Any deflation in Vox's expression dissappeared starting with a little snicker, clearling his throat and struggling to hold it in. He looked absolutely delighted.
"Alastor, come on, you're still on that whole 'I'm a lonewolf, I don't need anyone else' shtick? Okay, fine, let me count the score for you." He held up his fingers as he counted. "You lost me, your only friend at the time, though I'm sure you'll make new ones out of those cute little hotel residents, then you dissapeared for seven years under 'mysterious circumstances', probably for everyone's attention, I'm sure, and finally you got your ass beat by Adam. But sure, you're so strong, real proud of you, champ. You really showed me, you know."
"Of course I need them! Life would be so boring without them. So I let Velvette have her fashion shows and Valentino has his porn. Goodness knows I wouldn't want them involved in the actual work of my company, the tech side of things. Can you imagine? On Velvette's, part everything would be pink with little hearts and Xs on them, maybe even cute little robot skirts, and Valentino would put dildos on everything, somehow, even if it doesn't make any sense." He could no longer hold his laugh in, entire body rocking in his seat, putting his cup down because drinking right now would be a bad idea. "But, you know what? You've convinced me, pal. I mean, I'm just so weak, how can I refuse their requests?"
He needed to take a few moments to calm down, but he was still left smiling from screen side to screen side at the concept.
"Exactly! And honestly, I'm relieved you feel the same way. I doubt I'd be your type even if you did have romantic feelings, but it's still nice to know there's zero chance I'll be surprised by any unexpecteed feelings." He titled his head. "God, you're so different from how I remember you, yet also the same. I guess lying to yourself all those years does that to one's perception though. Fascinating."