Alastor barely listening to Carmila who was again talking of heavens genocide sunk slightly into his chair. He was bored and had been bored for quite some time. So bored in fact he wanted the entirety of hell to collapse so he wouldn't have to deal with it anymore.

His smile grew as he thought of the lowly sinners running in fear as they saw the rings of hell open itself to them. Its gapping mouth fueled with hunger and rage ready to suck their tainted spirits into its fiery pit.

And right then as if heaven itself answered, the doors of the room slammed open.

A man with a cocky grin which covered the thin screen of his face waltzed right on in. His posture lazy, yet still radiating confidence. "What? Did I interrupt your party?" He scoffed, taking a look at Carmila who furrowed her brows.

"This is no party, this is a discussion about the millions of innocent souls being taken every year on heaven's account." Carmila angrily corrected him.

The TV rolled his eyes at her statement, "innocent souls? Hardly." he scoffed, taking the chair in front of him and lazily sitting down, propping his legs up on the conference table. "Admit it this is just a pretend meet up of high hierarchical assholes who pretend they care for something other than themselves, so they can in turn keep the power they control and everything else that benefits them."

Alastor leaned forward, slightly amused at the intrusion of the screened sinner.

"Truly if you wanted these numbers to go down, why not just take advantage of the media? Make sinners believe they can do something about it. Make them believe they can fight back. Heaven won't be as inclined to slaughter something that's trying so desperately hard to stay alive."

Carmilas lips curled in distaste. her eyes narrowing at the arrogant man in front of her, "And what do you propose, Vox? A full-scale war against Heaven? You think we can win against an endless army of divine warriors when we can barely keep our own from tearing each other apart?" She scoffed, her tone laced with disdain, "Your naivety is amusing."

Vox's screen flickered momentarily, static buzzing in irritation. He looked around at the other overlords around him who seemed to be snickering about his foolishness. he rolled his eyes, a tinge of embarrassment creeping onto his screen. "Whatever, continue letting sinners get slaughtered."

The meeting continued, but Alastors eyes remained on the ignorant brash new overlord sitting at the end of the table.

And then it happened.

Vox turned his screen just slightly, enough for his eyes to meet Alastor's. The moment going still. Alastors sharp grin never faltered, if anything it had only grown when their eyes had locked. Amusement and curiosity behind his gaze.

Vox felt an unfamiliar sensation creep throughout him, like a flutter weaving it's way into him. The pixels on his screen slowed down as they shifted into darker hues of blue and purple. But before he could let the feeling fester he scowled and furrowed his eyebrows at the grinning man and quickly shifted his gaze away.

Alastor however let his eyes linger on him for just a moment longer before looking back at Carmila. He was utterly delighted. His interest had been piqued in a way it hadn't in a long time. There was something about the television sinners brashness, his confidence, his energy- it was different and it had potential.

The meeting dragged on, Carmila had returned to her lecture on Heaven's extermination, but Alastor? Oh Alastor- he was now lost in his own little world. He could barely keep himself to sit still, his mind buzzing with curious thoughts about the new overlord. Excitement coursing it's way through his soul and now that it was he wasn't about to let it go.

As the meeting finally came to an end, Vox exhaled sharply and stretched his arms. He was more than ready to leave this ridiculous place behind. He adjusted his suit, turning toward the door, eager to slip out before anyone could stop him.

but he didn't get far.

in a blur of red static, Alastor suddenly appeared blocking his way, his grin stretched far and wide against his face.

Before Vox could react his hand was taken away into an overly firm and aggressive handshake. "WOAH, The hell's your problem?" Vox snapped trying to yank his hand away, but Alastor just grinned, holding onto it a second longer than necessary before finally releasing him.

Alastor simply laughed, a rich static-laced sound that scraped against Vox's nerves. "Oh, do forgive my enthusiasm! I just had to introduce myself properly!" Alastor adjusted himself before introducing himself, "Alastor, the Radio Demon. Though you may have heard of me, I do have quite the lovely radio show." his voice practically sung in self indulgence and excitement.

Vox scoffed playing with the sleeve of his suit with an air of boredom, "radio? Never heard of you." his voice dripped with a sense of smug pride.

Alastor's grin twitched, but not in irritation, just sheer amusement. This was new and all too exhilarating. Everyone in Hell was either terrified of him or desperate to get on his good side. But Vox? Vox had just dismissed him outright.

Delightful.

"My, my! How refreshing!" Alastor chuckled, his eyes gleaming with interest, "I do admire your boldness."

Vox rolled his eyes shifting his weight as if he was in a rush to get out of this pointless conversation. "Yeah, well, I'm not in the business of stroking egos, buddy."

Alastor just chuckled again, tilting his head in an unsettling manner. "Oh I don't doubt that for a second! And might I add, your idea back there? Absolutely brilliant!"

Vox blinked, thrown off by the unexpected praise. His screen flickering into confusion. "What? You're screwing with me aren't you? I saw the faces. Everyone thinks I'm an idiot."

Alastor's grin only widened, "Ah but they're just mere fools who don't want to face the truth. They just can't- don't understand the way you think, see things. Your genius."

Vox felt an unfamiliar warmth creep up into his soul, his screen flickering the slightest bit of dark purple. He quickly looked away, crossing his arms in irritation, "Tch. Whatever."

Despite Vox's dismissive behavior in the conversation, Alastors grin didn't falter. Without warning, he clasped a hand onto Vox's shoulder, his grip firm and unrelenting. He wasn't about to give up even if Vox wanted to play hard to get.

"Well then! Since you're such a fascinating conversationalist, why don't we continue this discussion over dinner? My treat!"

Vox furrowed his brows about to reject the offer, but something about the way Alastor was looking at him, like he was so genuinely entertained by him, made him pause.

"...Fine," he muttered, trying to sound indifferent. "But if this is some ploy to waste my time, I swear you'll wish I didn't"

Alastor let out a delighted laugh. "Splendid! I do love an evening filled with stimulating company!"

As they stepped out onto the streets of Hell, the chaotic glow of neon lit signs and flickering flames casting eerie shadows around them. Alastor with a bounce in his step walked confidently beside Vox.

"So, tell me my electrifying friend, what exactly is that fascinating contraption on your shoulders?" Alastor asked, tilting his head examining the device that was Vox's face. "I've seen many strange sinners in my time, but what is that display!? Now that's a marvel!"

Vox let out an exaggerated sigh, "it's a TV, genius."

Alastor gasped dramatically. "A television, you say? And here I thought you had an entire theater in there playing an endless loop of your own narcissism!"

Vox huffed clearly frustrated, his screen flashing static for half a second. "Oh, aren't you hilarious? And here I thought radio died ages ago."

Alastor merely laughed at Vox's retort, "oh you wound me, But truly, how does it work? I've seen them around but was never interested enough to take a look." Alastor grinned, scanning Vox's screen. "Do you control what's displayed? Can others change what's on it? What happens if someone smacks the top of your head, does it fix any technical issues?"

Vox groaned, "I swear, if you try- I'll kill you."

Alastor let out a delighted gasp of air turning his way around Vox, "bold to think you can."

The sincerity of Alastors comment held a playful tone that made something shift in Vox's soul. Vox had met plenty of sinners during his time in hell who either tried to use him or feared him. But Alastor? He was different. He was entertained by him, genuinely intrigued and for reasons he couldn't yet explain, Vox felt himself being pulled toward him. Maybe it was the sheer magnitude of Alastors intoxicating rhythm, the unpredictable words that flowed out of his lips, yet the odd charm they seemed to carry.

Vox would be lying if he said that he too wasn't entertained by it all.

As the meal progressed the atmosphere between Alastor and Vox became unexpectedly comfortable. The restaurant was quiet except for the soft clinking of utensils and the low murmurs of distant conversations. Alastors previous energy now softer, as if the surroundings were pulling him into something more intimate, more focused.

Vox couldn't help but notice how Alastor seemed genuinely absorbed in their conversation. He wasn't just listening; he was engaged. his red eyes locked on Vox as if he were the most delightfully interesting sinner in hell.

"So," Alastor leaned forward, his tone taking on a playful edge. "This idea of yours about the media... you believe Hell's image can be shaped by the right perception yes?" His head tilted slightly, his grin deepening. "Tell me, how do you plan to accomplish that? Are you aiming for some sort of revolution? One between Heaven and Hell?"

Vox feeling a little more at ease despite the irritation that still lingered in his chest, took a sip of his drink before answering. "Revolution? Nah. That's a little too predictable. But the right influence, the right broadcast, could turn things around down here." He leaned back in his chair, his arms crossing over his chest thinking it over, "The sinners here are stuck in this old mindset. To simply survive whatever is tossed at them, but what if I can show them they're more than just rats scurrying their way through the race. I can give them a purpose, a reason to believe they can. To not be afraid."

Alastor's grin widened, a fascinated gleam in his eyes. "Fascinating. You're aiming for the hearts and minds of Hell's very own sinners, then? Make them see themselves differently?"

"Exactly!" Vox's voice sharpened with excitement, as if the conversation had just started to get interesting, "It's all about the right image. The right story. If I can get Hell's citizens to believe they're something greater than what they are, they'll rise. And that's not just about changing the mindset. It's about giving the illusion of control. Once they feel like they own the narrative, they won't just sit back and let themselves be used."

Alastors eyes seemed to sparkle with admiration. "I must admit, I would have never guessed that you would have such grand ambitions. Your ideas are-... brilliant, a true visionary."

Vox shifted uncomfortably in his seat, the pixels on his screen slowing down and darkening just a bit at the edges. He hadn't expected Alastor to be this enthusiastic about it. His ideas weren't the most original, but to have someone like Alastor- who was apparently well feared as the Radio Demon? To praise him like this- it just felt odd. Vox furrowed his eyebrows just slightly, "Well, yeah. It's not all that complicated, is it? Just gotta know how to pull the strings." He paused looking at Alastor. "Surely you got the whole manipulation' thing down, right? The whole-... Radio Demon persona?"

Alastor laughed, a low rich sound that seemed to fill the room. "Ah, so you do understand," he mused. "Yes, I suppose I do have a little experience with the art of persuasion. And you're right. Perception, control, manipulation, they're all needed for achieving one's goals."

Vox's eyes narrowed trying to understand anything he could about the man in front of him. He was starting to see why Alastorwas so interested in his ideas; he could practically feel the same shared ambition between them.

"You know," Vox said, his voice quieter now. He reached for his drink, his eyes settling on the amber liquid that swirled in it as he mused before looking back at Alastor. "I thought you were just some egomaniacal freak with a radio at first, but..." He smirked slightly, "You're not so bad. Though I do kinda get why people fear you."

Alastors eyes curved up into something mischievously playful, "Oh, Vox. Fear can be so delightful, it can motivate people to do things they otherwise wouldn't. But you-" He leaned in closer, his voice lowering, "you see things in ways most don't. It's rather refreshing."

Vox shifted, feeling heat creep up onto his screen. His irritation had long since melted away and now in its wake there was something else- something almost exciting about being in the presence of someone so dangerous and so interested in him. But not the kind of interest that wants to feed on his usefulness, but rather to simply understand... to talk.

"Well, maybe it's because I'm not like most others. I don't care for your kind of power," Vox replied, trying to mask the fact he was actually enjoying the conversation more than he thought he would. "I'm far more interested in the kind that controls the narrative. You control what they hear, but I- I! Want to control what they see."

Alastor chuckled, leaning back into his seat. "Ah, a true master of perception. You know. Vox I must admit... I didn't expect this evening to turn into such an enlightening experience." Alastor picked up the glass he's been neglecting all night, "You've certainly given me-" he took a long sip of the amber liquid, "something to think about."

Vox smirked, leaning back as well. His shoulders relaxing into the comfort of his chair. "Glad I could entertain you, then. I mean, I am a fascinating creature, after all."

"You certainly are. And I do believe we will be seeing more of each other," Alastor mused, taking another sip of his drink before putting it down with a clink, "A brilliant mind like yours deserves to be nurtured."

Vox raised an eyebrow, picking his drink back up and hovering it next to his face, "Is that your way of saying you want me around?"

Alastor smiled and shrugged, "I wouldn't say no to a bit more company. You're a rare find, and I do love a good challenge."

Vox's screen flickered the pixels on his face deepening in color, clearly a deep purple flush. He hated to admit it, but being seen by Alastor, of his thoughts and ideas being taken seriously was... intoxicating.

"Well," Vox said, giving Alastor a small smirk, "I guess we'll see how this 'challenge' goes for you. I'm not as easy to control as you might think."

Alastor grin remained unchanging, "I wouldn't dream of controlling you, no, no. I much rather prefer to see how you will shape this little corner of Hell. But I can promise you one thing..."

Vox raised an eyebrow, his breath halting in suspense.

Alastors grin deepened, "you won't regret meeting me."

Vox swirled his drink lazily in his hand, watching the way the lights flickered across the surface of the glass, listening to the soft clinks of ice against each other. He could feel Alastors gaze still fixed onto him, watching, waiting.

"So," Vox finally said, tilting his screen, "If you think my ideas are so fascinating, what is it that you want? You don't strike me as the type to just sit back and watch someone take the spotlight."

Alastor chuckled, his fingers tapping idly against the tablecloth. "Ah- but you see dear, I don't need the spotlight. The way I see it, I much rather prefer to let the pieces fall as they may, so long as I get to enjoy the show."

Vox just smirked, "So, you're saying you'd rather be in the shadows? The one pulling the strings from behind the scenes?" his voice took on a playful lilt, "And here I thought you'd enjoy basking in your own reputation."

Alastors grin widened, his sharp teeth glinting under the warm glow of the restaurant's lights. "Oh but reputation is a tool. Just like your screens, just like your broadcasts. It's all about what people believe. Tell me does it not delight you to know that your name alone can command a reaction?"

Vox thought for a moment before narrowing his eyes slightly, "Maybe, but unlike you, I don't need fear to get what I want."

"Oh?~ is that so?" Alastors tone turned into a light tease, but there was something in the way he leaned forward, how he rested his chin on the back of his hand, that made the air between them feel- different... "Then tell me, Vox. What is it that you need?"

Vox felt the warmth creep back onto his face. It wasn't just the question itself, but the way Alastor was looking at him. Like he was stripping back the carefully crafted layers he had built around himself and how he was enjoying every moment of it.

"I need control," Vox answered, his Voice a bit lower and unsure of itself, but it quickly regained its confidence as he continued. "Control over what people see. Over how they react. Over what matters in their lives. It's not about fear, but about influence. About making them want what I give them."

Alastor hummed in approval tilting his head as if savoring the words. "Hmm yes, influence. The most gratifying form of power, wouldn't you agree?" His eyes catching Vox's, his gaze seeming to dig into his very soul, "and what happens, when someone resists your influence? When they begin to mock your illusion."

Vox scoffed, waving his hand as if to dismiss the statement. "Then they're either too stupid to understand what I'm offering, or too stubborn to admit they like it."

Alastor let out a teasingly playful chuckle. "Oh, I do like you."

Vox screen flickered to static, his body involuntarily twitching. Not from irritation, but from something that flickered inside him. He wasn't used to being engaged like this, and certainly not with someone who gave just as much as he took. Alastor wasn't just listening, he was able to match him for all his energy.

And Vox liked it.

He exhaled regaining his composure, and shook his screen with a smirk in delighted disbelief. "You're somethin' else, you know that?"

Alastor beamed, "Why! I take that as the highest compliment! My good sir."

Vox rolled his eyes, but didn't look away this time. He let his own gaze focus onto Alastor. His smirk remained on his face. his fingers tracing along the brim of his glass as he studied the man in front of him. The more they talked, the more he realized that Alastor wasn't just another power hungry sinner, he was sharp, calculated, and beneath all his grinning madness, he was paying attention.

That was rare.

Alastor shook his head chuckling at Vox's curious intense gaze. "If influence is what you want, does that mean you want to make yourself the most powerful voice in Hell?"

Vox's screen tilted and his smirk widened letting out a short playful laugh, "Maybe. Depends on how much fun it is."

"Oh, fun is crucial," Alastor remarked before leaning forward slightly. his voice dipping into something softer. Deeper. "And tell me, Vox. Are you having fun right now?"

The question made the air between them still.

Vox hesitated, but only for a second. "...Yeah," he admitted, his voice quieter lacking his usual bravado. It was more genuine, more thoughtful. "I think I am."

His answer caused Alastors grin to relax at the edges. The smile becoming warmer.

Vox exhaled slowly bringing the glass up to his mouth. He let the whiskey rest against his lips for a moment before downing the rest of the glass. He then placed the glass down and stretched, rolling his shoulders back as he leaned comfortably back into his seat. it was rare for him to find someone who could actually keep up with him in conversation. Someone who wanted to challenge him without trying to overpower him. To keep things interesting. The thrill of it all was far more than just engagement; it was the shared enjoyment of two individuals who just wanted to talk without the need for more.

Vox chuckled to himself tapping the rim of the empty glass. "You know I gotta wonder, how often do you actually meet someone who doesn't just roll over and play dead for you?"

Alastors eyes curved up almost crescent like, "Oh, it is a rare delight." he admitted. "Most find it easier to be afraid, but dear is boring when it's predictable. And you dear Vox" his eyes squinting in pure delight, "are anything but predictable."

Vox chuckled at the others' playfulness, the sound of it deep and smooth filled with slight arrogance, "Glad you're enjoying yourself, but I don't do this for anyone else's amusement." Vox leaned in slightly, his voice dipping into something sultry, "I do it because I like knowing I'm the one with the upper hand." He tilted his screen, giving Alastor a careful once over, "And right now? I think I do."

Alastors grin didn't falter, but there was an unmistakable glint in his eye, as though he were genuinely impressed. "Oh? Is that so?" he tilted his head mirroring Vox, "tell me, what makes you so sure?"

Vox leaned in fully, resting his arms on the table, shortening the space between them. "Because I know how to play the game," he murmured, "And I know exactly what I'm doing."

Alastor lifted a brow, a giddy grin stretching wide. "Do you now?"

Vox just smirked, eyes narrowing playfully. "Like I said I don't need people to fear me, I just need them to want what I have to offer. And right now?" He tilted his screen lower to the point he had to let his eyes look up at Alastor, his confidence radiating off of him. "I'd say you want something from me."

Alastor laughed at his statement, "You certainly are quite the entertainer aren't you?"

Vox didn't waver. "I'm serious."

Alastor leaned in his hand resting on his cheek. His amusement is filled with genuine interest. "And what is it, pray tell, that you think I want?"

Vox's smirk deepened, he let the question hang between them for a moment before answering. "More."

Alastors grin faltered ever so slightly, but only for a second before coming back sharper than before. "More?"

"Yeah," Vox answered, his voice smooth and sultry. "More conversation. More challenges. More-... Well? Me." He simply smiled as he studied Alastors unreadable expression, yet he was completely and utterly wrapped up in the conversation at hand. "Because admit it. Alastor. When was the last time someone actually made you work for their attention?"

Alastor's laughter was low and rich. A sound that sent an odd thrill throughout Vox's soul. "Oh, you're dangerous." His voice matching Vox's sultry tone. He was utterly delighted, "I do like that."

Vox's unwavering smirk turned smug, fully in his element. "Took you long enough to admit it."

Alastor leaned slightly forward resting his chin on the back of his hand. "I expected alot from this evening, but I did not expect you to be so deliciously bold."

Vox shrugged, feeling the power shift between them. He was basking in his own confidence. "Guess I'm full of surprises."

Alastor let out another amused chuckle, something that sounded genuine. "Indeed you are."

There was something electrifying in the air. Something that neither of them could deny, it was as if two people had finally met their match.

Alastor watched Vox, his eyes studying every feature, every little action. Vox was more confident now, more comfortable. It truly was a sight for the eyes seeing someone so full of themself.

Vox's glass now filled again, took a long satisfied sip, his movements languid and calculated. He was enjoying this, so sure of himself. Why shouldn't he be? He had Alastors full attention.

"You know," Alastor mused, breaking the silence, "You are rather charming when you get like this."

Vox smirked, setting his glass down. "When I get like what?"

"Oh you know," Alastors eyes gleamed with amusement, "All puffed up and pleased with yourself, so certain you have the upper hand." He tilted his head, "It's absolutely adorable."

Voxs screen flickered to static before returning. He scoffed rolling his eyes, "Yeah yeah laugh it up you old time-y prick."

Alastor let out a delighted chuckle, "Old, is it? And yet you're the one spending your evening indulging me" His voice dipped into a playfully rich tone, "What does that say about you?"

Vox crossed his arms, "Says I like to keep things interesting."

"I do love an honest man." Alastor playfully sang, "tell me, then. Do you really think you're in control here?"

Vox tilted his screen, the smirk on his face so sure of itself. "Aren't I?"

Alastor humming to himself. "Hmm~ if it makes you happy to believe so, then by all means enjoy it." his voice dripping like sweet honey.

Vox's pixels flickered shifting into darker hues. His stomach twisting with something he couldn't quite explain. He wasn't stupid he knew there was more to Alastors statement than what laid on the surface. But at the same time...

He liked it.

liked that Alastor let him have his little illusion of power. Liked that despite his foolish arrogance, the Radio Demon wasn't dismissing him. Indulging him, sure. But not shutting him down.

Vox leaned even further, mirroring Alastors position, their faces only inches apart. "If you have all the power then why not just take it back?"

Alastors smile was warm, "Oh where's the fun in that?"

Vox let out a chuckle, the sides of his screen buzzing, "Guess I really do keep you entertained, huh?"

Alastors eyes seemed to sparkle. "Oh absolutely." His voice was almost breathless.

Another pause in their conversation, this one longer than before. Their eyes in each other's gaze. The static in the air now undeniably thick. Alastor let the moment stretch, let the tension settle. And then just as Vox opened his mouth to speak again. Alastor reached forward slow and deliberate tapping the side of Vox's screen, right where the static flickered.

Vox froze.

Alastors grin just widened, warm and sweet. His head tilted ever so slightly.

Vox swallowed, his screen flaring hotter than he'd like to admit. He forced himself to scoff and lean back into the chair as if that simple touch- that look- hadn't just sent his mind off the rails.

Laughter filled the private section of the restaurant where Vox and Alastor were seated.

Vox leaned back in his seat, his face flushed with alcohol. One of his hands gripping onto yet another glass of whiskey. The other gestured wildly as he tried to finish whatever ridiculous story that had set both of them off. "And then- OoO And then- the dumbass face planted directly into the teleprompter!"

Alastor laughing way too loud for something neither of them understood, his normally pristine posture gone as he slumped forward against the table, his hands grasping for anything that would keep him from toppling over, "How absolutely grand- And you fired him, I'm assuming?"

Vox snorted, shaking his head. His usually perfect suit was slightly rumpled now, his tie loosened, and the crisp folds of his jacket bunching by his now overly animated gestures. "Oh- nah, I kept him around for a while, purely for entertainment value, you know?" His fingers grasped at his own tie completely undoing it as he exhaled, "Hell needs idiots too."

Alastors grin stretched wider under his snickering. His suit jacket had been discarded sometime between the third drink and and the fifth fit of uncontrollable laughter, his hair slightly disheveled, shirt sleeves slightly undone, vest shifted but he didn't seem to care. He hadn't had this much fun in years.

Vox glanced at Alastor, eyes drunkenly half lidded with amusement. "You look like a mess," he snickered.

Alastor chuckled, "so do you, darling." He leaned back into his seat, his head tilting back slightly against the back of the chair. "Your suit jacket is a disaster, your tie utterly undone, and I do believe you're one drink away from being completely horizontal." He gestured with a flick of his wrist.

Vox just smirked lazily, stretching out into his seat. "Oh? Mmm you complaining?"

Alastor let out a warm breathless laugh shaking his head as he rested his chin back onto his hand. "Mmm, no. Not at all."

For a moment, neither of them spoke. The warmth of the drinks settling into their systems and burning up onto their faces. Their eyes gazing into each others with a slight hum of hot slick static in the air. But it was only for a moment as another fit of laughter bubbled up from within them, their grins shifting and curving along with the silliness of it all.

Vox exhaled, tasting the lingering whiskey in his breath, "You're something else, you know that?" His screen buzzed slightly hotter at the words that left his mouth.

Alastor swayed a slow silly knowing grin spreading across his face, "Mmm Oh, I do"

Vox just merely let out a shaky laugh, his smirk faltering. His fingers reached up and tugged at the collar of his own shirt trying to regain any self composure. He felt hot. And it wasn't the drinks. Oh no, no- it was Alastor.