Hauntingly Beautiful | Vox x Reader x Alastor

Chapter Seventeen

My phone begins to ring as I get down to the lobby. When I pick it up Vox's voice immediately fills my ears. "Where are you headed, doll?" A small smile forms on my lips as I head outside. "Just wanted to go out and clear my head. I'll be back later tonight."

I wave down one of the many VoxTek workers that are assigned to drive us anywhere whenever we please. "Talk later?" I suggest with a quiet tone. Vox's intrigued curiosity is evident as I mention going out to clear my head.

He responds with a gentle tone, a hint of concern mingling with curiosity, "Of course, doll. Clearing your head sounds like a good idea. Just be careful, okay?" The driver pulls up to where I'm standing and quickly gets out to open the door for me. "I will. Don't worry about me."

I gracefully slide into the comfortable backseat of the VoxTek vehicle. Vox's concern remains palpable as I hear him let out a sigh. A soft chuckle escapes me as I reassuringly add, "Don't worry, Vox. I can take care of myself."

"I know you can take care of yourself, Valerie," he replies, a hint of warmth in his voice. "But that doesn't stop me from worrying, you know." My smile widens slightly. "Well stop your worrying so I can hang up." I say playfully.

A soft chuckle escapes Vox's lips in response to my playful remark. "Oh, is that a playful command I hear? Very well, I shall cease my worrying for the time being." His amusement is evident in his tone. "Good." I say as my mood perks up a bit. "Talk to you later."

"Alright, doll. Talk to you later." His fondness is unmistakable in his voice as he says goodbye before hanging up. As soon as the call ends I lean back in the seat. The driver nods in acknowledgement as I provide the address I have in mind. "Very well, Miss." With a smooth start, the vehicle glides through the streets, heading towards the destination I've requested.

The ride is pretty quick and helps to relax myself a bit as I stare off through the window. Soon enough the driver pulls into the parking lot and quickly opens my door for me. I step out with a grateful nod, feeling the crisp air against my skin.

"Would you like me to wait here until you are ready to leave?" I respond to the driver's question with a small shake of my head. "Thank you, but there's no need to wait. I'll give you a call when I'm ready to return." The cool breeze brushes against my hair as I glance at the jazz bar before me.

He gives me a nod before getting back in the car and driving away. With a deep breath, I compose myself before stepping inside the jazz bar. The atmosphere instantly envelops me, a symphony of live music and hushed conversations intertwining in the air. The warmth of the lighting creates an inviting ambiance, beckoning me further in.

As I take in the familiar sights and sounds of the jazz bar, a warm smile spreads across my face. Nostalgia washes over me as I recall the last time I was here, seven years ago when Alastor was still present.

The familiar surroundings evoke a mixture of fondness and bittersweet memories, intertwining with the current moment. I find solace in the thought that this place still holds a special significance, offering a space for me to unwind and let loose, just as it did back then.

I navigate my way through the bustling atmosphere of the jazz bar, making my way to the bar area. Taking a seat on one of the barstools, I shift my attention to the surroundings.

The conversations, laughter, and mingling of people create a vibrant backdrop. With a sigh of contentment, I lean against the bar counter, simply observing and absorbing the energy of the place.

"What a surprise." I hear a staticky voice say from nearby. I tilt my head down as I groan slightly. I should have expected the chance of him being here. "I wasn't anticipating running into you here." I say slightly annoyed, looking his way.