Chapter Text
Chapter 26: Singing in the rain
Vox wasn’t going to the movie premiere. If Alastor couldn’t come, he wouldn’t be going either.
He already had plans made for that night. He’d made up his mind.
Alastor took the news much better than Vox had. He was used to disappointment.
“It was a long shot to begin with.” Alastor said. “I did try to tell you to not get your hopes up.”
“It’s blasphemous.” Vox said. “The picture would even exist without you. You’re literally the one that taught me how to talk and sing and dance. And you voice the main girl. If anyone deserves to be there, it’s you. It wouldn’t exist without you.”
Alastor looked to the floor.
He looked like he wanted to say a lot more than he thought was proper. Vox could see the anger, hurt and disappointment behind Alastor’s eyes. But he kept it tucked behind a forced smile.
“You’re not wrong.” Alastor said. “But there’s not much either of us can do about it.”
Yes there was.
“I’ll wear the dress some other time.” Alastor said. “I’ll be fine.”
Alastor looked disappointed but resigned. It was a beautiful dress. Red satin with black lace over top with a bit of a train. An opera dress. His mother had really out did herself. He deserved to wear it out but opportunity to do so was beyond limited.
“No, wear it that night.” Vox said. “You and I are going to get dressed to the 9s and have a great night.”
“What do you mean?” Alastor asked, confused. “You can’t ditch your own movie premiere.”
“If my leading lady isn’t going to be there,” Vox said, “I won’t be there either. Nothing in my contract says I have to go. And even if it did, there’s no way I’d let them get away with being assholes.”
“Darling, don’t you think you’re being a tad bit dramatic?” Alastor asked.
“Sweetheart, we both know I love Shakespeare dramas.” Vox said. “I love being dramatic.”
Alastor laughed, smiling.
“It’ll make a statement.” Vox said. “We both get dressed like we’re going to a premiere, but we do something else. I’ll plan something big and it’ll be a wonderful time for you.”
Vox took Alastor by the waist, pressing him against him and holding him as if they were about to start waltzing.
“It’ll be a romantic night.” Vox said, swaying Alastor back and forth. “You’ll look so beautiful in that dress and in the moonlight.”
Alastor’s freckles were highlighted by the redness of his cheeks.
Vox kept up the loose waltz, swaying both their hips back and forth.
“Then, on your radio show,” Vox said, “you can be the one to interview Vox Lockwood on why he didn’t show up for his own movie premiere. Imagine the ratings boost when they learned I ditched it to go on a date with the radio host’s sister.”
Vox dipped Alastor, holding him firmly by the waist and hand.
“You’re a hopeless romantic.” Alastor said. “You know that?”
“Guilty.” Vox said.
Then, Alastor still dipped in his arms, Vox kissed Alastor like he was his leading lady in a sappy romance picture.
Alastor smiled and agreed to the plan. His face looked brighter knowing that the beautiful dress was going to be worn.
The night of the premiere came around. Vox was dressed like he was going to go to it, a full tux and bow tie. A few of the neighborhood kids came to spy on him as he was waiting outside Alastor’s door with a bouquet in his arms. He waved to the kids, eagerly waiting for Alastor to open the door.
Alice opened the door, looking like a vision in red and black
“Oh.” Alice said upon opening the door. “You look—“
Alice’s cheeks were bright red, nearly matching the shade of her dress.
“You look quite spiffy in a tux.” Alice said. “Quite dashing.”
Vox smiled. He liked seeing Alice all flustered.
“You look even better.” Vox said, whistling. “Look at you…”
It was a beautiful dress made of red satin and black lace overlaid on top with a black velvet sash around the empire waist. It was straight cut but with a little more fabric laid over top than modern fashion. It looked a bit more of 1915 than 1925. Like she belonged standing on the balcony of the largest suite of a regal ocean liner.
Her hair, while Vox knew it to be a wig, looked real and was done up in an elegant and elaborate bun with braids and a comb adorning the center.
Around her shoulders was a black fur coat. Around her throat were the pearls he’d bought her, though the white color clashed with the red and black a bit.
No matter.
Vox had the solution in his pocket.
“Alice, you’re the most beautiful being in all creation.” Vox said. “Aphrodite doesn’t compare.”
Alice gave a little laugh, blushing.
Vox gave a kiss to her cheek.
“Alice,” Vox cooed her name. “My sweet heart Alice.”
Alice bit her lip.
“What’s wrong?” Vox asked, voice light.
Alice looked a bit confused. A bit distant. Thinking.
“I know…I know I’m dressed like this.” Alice said. “And I feel beautiful. I do. I really do. But I still…I still feel like Alastor.”
He’d explained it to him before. Vox didn’t need another explanation.
“No problem.” Vox said, “let me try again.”
Vox cleared his voice like he was performing a role.
“Alastor,” Vox purred his name. “My sweetheart Alastor.”
Alastor blushed and laughed again.
“I’ll call you Allie tonight, is that alright?” Vox said. “If that’s alright?”
“It does seem to fit me.” Alastor said. “All of me.”
“My sweetheart, Allie.” Vox said, smiling wide.
“My brightest star, Vinnie.” Alastor said. “Let me put the flowers up and kiss my mother before we head out.”
Vox followed him inside. Vox already knew where the vase was so he set them up while Alastor said his farewells to his mother.
“I’ll be out late, Manman.” Alastor said, “don’t stay up.”
Alastor kissed her cheek.
“Enjoy the premiere, sweetie.” His mother said, “I have such a beautiful daughter.”
Alastor’s mother had tears in her eyes. And, at the address of the word ‘daughter’, Alastor had tears in his.
Even if Vox’s heart twinged at the lie.
Alastor’s mother had specifically made that beautiful dress for a movie premiere. It made sense that Alastor didn’t want to tell her that he hadn’t been invited.
He would tell her later. Vox knew that for certain.
“I will, Manman,” Alastor said. “I’ll have a good time.”
“You belong amongst the elite there.” His mother said. “Don’t let anyone make you feel like you don’t, understood?”
“Understood.” Alastor said. “Yes, Manman.”
She smiled, then turned to Vox.
“And you,” Ms. Hartfelt said, “I expect nothing but a gentleman out of you tonight with my daughter. I don’t want any papers with pictures of you two kissing or your hand resting on places it shouldn’t. Understood?”
“Understood, ma’am.” Vox said. “Alice is a lady and will be treated as such.”
Vox gave a wink to Alastor who rolled his eyes.
Ms. Hartfelt kissed them both on the cheek. Though, Vox was certain she didn’t whisper “I will feed you to the crawfish if you hurt her” when she kissed Alastor’s cheek.
As if Vox needed any reminder not to mess with a southern mother.
Alastor took his arm.
“Are you ready?” Alastor said. “I am.”
He was smiling so wide.
Vox teasingly bit his lip.
“I see one small flaw in your outfit.” Vox said. “I think we should fix it before we head out.
Both Alastor and his mother glared daggers with their eyes with smiles on their faces.
It was a terrifying sight.
“Your necklace doesn’t match the dress.” Vox said, quickly, trying not to anger them.
He meant it to be charming.
“They’re the pearls you bought me to celebrate the film finishing.” Alastor said. “And they’re lovely.”
“They are.” Vox said. “But they’d look better with a white dress.”
They’d be shopping for one soon…
“I think,” Vox said, reaching into his coat, “a beautiful red and black dress like that deserves a necklace to match.”
Vox pulled out a nearly wrapped gift box from his coat.
“You didn’t.” Alastor said, looking at the box.
“I didn’t what?” Vox said smiling.
“I swear if I unwrap this and it’s those pearls…” Alastor said.
Alastor unwrapped the box to find a red velvet case with the set of black pearls Vox had pointed out that day in the jewelry store.
A necklace, a set of earrings and a bracelet, all made with perfectly sized and shaped black pearls.
“You stupid man.” Alastor said, eyes wide at the necklace. “You stupid, stupid man.”
“I think they will look perfect on that dress of yours.” Vox said. “The pearls match the bead work on the lace perfectly.”
Alastor tried to protest, but Vox wasn’t hearing it. He helped him remove the single, small strand of white pearls from his neck and replaced it with the new, more elaborate set.
“Remind me to never let you be alone in a jewelry store again.” Alastor said, a gloved hand touching the pearls, admiring them in the mirror.
Vox chuckled and kissed his cheek.
Then, Vox offered his arm again.
And Alastor took it.
…
Alastor had butterflies in his stomach.
He had never felt more beautiful.
The dress was something out of a dream. Thins layers of fabric draped over a slim cut base. The black lace over top was embellished with elaborate bead and ribbon work. It flowed like a Grecian dress, but still covered most of his skin.
The pearls…
Alastor couldn’t believe they were around his neck.
He also couldn’t believe his mother actually helped him get ready for tonight.
And that she called him daughter.
If he thought about it too long, he’d start crying again. And he couldn’t do that. He’d spent too much time applying powder to his face to mess it up now.
“Your mother really out did herself on your dress.” Vox said. “It’s absolutely beautiful on you.”
“She really did.” Alastor said. “All those years of mending and making evening gowns were put to good use.”
He was terrified to touch parts of it. The fabric so was delicate.
She’d probably design the most beautiful wedding dress…
“I can’t wait to show you and your dress off.” Vox said, smiling. “They’re not going to be able to look away.”
They pulled up to a fancy restaurant. A very fancy restaurant. One with a valet and women dressed exactly as Alastor was dressed, though a bit more revealing and modern than his Edwardian style gown.
A pit formed in his stomach.
“Darling, this is an even nicer place than the last one you tried to take me.” Alastor said. “Yes, I powered my face, but there’s no way they’ll let me in.”
“Don’t worry.” Vox said, handing the keys to the valet, “I’ve already called ahead and assured we would have no trouble. They know what happened to the last restaurant that denied me service.”
“And what would that be?” Alastor said. “What happened?”
“I told the papers they were rude to Vox Lockwood and that they had roaches in the kitchen.” Vox said. “And they were closed within the month.”
Vox offered Alastor his hand, helping him out of the car like a gentleman. Alastor graciously and delicately took it.
“That’s sweet of you, darling,” Alastor said, “but I do feel a bit bad for the workers who are now out of a job.”
“Why do you think I chose this restaurant?” Vox said. “The head chief and his team are here now. His steak and potatoes are my favorite. Like Hell I would leave them out to dry. He’s black which makes them not serving you even more stupid.”
Vox offered his arm and Alastor took it.
Alastor clung to Vox’s arm, once more waiting for something to happen.
This place put the mansion he grew up next to to shame. Porcelain walls and ornate decorations. Everyone dressed for the opera. The men in velvet tuxes and the women displaying their diamonds.
He’d never imagined himself in such a place.
They were staring at him.
He lifted his chin higher.
His mother said he belonged here. And he did. He looked beautiful and he was wearing a dress and necklace that they were all grey eyed for. He was not going to shy away from their stares.
He straightened his posture and let them look.
The host brought them to their table with no issue. No veiled insults. Just let them to their private booth, one lined with velvet curtains that they could close for privacy.
The stares were inevitable. That’s what happened when you’re a movie star who reserved the most expensive table with a woman who might not be white as his date.
“See?” Vox said, smiling. “No issue.”
It was the type of restaurant where the prices weren’t listed. Alastor had never seen such a thing.
The waiter poured champagne while Vox ordered for them, treating Alastor like a lady.
The food was rich and delicate. Very European. Aged cheeses. Duck egg salad. Oysters. Vox ordered his steak and fondant potatoes and Alastor ordered the venison.
“Here.” Vox said, holding out his fork, “you need to try this.”
Alastor bit the bit of steak off of Vox’s fork. It was beyond tender.
“I see why you insisted on this chef.” Alastor said.
“I know, right?” Vox said. “Here, now the potatoes.”
Horrible manners to feed your date off your own plate, but Alastor didn’t give a damn. The potatoes were delectable and he enjoyed Vox feeding him. It was like being pampered.
And Vox couldn’t stop looking at him.
“You look so perfect at a place like this.” Vox said, completely in awe. “Like a duchess or something.”
“I did play a duchess in that picture show of yours.” Alastor said, smiling, “at least, I have the voice of a duchess.”
“You look like one too, sweetheart.” Vox said.
Dessert was the cherry on top. He’d never had crème brûlée before and he’d determined it was his favorite dessert from now on. Though, Vox’s Black Forest cake was delectable as well.
“We’d better get going.” Vox said once the bill was paid, “we’re going to be late.”
“Late?” Alastor asked, confused.
“You didn’t think dinner was the only thing I had planned tonight, did you?” Vox asked.
Alastor was surprised. And here he thought the night was winding to an end.
A theater.
They went to a theater.
Not a movie theater. A stage theater.
One look at the marquee and Alastor knew why they were at a theater.
“As You Like It.” Alastor said, reading the poster outside of the theater, “they’re performing Shakespeare’s As You Like It.”
Vox smiled brightly.
“Your favorite, right?” Vox said. “Your favorite Shakespeare play.”
“Yes,” Alastor said, shocked, “but how did you know? I don’t remember telling you…”
“It was our first conversation.” Vox said, smiling. “That day we met in my dressing room. We talked about Shakespeare and how this was your favorite play. And how it was mine too.”
Alastor had nearly forgotten that.
But Vox had remembered. Which had Alastor remembering the conversation as well.
“It was this play that made you want to act.” Alastor remembered. “The ‘All the World’s a stage’ monologue.”
Vox nodded.
“And now I get to see that seen again.” Vox said. “With you sitting beside me.”
They were much too well dressed for this theater. It was quaint and classy but more reasonable in modesty.
Alastor got used to the stares. If anything, he revealed in them.
Let them all know that a colored person stole the heart of the rich, handsome and kind gentleman that was the actor Vox Lockwood.
The play was splendid. Though, Alastor had one critique.
“I think you would have done it better.” Alastor said. “Perhaps you could recite the monologue on my next radio broadcast. I’m sure Rosie wouldn’t mind.”
Vox blushed, embarrassed and flattered all at once.
Like all good stories, the play ended with a wedding.
Needless to say, it was the best night of Alastor’s life.
The movie premiere happening fifteen minutes away was long forgotten.
“I’ve got one more thing planned.” Vox said. “There’s…there’s this beautiful park I want to take you to. It’s got this beautiful gazebo covered in flowers…”
Alastor kissed his cheek and took his arm again.
“You’re such a hopeless romantic.” Alastor said.
“A hopeful romantic.” Vox said with a nervous smile. “I just…I just want this night to be perfect.”
“It has been, darling.” Alastor said, genuine. “The happiest of my life.”
And it was true.
For the first time, life wasn’t a struggle. It was a song. And a cheerful one of that.
It had its trials and heart aches, but it was more than worth it.
Alastor held onto Vox’s arm as they walked around the park.
It was a beautiful night. The lights from the city clung to the fluffy clouds in the night sky. Occasionally, the moon would peak out between the clouds.
The park itself was very quaint. A small lake with a bridge. A few foundations that Vox balanced on the edges of as if he were a child. A few slides and swings for children to play on. And a lot of bushes of slumbering roses and flowers.
“It’s a lovely park.” Alastor said. “Simply beautiful.”
They were standing on a bridge over looking the lake. Alastor’s head was resting against Vox’s shoulder. Vox’s hand was around his waist, holding him close.
“There’s a baseball pitch past those trees.” Vox said, kissing his forehead. “And there’s some boats they bring out during the summer. Fun place for the kids to play.”
Vox puckered his lips, asking for a kiss
Alastor chuckled and kissed him.
“You wanted 7, yes?” Alastor said, laughing a bit.
“Why not?” Vox said, lightly. “If there’s a group of siblings stuck in an orphanage together, we have to take them all.”
“Agreed.” Alastor said. “Would you like them to look more like you or me?”
“Either way would be perfect.” Vox said. “My guess is people adopt kids that look like me more than they adopt kids that look like you. Hell, maybe we could adopt one that doesn’t look like either of us.”
Alastor chuckled.
“Would you want to have older children” Alastor asked. “or adopt a baby?”
“Probably older.” Vox said. “I’ve never been around baby-babies. But I’ve been around older kids. And you?”
Alastor thought for a moment.
“I think I’d like to at least have one infant.” Alastor said. “Though not for several years.”
Alastor pressed a kiss to Vox’s neck.
“Would you prefer a son or daughter first?” Alastor asked.
“Daughter.” Vox said. “I’ve always wanted a daughter. She’d have your curls and be the classiest little lady in her entire private school.”
Vox pressed a kiss to his (albeit fake) curls.
“And you?” Vox said.
“A girl first.” Alastor said. “Give my mother a chance to raise a daughter.”
“I mean, she already raised both.” Vox said. “But I get what you mean. She’ll probably have so much fun making her little bonnets and those frilly southern Sunday dresses. You know, those lace ones with the ribbons.”
“Absolutely darling.” Alastor said. “With a matching parasol like a beautiful southern belle.”
“That’ll be nice.” Vox said, wistfully. “We can take them here during the summers. I’ll teach them all to swim and row and to ride a bike.”
Vox looked so happy. Like this is what he craved more than anything: simple domestic bliss. He sounded so sincere. That he genuinely wanted this future for them and that he was going to make it happen.
And…and Alastor believed him.
When Vox talked about this hypothetical future with the two of them, Alastor believed they would have it.
He really hoped at least one of their children for have Vox’s bright blue eyes…
“Of course,” Vox whispered, “we’d have to get married first.”
Vox kissed him, soft and tender, cupping his neck.
“Think your mom can make a wedding dress?” Vox asked. “Or a tux if you’d prefer.”
“She can make the dress.” Alastor said. “I’ll wear it in the chapel. But our reception, I’ll rent a tux. Much easier to dance in trousers.”
Alastor kissed him back.
What a lovely thought…
“Anything you want,” Vox said, “it’ll be yours.”
They finally made it across the bridge and made it to the gazebo. It was covered in vines and flowers and lit by faint lights.
Vox took his waist and held him close. Then, he began to waltz him back and forth.
“You are my lucky star.” Vox sang a song from the picture that was premiering. “I saw you from afar. Two lovely eyes at me they were gleaming. Beaming.”
“I was starstruck.” Alastor joined in.
They sang and danced with one another in the center of the gazebo. Though, with the length of Alastor’s dress, Vox was mostly just lifting him up and twirling him around.
Both were giggling. Acting like love sick children.
At the end of it, Vox scooped up Alastor bridal style and spun him around in his arms. All while Alastor had his arms wrapped around his neck.
“You are my lucky star.” Vox and Alastor finished the song.
Alastor leaned in for a kiss, but Vox didn’t return it. He just gently set him down on the bench.
He kept their hands entwined.
Vox looked up at him as if Alastor was the brightest star in the Heavens.
“You sure look lovely in the moonlight, Allie.”Vox said. “Absolutely beautiful.”
Alastor felt his face flush.
“And you’re as handsome as a Greek statue.” Alastor said. “A true work of art.”
Alastor caressed his cheeks. Vox’s face was now bright red.
Vox was on his knees in front of him, no doubt ruining his trousers.
“Allie,” Vox said, softly, “I want to spend eternity with you.”
Vox pressed a kiss to Alastor’s knuckle.
“I know that it’ll be hard.” Vox said. “That it’ll be a life of uncertainty for both of us. That loving each other is nearly impossible. But I want to love you until the stars go cold. I’m going to love you until the stars go cold.”
Vox was crying. Alastor wiped the tears from his cheeks.
“You’re my everything.” Vox said. “You’re every thought. You’re every song I ever sing. Every night, I dream of you.”
Vox’s hand reached into his pocket.
“I genuinely believe we were meant to be.” Vox said. “You were meant for me and I am meant for you.”
Vox pulled something out of his pocket, keeping his hand closed in a tight fist around it.
“With you, I’m happy again.” Vox said. “It could be pouring down rain and so long as you’re holding my hand, I’ll have a smile on my face.”
He was smiling now. Nervous and emotional. But smiling.
He looked positively adorable.
“I know that it’ll be hard.” Vox said. “But I want us to have the chance to the same life as other couples in love. If I dare to say let’s do the same as they, I would.”
Vox held up his closed hand. Then, he opened it.
“Would you?” Vox asked.
A wedding ring.
Vox held out a golden wedding ring in a black velvet box.
A wedding ring.
…
Alastor stared at wedding ring.
Vox had never been more nervous in his life.
It was so sappy. He’d been acting in way too many romantic movies. But he was genuine in his wants. He wanted Allie as his spouse. And he wanted to make a life with them.
It was a lot to ask. Alastor would have to be Alice more often than not. It would open up a world of hate and hurt.
They’d never be fully accepted.
But Vox wanted them to try.
He’d protect Alastor even if he couldn’t protect himself.
He’d give Alastor the life he deserved.
“Please?” Vox pleaded. “Please say you’ll marry me?”
Alastor looked a bit shocked. His beautiful hazel eyes were wide.
His expressions almost unreadable.
Then, a smile broke out across his face.
“Yes.” Alastor said, softly. “Yes, darling. I’ll marry you, Vinnie.”
Alastor nodded happily, tears lining his eyes.
Alastor let Vox do the honor of removing his glove and slipping the golden ring on his finger.
Vox kissed his fingers.
Then let out a whooping “Yes!” that had Alastor laughing.
Then they kissed.
And it started to rain.
Vox’s car wouldn’t start.
They had to walk home in the rain. Alastor held the umbrella in one hand and his skirt in the other, entirely wrapped up in Vox’s coat. Like he would ever let her get her beautiful dress dirty.
Every time they crossed a puddle, Vox would lift Alastor across it.
“Darling, come under the umbrella.” Alastor said. “You’ll get a cold in all this rain.”
“Rain?” Vox said, smiling ear to ear, “from where I’m standing, it’s perfectly clear.”
He’d said yes.
And Vox couldn’t stop smiling.
He found himself skipping in the puddles like he was a little kid, humming lines of ‘singing in the rain’ all while Alastor chuckled and watched his little dance routine underneath the umbrella.
“Singin’ in the rain,” Vox said, hooking his arm onto a lamp post, “I’m singin’ in the rain!”
“Vinnie!” Alastor said, “come down from there before you break your neck!”
“What a glorious feeling!” Vox shouted into the night, “I’m happy again!”
Vox twisted around the lamp post and pecked Alastor on the lips. Alastor let out a little squeak.
“I’m laughing at clouds!” Vox sang, “so dark up above! The sun’s in my heart and I’m ready for love!”
Vox lifted Alastor into his arms, twirling him in the rain while lifting him over a puddle.
“You ridiculous man.” Alastor said giggling, “you’ll trip!”
He put him down on the driest part he could find. But not before planting a kiss to her cheeks.
He kept singing. He kept smiling. He kept dancing in the rain, taking every chance he could to carry Alastor across puddles. All while Alastor laughed at his giddiness.
Their own silly dance in the rain…
“Come on with the rain!” Vox shouted in the middle of the street with his arms spread wide, “I’ve a smile on my face!”
“Darling!” Alastor laughed. “Get out of the street!”
In the middle of the street, far away from where Alastor was walking under the awnings, Vox jumped in the puddles.
He had never been this happy before.
He said yes.
They were going to get married. He’d already gotten the forged paperwork from Angel’s mob contacts so Alastor could be documented as Alice Hartfelt (documented as a white woman) on their marriage certificate.
Then they’d live there happily ever after. That’s what happened in the movies: once you got married, it was a happily ever after.
He jumped in a particularly large puddle.
Then he felt a tap on his shoulder.
He turned around expecting to find Alastor, but instead it was a police officer.
A police officer with a concerned expression on his face.
“Are you alright sir?” The officer asked, visibly concerned about the grown man jumping in rain puddles in the middle of the road, “did you have too much to drink tonight?”
Vox laughed.
“No,” Vox said, smiling. “Nothing like that. It’s just…”
Vox pointed to Alastor standing a little bit away before pointing to his own ring finger.
“She said yes.” Vox said, chipper.
Alastor gave the officer a little wave, her glove bunched up where the ring was underneath.
The officer looked between the two of them, stunned by how beautiful ‘Alice’ was and probably wondering how such a refined young lady settled for the man running in the rain without a coat kicking puddles.
“Congratulations.” The officer told Vox. “Best stop splashing around and get her home.”
The officer let them be, muttering something about ‘love struck idiot’ as he walked past them.
Vox joined Alastor back on the sidewalk, greeted by a kiss to his cheek.
“You’re going to need a warm bath once we get home.” Alastor said.
“Sounds good to me.” Vox said. “I love warm baths.”
Once at Vox’s house, they hung their clothes to try by the heater, though Alastor’s dress had managed to stay pristine under Vox’s large grey coat he’d wrapped around him.
Once more, they found themselves together and completely bare in a warm bathtub.
They washed each other throughly. Fingers winding shampoo in the other’s hair and scrubbing soap down their arms. They’d become so familiar and comfortable with the other’s naked body that it hardly warranted a blush. Though, they did do plenty of that.
Once clean, they sat in the warm bath for a while. Alastor in Vox’s lap, his back pressed against his chest which Alastor’s head leaning back into the crook of Vox’s shoulder.
Vox kept pressing kisses to every part of Alastor he could reach.
It was so freeing to be completely bare with someone he trusted completely.
Though, perhaps not completely bare. They were now both wearing golden engagement rings around their fingers.