-not sure what you m-mean."

"What hast thou deposited into the beverages of Carmilla Carmine and Rosie?"

"P-please don't k-kill me. Valentino o-ordered it." The bartender begged, landing on his knees. He kept his eyes glued to the ground, not wanting to invoke any more wrath.

"Relax, Zesty." Val leaned against the bar, waving the hand that held his cigarette. "It's a party. They looked a little tense. So, I had my guy slip them a little something."

"What hast thou given them?" Zestial demanded, completely ignoring the cowering man at his feet.

Valentino seemed completely unfazed by the Spider Overlord's growing anger. Resting his back against the bar, he took another drag of his cigarette as he shamelessly ogled the weapons dealer. "You know, she's kinda hot. I wonder if she's that flexible in bed. Maybe I'll hit that-"

Red flooded his vision as he reached around seizing the moth by the fur of his neck, silencing any other vile words he might spout. Not only had the smug Overlord managed to drug his beloved, but now he had the nerve to speak of her in such a distasteful way?

He refused to let such a grievous offense slide.

"Art thou aware that spiders feast on other insects? Moths art a true delicacy."

"Hey now. Easy there big guy." Vox tutted as he stepped up beside his ally. Adjusting his tie, he addressed the seething Overlord. "You wouldn't want to cause a scene now, would you?"

Before he could respond, a radioed voice joined in. "I do believe that it was Valentino that, in fact, started it Vox."

"Fuck me." The Television Demon muttered. Turning to the newcomer, the screen fixed him with a cold stare. "What are you doing here?"

"Trying to enjoy our night." Alastor smiled with a slight tilt of his head. "However, thanks to your partner, it appears that won't be the case."

Vox moved to stand beside his cohort's bent over form. "What did you do?"

"I just slipped those bitches something."

Vox's screen glitched once. Taking a breath, a forced smile crossed his face. "Why would you do that?"

"It's a party~"

"Thou wilst divulge the effects of the potion used." Zestial demanded as he tugged the neck fur harder. He felt the slightest bit of satisfaction as Val winced as the edge of the bar dug painfully into his stomach. Towering over Valentino, he let the tiniest effects of his magic seep through his fingers.

"It's just a relaxation potion." The man in his grip sent a nervous look to the leader of their group. "Seriously. It's harmless. They'll just party for a while until they crash."

Vox straightened his tie, racking his programming trying to think of a way to soothe the Eldest Overlord. "See? Nothing harmful. No need to make a fuss about it. Besides, it looks like they're having fun."

"That's not the point. It wasn't their choice, old pal." Alastor pointed out, taking his place beside Zestial. The edges of his mouth turning slightly downwards as he attempted to keep his calm smile.

"If I perceive even the thought of thine presence near Carmilla or Rosie this even..." By now, Valentino was nearly over the bar. The distance only inches apart as he snarled his next words. "I assure that you shall pray for death. Doth thou understand?"

Valentino's eyes widened as he nodded and lifted his lower arms trying to show surrender. From his peripheral vision, Zestial could see the slight tremble in his hands. "I understand! Holy fuck."

"He won't do it again." Vox assured, placing his hand on Val's back to keep him from being pulled outright over the counter.

Zestial's red irises shifted between the two senior members of The Vees. Releasing his hold on the other man, Zestial straightened to his full height. Giving the pair one last sneer as they moved as far away from the Spider Overlord as possible.

Alastor leaned over slightly. "Do you believe him?"

"Absolutely not." Zestial glared at the retreating forms. "Such an oversight shalt not occur again."

The Overlords returned to their seats.

"Oh booooys!" Rosie sung out as she and Carmilla, not so gracefully, approached their table arm-in-arm. Rosie's sharp teeth were on full display as she grinned. Zestial noted that the cannibal lacked the hat she'd entered the dance floor with. In addition, Carmilla's hair was now flowing around her, instead of the elegant bun she once wore.

It was only after coming to a halt behind The Radio Demon that Rosie released her hold on Carmilla, opting to throw her arms around Alastor's shoulders instead. "Why don't you two come dance with us?"

Now free from Rosie's grasp, Carmilla made her way to stand by her own partner.

Zestial felt another set of eyes on them. Glancing, he found that Valentino was, in fact, staring their way. Specifically at the swaying form of Carmilla. Zestial bared his fangs at the man as a reminder of his earlier threat.

Normally, he would let his lover handle it herself. After all, she'd shown on more than one occasion that she was more than capable of keeping herself (and those she cared for) safe. Even in the depths of Hell.

Protective instincts took over as he reached out and gently tugged her hand. His intention was to guide her to his other side, inserting himself between them. However, the weapons dealer hadn't been prepared for the sudden movement and found herself sitting in Zestial's lap instead.

"Everything okay?" Carmilla whispered as she nuzzled her head into the curve of his neck. His heart swelled. Even under the effects of whatever drug had been given to her, she still could still decern his discomfort.

Zestial wound his hand around her back, hoping to continue to shield her away from Valentino's disgusting gaze. He desired nothing more than to rid Pride of the moth's existence. However, due to the circumstances, he wouldn't risk causing a scene and tainting Carmilla's image.

Revenge could wait.

For now, in attempt to soothe the returning rage, he focused his attention on the woman nestled in his lap. Resting his cheek against soft white locks, he apologized. "I extend mine most sincerest apologies."

Leaning back just far enough to meet his eyes, Carmilla furrowed her brows in confusion. "Whatever for, Amor?"

"It appears I became too complacent." Green eyes softened as they met red. The tender look on her face only solidified his guilt. He should have been more prepared for such an instance. It was foolish of him to assume that they could truly relax. "My lack of awareness hast led to the predicament we find ourselves in."

"What predicament?"

"Zestial," Rosie called out before he could answer the question. "If Alastor here doesn't come dance with me, I'll have no choice but to take Carmilla back."

"Rosie, I think it's time we take our leave."

"Alastor. Darling. I'm not ready to go."

"That's because you've been drugged, my dear."

"Drugged?"

"Courtesy of Valentino."

"Oh. That explains a few things." Carmilla chuckled. Instead of removing herself from Zestial's lap, she snuggled closer. Resting her head against his chest, she closed her eyes and listened to the steady continuous beating of his heart.

"It's nothing I haven't had before, Al." Rosie sang again as she shifted her hold from Alastor's shoulders to his hands. With a quick tug, she pulled her friend to his feet. Red eyes glanced back at Zestial, a silent plea for assistance. "And since 'Milla is all cozy, I'm not giving you the choice."

Despite the situation, Zestial chuckled to himself at the panicked look in Alastor's eyes as Rosie drug him back onto the floor. He wasn't entirely sure of the relationship between his fellow Overlords, but it was apparent that the idea of dancing with Rosie wasn't something Alastor wanted. Though Zestial suspected it had more to do with the crowd on the dancefloor and not his partner.

"Dost thou wish to take thine leave?" He questioned. Waiting a moment, he shifted his gaze back down to the woman in his lap. The familiar steady rise and fall of her chest could only mean she'd fallen asleep. Making a mental note to apologize to Alastor for leaving him to deal with the Darling Overlord alone, Zestial tightened his hold on the sleeping angel and teleported the pair home.