Chapter Text
Chapter 7:
Alastor let Angel take his time with his make-up tonight.
“You’ve got it bad.” Angel said, drawing Alastor’s eye liner. “Like, real bad.”
“He’s the only nice person on set.” Alastor said, defending him self. “At least, to me. He brought me lunch.”
“Is that all it takes for you to spread your legs?” Angel said, teasing.
Alastor would have shoved Angel had he not actively been doing his make up.
“I’m not spreading my legs for a roast sandwich.” Alastor said. “I’m just trying to explain how dear to me he is. He keeps water for me. And clings onto every word I say. And he asked me to dinner to celebrate our first week.”
“Oh he’s got it bad.” Angel said, sarcastic. “Fetching you water? Knight in shining armor.”
“Considering no one touches the water fountains after I use them,” Alastor said, “it means a lot to me.”
Angel seemed to understand he went too far and wasn’t as sensitive as he ought to be.
“Sorry, Al.” Angel said, “I didn’t mean anything by it. It’s sweet that he’s treating you good. Do you think he might be…interested in you? Or men?”
Alastor bit his lip.
“There’s some…rumors going around.” Alastor said. “I’m sure Husk probably knows if they’re true or not.”
“He hasn’t told me.” Angel said. “He keeps his mouth shut on stuff people don’t want spreading around. Especially not something as sensitive as that. He could get seriously hurt, whether it’s true or not. Rumors like that kill.”
He was right about that.
“That’s why I’m terrified of pursuing it.” Alastor said. “I’d never want harm to come to him.”
“I mean, you could just keep the dress on all the time.” Angel said. “You said it yourself, you feel more at ease when you’re dressed up like this.”
“Sometimes.” Alastor clarified. “Sometimes. Not always…”
He didn’t fully understand it himself. Some days he felt content as he was. Others, not so much. Some days wearing this dress felt like a costume. Other days it felt like he was letting his inner soul free wearing feminine clothing.
And some days neither felt right. Or they both felt equally right.
It changed depending on the day. Depending on the hour…
Tonight, he felt completely at ease in the corset and eye shadow. Like himself.
“You’d probably look good on his arm.” Angel said. “You all dolled up as he takes you to movie premieres. Dripping in furs. Cameras snapping photos of you two.”
“I’m not one for cameras.” Alastor said. “Face made for radio.”
“Bullshit.” Angel said. “Look at you.”
Angel pointed towards the mirror. And Alastor looked.
Angel had certainly done his magic.
Alastor’s make up was impeccable. He’d drawn his eye liner to mimicking the curved antlers of his head piece with red and black shadow. His lashes were full and long. The red brought out the green in his eyes.
It amazed him that the majestic creature looking at him through the mirror was himself.
Herself.
Angel suggested calling herself the way they felt at the time, if only in their mind.
Alice tried to.
And Angel was right.
She was very beautiful.
She hoped Vox would show tonight…
…
Vox had never felt more like a pervert than he had heading to his usual club that Friday night.
He was going to just make sure Alice was alright. Alastor had said that she wanted to talk to him.
But Vox was still reeling over asking Alastor to dinner and him declining.
And Husk was the first to hear about it.
“He said no.” Vox said, head on the bar. “He said it’s because he’s busy, and I know he is, but maybe he just doesn’t like me…”
“Are you going to order something?” Husk asked, already pouring him a drink.
“I feel so stupid.” Vox said.
“What happened to not wanting to pursue it?” Husk asked. “Asking him out is the exact opposite of ‘not pursing him’.”
“It wasn’t as a date.” Vox protested.
Husk raised his eyebrow.
“It was just to celebrate his first week and our success in the dialogue reading.” Vox said. “And he deserves praise for it. He got Mimzy to follow directions.”
“That is a big success.” Husk said.
The music started up. Once more, the girls were making their way on stage.
It was all too easy to catch sight of the red deer.
Her face did brightened when she caught sight of him in the crowd. He gave her a little wave that she returned by blowing a kiss.
She was not making things easier to stick to his “you’re not supposed to date either of them” plan. She looked particularly beautiful this evening.
And hell she could dance.
She danced the Charleston as if it was nothing. Her hips and thighs were mesmerizing…
What the fuck was wrong with him? He should not be imagining those thighs against his cheeks.
She was Alastor’s sister for Hell’s sake.
Coming here was a bad idea. He hadn’t had wet dreams involving the two of them just yet and he wanted to keep it that way. Even thinking about having sex with a pair of siblings at the same time was a sure fire way to get sent straight to Hell. Yes, he was most definitely already heading there, but he’d like to have SOME decorum.
So he pushed those thoughts as far away as possible.
After her set, her and the other girls came into the crowd to mingle. Alice and Angel briefly talked before Angel shoved Alice in his direction. She looked a bit flustered and flushed but quickly regained her composure.
To both his delight and horror, she was walking towards him.
He quickly downed his drink for strength and fixed his tie.
“I knew my brother was lying when he said you probably wouldn’t show.” Alice said, leaning her arms on the bar. “It’s good to see you, Mr. Vox.”
Vox gulped at the sight of her leaning her back against the bar. She really was beautiful. Large eyes. Long legs. A body that perfectly complimented the straight silhouette that was in fashion. Her hair under her usual sleek red and black wig.
“Good to see you too, Ms. Hartfelt.” Vox said.
“Alice.” Alastor said. “Or Allie if you’d prefer that. Ms. Hartfelt is a bit stuffy, don’t you think?”
Vox’s head felt a bit stuffy at the sight of her playful smile.
“If we’re getting rid of formalities,” Vox said, “my name’s Vincent.”
“Vincent?” Alice questioned. “Where did Vox come from?”
“Stage name.” Vox said. “My read name is Vincent. You don’t have to do the whole Mr. thing if you don’t want to.”
Alice gave an amused hum, hand folded under her chin as she leaned on the bar. Her brother folded his hands under his chin too…
How many freckles were on her nose…
Alastor’s freckles had this little patch that looked like a heart. Right on his cheek…
“If you say so, Vinnie.” Alice said.
Vinnie?
Vox awkwardly rubbed his cheeks with his hand at the nickname.
It was cute.
“Too informal?” Alice asked, looking up at him.
“No, no,” Vox said, flustered, “it’s—it’s perfect.”
Alice gave an amused smile and Husk rolled his eyes behind the bar.
Husk set down a sazerac and a whiskey in front of them both.
“You’re paying.” Husk whispered to Vox while he handed the two drink over.
“No shit.” Vox whispered back.
Alice took a sip of her drink, a bit of her lipstick sticking to the rim of the glass. He wondered what it tasted like.
“I haven’t had one of these in a while.” Alice said, her finger swirling the brim of the glass. “Tastes like home.”
“Where would that be?” Vox asked.
“New Orleans.” Alice said. “Grew up there. But we had to move here when I was 15 after our dad died.”
“Oh,” Vox said, “I’m sorry to hear that.”
“Yes, that is how people are supposed to respond.” Alice said, a bit of darkness in her eyes. “Though, I have to admit, I shed more tears about the move than when he died. Not exactly a gentleman.”
“Yeah, I get the feeling.” Vox said. “My dad used to beat me with a belt whenever I couldn’t pronounce things correctly. Didn’t really feel too bad when he kicked the bucket.”
Behind the bar, Husk hit his hand to his forehead.
Vox didn’t see anything wrong with it. She shared her trauma, he shared his.
“I’m sorry.” Alice said, “that’s awful.”
She put her hand to his cheek. And Vox began shifting awkwardly in his bar chair.
“It’s alright now.” Vox said. “I’m sure your childhood was much worse.”
Alice gave a small smile.
“My mother made it bearable.” Alice said. “She’s a saint. I’d do anything for her.”
He wondered what that must feel like. To have a mother. His mom had died before he could remember. He didn’t have a step mom. Just woman that would come around occasionally for some change from his dad for services Vox should not have been a witness of. Maybe that’s why he was the way he was: being forced to watch your dad have sex with sex workers starting at the age of 3 probably fucks up your sensibilities.
“What’s she like?” Vox asked, genuinely curious. “Alastor doesn’t talk about your mother all that much. Or any part of his personal life.”
Alice gave an amused smile and took another sip of her drink before answering.
“She’s a saint.” Alice said, wistful. “She and our father…well, they weren’t married and having us wasn’t her choice.”
Vox was filled with rage and sorrow at that information.
“My father was white.” Alice said, “He was the son of a plantation owner. The youngest. But after his older brothers all died, he became the heir to the legacy of death on that plantation. My mother was a teenager working in the kitchen and sometimes performing for guests at parties. Even back then, she could sing and dance and play both the fiddle and the piano. Her family had been working there for generations.”
The implication was more than clear. His father was the proud descendent of slave owners. His mother, a descendent of those enslaved persons.
“He’d come home from university during the summer,” Alice said. “She was young. Almost ten years younger than what I am now.”
It was rude to ask a lady her age, but Alice looked to be in her early to mid twenties. Her brother looked a bit older, but he suspected that came from how he carried himself.
“She should have hated me.” Alice said, staring at her drink, “she should have hated us. But she didn’t. She doesn’t. She worked hard and did her best to protect us from the abuse of our boss and his sons. My half brothers and sisters. Oh the fun names they called me.”
This was a horror story. All Vox wanted to do was wrap his arm around her and tell her she’d never have to fear a thing again.
But that would be a lie.
“She’s a good mother.” Alice said. “Always made sure we were fed and clothed and educated. Ever since before I could remember, she would take me to the colored school three miles away, rain or shine or snow. She was determined to make sure I knew how to read and write and sing and perform music. When I became the assistant to one of my younger half brothers during his lessons, I knew she expected me to pay attention to their tutors as well. I learned quite a lot.”
She sounded intelligent. Probably just as smart as her brother, if not smarter.
Which begged the question why she was working here of all places.
“Then, our father died under mysterious circumstances when I was 15.” Alice said. “Mother feared for our safety so we fled the state to California.”
That sounded like Alice and Alastor’s mother murdered their dad and fled the state. Valid. Vox liked this woman.
“There are parts I miss about New Orleans and Louisiana.” Alice said, “but there was a lot more opportunity here than back there. More tolerant. Nicer.”
Vox had yet to see a single person treat Alice or Alastor with any sort of respect so he didn’t even know where to begin with the fact that it was somehow worse back in Louisiana.
“We enrolled in school and we both excelled.” Alice said. “Were admitted to college on scholarships. Manman was so proud. Thought it would be the beginning to something wonderful.”
That proved that she was definitely smart. Much smarter than Vox. Probably everyone in the room.
Which still begged the question, how did she end up here? How had her brother resulted in needing two jobs to survive?
“What did you study?” Vox asked.
“Well, considering I’m a woman, the options weren’t all that broad.” Alice said. “I studied theater and music mostly. My brother majored in and got a degree in linguistics. He always wanted to be a radio host.”
“His dream came true then?” Vox said, beyond proud of Alastor. “I’ve heard his show. It’s amazing how he does all those different voices and how he keeps people’s interest with just his voice alone.”
Alice’s smile turned sad.
“It’s…it’s harder than he imagined.” Alice said. “He fought so hard for just one hour of air time. If the numbers ever drop, he’s done for. Of the jobs he works, it’s the one that makes the least. But he loves being in the studio so he doesn’t want to give it up even though he probably should…”
“I hope he doesn’t.” Vox said, “and I hope they give him more time on the air. He’s brilliant.”
Alice hid her blush behind her glass. But Vox caught sight of it.
Her cheeks were really adorable. Round and soft and dotted with freckles. She really did look like a doe.
“What about you?” Alice asked abruptly, “how did he end up a famous movie actor?”
After hearing how her and her brother worked hard in education, Vox was sheepish about telling her the truth. But he did anyways.
“I was walking on the street one day,” Vox said, “Val came up to me saying that I was handsome and if I wanted to be a star. Signed the contract that day.”
There was a bit more than that, but Vox didn’t want her to know what had really happened that first day in Valentino’s office. It wasn’t a story for anyone’s ears. Let alone a lady’s.
“I got lucky.” Vox said, downing the rest of his drink. “Not much hard work. Yours is much more impressive.”
“It is.” Alice said without an ounce of hesitation or sarcasm. “But Al said you’ve been nothing but hard working with him. Surely you did well in school as well.”
Vox laughed, sheepishly.
“Not in the slightest.” Vox said, awkwardly fumbling with his hair, “I got kicked out of school. I couldn’t sit still. Couldn’t focus. Not the sharpest tool in the shed.”
Even Husk said that Vox was fidgety and hard to keep up with in conversation. His mind would hop from thing to thing but couldn’t articulate his thought process.
“I never would have guessed that.” Alice said. “I assumed you were well educated.”
Why would she think him to be smart? She’d only talked to him briefly once before and that was a week ago.
“What made you think that?” Vox asked.
“Shakespeare.” Alice said, “You know Shakespeare.”
How did she know that?
“My brother has been telling me that you adore Shakespeare.” Alice said, quickly. “That your favorite is ‘As You Like It’. He says you wanted to become an actor after hearing ‘all the world’s a stage’ performed.”
Alastor talked about him? A lot it seemed.
His heart was pounding hard in his chest at the thought.
“Yeah, it is.” Vox said, sheepish, “but school’s more than just Shakespeare. I just like how it sounds really. It’s all tongue twisters.”
That he could never say…
But maybe if Alastor kept teaching him and showing him how to get rude of his lisp…maybe one day.
“You’re an interesting man, Vinnie.” Alice said. “Never met one quite like you.”
Vox went back to awkwardly ruffling his own hair.
The music started back up. The other show girls and their animal attire began scurrying to the stage. Alice got up from her seat.
Vox’s heart sank. But the sinking didn’t last long.
She hurried off towards the stage, her deer tail wagging back and forth behind her.
Vox almost fell out of his bar chair. He would have hit the floor had the bar not stopped him.
“You know you’re a grown man, right?” Husk asked. “You’re acting like a school boy with his first crush. And ain’t you trying to hit up her brother?”
“I’m not.” Vox protested.
Husk raised an eyebrow.
“I’m not.” Vox said again, almost pouting.
“Alright, alright,” Husk said. “I’m just saying, it’s not classy to ask out the sibling of someone who rejected you.”
“Of course it is.” Vox said. “Haven’t you read Little Women?”
“No,” Husk said, “And I know for fucking certain that you haven’t either. Just, for the love of shit, pick one.”
Oh what a tragedy, having to decide between two siblings. Shakespeare couldn’t write a sadder tale.
He had two hands, didn’t he? He could hold them both.
Why couldn’t Alastor just put on a dress and say yes to dinner? That would solve it.
And yes, Vox knew he was being ridiculous.
And he also knew he was certainly going to Hell because he was thinking about having Alice sit on one knee and Alastor on the other.
Self inflicted Hell.
Vox downed another.
…
Alice had to admit, she liked watching Vox watch her.
He seemed head over heels for her.
Not helped when Angel ‘accidentally’ pushed Alice into Vox’s lap.
Vox let out a huff, but caught her and kept his arms around her, keeping her from dropping to the floor.
“Oh shit, you ok?” Vox asked.
Alice was stunned silent.
All the while Angel laughed.
“I’m ok.” Alice squeaked out.
Fuck, Vox was strong and sturdy. Everything he pretended to be in those movies of his.
She was starting to understand why girls would fawn over those types of men.
Vox propped her up on his knee and Alice was very grateful for that padding flattening out the space between his legs.
Vox meant nothing by it. He clearly was helping her stand up again, given the redness of his face and movements of his arms.
But she kinda just wanted to stay there.
But she let Vox help her to her feet where he gave up his arms seat for her.
But she didn’t plan to stay sitting for long.
“Do you dance, Vinnie?” Alice asked.
Vox shook his head.
“Never learned.” Vox said
That wouldn’t do.
For starters, they had dance rehearsals starting next week.
Second, anyone who was anyone knew how to dance the Charleston.
Alice grabbed him by the tie and led him to the dance floor.
“Just copy what I do.” Alice whispered into his ear, “if I can do it in heals, you can do it in loafers.”
She’d do a move and he would do the best to copy her. Back and forth. Jazz squares. Roundabouts. Kicks. Changes. Alice would show me the basics, and Vox would copy the best he could.
He caught on really quick. Just like in voice lessons.
Whatever teacher thought him slow should have their certificates revoked. Vox was incredibly clever and quick to learn.
“I’ve never done this,” Vox said, struggling to keep up but keeping up the same. “Like ever.”
“You don’t say.” Alice said.
They had their hands joined, kicking in opposite directions. Vox was slightly off beat, but it was endearing.
Every few kicks, Vox would spin her. At the end of the song, he dipped her like in one of his movies.
“That I know how to do.” Vox said above her, holding her steady by her waist.
He was the only thing keeping her from falling.
It was so strange to trust someone so fully.
To know that they wouldn’t let them fall.
Vox…Vinnie put her back on her feet, but his hand kept in hers.
“You’re as good of a teacher as your brother.” Vox said.
Oh she had this man fooled…
Angel had to practically drag her away from him when it was time for them to pack up.
Alastor kept in his women’s clothes, though a much more modest one of that. A red blouse and a long black skirt. About a decade out of style, but it’s what was available. Besides, paired with his red coat, it was still very pleasant to look at.
She had a hat pin at the ready for the walk and bus ride home. These were always the most nervous parts about walking home late.
“We’ve got a gig next week.” Angel said, handing her an envelope. “The groups recording a commercial at a studio. Not sure which. Just make sure you are free Wednesday evening.”
That presented it’s challenges.
“I’ll be cutting it close.” Alastor said, “as I have vocal lessons…”
“Hopefully it won’t overlap.” Angel said. “Goodnight, Allie.”
Angel and Alastor walked out into the back alley. Husk wasn’t a surprise to see as he always walked with Angel back to their place. But who was a surprise was…
“Vinnie.” Alastor said, instinctively hiding his face.
He’d taken off his wing and make up. Just because he was dressed in women’s clothing doesn’t immediately convince everyone. Especially not if they’d been looking at him for the entire week.
Please let it to be too dark for Vox to notice.
The cap he was wearing hid just how short his natural hair was, which wasn’t too different from how most girl’s hair was anyways. Hopefully the scarf was hiding a good chunk of his face. And that Vox wasn’t taking too close of a look.
He did his best to keep with his Alice voice.
“Wow, you’re pretty.” Vox said under his breath.
Husk elbowed him in the chest.
“Ask her.” Husk said, Angel taking hold of his arm.
Vox gulped.
“Would you mind if I gave you a ride home?” Vox said. “Husk says you usually walk and that can’t be safe.”
It wasn’t.
But getting into a car with someone you barely knew wasn’t exactly wise either.
“He’s taking us home as well.” Husk said. “Don’t worry. If he tries anything, we’ll take him out back.”
That Alastor did believe. He wasn’t sure about Husk, but Angel definitely had gotten his hands dirty. He wasn’t proud of it, but Angel had something in common with Alastor and it wasn’t just the desire to dress in dresses and perform in cabarets.
They both had dead dads. And more than a little hand in why they were dead.
Now Vox looked the most scared out of all of them.
Alastor gave a nod and all four went towards Vox’s car.
And Hell, it was a nice car.
Angel and Husk sat in the back and instructed the two of them to ‘not look back too much’ and proceeded to start parking in the back before the car had even started moving.
Vox got the door for Alastor all while he did his best to keep his face hidden.
“I had a lot of fun tonight.” Vox said far too long into the drive. “Like…like a lot of fun.”
“I did too.” Alastor said.
“I’m sorry if I made you uncomfortable by coming here tonight.” Vox said. “I know it can be…weird because your brother’s my vocal coach.”
“No, I’m glad you came.” Alastor said.
And he was.
For the first time since starting this job, Alastor actually felt safe at the club. With Vox there, less hands were grabbing at him. They all seemed to realize that the movie star had his eyes on the red doe and that they didn’t have a chance in Hell of beating that.
“You make me feel safe.” Alastor said. “This line of work…it’s dangerous sometimes.”
“Not to pry,” Vox asked, “but you’re a really smart girl. Educated. With a degree. And your brother had the same. How did you end up in a night club?”
Alastor let out a deep sigh.
He did not expect to have this conversation with Husk and Angel necking each other behind them.
“It pays more.” Alastor said. “And we need the money. Desperately.”
What he must think of her…
“My manman is sick.” Alastor said. “Severely. The medicine is helping but what she really needs is a better living condition . She needs fresh air. I’ve found a decent apartment we can move to once I get the deposit. I’m close. We’re close.”
Vox got quiet.
“Is that why your brother works two jobs as well?” Vox said. “It has to be.”
“Yes.” Alastor said.
“That’s…that’s awful.” Vox said. “I’m so sorry.”
It was awful.
“It’s appreciated,” Alastor said.
“It’s…it’s a lot to give up your body for money.” Vox said, pitying. “Takes everything out of you. Humiliating.
Alastor bristled. For the first time, he found Vox’s comments hurtful.
“My work is not humiliating.” Alastor said. “I don’t…I don’t do private entertainment and even if I did, there is nothing for me to be ashamed of. I don’t appreciate you looking down on me.”
Vox looked startled and embarrassed. Ashamed.
“No, no, I didn’t mean it like that.” Vox said, “I didn’t mean to insult you. I wouldn’t—I wouldn’t look down on you if you were—“
“Selling myself?” Alastor asked. “Surely you would. Everyone does.”
“I wouldn’t.” Vox said. “I swear I didn’t mean it to offend. I just…I’m very close with someone who…who gave up their entire body to ensure their financial security. It’s…”
It was then that Alastor noticed that Vox was close to crying. He had tears in his eyes.
“You find yourself in an impossible situation.” Vox said, trying to keep his voice steady. “And you do what you have to get through it. I’d never judge anyone for that. Especially not you. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to insult your work.”
He sounded so sincere.
Who was this close person he knew? One who had entered into this line of work and have it completely destroy them?
“I haven’t…I haven’t gone that far,” Alastor admitted. “Angel doesn’t want me to.”
“Do you?” Vox asked.
“I want my mother to live.” Alastor put bluntly. “I’ll do what I have to. Even if that means taking Valentino up on his offer.”
Vox almost crashed the car.
He briefly lost control of the wheel at the mentioning of Valentino’s name.
“Tell me you didn’t.” Vox said, voice shaking. “Tell me that you haven’t—“
“No.” Alastor said. “I thought I made that clear. I’ve had offers but currently my whole routine is that I’m the doe-eyed virgin that everyone hopes eventually lets her guard down.”
Vox relaxed a bit at that, but he was still clearly upset.
“I know it’s your life.” Vox said. “And it’s your decisions. And I have no say in it. But I’m begging you, don’t ever get into a car with Valentino. No matter what he offers.”
“I can’t make that promise.” Alastor said. “As I’ve explained to Angel, I’ll never be able to forgive myself if my mother dies and I was 50 dollars away from her being alive but I didn’t take it. I feel bad enough for refusing…”
He hadn’t refused.
Angel literally pulled him from the car, stepping in between Valentino and Alastor.
Alastor was not naive. He knew from Angel’s stories the type of monster Valentino was. He’d been willing to sacrifice that and more if it meant his mother lived.
“…I understand.” Vox said, voice low and remorseful. “I understand. I just hope it doesn’t come to that. Not him.”
“Me too…” Alastor whispered.
They pulled up to Alastor’s tenant housing. If Vox thought it was dilapidated (which it was) he kept that to himself.
He walked him up to the door.
He stared him straight in the face, looking at him as if he were all the stars in the Heavens.
“I’ll see you soon.” Vox said. “Hopefully. I really did have fun tonight. And if there’s anything I can do to help you and Alastor and your mother, please let me know.”
Alastor was still trying to hide his face.
He didn’t know what came over him.
But Alastor kissed his cheek.
“That’s for saving me last week.” Alastor whispered. “And for tonight. And…and everything. Thank you.”
Then, before he could make any more foolish decisions, he went inside.
There, he stared at a wall for a while,
He’d just kissed Vox. As Alice, of course. And just the cheek. But still…
Oh how his heart was pounding.
He tried distracting himself by reading the work note Angel had given to him. The one showing the time, date and address of their next performance. Filming a commercial of all things.
At Valentine Studios.
The…the Studio Alastor tutored Vox at.
Oh fuck.
…
Alice had kissed his cheek.
And Vox felt lighter than air.
He found himself happily whistling even as the rain started to pour.
Alice had kissed his cheek.
But it wasn’t just the kiss that had him feeling that way.
When she tilted her head up to kiss him, he caught a better look at her face. Without make up on, he could clearly see a little patch of freckles on her cheeks. A small patch in the shape of a heart.
Absolutely identical to Alastor’s.
Suddenly, he didn’t feel too bad about flirting with both ‘Alastor’ and ‘Alice’.