Show and Tell (𝓡𝓪𝓭𝓲𝓸𝓼𝓽𝓪𝓽𝓲𝓬 // 𝔸𝕝𝕒𝕤𝕥𝕠𝕣 𝕩 𝕍𝕠𝕩)

Part 2: The confrontation and the promise

The gang stared at each other. Husk started cleaning the bar awkwardly, and Angel went in to help him. Sir Pentious fidgetted a little, and Vaggie turned to Charlie, who looked absolutely lost. She didn't exactly realize what had just happened.  "This is all my fault guys, this stupid activity was my idea, and I forced Husk to participate even if he didn't want to. And now, Alastor is upset because of me," she said after a while, crossing her arms and staring at the floor. "Hon, it's not your fault. It's okay. He'll get over it," said Vaggie, hugging  her shoulders sympathetically. "Well, princess, it was ma fault for showing the fucking pic to y'all in the first place," said Husk. "It was worth it, tho," he added, mumbling. "Well, I don't see where the big deal is," shrugged Lucifer. "I mean, he was into TVs for some reason, but whatever. Everyone is into different stuff, I guess," he added, feeling a little bit guilty that he had laughed so hard.

"No, the problem is that it was something very personal for him and..." started Charlie, "Well, you know what? I will go to apologize to him," she said with determination. "After all, bonding does start with sorry," she said, cracking a smile and winking at Sir Pentious.

Meanwhile, Alastor had already dashed to his room really fast, and the photo had slipped from his pocket, without him noticing, halfway through the stairs. He slammed his door, scratching it a little. How dared they laugh at him? How dared they laugh at the idea of him being with... Vox? What was so funny? And what in the world was that curse word they kept calling him? An ace, like in the cards? His frustration was unimaginable, and the worst part was that they made him... remember. If only Husker had burnt that picture to its core... If only he himself had burnt all of the other stuff too... but he couldn't. Like Husker, he always forgets, right, he doesn't do it on purpose. He just 'forgets'.

Like all those times that Vox had cuddled with him and petted his ears gently, hesitantly at first, carefully, and later, more confidently. Like when he had bought him a drink, when he had asked him out, when he... Alastor blushed to himself. All those moments, he pretends to forget. But that damn picture was misleading. He had made it clear to Vox that he never wanted nothing too, well, extreme. The hugs were always the best part for him, even if he was sensing that Vox always wanted more. He sighed. He crouched and reached below his bed. His fingers clenched around a box.

It was the Vox-box, filled with stuff he had 'forgotten' to burn. For quite some time now. He opened it slowly. The upper paper was a letter from Vox. He unfolded it carefully so that the paper won't get torn. It was really old after all.

"Alastor,
The south side of Pride is not that bad after all. Business is going really well, and the guys and me are getting along surprisingly well. They are actually better than I remembered and I think you will find them more 'entertaining' than you think! If you ever meet them again... I miss you every day, my dearie. Can't wait to return home to you. I love you.
Vox <3"

Alastor sighed again, more dramatic this time. He leaned over to his bed, face-first in the sheets. He groaned. Why was he doing this to himself since he knew Vox never returned? He didn't keep his word and also had the audacity to ask him to join his stupid team that lived literally across the map. Alastor remembered vividly Vox's promise to him. He would move away for some time, but he would also come back. He never did.

Still, Alastor had to admit, to himself at least, that he did at some point, cared deeply about him. And he hated himself for it. Suddenly,  he heard a knock on the door. "Um, Al? May I come in?" Charlie's voice was barely heard. That took Alastor by surprise, half-closed the box, and shoved it quickly back to its place. He was still laying on the floor. "Come in," responded to Carlie with a much calmer voice than expected. Charlie opened the door and walked in,  and almost stepped on him. "Oh my God, I'm sorry, Al..., but what are you doing on the floor?," she asked, confused. "Just... relaxing, my dear. After all that happened, I could use some peace. I would also appreciate it if I were to enjoy my peace alone." he said, wanting Charlie to leave him be.