Complicated and Sad \\ RADIOSILENCE

[15] - Moth

📻 ┃⤷ Alastor's POV

Late 1980's.

Vox had been staying out later than usual lately, claiming he had a huge load of business lately, which Alastor home by himself more often. As much as he enjoyed his time to himself, he was beginning to miss the presence of his best friend. The apartment felt empty without his energy and rambling.

With his new load of free time, Alastor had picked up on a few of his old hobbies. He had read over ten novels, wrote killer scripts for his radio show, and baked once or twice a week. All things he had been doing less when he had spent most of his time around Vox.

To fill the silence, he'd always kept a radio playing, turning it up and humming along to the upbeat jazz that played while he baked, cleaned, or wrote. It wasn't much, but it was enough to drown out the uncomfortable quiet that was normally filled with Vox's voice.

One night, Vox had come home early from work, more lively than ever. He helped Alastor with dinner again, and they talked as they ate. Vox rambled on about all the sudden success he had gotten, the money that was rolling in and the popularity his products were receiving. As always, Alastor congratulated him, and they opened a bottle of liquor to celebrate.

As they drank, Vox began to talk about his new business partner, some new rising start who he was collaborating with. Alastor found this interesting, but he wasn't sure how he felt about this. When Vox offered to introduce them over dinner the next day, Alastor had agreed.

It was that afternoon now, and Alastor was busy making dinner for him, Vox, and their guest of the night. He was humming along to a song on the radio, pulling the chicken (imported from Earth) out of the oven and placing the pan on the top of the stove, beginning to put the seasoning and dressing on the top.

He heard the front door open and he heard laughter was Vox and his business partner walk in. Alastor quickly washed his hands, drying them and walking out of the kitchen to greet Vox and his friend. He was immediately shocked by the man Vox had brought home.

He was a tall, purple demon with long pink wings hanging from his back. He was wearing a tight button up shirt that was unbuttoned across his chest, and knee-high boots. Alastor felt a wave of disgust at how the demon was dressed and acting, but he put on a friendly expression and walked up to them.

"Vox! Welcome home!" He greeted Vox, giving him a quick hug which Vox happily returned, then turning to the other demon. "You must be Vox's new business partner. Valentino, correct?"

The demon looked down at Alastor, grinning widely and flicking his tongue slightly. "Why, yes. That's me. You must be his friend."

"Alastor. It's a pleasure to meet you." Alastor held out his hand and Valentino took it, shaking his hand firmly.

At least he's nice upon introduction, Alastor thought to himself, trying to avoid judging him right away. 

"So, this is your home, Vox?" Valentino looked around the place, his expression becoming unreadable. He then smiled again. "Quite plain, but very cozy. I must say, it's pretty nice."

"Thanks," Vox chuckled. "But don't give me the credit. Al did all the decorating."

"I'm not a fan of heavily detailed interior. Makes it feel too cluttered." Alastor turned and walked back into the kitchen to finish dinner, letting out a quiet exhale as he found himself struggling to find the right words that didn't sound odd. "Dinner is almost done, I just have a few small touches to finish."

Vox smiled and turned back to Valentino. "Go ahead and sit. Make yourself comfortable." He then walked into the kitchen, pausing to smell the air, the fans in his head growing louder for a moment as his censors processed the scent, and he sighed. "Man, it smells amazing." He walked over to the cupboards and took out some plates, grabbing some glasses and utensils then walking back out to the table.