We'll Meet Again

Chapter Eleven: A Taste Of Honey

The instant Vox hung up the phone he was back in motion. He felt like he had been in a constant state of motion ever since he left Mimzy's house that morning. He had bought himself just enough time to fuss over details. He checked his outfit in a mirror. He was going for post-dinner-party casual, and pretty sure he nailed it. Hair a little messy, top two buttons of his shirt undone, sleeves rolled up. Music was ready to go as soon as he saw Alastor mount the steps. The beautiful flower arrangement was tucked into a lovely vase on the dinner table with a candle on either side. Dessert was ready to be warmed at a moment's notice. The lovely bottle of rye whisky that had been in the box Mimzy had delivered to him was on the bar by the dinner table, with two glasses chilling in the refrigerator. He checked the clock and found he had just enough time to move the steaks from their place in the oven and into the screaming hot pan on the stove top with time left over to rest them. After putting a lovely sear on both sides he placed a generous pad of butter on both steaks and wrapped them in tin foil to rest. He moved to peer out the front window only to see Alastor moving up the street towards the house. Vox sprinted to the kitchen and pulled the rocks glasses out of the refrigerator. He sat them on either side of the dinner table as he rushed into the parlor and started the music playing. He slid into the foyer just in time to see Alastor enter.

"Welcome home, let me take your coat."

Alastor looked a little confused by Vox's breathless state but moved so he could be helped out of his coat.

"Thank you, I tried to call and warn you Mimzy accosted me as I was leaving work but I must have missed you."

He sat to remove his shoes and only then did the smell of cooked beef find him. He looked up at Vox who answered his questioning look with only a smile. Once out of his shoes, Vox led him to the dining room where he insisted Alastor take his seat at the table. He acquiesced and Vox darted into the kitchen. Alastor took a moment to take everything in. Fresh flowers, a stunning red arrangement with everything but roses. The music playing from the parlor was the new jazz recording he had just gotten. It was fast becoming one of his very favorites. Vox returned from the kitchen with two plates both containing a lovely-looking steak and a very nicely browned potato dish of some sort Alastor didn't recognize. He placed the plates in their spots, retrieved the glasses and the bottle, and placed a glass by each plate pouring a reasonable measure of the amber liquid into them. He placed the bottle between them and sat in his spot. Alastor raised an eyebrow and chuckled as Vox took his seat. He was at a loss for words. The effort, time, and expense that had gone into this had to be considerable. Alastor could not recall a time anyone had ever gone to this much effort to surprise him. Vox smiled, seemingly pleased with the reaction he had earned.

"I...hope you like it. I know it hasn't been that long since we had steaks but I wanted to do something I was sure I could do well."

Alastor chuckled again and shook his head in amazement. He searched for words but came up empty-handed once again. Instead, he favored Vox with his most sincere smile and cut into his steak. A succulent pink mix of butter, rendered fat, and myoglobin issued forth from a perfectly rare steak. He looked up at Vox from the steak, honestly surprised, and held his eye as he placed the bite in his mouth. Vox shivered earning him another genuine smile. It was... perfect. He was hesitant to call anything the best he had ever had but this almost certainly was. He closed his eyes and leaned back in his chair, savoring the texture and flavor. He moved to the potato which was an odd presentation, it seemed like the potato had been baked, had the insides scooped out and mixed with something then put back in the empty skin and baked a second time. The potato was interesting, cheesy, buttery, and with a slight tang of sour cream. He picked up the glass by his plate and inspected the liquid within. Alastor sipped and found an involuntary groan of pleasure escaping him. He met Vox's eyes and held them. They sat like that for a time before Alastor finally spoke.