Chapter Text
I was about to go about my usual routine. Avoiding crossfire from turf wars and dodging stepping on used needles on my way to my current accommodation. That was until I saw newspapers about the reopening of the Hazbin Hotel after the latest extermination. Abandoning the chance of going home early, I decided to check it out. Since I feel like I owe them for saving practically half of hell.
When I reached my destination scrape free but more traumatized than ever, I almost considered going back. The hotel was swarmed with people. And Voxtech branded cameras, which meant a huge story was about to be told. Whether it was a lie or the truth only the people who tell them know. News reporters were like sharks looking for the next big hit. I groan in annoyance, I basically wasted my time checking it out immediately. I’m sure it’ll die down in a day or two.
Surprisingly the crowd began exiting the building like it was an evacuation. I hear a few snippets from sinners making snide comments about the hotel. Which was quicker than I was expecting. Among the crowd I recognized Vox, but who couldn't recognize him? He’s constantly on screen. And his distinct TV head is easily recognizable.
It must be a real headline if the head of the industry came here himself. One that I'd like to not be a part of. In the middle of my procrastination of moving somewhere else, his gaze landed on me, Shit. so much for not trying to be a part of… whatever's going on. I turn around to get anywhere that's not where I am right now and end up walking into Vox himself. The fuck? He was in the opposite direction. I give a double take, then focus my gaze on Vox, who's smirking down at me.
“That shit show was boring. the ‘Hazbin Hotel’, What a scam. But you? You look like you could be the next star…" Was he seriously going to insult the hotel that literally stopped the experimentation while trying to loop me into his schemes?! he said more but I tuned it out. “Are you even listening to me?” As much as I want to make a snide retort about how ungrateful he is, I hold it back. It’s not wise to piss off an overlord.
“Sorry, sir, I wasn't paying attention. Now what was it you were saying?”
“As I was saying. The vee tower would like to bring you in to become hell's next sensation.”
“No thank you.”
“You must be- wait, what do you mean no?! It's the chance of the century, You could get thousands of fans and your own merch! Who wouldn't want that?”
“Well I don’t.” I turned to walk away, but I spun around to face a very confused Vox.
“Booring! Why not show off who you are? You look like you can turn the heads of every sinner out there!”
“I’m flattered, but I’m not one for the screen. Or any social media in that manner.” I shrug. Vox is scrambling to get at least a single word out, clawing at his screen slightly. He’s that baffled that I don't want to be the center of the public eye? “I don't want every single thing I do to be monitored and judged. I don't want people to say unspeakable things over the safety of the screen just because I was imperfect. that life isn't for me. So don't try to loop me into it.” Vox’s hand pauses, Then falls to his side.
“Huh, never thought about it that way before.” he pauses and grins at me.”Your view could be just what v-tower needs!”
“I already said no.”
“Come on! You'd be perfect!“ That earns him a sharp glare from me. "Fine, If you change your mind, here's my business card. Just give me a call and I’ll show you around the tower. Maybe that would convince you to join the winning side!” He hands me a card that has his name front and center. Below it says co-CEO of Voxtech on the back there's a small doodle of him next to his number, cute. “It’s my personal number, so I’ll be sure to answer when you call.” He emphasizes this with a wink.
‘If I call. Anyways, thank you for offering. But it's worthless to try to get me on the internet." I tuck the card into my pocket. The action makes Vox’s screen light up slightly, both literally and figuratively. I then turn to leave, half expecting him to make me stay somehow and as expected, he does. I turn back towards him, brow raised.
“Wait! Even if you don't take up my offer, would you want to get drinks with someone as great as myself? I’ll even pay!” Vox strikes a proud pose, pointing towards himself. I let the offer sit in my mind for a moment as I sift through the information. During my hesitation he moves over to closer to me
“You know what, why not.” Who doesn't like getting hammered off of someone else's paycheck?
“Ah! I knew you'd come around!” Vox grins and offers his hand. I let him take my hand. But to my surprise he brought it up to his screen and kissed it. And it didn't feel like a screen, not completely. sure it had some aspects but it wasn't like what I'd expect someone with a screen for a face to feel like. And I became flustered. Oh so very flustered. I stiffened up from the contact and blushed Like a fucking teenager with their first kiss. What is wrong with me? And with my lacking luck today, Vox noticed how incredibly flustered I became and chuckled. I felt his breath on my hand. That bitch. “You won't regret it, darling.” I don't respond because I think I got some kind of brain damage from how much blood was rushing to my face. He rose and let go of my hand.
“Oh, and call me. So we can figure out the plans if we get drinks.”
“Ok.” I would have said much more but I was still disoriented. And it didn't help that Vox was walking away. With a final wave back at me with a grin, he left.