Chapter Text
The air was thick with the stench of alcohol and the closeness of warm, buzzing VTek employees. Among them stood Ethan, Travis and Melissa. The former was rather pleased with the turnout of this year's New Year's Eve party. No more nagging in his ear over whether or not to invite a certain Radio Demon, or if he's seen Valentino to "let off some steam" . Oh, how he despised seeing his boss' screen light up in joy ecstasy whenever Alastor or that stupid moth was around. But how he adored seeing Vox truly happy for once, not plastering a lie on his face. "If only he would look at me that way..." he said to himself one morning as he prepared for The Might of Lilith.
"Hey Ethan!" Travis approached the bar he was perched at with an arm slung lazily across Melissa's shoulders. They were clearly fairly drunk.
"You shouldn't be hitting the drinks so hard guys, remember, you're the designated chaperones tonight!" he responds, swirling his Gin & Tonic in a shockingly greasy glass.
"Who gives a crap? It's New Year's Eve for Satan's sake! This time my liver can actually regenerate." Melissa, who seemed to be in her own world, giggled drunkenly and muttered something incoherent under her breath before turning slightly green. Ethan notices this immediately.
"I think Melissa needs to sit down, Trav."
"Nah, she'll be fine mate. The party's only just started! You're just too sober."
"I am not cleaning up her vomit alone though. Or anyone's for that matter."
"You got it 'boss'! It's almost midnight so I gotta mingle. Remember to drink Ethan!"
"Pizza?"
"Yeah, thanks- Melissa!"
Melissa was stood behind the counter, staring longingly out across the balcony. Right in view of Velvette, who was sipping on a colourful cocktail while wearing a pink frilly mini dress.
"Hey, stop staring at your girlfrrriend and get me drunk" he's slurring his words; only two drinks in, so much for a "designated chaperone". Melissa is blushing now, although she bows her head in a silly attempt to hide.
"Sh- she's not my girllfriendd, idiot. She's just ssoo... beautiful."
"That's your boss, giirll!"
"Says youuu!"
"...Touché."
"3-"
As the final moments of the new year trickle away, the countdown feels less like a celebration to Ethan, and more like an unbearable reminder of yet another year passing without a soulmate, partner. Or even a friend
"2-"
Across the balcony, Valentino and Velvette talk animatedly with sarcastic smiles whilst admiring the bright sparks flying across the scarlet sky. In the corner stands Vox sipping on a finger of rye looking rather sullen. Ethan can guess what just happened. Heat boils in his core just at the very thought. "You are nothing now, puta. I don't need you anymore, go back to your idiotic cock-warmer of an assistant. Yours. He liked the sound of that.
"1- Happy New Year!"
He's snapped back to reality like a cold splash of water. Travis echoing his name like he's a million miles away. But when he looks back, Vox is gone.