I'll Be Seeing You {RadioDust}

Chapter 68

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Tuesday, August 14th, 1923
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With the morning light now shining into the room, Anthony inhaled deeply as he came into the waking realm. The first thought in his mind was the fact that he didn't remember when exactly he'd fallen asleep; he did know that it was before he even got to the bed though, because he had no recollection of that specific event.
His second thought was the feeling of arms around him and a heart beating in his ear with the familiar scent. He knew he was safe just with that last note.

"Smiles?"
The blonde hummed tiredly, rubbing the chest he laid upon with the palm of his hand. He didn't know if Alastor was awake yet, but he assumed he was, considering he was always the first one awake.

The previous night, before he could even start properly writing the final draft of his letter to Anthony, Alastor found himself with his lover asleep in his lap, snoring softly against him. It didn't take long for Alastor to write everything that was needed after that, and soon, the man was carefully standing and carrying the Italian to his bed. By some miracle, Anthony didn't wake up.

Alastor himself had fallen asleep not too long after that, and now, it was morning. The hours passed quickly, despite how much Alastor had willed them not to, and of course, he was up before Anthony. It was minutes before Alastor planned on waking Anthony himself, the time getting on, that he heard his nickname being softly called out.
"Yes, darling?"
Alastor muttered in response, sounding just as tired.

The corners of Anthony's mouth pulled up into a tired smile at the sound of his lover's voice, his eyes slowly opening as he tilted his head up so he could see Alastor's face.
"Hi..."
He sighed, kissing the underside of his lover's chin a few times.
"D' ya know what time it is?"
He asked softly, hopeful that they might have slept in.

Alastor knew the time already, and of course, could hear the hopefulness in Anthony's voice again.
"It's almost seven..."
He replied softly, eyes closing at affection and the kisses to his chin.
"Did you sleep alright? You fell asleep at my desk last night, so I carried you here once I had finished. I hope you weren't uncomfortable at all."

The disappointment was obvious as Anthony's body went limp as he deflated at the news.
"Yeah, I slept fine... I woulda woke up if I was uncomfortable."
He replied, closing his eyes again.
"Hey, why don't we get another few hours in, ah? Okay, great. Glad y' agree."
He smiled as he patted Alastor's chest, snuggling into him again, getting ready to go back to sleep.

Alastor was silent for a while, letting Anthony close his eyes for barely a few minutes more before he spoke up.
"Anthony... I know you don't want to go."
He began, fingers brushing through blonde hair.
"But you must- you said it yourself. I don't want you to go, but I also don't want your father reprimanding you if you return later than expected."

Anthony let out a small sigh, leaning into the hand that was giving attention to his blonde locks. He opened his eyes and pouted at the man he was using as a pillow.
"It's just... this is worse than last time. I don't wanna leave..."
He said softly, his eyes big and shiny in the morning light.

Alastor gave Anthony a look of solemn sadness paired with a sigh of his own.
"Worse? How so?"
He hummed, admiring the sight of his lover's shining eyes. Anthony truly looked stunning this morning, and Alastor could barely take his eyes off of him.

"Well, last time was different... y' didn't love me back then... it was easier t' say goodbye when there was a chance y' didn't ever wanna see me again."
The blonde replied, his eyes becoming a little shinier now as tears began to build and pool.