#angel and valentino's relationship

[lucienvanitasabysslll]

every day i respect danny motta more

[sparklingsora]

yeah sure i guess this is how i'll introduce my roleswap au. anyway yeah the good guys swap with the bad guys whaaaaaaat?!?!?!? god i cant believe this au has been consuming my brain for the past several weeks and now i cant even describe it properly. some character refs and descriptions under cut:

imagine, if you will, you are a man with a tv for a head. and lets just say, hypothetically, that you were friends with a powerful overlord. a powerful overlord named alastor. and lets just say for the sake of this argument, that this powerful overlord named alastor died in an extermination. so lets assume that you open a hotel to rehabilitate sinners with your girlfriend with the help of this magical cat you found. (and then, lets say, hypothetically, that this powerful overlord named alastor turns out to be alive after all and now he's avoiding you and you are very pissed about it)

okay and NOW imagine, if you will, you are the daughter of lucifer, one of the highest ranking angels in heaven, but you got kicked out of heaven for being a cringefail loser. and also imagine that unknown to you your girlfriend is actually an angel sent by your shitty dad to watch over you because he still cares??? i guess??? somewhat??? though he's still shitty anyway PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE send me asks about this au ive got so much lore sitting in this brain of my mine PLEASE I WILL EXPLODE IF I DONT GET IT OUT INTO THE WORLD

[neon-candies]

Happy Halloween!

Warnings for: Child abuse, emotional abuse, unhealthy relationship

Angel probably has this nightmare frequently after Annie was "born". And he probably tried to avoid talking about it at first. But it gets to a point where he can't even hide his fears and concerns. However that's a conversation for another time.

[eggcats]

Still thinking about this post bc these two morons have taken over my mind.

And I'm just like. Even after the revelation that Alastor thinks Vox is attractive, and even AS Vox is trying to get this idiot oblivious deer to realize he likes him, Alastor doesn't really change how he treats Vox. Like, at all.

The only change is that now part of his mockery is calling him stupid for not realizing that he's the most eligible demon in hell, lmao (he didn’t realize Vox didn't already know, how stupid of him).

He still likes picking fights and actually fighting him for real. (It's Fun and Entertaining - and for him, nothing has changed that would make him stop)

And I'm kind of thinking that THIS, and not everything else, is what makes Vox realize that Alastor ISN'T mocking him about this. He's serious. Because surely if this was an entire plot to make fun of him, Alastor would at least ATTEMPT to woo him properly before he pulls out the rug from under him, right? He wouldn't just continue on with his day as if he didn't just upend Vox's entire afterlife.

Like, maybe after the first conversation, and after Vox powers back on, he's hopeful, but he knows both what he looks like and what ALASTOR'S like, so he kind of just assumes that Alastor has figured out his less than 100% rival feelings towards him and decided to add it to his mockery.

But then he shows up the next day, determined to beat Alastor at his own game (he will PRETEND to be wooed and then throw it back on him when Alastor tries to mock him, it'll surely work! Totally). And Alastor is like, "Why are YOU back here?!" And doesn't even act any different towards Vox than he did the day before the Revelation.

And Vox is like. Oh, fuck. He was serious.

Suddenly, Vox realizes that, rather than the Normal Hell he THOUGHT he lived in (one where Alastor makes fun of his crush on him) he lives in Weird Hell, where now he has to somehow convince Alastor that he just, is attracted to him and NOT that everyone, somehow, is just. In love with him? Or something??? (What the Fuck?)

There are times when he's tired of fighting with Alastor about this, that a part of him wishes he DID live in Normal Hell, because at least he'd know what to do. (It's not like Val doesn't ALSO mock his crush on Alastor, he at least knows how to respond to THAT).

Even when he convinces Alastor to date him (to make everyone (who doesn't exist, by the way) jealous), Alastor still barely treats him any different. He still pokes and teases at Vox, even as he is (seemingly unintentionally) complimenting him.

One time, Alastor is like, "We haven't fought in ages, we should do that the next time we plan an outing!"

Vox, about to lose it because he had just NOW thought he understood what was going on: What the fuck??! I thought we were dating, why do you still want to kill me?!

Alastor: Dear, we've never been trying to kill each other! If we were, one of us would be dead, ha ha! This is entertainment, pure and simple!

(Translation: Alastor is bored and requires enrichment in his enclosure).

And now Vox has to now grapple with the fact that Alastor apparently saw fighting with him as fun, and not, y'know, rivals legitimately trying to kill one another. What.

--

Also, Valentino notices very quickly the sudden change in Vox's demeanor - usually when they fight, Vox doesn't take long before coming to him for forgiveness. Or, the few times he doesn't, Val doesn't have any difficulties changing Vox's mind (and getting Vox to buy him whatever he wants).

So, when Val decides that if Vox is going to stay pissy about his little comment, he'll "apologize" - ("Come on, amorcito, you know you're the only one for me! Those whores mean nothing compared to you!") But Vox, just, doesn't forgive him and go back to his arms. And Valentino is at a loss.

He LOSES it when he finds out Vox has been hanging at that shitty hotel and chasing that radio bastard (again!). He doubles his efforts of letting Vox know there is absolutely No Way Alastor cares for him at all, let alone as much as Valentino does!

And then Vox and Alastor are dating, and Val tries to shoot one (or both) of them. (He also tries to get Vox to leave Alastor for him when he finds them fighting and destroying empty buildings in a part of the pentagram, but it doesn't work because once they're done fighting Alastor is like "Well, that was fun!" And invites Vox to dinner after, lol. The fighting was the date activity for the day for the silly little radio man, and Vox is too confused to question it.)

(Also, ironically, Val being pissed at Alastor dating Vox just validates Alastor's beliefs - because it never occurs to him to Val is mad because keeping Vox hanging off of him made it easier for Val to get whatever he wants).

--

But, slowly, Vox is starting to realize that, despite Alastor INSISTING that he's not into him and is only dating him for the (nonexistent) clout - he does weirdly care in his own way, and somehow, he's a more romantic partner to him than Valentino ever was, even without seeming to even try to be or realizing it.

One time, Alastor notices that Vox not been to the hotel once in the past few days (since this whole thing has started, he's basically been showing up consistently), so he goes to break into Vee tower to see what's up.

"What's up" is Vox overworking himself and not sleeping for days and only consuming energy drinks as he hasn't left his little computer dungeon even once.

So. Alastor just. Kidnaps him. Refuses to listen as Vox is like, yelling that this project needs done, like, yesterday!

Alastor: Dear, are there not two others in your team who could do this?

Vox: Val is fucking useless at this shit, and Velvette doesn't care if it's late!

Alastor: Well, what's the point of them? You should let me eat them for this. Regardless, it's been at least 3 days of this for you, so if they wish for it to be on time, they can do it themselves.

And then Alastor just brings them back to his room and forces Vox to eat a real meal, before picking him up and dumping him on his bed.

(Vox, suddenly wide awake: What the fuck. What the FUCK. Since when were we having sex?!?!)

(They're not. Alastor changes his clothes to pajamas and threatens to eat one of his employees for every minute he's not sleeping for the next 8 hours.)

(Vox wonders what's wrong with him that he considers this to be romantic).

Either way, Vox passes out for at least 10 hours before waking up to 30+ missed calls, 50+ missed texts, and 100+ missed emails, all wondering where he disappeared to and why the project he was working on wasn't finished. Once again, Alastor offers to eat them. Vox refuses to find it charming. (He's lying, he does).

Especially since after this incident, Alastor will break into Vee tower now more often if he thinks Vox hasn't eaten or slept properly.

And then, one day, Vox just realizes that, despite Alastor saying to the contrary, they're definitely, like, dating for real. But Vox can't tell Alastor that, because any time he even implies this, he calls Vox an idiot because he's only dating him for publicity. (Never acknowledging that, like, anything he does for Vox that isn't in the public eye is very clearly not for that, lol)

[urproblematicfav-arsonk]

Polyvees headcanon that the reason Val and Vox brought Velvette into their relationship was a weird attempt to save their marrige by adding a third

[owl68]

Husk/Al and Angel/Val Comparison

Both Husker and Angel Dust are living in the same shit sandwich, but how are their situations different?

The chains

Whenever the chain that Val has on Angel is depicted, it’s always short and misty. It’s usually around Angel’s hand

Al’s chain on Husk is long, clear, and around Husker’s neck

Woah, definite contrast.

Chain length:

Husk’s chain is long, showing that he can usually do as he pleases. Alastor only occasionally needs Husk, but in general, Husk can be independent. In addition, Al usually lets a lot slide with Husk in terms of sass, sarcasm, and attitude.

Angel’s chain is short and easily tugged upon by Valentino. Angel has a nearly 24/7 obligation to Val and to his job. Angel can’t really step even slightly out of line, except for outside of work (but even then, the very next day Val will punish Angel at work).

Chain opaqueness:

Defined and structured, Husk’s leash-like chain is impossible to break out of. Interestingly, this also suggests that the deal/contract Alastor crafted was much more loophole-proof and solid than Val’s. Husk’s entrapment is physical and undeniable.

Angel’s misty chain has more flexibility to it, and we even occasionally see Angel try to tug himself out of it. Although it’s definitely there (as Val often likes to remind Angel of), it’s more so symbolic, as above all, Val has emotional control over Angel.

Chain placement:

Husk’s chain is around his neck, like a collar of ownership. Ownership not only of his body, but of his soul. This points back to the fact that Husk literally traded his soul to Alastor. However, it’s also a bit easier to forget about the collar-like placement, especially if he’s grown used to it, that is at least until it’s tugged upon.

The placement of Angel’s chain being around his hand provides a much higher emphasis on Angel’s body, as that is what Val “owns”. The chain is always there (whether physically or metaphorically), right in front of Angel, and he can’t ignore it.

Bonus:

Angel’s chain is red/pink, symbolizing emotions and (to an extent forced) lust. Whereas Husk’s is green, symbolizing the greed that drove Husk to trade his soul in the first place.

[parker-matsu]

valangel angst doodles that became a comic sorta

[pixelatedtaken]

StaticMoth Abuse

Featuring mentions of Angel Dust's relationship with Val

TW: ABUSE, SA

SPOILERS AHEAD ↓

Here's a fact. Vox is not being abused by Valentino.

This fandom is so deep in fanon content that it heavily intertwines with canon. But let's try to understand where Val abusing Vox came from, why it's not true and how it correlates to Angel Dust's relationship with Val.

Let's begin:

In the, now archived, posts on Instagram (or voxtagram), it was revealed that Vox and Val were in a situation-ship, and canon officially confirmed it.

Now, Val as a character is heavily hated and for good reasons while Vox is not. Many people adore Vox and for that, his relationship with Val can be conflicting, adding a bit of difficulty in justifying their like for him.

Here's where Valentino's relationship with Angel Dust comes in.

Val has been shown to be abusive and to SA Angel Dust. First example of that being the Addict music video.

This has created the need for people to give a reason behind Vox's relationship with Val and make excuses for him so they can validate their favoritism.

"Val is so awful! He must be abusing Vox! Breaking his screen and whatnot!"

What people don't take into consideration is the difference in their power imbalance or lack thereof.

One of the core factors in Angel Dust's relationship with Val is the power difference between them.

Val is an overlord while Angel is a sinner.

A sinner that signed a contract with Val and gave his soul. That alone makes their dynamic vastly different. Val feels it's within his right to abuse Angel, to test his limits until he breaks. And up until episode 4, Angel believed he deserved it because whatever Val did to have him sign the contract must have been his fault. Although that's not true, Angel felt so. Heck, he wanted to break himself so that Val would let him go.

Vox and Val, on the other hand, don't have that. Both of them are overlords.

They are on equal footing. There is no power imbalance. In fact, the Vees could have not existed and both Vox and Val, including Velvette, would be completely fine without each other and continue to have their respective overlord status.

The reason it exists is exploitation.

All three can and do use each other so they can have a more powerful front. A mutual alliance of exploitation. Within this, they have created their own fucked up bond. As a result of that, Val and Vox have an on-again, off-again relationship. It's far from healthy, but it's not an abusive one.

Vox knows of Valentino's behavior but as long as it's not effecting their shared partnership, he will not interfere nor will he care about it.

Or maybe the next seasons will give me the middle finger and I'm completely wrong. Who knows? I just read a fic and saw posts about Vox being abused by Val and wanted to give my two cents on the topic.

[jubileemon]

Hazbin Hotel: Poison Song

The song became controversial due to the visuals that accompany it were seem as portraying the topic of sexual abuse in an insensitive and some sort of sick fetish, but not from Angel Dust's perspective. Let me explain:

Valentino's Obsession and Control

Valentino's behavior towards Angel extends beyond professional boundaries, crossing into personal and sexual territory. His obsession with Angel Dust is evident in his relentless pursuit and control over him, which includes forcing himself upon Angel Dust and engaging in non-consensual acts. The series does not shy away from depicting the grim reality of such abusive relationships, challenging the audience to confront the severity of these issues.

Angel's inability to break free from Valentino's grip is symbolized by a contract that legally binds him to his abuser. The series hints at the possibility of escape, suggesting that the contract's dissolution could be the key to the sinner's liberation. However, the power to terminate this contract lies with Valentino, leaving Angel in a state of limbo and dependence.

Coping Mechanism and Self-Destruction

Angel was bound by a contract to Valentino, faces a harrowing existence under his dominion. Valentino, who is both Angel Dust's employer in the adult film industry and his abuser, employs gaslighting tactics to keep Angel Dust in line. The series showcases the psychological impact of such abuse, with Angel Dust being subjected to poor mistreatment and threats that leave him feeling trapped and hopeless.

Angel Dust's coping strategy involves substance abuse and self-sabotage, hoping to become so broken that Valentino will lose interest in him. This tragic approach to dealing with trauma is a reflection of the harsh reality faced by many abuse victims, who sometimes resort to self-harm in an effort to become unappealing to their abusers.

It is worth noting that Valentino is the one who should be freaking out in this scene, not Angel Dust, because actually managing to piss off Lucifer's daughter is like a mouse finally poking a lazy cat into action. But Charlie's demeanor is so unthreatening that even when she is clearly going to break Valentino like a twig for his behavior, Valentino isn't threatened and Angel actually stops Charlie from attacking him, seeing her as the one in danger. This is noted to be a favorite tactic of real-life abusers, in which they psychologically bind their victims so badly that they themselves will refuse help from people who would've saved them with little effort.

Angel's meltdown when Husk rejects him one too many times is both this and even more sadder, reminding us that Valentino's abuse has all but fully convinced Angel that his only worth is sex. As well as after Husk called him fake right before the meltdown, his eyes glow magenta and he gets up in Husk’s face.

The Music

The 'Poison' music video serves as a metaphorical exploration of Angel Dust's entrapment and addiction to the toxic relationship with Valentino. Visual elements such as pink smoke-like chains represent Valentino's control, while the ambiguous nature of their sexual encounters raises questions about consent. The video culminates in a scene that encapsulates the fear and distress Angel Dust experiences, highlighting the cyclical nature of abuse.

At one point in the song Angel straight up says that he can only blame himself instead of pinning any of it on "the poisoner" for all the abuse he's being put through. A harrowing reminder of how too many a victim feels like they've brought their suffering upon themselves or, worse, believe they deserve it.

Throughout the sequence, Angel is trying to maintain his "mask" of super-confidence and semi-aggressive sexuality on camera... but the mask keeps slipping. His face flashes from resigned, to frightened, to just plain tired, before he has to fake enthusiasm again. Worse, Valentino appears to be deliberately throwing Angel off his stride whenever he successfully gets into character: for example, when during the dance sequence between Angel and Valentino, Angel's doing a good job of appearing graceful and seductive...until Valentino literally yanks Angel's soul-contract chain to bring him crashing to the ground, a move that clearly startles Angel.

During the final dance sequence, the Angel we see "happily" dancing on stage is contrasted with his "real" self shown on screens surrounding him, going through the agonizing abuse that Valentino subjects him to. When Valentino arrives and drags Angel off to be raped again, it's flipped on its head — now the Angel on stage is fearful and upset while his screen counterpart "happily" continues the dance. "I disassociate, disappear" indeed...

[megarax-ponyo]

He only uses it for his own purposes

[dragonsdendoodles]

Oh good lord are we doing this now (yes. Yes we are)

[hazbinbossbrainrot]

Dustmoth / Radiohusk fans: Eww! You like Huskerdust/Stolitz? That’s so toxic! Don’t you know that’s Stockholm Syndrome?

Stolitz / Huskerdust fans:

[k1ranishf4]

Saw a comment that said “I wanted Charlie to save Angel from Valentino there”, which is not a bad thing to want at all. We all want to see Angel safe and happy without having to worry about Valentino.

But when I watched episode four and saw Charlie enter the studio, my first reaction was “Charlie nooooo!! Please don’t do anything. Please don’t do anything!!!”

I didn’t want her to save him from Valentino (I still don’t, I’d hate it if Angel was portrayed as a damsel in distress rather than being able to overcome his fear and saving himself from his abuser on his own terms with the support of his friends), my concern was “what will happen to Angel Dust if something goes wrong???”

And something went wrong, and Angel was hurt even though he wasn’t at fault to begin with.

[depressed-kitten7912]

IS NO ONE TALKING ABOUT THIS???

Alastor not only revealed his source of power but the fact that he DID make a deal with someone and he wants out of it!

He wants to get into heaven! The way he sang that final song! He made a deal, wants out of it, and to be redeemed!

He says he's there to watch people fail for his entertainment. NO! He's there to watch them fail so he knows what NOT to do! He wants to get into heaven and most likely to see his mom! As confirmed that his mom was good and most likely got into heaven.

HE JUST WANTS TO BE GOOD!

[sunderberry]

i like drawing these two. their designs are fun. i think it's the fluff, the heart motifs, and the stupid hats. and also their size difference

the bottom two are sort of like "what if valentino owned husk" ideas

[saltwatersweets]

i could talk about husk and alastor’s relationship for hours its not even funny. what is their deal. alastor often oversteps husk’s physical boundaries in the pilot. husk frequently backtalks and insults alastor and cusses him out and faces no consequences. alastor could easily force husk to work at the hotel but decides to butter him up with alcohol. it says in the wiki that alastor considers husk to be among his closest companions, with the likes of niffty and ROSIE (though admittedly i doubt this is still canon). husk brings alastor’s leash up to his face and seems surprised when alastor, the guy who kickstarted his career in hell by KILLING OVERLORDS WHO DISSED HIM, snaps at him, implying alastor does not often pull rank like this. speaking of alastor’s deal, how the hell does husk even know alastor HAS ONE. did alastor just randomly tell him about it over a bowl of popcorn and ice cream like a duo of middle school girls’ gossip. i heavily doubt it. what is up with these two.