Infernal Rivalry - The Clash Of Vox And Alastor

Chapter 22 : BedTime

( Vox's POV)

As Alastor gracefully slid off my back, his hand brushed along the sides of my body, sending an unexpected jolt of electricity through me. I tried to suppress the shiver that ran down my spine, but his touch lingered in my senses, leaving me slightly breathless. "I'm going to go grab a lighter, for the cigars", he announces. "Sure thing" I managed to reply, my voice betraying a hint of the lingering effects of his touch. "I'll wait for you here". He flashed me a mischievous grin before disappearing into the house to fetch a lighter. Left alone in the quiet darkness of the night, I couldn't shake the sensation of his touch lingering on my skin. The air seemed charged with anticipation as I waited for his return, the soft glow of the streetlights casting long shadows across the deserted streets. Minutes passed, but it felt like an eternity before I heard the familiar sound of Alastor's footsteps approaching.

"Couldn't find a lighter" Alastor confessed upon his return, his shoulders shifting slightly as he shrugged off his jacket. I couldn't help but notice the subtle flex of his muscles beneath his shirt as he handed me the cigars. It was a discreet detail, but it caught my attention, nonetheless. Despite the cool night air, a warmth spread through me, and I couldn't help but feel a twinge of heat at the sight. I nodded; my attention momentarily diverted by the mesmerising sight before me. "No worries" I reassured him, accepting the cigars. "I've got an idea". Then, with a determined focus, I conjured a spark at the tip of my clawed finger, aiming it at the end of the cigar. As the flame danced to life, casting an enchanting glow, I couldn't suppress a gasp. The spark formed an unmistakable heart shape before dissipating into the night. Alastor's eyes widened in surprise, a delighted grin spreading across his face. "Bravo, Vox!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with genuine admiration.

But even as we settled back, the flickering light of our cigars casting shadows across the garden, my thoughts raced. I worried about the significance of the heart-shaped spark, but Alastor didn't seem to notice. I took a slow, deliberate puff on my cigar, relishing the rich flavour that filled my senses. The smoke curled around me in wispy tendrils, dissipating into the night air. Glancing over at Alastor, I watched as he raised his cigar to his lips, his movements fluid and graceful. With each inhale, his chest rose and fell in a rhythmic pattern, the glow of the ember casting a warm, amber hue on his features. There was something mesmerising about the way he smoked, a certain elegance in the simplicity of the act. His eyes sparkled in the dim light, his expression thoughtful yet relaxed. As he exhaled, a cloud of smoke billowed around him, swirling in the air like a silent dance. I found myself entranced by the sight, unable to tear my gaze away. In that moment, amidst the gentle flicker of the cigar's glow, Alastor seemed utterly captivating, a portrait of quiet contemplation and effortless charm. And as we sat there, enveloped in the hazy embrace of the night, I couldn't help but feel a sense of peace wash over me, as if the world had momentarily slowed down just for us.

Lost in the tranquil moment, I took another puff of my cigar, letting the smoke linger on my tongue before exhaling slowly. Alastor's presence beside me felt comforting, his quiet companionship a soothing balm to the chaos of the night. As we sat there, enjoying the simple pleasure of smoking cigars together, I couldn't shake the feeling of warmth that radiated from within. As we sat there, enjoying the simple pleasure of smoking cigars together, I broke the tranquil silence. "You know, Alastor, for a serial killer, you're not half bad company". He chuckled softly, the sound rich and warm in the night air. "Why, thank you, Vox. Coming from you, that's quite the compliment". I took another puff of my cigar, watching as the smoke curled lazily upwards. "Seriously though", I continued, "despite your... colourful past, you're one of the most interesting demons I've met down here". Alastor raised an eyebrow, a playful glint in his eyes. "Is that so? Well, I'll take that as a compliment, coming from a demon like yourself". We shared a knowing smile, the unspoken bond between us growing stronger with each passing moment. In the quiet of the night, surrounded by the distant hum of Hell's eternal chaos, I felt a sense of peace settle over me. "And besides" Alastor added, breaking the silence once more, "where else but Hell could two misfits like us find common ground?". I laughed, the sound mingling with the gentle rustle of leaves in the breeze.