Chapter Text
Alastor sighed heavily as he took a long drag off his cigarette. He blew the smoke out and picked up his whiskey glass, sipping from it as he did his best to relax. He’d had an awful day at work, and he just wanted to forget the whole thing. He took another drag as he noticed someone approach the stool next to him, taking it for themselves. He blew the smoke out as he studied the man that sat beside him. Thick, black hair was neatly combed back save for a single lock that hung defiantly in front of his dark-rimmed glasses. He wore a simple, tan suit with a white button-up underneath that was left open near the collar. The man looked at Alastor, seeing that he was staring at him. Alastor noticed that his eyes were mismatched: one a vivid-green and the other a pristine-blue.
“Uh, you need something?” he asked.
“Not really,” Alastor shrugged. He took a drink from his glass. The man dug out his own cigarettes from his jacket and moved to light one, feeling for his lighter. He frowned a little as he realized he didn’t have it. Alastor pulled one of his matches from the box in his pocket and struck it before holding it over to light the cigarette for him. The man took a decent drag and smiled charmingly as Alastor blew the match out.
“Thanks,” the man hummed. Alastor took another drag himself and let out a content sigh. “What’re you drinking?”
“Whiskey,” Alastor admitted.
“Barkeep,” the man waved the bartender over. “Get me what he’s having.” He waited for his drink before he took a long sip and nodded. “Good stuff.” Alastor looked at him as it went quiet between them. The man met his gaze and tilted his head. “What’s your name?”
“What’s yours?” Alastor countered. The man chuckled at that as he took another drag and held his free hand out.
“Vincent,” he introduced. “Vincent Whittman.”
“Alastor,” Alastor greeted as he shook his hand.
“Just Alastor?” Vincent asked curiously. He chuckled softly as he took another drink. “What brings you to the bar, Alastor?”
“A long day,” Alastor said honestly. “A day I’d like to put behind me. You?”
“Same old shit,” Vincent shrugged. “I hate my fucking job.” He sighed a little. “I love being on TV, but I hate this job so much.” Alastor tilted his head at that. “I’m on Channel 6.”
“Mm,” Alastor nodded slightly. It was quiet again. Alastor finished off his cigarette and put it out in the ashtray before he took a long drink from his glass. He moved the glass in his hands when he put it down again, looking over at Vincent. “I don’t have a TV.”
“You don’t?” Vincent perked up. “Well, you should get one. TV’s the way of future, isn’t it?”
“They’re noisy,” Alastor insisted. “And they’re too flashy. Radio is much better. And it delivers the same information.” Vincent laughed as he blew smoke towards the ceiling. “You only insist it’s great because you’re on it.”
“Sure,” Vincent shrugged. “Handsome guy like me makes it worth having one, doesn’t it?”
“No,” Alastor emptied his glass and waved it at the bartender, who refilled it quickly for him. He took a drink and licked his lips. He noticed how Vincent was staring at him a little more blatantly and raised his eyebrow. “Would you like a photo, Vincent?”
“Are you offering?” Vincent asked as he put out his cigarette.
“I’m not one for pictures,” Alastor shook his head. He met Vincent’s gaze. “Perhaps you’re hoping to take me home. Would that be more up your alley?” Vincent stammered a little and opted to take a drink instead of answering. Alastor chuckled as he took a drink himself.
“Didn’t realize you swung that way,” Vincent said, rubbing the back of his neck. He did think that Alastor was handsome, and he did seem to be flirting a little with him. Or maybe he was just imagining that part.
“Typically, I don’t,” Alastor admitted with a little shrug. “But…I’ve had a long, rough day. And while I normally don’t partake, I feel like blowing off some steam tonight. Would you like to get out of here? With me?” Vincent let out a shaky breath.
“If you’re offering,” Vincent said, giving a slight nod. Alastor downed the rest of his drink with ease and stood up, gesturing for him to follow. Vincent quickly gulped the remainder of his whiskey and got up to go after Alastor.