Infernal Rivalry - The Clash Of Vox And Alastor

Chapter 39: A Night To Remember?

(A/N. TW - a bit of an uncomfortable chapter, taking advantage of someone who's not all there)

(Vox's POV)

Valentino leaned forward, the cigarette dangling casually between his fingers. "Care for a drag, Alastor?" he asked, his tone light and playful. He glanced at the cigarette, a hint of curiosity flickering in his eyes. "Hmm, why not?", he replied with a shrug, reaching out to accept it. I opened my mouth to protest, to warn Alastor of the cigarette's peculiar properties, but something stopped me. A dark part of me, fueled by a twisted desire for control, relished the idea of seeing Alastor under the influence of Valentino's smoke. It was a dangerous impulse, one that I knew I should resist, but the allure of power was too tempting to ignore. Valentino's eyes met mine, a knowing smirk playing on his lips as if he could sense the turmoil raging within me. I forced a smile in response, masking the inner conflict that churned beneath the surface, and watched silently as Alastor took a drag from the cigarette, oblivious to its true nature. As the smoke enveloped him, I couldn't shake the feeling of unease that settled in the pit of my stomach. But for now, I pushed aside my reservations, allowing myself to be swept up in the dangerous game unfolding before me, even as a voice in the back of my mind warned of the consequences to come.

As Alastor took a few more drags from the cigarette, I couldn't help but notice the subtle changes in his demeanor. The tension that usually surrounded him seemed to melt away, replaced by a sense of ease and relaxation brought on by Valentino's smoke. Valentino eventually took the cigarette from Alastor, his movements smooth and calculated. With a sly grin, he scooted up close to Alastor, wrapping one of his lower arms around Alastor's waist in a gesture that mirrored what he had done to me the first time I tried his cigarette. Alastor, feeling the effects of the smoke, seemed almost unaware of Valentino's touch, lost in a haze of intoxication. I watched with a mixture of concern and fascination as the dynamic between them shifted, Valentino's charm working its magic on Alastor as he leaned in closer, their conversation growing more animated by the minute. It was a sight to behold, seeing Alastor, usually so reserved and guarded, open up under the influence of Valentino's smoke. As they continued to chat and laugh together, I couldn't shake the feeling of unease that lingered in the back of my mind.

As I watched Valentino and Alastor continue to chat, a pang of jealousy gnawed at me, clawing its way into my chest. I couldn't help but feel a surge of possessiveness, a desire to have Alastor's attention all to myself. With a forced smile, I turned to Valentino and gestured towards the bar. "Why don't you go fetch us some more drinks?" I suggested, my voice tight with suppressed frustration. He rolled his eyes, a smirk playing on his lips as he caught the subtle hint of jealousy in my tone. "Of course, amor" he replied, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "Anything for you". Before he left, he leaned in close, his voice low and taunting. "I won't take too long. Wouldn't want to keep our dear Alastor waiting" he whispered, his words laced with innuendo. As he sauntered off to the bar, a sense of determination surged through me.

As I took Valentino's place beside Alastor, my hand instinctively finding its place around his waist, I couldn't help but feel a surge of anticipation mingled with nervousness. This was my chance to gauge Alastor's true feelings, to see if the bond between us ran as deep as I hoped. "Al" I began, my voice soft as I leaned in closer to him, "how are you feeling? That cigarette Valentino gave you seemed to pack quite a punch". Alastor's response was a lazy smile, his eyes glazed over with the effects of Valentino's smoke. "Mm, never felt better" he murmured, his words slurred with intoxication. I couldn't help but chuckle at his response, a mixture of amusement and concern coursing through me. Despite the haze of smoke clouding his judgment, there was a warmth in his gaze, a familiarity that tugged at my heartstrings.

As the effects of Valentino's smoke continued to linger, I found myself emboldened by the haze of intoxication that enveloped him. With a playful smirk, I leaned in closer to Alastor, my voice laced with flirtatious intent. "You know, Al" I began, my words dripping with playful charm, "I've always admired your... unique sense of style. That impeccable suit of yours certainly knows how to make a statement". His response was a low chuckle, his gaze meeting mine with a hint of amusement. "Why, thank you, Vox" he replied, his tone tinged with a playful edge. "Coming from you, that's quite the compliment". Encouraged by his response, I continued to flirt shamelessly, showering him with compliments and playful banter as we lost ourselves in the moment. Despite the haze of smoke that still lingered with him, there was a sense of connection, a shared understanding that transcended the confines of our usual dynamic. As we laughed and teased each other, the barriers between us seemed to melt away, replaced by a sense of camaraderie and mutual affection. In that moment, I allowed myself to indulge in the fantasy of what could be, silently hoping that our newfound closeness would pave the way for something more meaningful between us.