Previously: Valentino's plan is in the works and Violetta is none the wiser. Vox and Violetta have a bit of bonding time and Vox gets a little attached.
Chapter 3: A Little Bit of This, A Little Bit of That.
Violetta walked down the streets of Hell, her arms loaded with bolts of fabric for Velvet. She muttered under her breath, fuming about the latest string of insults. "Wooly bitch, cotton candy floozy… I don't think she remembers my name." She chuckled a bit. Her bell collar jingled with every step.
As she passed a group of demons, both men and women began catcalling her. Violetta laughed it off, her bell-like giggle masking her annoyance. What she didn't notice was Angel Dust tailing her from a distance. He almost blew his cover when one of his pervy fans recognized him, but a quick punch knocked the fan out cold, allowing Angel to hide again.
Violetta's mood darkened further when she saw a familiar face. A demon from her father's yakuza stood in her path. They exchanged rapid-fire words in Japanese, the conversation growing heated.
"戻ってこい、ヴィオレッタ。これは命令だ。" (Come back, Violetta. It's an order.)
"いいえ、私は戻りません！もうたくさんです。" (No, I'm not coming back! I've had enough.)
The yakuza demon grabbed her arm、 yanking her towards him. "あなたの父は、あなたの不従順への対処を終えた。" (Your father has finished dealing with your disobedience.) He growls.
Angel Dust saw red. He stepped forward, his tommy gun materializing in his hands. "Hey, pal, I think the lady said no," He snarled, positioning himself between Violetta and the yakuza demon.
Violetta and the demon's eyes widened at his sudden appearance, the demon stumbled back as Angel raised his gun. But he stood his ground. "Get the hell out of here, this doesn't concern you, you worthless whore." He grabbed at Violetta again.
Pulling her over to him, she bleats and punches his chest. "She's the daughter of Mister Fujimoto and she-" Angel Dust pressed the tip of the gun to his forehead and clicked it, angry now for a lot of reasons, with one being him calling him a 'worthless whore' "Get lost, or I'll decorate the street with your insides," Angel threatened, his voice deadly calm.
The demon spat on the ground, and he let go of Violetta. Vowing to return with reinforcements before disappearing into the shadows.
Angel turned to Violetta, his multiple hands gently checking her over for injuries. "You okay, Cotton Candy?" He asked, concern evident in his voice.
Violetta nodded, her anger giving way to relief. "Yeah, I'm fine, Angel. Thanks to you," She said, her voice softening.
"What was that all about?" Angel Dust asked, his curiosity piqued. "I don't speak Japanese, but it looked pretty intense."
Violetta hesitated, then forced a smile. "Oh, it was nothing. Just some old family business. Nothing to worry about."
Angel Dust frowned, clearly not convinced but decided not to press further. "If you say so. Just be careful, okay?"
"Thanks, Angel," Violetta said, genuinely grateful. "I have to get back to Velvette quickly, though. She's waiting for this fabric."
Angel Dust nodded, watching her as she hurried away. He couldn't help but worry about her. Valentino had told him to stay away from Violetta or face dire consequences, but he ignored the warning. He wanted to keep her safe, no matter what. As Violetta disappeared into the crowd, Angel Dust sighed, hoping she would be okay.
Violetta reached the headquarters and quickly made her way to Velvette's workshop. "Here's the fabric you asked for," She said, trying to keep her tone polite.
Velvette barely glanced at her, snatching the bolts from her hands. "Took you long enough, wooly bitch. Now get out of my sight."
Violetta bit her tongue, resisting the urge to retort. She turned and left the room, her thoughts lingering on Angel Dust's help. Despite everything, she couldn't shake the feeling that something was off, and Angel Dust's words of warning echoed in her mind.
(Boop)
Violetta sat at her new desk in Vox's office, her fingers dancing over the keyboard as she typed up a report. The room was a stark contrast to Valentino's luxurious chambers, filled with screens and gadgets that hummed and buzzed with life. Vox was at his own desk, staring at a monitor and occasionally glancing over at her. Vox was a businessman, kept things tip top shape, organized, and made sure things were going 'A-okay'. Being a man from the 50s he had shown off much of his stuck up man in charge ways.
She was actually curious about how he died.
Valentino had reluctantly agreed to let her work as Vox's secretary, a decision that still irked him. Vox had put on quite the performance, practically begging for her assistance, seemingly in desperate need for a secretary although Valentino knew the reason why. Violetta, on the other hand, thought Vox just really liked her around.
Valentino hated sharing her, especially after that session she had with Vox, but he consoled himself with the thought that Violetta was still his to command.
Violetta's thoughts wandered as she worked, replaying the recent events in her mind. She had noticed a change in Valentino's behavior. He seemed more possessive, more demanding, …it was different. But she didn't let it bother her too much.
"Flossy, I need you to organize these files," Vox's voice crackled through the room.
Violetta gritted her teeth at the nickname but didn't say anything. She grabbed the stack of files and started sorting through them, her annoyance simmering under the surface.
"Flossy, I need you to reschedule my meeting for tomorrow," Vox commanded again, his eyes lingering on her as she worked.
Finally, she'd had enough. Violetta slammed the last file into place and turned to face him, her eyes blazing with anger. She marched over to him, grabbing his wrist with surprising strength.
"Don't call me that," She hissed, her voice low but filled with fury. "I hate that nickname. My father called me that, and I don't need any reminders of him."
Vox raised an eyebrow, taken aback by her sudden outburst. The angry look on her face and the tight grip on his wrist sent an unexpected jolt through him, a mix of surprise and something else that made him feel hot and bothered.
"Violetta," He said slowly, testing the waters, "..Why does it bother you so much?"
"Because it brings back memories I'd rather forget," She snapped, her grip tightening. "I'm not a little girl anymore, and I won't be treated like one."
Vox studied her, his screen flickering with a mix of curiosity and something darker. "Fair enough," he conceded, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. "But you know, I think I prefer you like this. Fiery. Dominant."
Her eyes narrowed, and she leaned in closer, her breath hot against his screenface. "I don't care what you prefer. Just stop calling me Flossy."
For a moment, the room was filled with a tense silence, their eyes locked in a battle of wills. Then, to her surprise, Vox laughed, a low, rumbling sound that made her shiver.
"Alright, Violetta," He agreed, his tone surprisingly gentle. "No more Flossy."
She released his wrist, stepping back but keeping her eyes on him. "Good."
Vox watched her for a moment longer before nodding. "Get back to work, then. And make sure you finish those files before lunch."
Violetta nodded, turning back to her desk with a newfound determination. As she resumed her tasks, she couldn't help but notice the way Vox's gaze lingered on her, filled with a new kind of interest.
Vox leaned back in his chair, his mind racing. He hadn't expected Violetta to confront him like that, but he found it oddly exhilarating. Her anger, her strength, the way she looked at him with defiance—it all stirred something within him.
"Interesting," he murmured to himself, his eyes still fixed on her. "Very interesting."
Violetta, meanwhile, tried to focus on her work, but the encounter had left her feeling unsettled. She couldn't shake the feeling that something had changed between them, something that she couldn't quite put her finger on.
As the day went on, she found herself glancing over at Vox more often, her thoughts filled with questions and uncertainties. What was he thinking? Why had he agreed so easily? And why did his reaction to her anger make her feel so...strange?
Little did she know, Vox was asking himself the same questions, his mind filled with plans and possibilities. The dynamic between them had shifted, and both of them were keenly aware of it, even if they didn't fully understand it yet.
(Boop)
The Pastel Ewe had noticed Valentino spending more and more time with Angel Dust. Each time she saw them together, the jealousy and envy churned inside her. She kept reminding herself that she was better than to lash out. She wouldn't let Valentino see her lose control.
One day, seeing Angel Dust looking a bit down, she decided to invite him out. "Hey, Angel, wanna grab something to eat? I know a great hotpot place."
Angel Dust looked up, surprised but intrigued. "Hotpot? Never been to one. Sure, why not?"
Angel Dust walked alongside Violetta, their footsteps echoing through the busy streets. He was aware of Valentino's recent fixation on Violetta, and it was making his skin crawl. Despite this, he found himself genuinely enjoying Violetta's company. She had a certain innocence that reminded him of better times.
Violetta's gilded hooves happily clicked on the ground as she hops happily in front of the restaurant, Angel laughs a bit at her infectious enthusiasm. Violetta had asked Valentino if she could take him out for dinner because she wants to make friends, Valentino was against it of course and he wouldn't put his foot down on the matter but Violetta's disheartened look made him falter.
The pink jumping spider was completely blindsided by the scene. He didn't show that of course, whenever he would beg for something he did not receive it at all. But Violetta got it immediately…Valentino has Violetta wrapped around his little finger…no no it's the other way around.
He doesn't even notice it either.
"This place is great," Violetta chirped as they entered a cozy hotpot restaurant. "I come here whenever I need a break from the madness."
Angel Dust raised an eyebrow. "You'll have to show me the ropes, V."
As they entered, Violetta greeted the staff in fluent Japanese, her voice light and melodic. Angel watched, impressed, as she effortlessly conversed with the workers, who beamed at her in return.
"Wow, didn't know you were that fluent," Angel Dust remarked as they were seated.
Violetta smiled, her eyes sparkling. "I'm actually Japanese. I'm mostly glad Hell is so diverse." She chuckles.
As they settled into their booth, Violetta began to explain the hotpot process. "So, we choose our broth, and then we get to pick out all the ingredients we want to cook in it. It's really fun and interactive."
Angel Dust nodded, genuinely interested. "Sounds like a blast. Let's do it."
They selected their broth and ingredients, the table soon filled with various meats, vegetables, and noodles. As they waited for the broth to heat up, they fell into a comfortable conversation.
"So, V," Angel Dust began, swirling a piece of meat in the broth, "I've been wondering. Why exactly are you with Valentino and the others? You don't seem like the type to get mixed up with guys like them."
Violetta's expression darkened slightly, but she didn't shy away from the question. "My father is an Overlord in the Theater District. He's... abusive. Valentino promised to protect me from him. It seemed like a good deal at the time." She was hesitant to say something about her father. Angel caught that.
'She doesn't even notice the parallels…'
Angel Dust frowned, his heart aching for her. "I get it. Hell's not an easy place to navigate, especially with family like that."
Violetta nodded, her eyes distant. "Yeah. Valentino has been good to me, for the most part. But sometimes... I don't know. I feel like there's more to it. Like he's hiding something."
Angel Dust's mind flashed to Valentino's darker side, the side he wasn't allowed to talk about. He chose his words carefully. "Just... be careful, V. Don't let your guard down completely."
Violetta looked at him, her eyes searching his. "Do you think I'm making a mistake?"
Angel Dust sighed. "I think you're doing what you need to survive. Just make sure you're doing it for you, and not because he's making you think you don't have a choice."
Violetta was silent for a moment, then she nodded. "Thanks, Angel. I appreciate that."
As they continued to cook and eat, the conversation turned lighter, filled with laughter and stories. Angel Dust found himself genuinely enjoying Violetta's company, and it seemed she felt the same.
Later that evening, Violetta and Angel Dust found themselves at a lively karaoke bar, their spirits lifted by the buzzing atmosphere and the alcohol coursing through their veins. They had already sung a few songs, their voices blending surprisingly well despite the drunken slurs.
Violetta leaned against the bar, a wide grin on her face. "I can't believe how much fun this is! I haven't been out like this in so long."
Angel Dust took a sip of his drink, his head spinning slightly. "You're a natural, V. Never would've guessed you had such pipes."
Violetta laughed, her cheeks flushed. "Thanks, Angel. You're not too bad yourself. We make a good team."
As they took a break from singing, they sat on the lounge in their karaoke room. Violetta's expression turned more serious as she looked at Angel Dust.
"Angel, I need to tell you something," She began, her voice softer now. "I've been upset with you and Valentino. I thought you hated me because you've been avoiding me since our argument. It really hurt."
Angel Dust felt a pang of guilt. He looked down at his drink, swirling the liquid around. "V, I don't hate you. I never did. I was just... dealing with some stuff. Valentino's been keeping me busy, you know?"
Violetta's eyes searched his, trying to find the truth in his words. "I'm glad to hear that. I thought I did something wrong. I don't want us to be at odds."
Angel Dust forced a smile, though it didn't quite reach his eyes. "Nah, you didn't do anything wrong, V. It's just been... complicated."
She nodded, seemingly satisfied with his answer. "I guess I'm just jealous. Valentino's been spending so much time with you, and I felt left out. I don't understand why he's so fixated on you."
Angel Dust felt his stomach churn. He hated lying to her, but he knew the consequences if he didn't. "Val just wants to make sure I'm okay, that's all. He's got a lot on his plate, and sometimes he needs to focus on different things. It's not that he's ignoring you."
Violetta sighed, her fingers tracing the rim of her glass. "I just... I don't know. I'm glad we're talking about this, though. It makes me feel better."
Angel Dust reached out and placed a hand on hers. "I'm glad too, V. We should stick together, you and me. Look out for each other."
She smiled, her eyes brightening. "Yeah, we should. Thanks, Angel."
They clinked their glasses together, and the conversation shifted to lighter topics as they continued to drink and laugh. They returned to the karaoke machine, belting out more songs and enjoying the carefree night.
As the evening wore on, Angel Dust couldn't shake the feeling of dread that lingered in the back of his mind. He knew he was walking a dangerous line, and the lies he told Violetta weighed heavily on him. But for now, he pushed those thoughts aside, focusing on the happiness in her eyes and the warmth of their newfound camaraderie.
"I have to say," Violetta said, grinning, "You're pretty fun to be around, Angel. Maybe we should do this more often."
Angel Dust chuckled. "I'd like that, V. I really would."
For a while, they forgot about Valentino, about the chaos of their lives. They were just two friends enjoying a meal, sharing stories, and finding solace in each other's company.
(Boop)
Violetta found herself in Velvette's studio, surrounded by racks of clothes and mannequins draped in fabric. The space was buzzing with activity, with Velvette's assistants bustling about, and the fashion designer herself commanding the room with her loud, confident presence.
"Oi, cotton candy, come 'ere!" Velvette called out, a mischievous grin on her face. "Didn't think you'd actually take me up on the offer to hang out."
Violetta, taken aback, cautiously approached. "Do you even know my name?"
"Course I do, Violetta. Been watchin' ya. You're the one keepin' those two tossers outta my hair. Cheers for that." Velvette's tone was a curious mix of genuine gratitude and playful sass.
"Oh, um, you're welcome?" Violetta responded, unsure how to navigate this new territory.
"Listen, love," Velvette continued, her fingers dancing through the air as she manipulated fabrics around her models, "You've no idea how many times Valentino's tantrums 'ave ended with me havin' to replace half me staff. 'Spose you bein' around keeps him a tad more... 'distracted'."
Violetta bit her lip, remembering Angel Dust's warnings. "He's... really that dangerous?"
Velvette's eyes flicked to her, a knowing look in them. "More'n you know, sweetie. But that's not somethin' for you to fret about now. Let's get you dolled up, yeah?"
Before Violetta could protest, she was swept into Velvette's world. The fashionista's powers were mesmerizing; she could conjure and manipulate fabrics with a mere flick of her wrist, garments appearing and disappearing in an instant.
"Here, try this on," Velvette said, handing her a form-fitting dress. "We're tryin' to make this style a hit with the thicc beauties. You'll be perfect."
Violetta flushed at the phrase, feeling self-conscious. "I don't think I'm—"
"None of that," Velvette interrupted, her tone leaving no room for argument. "You're gorgeous, and you'll look amazin'. Now get in there and change."
Swiping her finger through the air. Instantly, a swirl of fabric wrapped around Violetta, forming a stylish, curve-hugging outfit that made her blush even more. Velvette let out a low whistle. "Now that's what I'm talkin' about! Look at you, love. Absolutely stunnin'."
Despite herself, Violetta couldn't help but smile. Velvette's confidence was infectious, and for a moment, she felt truly beautiful.
Velvette gave her a brisk, albeit crass, pep talk. "Don't let anyone tell ya you ain't worth a damn. You got curves that could stop traffic, and a sweetness that's rare in this hellhole. Own it, yeah?"
Violetta nodded, feeling a bit more empowered. Watched in awe as Velvette moved on to her other models, swiping her finger in the air to change their outfits with incredible speed. She was blunt and unapologetic, pointing out what she didn't like with brutal honesty.
"Ugly. No. Disgusting. Oh, that's it!" Velvette exclaimed as she found a combination she liked, a satisfied grin spreading across her face.
Despite Velvette's harsh words, the models didn't seem fazed. Some at least. They were used to her ways and appreciated her eye for fashion. Violetta found herself admiring Velvette's confidence and straightforwardness. It was a stark contrast to her own more reserved nature, but it was something she could aspire to.
Violetta was fascinated, her eyes wide as she observed the seamless integration of fashion and power. ""Thank you for hanging out with me, Velvette," Violetta said, feeling a warmth spread through her chest.
Velvette smirked, not breaking her focus. Velvette grinned, giving her a playful shove. "Don't get too soppy on me now. We've got work to do."
As the day went on, Violetta found herself growing more comfortable in Velvette's presence. The fashionista was rough around the edges, but there was a genuine care in her actions and words that Violetta hadn't expected.
Violetta is the only daughter and child of Yakuza Leader who's in charge of the Theater District.
Violetta ran off because she's tried of his expectations.
Is she aware of what The Vees are about?
Next chapter will contain BDSM.
Be waaaarned~