The Boy Next Door

Hot Water

!TW! Descriptions of gore and trauma

Anthony and Alastor walked down the street, deciding to go out to lunch that day, Anthony's mood was a little off, but nothing drastic. Sitting at the table with Alastor, they both just started some small talk. Honestly, it felt like they had been together for much longer, even if it was only official the previous night. "So, ummm...did you hear about the local serial killer?" Anthony asked, trying to get a conversation going. Alastor paused for a second, before nodding his head. "Yes I have! Quite stressful to have him around. And it would appear the police aren't any closer to catching him." He said casually. "Yeah, this guy's really good too, asked my dad bout em when I saw the paper. It's an impressive but stupid body count." He said, rolling his eyes. Alastor felt a small smile tugging at his lips. Amused by the conversation alone. And Anthony found the count impressive? How nice of him to say. "Yes, I wonder who the next victim will be." The brunette said, again in the most casual way possible. "Yeah, kinda freaks me out. A lot of the people their findin are girls, little nervous about Molly going out alone. At least we know they'll catch em eventually. And then we can all rest assured he'll be swingin by the end of the year." Alastor stopped dead in his tracks. Anthony looking wasn't looking in that moment. Bringing up a hand to gently feel his neck, then clearing his throat. "Yes. That would be quite the comfort..." Alastor would never dare hurt molly. He killed both men and women. It's not his fault the police only find some of the bodies. "The death sentence seems a little harsh, don't you think?" He asked, he knew damn well it wasn't personal. But it was a little disheartening, hearing his own lover say that, true or not. "Well, tearin open a young woman's rib cage is also kinda harsh. I just kinda know that's what they'll pick." Alastor sighed, clearing his throat again. He knew Anthony was right, and it was something he didn't like thinking about. "How is molly as of late?" He asked, trying to change the subject. Anthony shrugged. "She's fine. Been a real gem about me stayin at yours. She always really liked ya growin up." He said, completely unaware of Alastor's successful attempt at changing the topic. "She likes her alone time on occasion, from family at least. Our dad can be a real pain at times." He continued, looking up at Alastor. "Speakin of, if it's not to personal... what happened to your dad? I don't think I ever meet em. Was he just never in the picture?" Alastor shook his head. "The coward bailed on my mother very early on in my life. Maybe I was five or six.... I don't remember very well." Anthony nodded, looking around momentarily, he wasn't sure why. "Sometimes havin both parents is worse though." He muttered. Alastor shook his head. "It doesn't matter anymore, it was years ago. And frankly, neither me or my mother care."

Molly sat on the couch, simply reading a book to pass the time. Anthony had stopped by to change that morning, but opted to spend the rest of their fathers time away with Alastor. She understood of course, if she had friends in New Orleans she would have done the same. Molly was basically everyone's friend as a child, at least that's how she saw it. She played with almost everyone on the street. But after all those years, she didn't see herself keeping up with what would have added up to 18 relationships with people practically next door.

Standing up and walking to the kitchen, deciding she wanted a cup of tea. Taking the kettle and filling it up. Humming to herself all the while, glancing down at the small burn on her hand, she couldn't help but wonder, dark or not, what it felt like. Her brother's treatments, while horrific and not useful, she couldn't help but have her mind wander. Did the burns hurt for long after? Anthony mentioned cold water directly afterwards. Did that mean they went numb quickly? Molly stopped herself. "Damn it molly. That's so wrong." She muttered. Walking to the stove top. Cursing herself for the very thought.

When Alastor and Anthony arrived back at his house, Alastor quickly walked upstairs to get something. Anthony waited in the kitchen, where he double checked for the painkillers again. Much to his disappointment, no dice. Alastor walked back down, sitting with him on the couch as they simply talked late into the night. Until finally deciding to turn in.