We'll Meet Again

Chapter Two: Ring of Fire

Vox paced in the lobby of the hotel the next day. He kept glancing from his watch to the large clock set above the main entrance of the hotel. A ball of nerves had settled in his throat just after breakfast. Now with a broken night of sleep behind him and in the light of day, he wasn't sure why he thought this would be a good idea. Vox had found himself attracted to men at an early age. In Chicago, he knew all sorts of little hideouts men like him could go to if they wanted to meet each other. He also knew ways of assessing if another man might be interested in the company of men. Very well manicured and groomed, maybe with a subtle touch of makeup. Not just expensively dressed but well dressed with attention to complementing colors and accessories. Well into marriage age but not sporting a wedding band. There was also a way people carried themselves. It would be difficult to explain to someone outside of the community but it was something you came to recognize over time. He ran all of these things over in his head, comparing them to the handsome stranger from the night before. If this had been his favorite little diner in Chicago he would have been sure beyond any doubt, but, it wasn't. Who was to say things didn't work differently here, maybe what would have been a dead giveaway there was just commonplace here. The clock over the entrance chimed a lovely tone to mark the noon hour. Almost in sync with the clock, the door swung open and Alastor stepped into the lobby. He had changed into a different but not less well-tailored suit and wore a charming grin. Vox moved to greet him shaking his hand firmly and exchanging pleasantries. As he did so he ran off his little mental checklist again, surely he had to be, he thought. They stepped out onto the street, the warm noon sun shining on them from a clear blue sky. Alastor produced from his coat a case of cigarettes and placed one lightly between his lips. From his hip pocket, he took a flint wheel lighter that matched the case in design to light it. Vox lifted an eyebrow at this, it would have been a bit of a statement even in Chicago, here, and from a young mixed boy no less, it was a near ostentatious show of wealth. Vox searched about for a pack of his own but came up empty-handed, only then remembering he had smoked his last the night before. Alastor took notice and took a second cigarette from his case and held it out to Vox. As he took it, Alastor extended the lighter flicking it to life. Vox was trying hard not to think about the gesture too much but was failing as the cigarette danced wildly away from the flame as his trembling hand held it. Alastor reached out with his free hand and cupped Vox's chin, curling his thumb and forefinger up to hold the cigarette steady and light it. Vox felt his cheeks burst into a furious blush, he almost forgot to inhale to properly light the cigarette. Alastor grinned roguishly and stowed the case and lighter.

"Come on, I have a few places I think you would like to see."

They grabbed a quick sandwich for lunch before heading off by streetcar to the first of Alastor's planned destinations. Vox stared somewhat apprehensively at the sign above the iron gates of Lafayette Cemetery. He looked to Alastor to find him studying him for a reaction. Vox decided not to give him any more reaction than he already had straightened his tie and bid Alastor to lead the way. It felt like a very odd first location when they arrived but after walking around for a bit, he sort of understood. This place had an aura all its own, and almost a charm. Had he been planning a date this would not have been his first pick, but he thought that it said something about Alastor that he did. Vox was the first to break the relatively comfortable silence between them.

"Why all the vaults? I am not used to seeing so many above-ground burials."

Alastor tossed a glance over his shoulder at the young man and slowed his pace to match his pace beside him. He seemed almost eager to give a little history lesson.

"Well, that is rather interesting actually. You see, New Orleans is below sea level. As a result, flooding can be a problem. It just so happens that people have something of an aversion to corpses floating down the streets."