The Crimson Wood (AlastorXAngel)

Once Upon a Dream

   Angel leaned over the bathtub of his room turning the tap as he ran the water over his hands. Light flickered in through the stain glass window before him. As the water heated he placed a plug in the drain. Underneath the counter was a small pink bottle of bubble bath. Angel lifted it up opening the top before smelling the bubblegum liquid. Charlie always loved cute and sweet things in her hotel she felt it made the rehabilitation process a lot easier. Angel poured the liquid into the tub watching it bubble and fill the room with its soft scent.

   "Bless ya heart Charlie." He let out a long breath.

   He stood back up before removing the long pink silk robe off of his pale skin. He slipped into the tub smiling widely as he felt his muscles calm. He tilted his head back letting a light chuckle leave his mouth. He pulled a small towel off of the rack above him placing it on the side of the tub as he curled up and used it as a pillow. He closed his eyes letting himself be swept away once again ignoring his fear of his prior dreams. But of course his eyes opened back up in a haze. He was still in the warm tub surrounded by the pink suds, but it felt almost unreal. Suddenly he began to sweat, his body shook as anxiety swiftly overwhelmed him without warning. He had felt this many times before when he would have withdrawels. But he hadn't done anything heavy in weeks. His heart pounded as a plethora of emotions waved over him, fear, heartbreak, and anger. It was too much, he wanted to hide under the water until he could feal nothing, but the fear would not let him. His eyes would not cry, his body would not move, he felt frozen. His body was hot as he could feel his heart choking him as his anxiety melded into a panic attack. He wanted to die, he wanted it to end, until a hand pressed against his arm. He looked up to see the crimson red eyes of the deer like man. He felt his emotions slip away, his body loosened and all that remained was a slight hint of fear that his mind was able to ignore.

"How did ya get in here?" He spoke raising a blond brow.

   The man said nothing as he stood up taking his hand away begining to leave the room. Angel wanted to chase after him but suddenly he woke up. He was alone, the door to the bathroom was closed and Angel really didn't know if it had been a dream or not. But he did know he would have to go talk to the man who was staying at the hotel. The dreams were too much to handle, he needed to see the real thing.

   He stood up draining the tub before reaching for the head of the shower rinsing the suds from his porcelain skin. He turned the tap stepping out of the tub reaching down to wrap his robe around his body. He didn't bother to put clothes on as he escaped the hotel room. He was about to leave to head down stairs when he saw a figure wonder out into the courtyard. He raised a curious brow quickly forgetting his mission as he followed behind. He tip-toed down the stairs quietly turning round the corner to the large, glass twin doors. He looked out through the curtain to what looked like two figures now. He watched the taller one poor tea into each small cup, he recognized that this was Alastor the man he was after. However as the gruff voice of the other male spoke her froze.

"Look Al I dont know what the hell you're doing here but you gotta go." Husk's voice growled.

"Husker my charming man, I wish not to make you unsteady, I have already told you this is a simple vacation, I was bored of work and decided I needed fresh material." The brunettes grin slid up almost to the frames of his glasses.

"Well I've got people I care about in there." Husker fought.

"Ah, not like you to be so soft." The man tilted his head to the side. "But since its you I'll listen to your troubles."

"Just." The bartender let out a painful sigh. "Stay away from them alright? They ain't the brightest bunch but they're good people."

"Hm, even the one you call Anthony?" Alastor leaned in.

   Angel blushed deeply, no one used his given name anymore aside from his brother and father. He watched in awe as Husker grabbed the young man's collar pulling him in. He looked ready to tear that smug look from his face so angel knew it was time he interfered.

"Husk?" He said as he stepped out into the chilly night.

   Husker turned his head quickly to see the slender pale man hugging his robe close to him as the night breeze chilled his frail skin. The man let go of the brunette before him stepping back.

"Why are you up?" He said moving towards him.

"I couldn't sleep, why are you pickin fights?" A playful smile crossed his lips.

"I ain't pickin no fights, go back to bed." Husker sighed standing from his seat.

"I'm fine you don't gotta take care of me." He moved closer to the two taking a seat at the table.

"What are you doing?" The older man watched him closely.

"I can't take a seat? It's a nice night after all." Angel rested his elbows on the table placing his face in his hands."

"I completely agree, why not the three of us have a cup of tea I would like very much for us to get along." Alastor explained.

   Husker glared at him looking the man over trying to read his intentions but the wide smile truly hid everything. He sat back down letting out a long sigh realizing if he left the other two would surely stay. Angel gave him a look of surprise before he decided to take it upon himself to fetch the tea. The three then spent a long uncomfortable night under the moonlight.