Chapter Text
Alastor was unsure of what to do or how to proceed.
“Oh.” Alastor said.
Vox’s face immediately turned a brighter shade of red.
Vox…Vox wanted to be on the receiving end?
Alastor was slightly taken aback.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean it.” Vox said, quickly, “just—just a joke. We don’t have to—I wouldn’t ask you to—“
Vox looked completely embarrassed for asking such a thing. Alastor shook off his surprise and went to comfort him.
“Is that genuinely what you want?” Alastor asked, softly. “To…to be on the receiving end of things?”
Vox was quiet for a moment.
Then…
“Yes…”
It was so faint. Barely audible. But Alastor heard it clear as day.
It…it surprised him.
“We don’t have to.” Vox said. “I don’t want to make you. I’d—I’d never make you do that if you didn’t want to. I just…fuck.”
Vox was trying to hide his face.
“Shush, darling,” Alastor said, cupping his face, “none of that now. There’s nothing to be ashamed of. It’s a desire and you should tell me those. I am just…a tad bit surprised.”
“Surprised?” Vox asked, ashamed, “half of the studio thinks I like it up my ass…”
The rumors that there had been a video of Vox “engaging” in such an activity with the producer were still circulating behind the scenes…
“That’s why I didn’t think you’d want that…” Alastor said softly, “after…after what he did to you. I assumed you’d always want to be in control.”
Vox looked up at Alastor, an understanding between them.
Alastor wasn’t repulsed by the thought of his husband wanting to be on the receiving end of pleasure: he was just concerned about his past experience with such things.
“I don’t want to hurt you.” Alastor said, brushing the hair out of Vox’s eyes, “I don’t want you to be reminded of how you were hurt. I want you to feel in control.”
He hadn’t been in control of his own body for a long time. And with the studio still holding the contract, his body still wasn’t entirely his own.
“You won’t hurt me.” Vox said, pressing his forehead to Alastor’s, “it won’t be anything like I’ve experienced before. Because…because it’s you. And you’d never hurt me.”
Vox cupped Alastor’s cheek.
“If you don’t want to, I completely understand.” Vox said. “It’s…it’s different from what we usually do. But if you want to try it…”
Well. This experience had been about trying new positions.
Alastor pressed a soft kiss to Vox’s lips.
“I want to try.” Alastor said. “Though, you’ll have to walk me through it. I’ve never done this part of it before.”
“Really?” Vox asked. “You…you want to?”
“At least once.” Alastor said with a playful smile, “maybe I’ll like it.”
Vox gave a smile.
“We’ll figure it out together.” Vox said. “It’ll…it’ll be a bit different for me too.”
“Just let me know when you’re ready.” Alastor said. “I’m ready when you are.”
They gave each other reassuring hugs before they began shifting positions on the bed.
Alastor tried to bite back his nerves as Vox laid stomach down in front of him.
Vox was larger than Alastor in every sense of the word, including the member between his legs. Alastor’s was lythe in comparison. Something he hadn’t been bothered by before faced with the current situation of wanting to sexually please his partner.
Hell, he had to often stroke himself to get an erection. It rarely happened just on sight alone.
Alastor began stroking himself, trying to get himself hard.
“You’re going to do great.” Vox encouraged, his face half submerged in the pillow.
“I have my doubts,” Alastor said, struggling to get himself to full mast. “I’m at your instruction. I have a vague memory of how you begin this…”
Alastor recalled how Vox always started with his fingers, slowly working him open one finger at a time…
Vox gulped.
Oh, he was beautiful lying on the white sheets…
Beautiful, chiseled shoulders…
It was like Vox was a Greek statue.
“You…you do your fingers first.” Vox said, a bit sheepish. “Index.”
“Do you wet it?” Alastor asked. “I recall it being…wet.”
Vox gave a nervous laugh.
“Yeah,” Vox said, “dry isn’t the most comfortable.”
Alastor wouldn’t know. Vox always prepped him thoroughly, even that first time in the bushes.
“What do you wet it with?” Alastor asked.
He had his suspicions.
“Depends?” Vox asked. “Sometimes my spit. Sometimes…I’m leaking. I’ve used butter before, but not with you.”
“I am not fingering your ass with butter.” Alastor said firmly.
That seemed like an abuse of butter.
“Then the other two.” Vox said, laughing. “Or you could do it raw. I don’t mind.”
Like hell Alastor wasn’t going to prep his husband. Not on their wedding night.
Alastor was only half mast at the moment, so he decided to go with wetting his index finger with his tongue.
He felt a bit ridiculous licking his finger. When Vox did it, he made it look suave. Alastor felt like he looked pathetic.
“Ok, it’s wet.” Alastor said. “Now what?”
This was pathetic…
“You just circle the rim a bit.” Vox said, “then work your way in. Play with it, I guess. Try to find the spot that feels the best.”
“And then?”
“You play with it.” Vox said, chuckling a bit. “You play with my body in whatever way feels good for both of us.”
“Do you get pleasure doing this?” Alastor asked. “From sticking your finger in my ass?”
“Yeah.” Vox said. “It gets me hard.”
Alastor was trying not to judge, but that seemed unlikely. How did playing with Alastor’s rectum and causing Alastor pleasure cause Vox to get pleasure? It didn’t seem possible. It didn’t make sense.
But he was going to give it a try.
“Alright, darling.” Alastor said, “I’m going to…try.”
Alastor settling himself between Vox’s legs, mimicking the position Vox usually took. Alastor then placed one hand gently on Vox’s back and the other, the one with the wet finger, on his thigh.
Then, slowly, Alastor began circling Vox’s rim.
Vox clenched.
And let out a soft whimper.
And that noise sent a shock of please down Alastor’s spine and straight to his cock.
“That’s it,” Vox said, moaning into the pillow,“just keep doing that till you…you’re ready to venture for more.”
Alastor teased the hole a bit more, circling his longer, painted nails around the rim. His eyes weren’t on his finger though. His eyes were on Vox’s face.
Vox’s eyes were closed, a bit of a smile on his lips, his head resting in his folded arms. But every little touch Alastor made had Vox’s face twitch in little flashes of pleasure.
Alastor liked seeing Vox twitch at the actions Alastor was doing.
“I’m coming in, darling.” Alastor whispered.
“Hmhmm…” Vox said, “sounds—sounds great—“
Alastor hooked the tip of his finger in. Vox immediately clenched around him. He twitched and suddenly Alastor was worried he had hurt him.
“Did that hurt?” Alastor said. “I’m sorry if it hurt…my nails are a bit sharp.”
“No, no it doesn’t hurt.” Vox assured, shifting his legs a bit. “I…I like how sharp your nails arm. It feels—“
Vox let out a little sighs as Alastor wiggled his finger, the tip of his nail scratching him.
“It feels good—“ Vox said. “Keep—keep going—“
“…how?”
“Wiggle around.” Vox said lightly. “Until you find the right spot.”
What spot would that be…
Alastor did as he was told and began wiggling his finger around, trying to find the ‘right spot’ Vox was talking about. In and out. Up and down. Trying to find—
“A little slower,” Vox said.
“Sorry.” Alastor said.
He’d thought he was going too slow.
“No need to apologize.” Vox said, shifting more in the sheets, “just—just a bit slower.”
Alastor slowed down but kept trying to find what he was looking for, having no clue of where it might be.
Then, he went a bit deeper.
And Vox let out a loud moan, bending his knees and arching his back.
The noise sent another strange shock of warm pleasure through Alastor, sending goosebumps all over his skin.
“Found it—“ Vox wheezed.
Oh the noises Vox was making…
It was doing things to Alastor. A warm feeling of pleasure was forming in the base of his stomach.
“Good to know.” Alastor said, voice low, trying to sound seductive.
Alastor pressed the same spot again.
Vox moaned again.
Oh, Alastor liked this.
He loved teasing and pleasuring Vox like this. It felt…pleasurable. Even on Alastor’s end.
Especially on Alastor’s end.
He liked this.
“I’m going to add another finger.” Alastor said. “Though, I don’t think you’ll need all that prep. I’m not as big as you.”
“It’s about build up.” Vox said. “Tension building.”
Alastor added another finger, pushing them both in and out on Vox’s clenching body. All the while, focusing on that ‘right spot’ that would get Vox panting harder.
Soon, Vox was thrusting against Alastor’s hand, resting on his knees with his ass in the air.
“Fuck—“ Vox moaned loudly, “Alastor—“
Alastor rested his free hand underneath her Vox’s belly, right above his cock, and pressed him back against him.
“You like that,” Alastor purred, pressing deeper, “don’t you?”
“Yes—“ Vox groaned. “Oh fuck yes—“
Vox was leaking onto the sheets though nothing was touching his cock. It was all caused by Alastor’s fingers and seductive voice.
“Good boy.” Alastor whispered into Vox’s ear.
Vox moaned again.
Oh, Alastor could get used to this.
Alastor pressed his body flush against Vox’s back, his free hand rubbing against Vox’s chin.
“Do you want me to stick my cock in you?” Alastor asked, “Do you want to be mine, my darling?”
“Yes!” Vox moaned, grinding against Alastor’s front. “Yes—yes please! I am begging you!”
Alastor gave a playful chuckle.
Alastor half expected himself to still be half hard. Usually, he had to touch himself to form a full erection. But, despite his hands remaining on Vox, Alastor’s cock was fully erected. All from the noises Vox was making under Alastor’s fingers.
How…curious.
Bodies were such peculiar things.
“Are you sure?” Alastor purred, pressing a kiss to Vox’s shoulder.
Alastor planted kiss after kiss to Vox’s shoulders and shoulder blades, occasionally licking a stripe on his salty skin.
“Yes—“ Vox panted, “oh fuck yes—Alastor, please—“
“Do you want me to grip your hair?” Alastor asked, “and put your head into the bed? Do you want to moan my name over and over again into the pillow?”
“Yes!” Vox begged, rubbing himself against Alastor’s fingers.
This man…this beautiful man…was Alastor’s.
Every touch of pleasure was from Alastor’s doing. His fingers. His arms. His body. His words. All things of Alastor’s bring Vox to complete ecstasy.
Was this why Vox preferred being back here? So he could watch Alastor become undone with pleasure?
“Please, Alastor,” Vox panted, “I need—I need you inside of me.”
Alastor ran his free hand through Vox’s hair. Then, gentle but still in control, Alastor pressed Vox’s face into the pillows, just how Vox had begged him to.
“As you wish.” Alastor said.
Alastor took his fingers out and almost instantly began to replace them with his erect, leaking cock.
Vox was whimpered and grinding at barely the tip inside of his entrance.
“More—“ Vox said, “deeper—“
He would, but Alastor needed just a moment.
“Soon, my dear.” Alastor said, “let me…let me get used to the feeling.”
It felt…strange. Not bad. Just…different.
Vox was tight against his cock. He wasn’t fighting him exactly, but there was some natural resistance. Alastor had to catch his breath and adjust to the odd feeling of being inside of Vox from such a way.
Vox was definitely enjoying it. The pleasure was clear as day on his face.
“I’m going a bit deeper, my dear,” Alastor cooed, “are you ready?”
Vox gave an enthusiastic nod under Alastor’s palm.
Alastor pushed deeper and deeper, in and out, taking Vox piece by piece until he bottomed out completely.
Every action had both of them moaning, though Vox was much louder.
“A little—a little higher—“ Vox begged.
Alastor ran his hands through Vox’s hair.
“Don’t worry, my darling,” Alastor said, “I haven’t forgotten where that ‘right spot’ is.”
Alastor pressed himself against it.
Every thrust was met with a moan unless the moans were blocked by a kiss.
Vox…Vox felt good like this. Tight and warm and pulsing. It was a pleasant grip on his cock.
Though, the noises Vox was making were definitely adding to the experience.
“Alastor—“ Vox moaned as Alastor thrusted deep inside him, “Alastor—“
“Oh Vinnie,” Alastor moaned, “you’re so tight…you feel so good…”
Alastor ground his hips against that ‘right spot’ sending another shiver through Vox’s body.
Alastor could feel Vox trembling below him.
“No need to tremble, my dear,” Alastor panted, “I’ve got you.”
Alastor wrapped an arm around Vox from behind, holding him tight.
Alastor gently nipped his teeth against Vox’s shoulder, leaving small love bites in his whack.
“Oh, fuck,” Vox whined, “bite me harder—“
Alastor obliged though he refused to draw blood.
This was his Vox. He’d pleasure him. But he refused to hurt him.
“Alastor—“ Vox whimpered, “I’m going to—“
“Cum for me, darling.” Alastor whispered, nibbling on Vox’s ear.
Alastor thrusting into Vox from behind three more times before Vox made that familiar sound he makes when he reaches his “pinnacle”.
Alastor felt hot watching Vox meet his thrusts as he worked through his orgasm, spurting cum on the already soiled sheets.
The sight made that familiar feeling grow closer inside of Alastor.
Vox collapsed against the bed, Alastor following him down with him.
Alastor kept grinding inside of him, though much slower now.
“How was that?” Alastor asked. “Did you enjoy yourself on my cock?”
Vox gave a shake nod and another groan.
Alastor kissed his nose and brushed back his messy black hair.
Vox’s nose scrunched up in the way that Alastor simply adored.
Oh how he adored this man beneath him…
“May I finish?” Alastor whispered.
Vox gave another nod.
Alastor took the last part slower. Vox was still reveling in the aftermath of his orgasm and was winding down. And while the first part had been bites and pulling hair and pressing his face into pillows, he wanted this last part to be gentle love making.
So Alastor took it slow, letting himself enjoy the warmth of Vox’s body encasing his own.
Alastor arrived shortly after and joined Vox with a flop onto the pillows.
Though, his head didn’t remain in the pillows for long. It soon found its way to its favorite spot in the crook of Vox’s shoulder.
Both panted, letting out the occasional whimper or moan.
Alastor left gently kissed on Vox’s neck.
He found himself self conscious about his performance. Had Vox enjoyed himself? Had it lived up to his expectations? He had been moaning and writhing, seeming to enjoy their entwined bodies. But Alastor still had that little seed of doubt burrowing in his head.
He planted another soft kiss onto Vox’s throat.
The throat Valentino’s hands had responded around…
He was finally free of the bruises from that night. It had taken weeks, if not months, for the bruises to finally fade from Vox’s body.
Even now, Alastor could see the scars on Vox’s torso. Marks left by Valentino’s sharp claws racking against Vox’s skin.
Alastor found a near by scar and planted his lips to it.
He would never understand a monster like Valentino. And now he knew that for sure.
Alastor had been in the same position Valentino had forced himself into: on top of Vox. Hand pressing Vox into the pillows. The most intimate parts of himself on display. And the only thing Alastor had been thinking about was what Vox was feeling. If Vox was enjoying himself.
Alastor’s eyes had been glued onto Vox’s half obscured face the entire time, scanning for any signs of discomfort.
He couldn’t imagine what sort of twisted mind would actively hurt someone while they were so vulnerable…
“Did you—did you like it?” Vox asked.
Vox sounded like he was nervous. Like his only thoughts were on if Alastor enjoyed himself.
Alastor gave a light chuckle and planted another kiss to the scar on Vox’s peck.
“Yes.” Alastor said, “did you?”
Vox pressed a kiss to Alastor’s curls.
“Very.” Vox whispered, “very much. Thank you.”
Completely spent and worn out, Allie and Vinnie quickly fell asleep and spent the rest of the night embracing.
…
Sunday morning came and Vox woke to find Alice adjusting her large white sun hat in the mirror.
She looked like a vision.
Dressed in a flowy, white sundress adorned in lace ruffles and navy blue ribbons making simmering stripes in the fabric. To her side, her white parasol with the ribbon changed out into the same shade of blue. Her hat much of the same, though with an added white veil and shawl.
Vox shifted on the bed, folding his arms and watching her as she readied herself.
Every little motion she made was captivating. Every tuck of her curls. Every flick of her wrist as she applied her mascara. Every ruffle of her skirt.
“Good morning to me.” Vox said, letting out a whistle.
Alice gave a little jump at the sudden talking. She turned around to find Vox with his head resting in his folded arms, kicking his feet back and forth like a school girl.
Alice gave a quaint little laugh.
“Enjoying the view?” Alice asked, returning to the mirror, applying the rouge to her lips.
“Very much so.” Vox said.
His beautiful wife…
“Take a picture,” Alice said, “it’ll last longer.”
“Really?” Vox asked. “I can take a picture of you?”
“Did I stutter?” Alice asked.
Not needing to be told again, Vox dug around his overnight bag for the wooden box with the camera in it.
It had been a wedding present from Alice: a new camera. He’d gotten her a new phonograph that could record records for their home along with plenty of records. It made perfect sense for the video star to get a camera and the radio star to get a phonograph recorder.
Perhaps, one day, they could film their own movies together.
Vox set up the camera, prepping to take the photo. All the while, Alice adjusted her hat.
“Stay still,” Vox said, “hold that pose. Just for a moment.”
Alice froze, hands elegantly adjusting her hat.
Vox snapped the photo.
This beautiful moment of Vox waking to find his wife getting ready was now permanently etched in paper.
“Beautiful.” Vox said. “You’re absolutely beautiful. And now I’ll always remember how you looked this beautiful morning.”
Alice face flushed bright red and Vox snapped another photo.
“Once you’re dressed,” Alice said from the vanity, “may I take one of you? I’d like to remember how beautiful you looked this morning as well.”
Now Vox’s face was red.
“You don’t have to wait for me to be dressed.” Vox said, coyly, “you can take it now if you want.”
Alice blinked in surprise.
“Are you sure?” Alice asked. “Are you sure you don’t want to cover up a bit? After…”
Valentino used to take photos of Vox after they had sex. He had a collection that was now in the hands of Mr. Lamont.
But Alice wasn’t Valentino. Not by a long shot.
And Vox was more than ok with Alice taking photos of him.
“I’m sure.” Vox said, resting into his arms, “I trust that it’ll be for your eyes only.”
Vox handed Alice the camera. Vox laid his head back in his arms, a soft smile gracing his face as Alice snapped the photo.
And Vox felt relieved.
Within the hour, the two were strolling on the beach. One of Alice’s arms wrapped in Vox’s while the other rested against her fake baby bump.
The public were still very much convinced that Vox Lockwood’s wife was pregnant with his child. They had to keep up appearances.
Vox thought it was absolutely adorable.
His hands kept wandering to the bump as they walked.
“Hands off your son, darling.” Alice said, adjusting his hand back in place. “People will stare.”
“Firstly, they’re my daughter.” Vox said. “Secondly, people are going to stare anyways.”
Alice did give in and let Vox rest his head against her belly once they were lying on the beach blanket. But only after visiting the shore side aquarium where the sharks and dolphins and even a killer whale were kept in pools right along the sea.
Vox thought he’d like seeing them. He adored ocean life. Especially sharks. But he was filled with a deep sense of sadness seeing them swimming in the metal tank so close to the ocean but so far at the same time.
“They are quite majestic.” Alice said. “I see why you’re so fond of them.”
Alice was sitting down in the shade of her parasol, peering into a made-man tide pool contacting stingrays, hermit crabs and star fish. Someone had given up a seat for her in her “delicate condition” as they’d been doing the entire outing. An older couple even offered Alice an iced lemonade and asked how she was feeling in the heat. As white-passing Alice on Vincent’s arm, men would tip their hats and hold open doors for her. Especially now in her condition, people were affording Alice the dignity she should have been receiving even when she was wearing no powder and tattered trousers. Vox was content that they were treating her with respect and compassion, he just wished she didn’t have to do so much to herself to achieve that respect and compassion. It should just be how it is normally.
Likewise, it was obvious Alice was enjoying the special treatment. At this point, she expected people to give up their seats and open doors for her.
“They’re great.” Vox agreed, kneeling beside her chair and gazing into the pool. “They…they’re just amazing.”
Vox watched a kid poke a star fish in the back. The little kid he could forgive. They were a toddler. The younger teenager pulling the star fish from the water…
“Wow, it’s so cool.” The boy said, poking the dying starfish in his hand, “it feels so weird.”
Vox had to intervene.
Where was this kid’s parents…
“It’s twitching.” The other boy said, “let me hold it.”
“You need to put it back in the water now.” Vox said, voice firm, “it’ll die if you don’t.”
The two boys looked up at Vox in shock, one almost dropping the starfish. Both of their mouths hung open.
“You’re—“ one stammered. “You’re Vox Lockwood, ain’t you?”
“Yes,” Vox said, “I’m Vox Lockwood.”
And my lovely wife over there will kill anyone who upsets me, so don’t try me.
He didn’t say that. Instead, he turned on the charm. He gave a friendly smile.
“It’s a beautiful creature you have in your hands.” Vox said, smiling warmly, “I love sea creatures. But they have to stay in the water or they’ll die. At the moment, you’re strangling it. It can’t breathe.”
Vox knew what it felt like to not be able to breathe…
“You should put it back.” Vox said. “Gently.”
“Oh, yeah, sorry,” the boy said, “I will, sir. Sorry, sir.”
The teen gently put the star fish back into the shallow pool, right on the rocks he had pried it from. Vox held his breath until he saw the star fish latch right back onto the rock.
It was alive.
Vox let out a relieved sigh. Then he turned back to the boys.
“Be nice to them, ok?” Vox said, “they don’t want to die for your entertainment. If you see anyone doing anything like that again, you’ll stand up for the little guy, right? Two young gentlemen like yourselves should have no problem being the hero, right?”
“Yes, sir,” the boy said, “we will, sir.”
“I’m sorry,” the boy said, “I didn’t think it would hurt it…”
“Just don’t do it again.” Vox said, “We all make mistakes. Part of being human. Just don’t do it again and stop others from doing the same if you can. Promise, kiddo?”
Vox gave the boy a friendly pat on the shoulder. Like a dad would.
“I will sir!” The boy beamed.
“Good to hear.” Vox said.
He did have to sign the two boys brochures but he thought that interaction went well. They were still kids. They could learn.
But the fact that they had access to the sealife in the first place…
“You look troubled, my dear.” Alice said when he returned to her side. “Are you not enjoying the sea life as much as you thought you would?”
Vox let out a sad sigh, watching a majestic shark swim in circles in its tank.
“I like seeing the sharks and fish,” Vox said, “but it’s just kinda sad. The ocean is so close…”
It was an outside aquarium. The ocean was right over there. Often connected to some of the pools but barred in the water by iron prison walls to keep the larger sharks and whales captive.
“And they can’t get to it.” Vox said, finishing his thought. “It’s just…it’s just sad.”
The shark just kept swimming in circles. Passive entertainment for those who walked by.
He should be in the ocean. Killing things. His true calling.
Alice gave his hand a squeeze.
They left the aquarium soon after.
“Perhaps some swimming will make you feel better?” Alice suggested. “You do enjoy the water.”
She wasn’t wrong.
Vox took her by the waist, pulling her close.
“Only if you join me.” Vox said, kissing her forehead. “I wanna see you in that cute bathing costume you brought.”
It was adorable: white with red ribbons and bows adorning places. Red definitely was Alice’s color. Though, the blue she was wearing was lovely too, it being his favorite color after all.
“I’ll wear the bathing costume,” Alice said, “but I won’t be joining you in the water. I can’t swim.”
“I’ll teach you.” Vox said. “If you’re as good a student as you are a teacher, you’ll do great.”
They had to change in the changing rooms set out. It was improper to wear swimsuits out and about, so they had changing rooms for both men and women to change into their swim costumes. The wooden buildings were partly in the water: you walk in the dry part, change, and come out the other side and jump into the ocean. No need to walk half naked on the beach.
Vox quickly changed and swam over to the woman changing station.
They used to be segregated by gender: men on one side of the ocean, women on the other. But this beach was a bit more “modern” so Vox swam towards around the women’s changing station. Not creepy at all.
The water was shallow enough where he could stand up with ease. He wanted to be right there when Alive came out so he could help her down the steps and into the water.
He didn’t want to be away from his wife for a second.
He paced back and in the water.
Then, she came out.
Her wool bathing costume looked absolutely adorable on her. It looked a bit like those sailor uniforms but with red instead of navy blue. The top was loose with a wrap around skirt right below the bust, perfect shape to “conceal her pregnancy” and the bloomers cut off below the knee and were trimmed with ruffles. Her curls were tucked into a matching swim cap with a large bow on the top. A set of swim slippers and wool stockings fastened to her bloomers completed the ensemble.
It was definitely a more old fashion style of swim attire, but it was so Alice.
Vox let out a wolf whistle.
“There’s my lovely wife.” Vox said, offering his hand to her. “I missed you.”
“We’ve only been apart for five minutes.” Alice said, taking his hand.
“I still missed you.” Vox said.
Alice hopped into the water, immediately shivering despite the early summer heat.
“It’s so cold.” Alice said.
“You’ll warm up,” Vox assured, “it just takes a minute. Have you never gone swimming?”
“The only time I’ve been in the water was when I was traveling over the Mississippi to escape the plantation.” Alice said, bluntly. “Not exactly fond memories.”
Vox bit his lip, realizing his mistake.
“Sorry, my bad.” Vox said, “that’s awful. But swimming can be fun.”
“I’ll take your word for it.” Alice said. “I’d rather my feet not leave the ground.”
“I’m sure you’ll be a natural.” Vox said.
Alice was not a natural. The first time a partially large wave hit her in the back, she screamed and clung onto Vox.
She never really let go of Vox. At all. Absolutely terrified of the water.
“I’ve got you.” Vox said, holding her by her waist, “But you’ll be a lot less afraid once you learn the basics. But that requires you to go a bit deeper.”
Alice gave a small nod and let Vox pull her out a bit deeper.
“I—I can’t feel the ocean floor.” Alice said, gripping his arm tight and using him to stay afloat
“I can.” Vox said. “Which is perfect for you to learn.”
Vox first taught Alice how to float on her back. Arms and legs spread out like a starfish. The bathing costume was weighing her down a bit, so Vox convinced her to take off the over skirt and just stay in the romper. He tied the skirt around his own waist. A change of pace for the two of them.
“There you go.” Vox said, “you’re floating. I’m going to let go—“
“Don’t you dare!” Alice said.
“Just a little bit,” Vox reasoned, “I’ll keep my hands under you, just not touching you. You’ll always be writhing reach. But I need to make sure you know how to swim.”
Alice gave a shakey nod. Then, Vox removed his hand from her back.
She remained floating.
“You got it.” Vox said, smiling. “You’re doing perfect.”
“It’s…it’s not so bad.” Alice said, looking up at the sky. “Floating…”
“Now, keep your arms spread out just like that,” Vox said, “and kick your feet.”
She did.
And just like that, Alice was swimming. By the end of the session, she knew how to tread water and stay afloat: swim safety. He told her about rip tides and what to do if she got caught in one.
The last thing they did was swim together while Alice practiced her frog kicks. They never went far from the shore. Always within standing up distance.
It was amazing. Especially near sunset when they swam and ventured out near the tide pools.
Vox pulled them both up onto the rocks lining the shore, the two of them perched on one as they overlooked the shore.
“See?” Vox said. “Swimming is fun.”
“It has its charms.” Alice said, tucking her feet under herself.
“You’ll get better at it.” Vox said. “Our home does have a pool after all.”
Vox kissed Alice’s forehead.
“It’s a different change of pace.” Vox said, “me teaching you something instead of the other way around.”
Alice gave a playful smirk and they shared a tender kiss.
They kissed more openly now. With dusk approaching and how difficult the tide pools were to navigate, this part of the beach was practically empty.
But, the two had fun climbing and balancing on the rocks while checking out the little pools of wildlife thriving in between the rocks.
“Look, sea urchins.” Vox said, pointing to the creatures, “and anemones. Don’t touch those. They sting.”
“Like I would put my hand in a creature made of tentacles.” Alice said.
“Smarter than I was as a kid.” Vox said. “I learned the hard way not to touch jelly fish.”
Alice went to check out some of the other pools while Vox watched a little pool of hermit crabs changing their shells.
He couldn’t wait for him to have a little toddler perched on his lap that he can show these little creatures too…
He could already imagine it. Having a daughter or son he can take to the beach—
“Vinnie!” Alice shrieked from a few rocks away.
Vox was immediately on his feet, imagining the worst at the sudden terror in Alice’s voice.
“What’s wrong?” Vox asked, “are you hurt?”
Alice shook her head, pointing to the water.
“Look!” Alice said. “You have to see this!”
Vox stumbled over the rocks, still terrified that she was hurt somehow.
“Careful!” Alice called to him. “Trust me, you don’t want to fall into this pool.”
A bit more careful, Vox came over to Alice.
Then, he followed her finger to see where or what she was pointing at.
His heart did summersaults in his stomach.
In a large pool, completely surrounded by rocks, was a shark.
A beautiful shark.
A beautiful whitetip shark.
Completely trapped in the tide pool.
“Fuck—“ Vox said. “Look at her—“
She swam in majestic circles, Vox enraptured by every single motion she made.
But it was beyond clear that she didn’t belong here. The pool was much too small and there was no way for her to swim out of it.
“How did she get trapped in there?” Alice asked.
“Most have washed up during the storm last week.” Vox said. “Wave crashed with her in it and the tide hasn’t gone back up enough for her to get out.”
The shark bumped, nose-first, into the rocks.
Vox could see little scraps along her underbelly where the shallow rocks had scrapped against her.
They both had scratches on their bodies…
Vox could watch her for forever. She was beautiful.
But he knew he couldn’t.
He allowed himself a minute to breathe in her majesty.
Then, he began pacing the pool, shifting the rocks between his feet. Kicking the larger ones.
“What are you doing?” Alice asked.
“Trying to find a loose rock.” Vox said. “See if we can get her out.”
But there was no luck. They were stuck in place. If hundreds of years of waves hadn’t moved these rocks, Vox wouldn’t be able to.
“Maybe I can grab her tail?” Vox asked, looking at her, “Toss her back in?”
“Absolutely not.” Alice said. “You’ll loose your arm or leg. If that’s all.”
“I can’t just leave her here.” Vox said. “She’ll starve. Or end up in that aquarium down the road. The ocean is right there and she can’t get to it.”
Alice gazed at the swallow pool. It wasn’t large at all. You could jump from one side to the other though that was ill advised with a shark in between.
“I’ve got an idea.” Alice said. “Give me my skirt back.”
Alice took the ends of her wrap skirt in her hands. It didn’t take too long for Vox to realize what she had in mind. Vox took the other two corners of the wrap skirt. They held it above the tide pool like they were spreading a blanket out over her.
“We slide it under her.” Alice said. “Andrew when she faces the ocean, we lift up and slide her into the ocean.”
Vox gave a nod and they both got into position.
Quickly, they slide the skirt into the water, trying to keep their hands away from the shark’s mouth.
Fuck, she was beautiful.
She was facing the ocean. Like she knew exactly where it was.
“On three.” Alice said. “One. Two. Three.”
They lifted the shark out of the water. She thrashed, but the wool skirt held her weight. But she was much heavier than either of them expected.
They stopped at the rocks, her fins slightly stuck.
“I’ll get her tail.” Alice said. “It’s stuck. Stay away from those teeth or I swear—“
And Vox was face to face with a shark.
She thrashed.
“Hey, hey,” Vox said, “it’s ok. You’re almost home free.”
He couldn’t help it.
He had to touch the top of her head.
He was probably the only person in the world who got to pet a shark.
“Got it!” Alice said from the water, “one more lift!”
Vox let himself have one more pet of her fin before him and Alice gave one final tug of the skirt and lifted the shark back over the rest of the rocks.
She swam off immediately, darting through the water like a fighter jet.
Vox watched her long after she was gone.
Alice took his hand, giving it a squeeze.
“As beautiful as she was,” Alice said, “there is no way I’m getting back in that water.”
Vox laughed.
They made their way back to the changing rooms on land, Vox’s mind and fingers still lingering on the feel of the sharks skin.
She’ll make it. He knew she would.
It was dark when the got back to the main beach. Everyone had gone home. Vox was about to head into the changing rooms when Alice grabbed him by his bathing costume collar.
She was pulling him towards the rocks.
“I wasn’t joking about wanting to fuck in between these rocks.” Alice said, playfully.
A lustful jolt shocked through Vox’s body.
Vox grabbed their beach blankets, laid them out in the nook of the rocks and quickly got to business.
They didn’t have to fully undress. Thank goodness for buttons right in the places they needed them to be.
After a long shower together back at their bungalow, the two were cuddled up in bed.
“This trip was perfect.” Alastor said, sleepily.
“Yeah.” Vox agreed, forehead pressed against Alastor’s. “It was.”
Vox greatly enjoyed this whole ‘being married’ thing.
…
Work came too quickly. After a relaxing weekend of swimming, sharks and lots of sex, coming back to the studio set to be screamed at was less than ideal.
But it wasn’t all bad.
“You look refreshed.” Mimzy noted between scene takes, “enjoy your weekend?”
Mimzy gave him a wink.
Vox laughed.
“Definitely.” Vox said. “Me and the Mrs. took a much needed weekend trip to the beach. And we had a LOT of fun.”
Vox gave a wink back.
By the end of it, Vox was wrung completely dry but completely satisfied.
“Glad to hear it.” Mimzy said. “You two definitely need it before your “bundle of joy” gets here.”
Vox laughed again.
It was a fun ruse.
“I got you a late wedding gift.” Mimzy said. “I want to give it to you personally before you head out today.”
“Oh you don’t have to.” Vox said. “We’re good on stuff as it is.”
The front room of their house was covered in gifts. They had yet to go through them all and probably wouldn’t be able to for some time.
“Trust me, sugar,” Mimzy said, “you’ll want this one.”
They endured about five more hours of being yelled at by the new director. The deadline was next week and Vox had already seen a few pep pills being passed around.
Even with Valentino gone, the system that built him was still in place.
Things were better without him. But Vox couldn’t help but wonder just how long it would be before the next Valentino took over.
The new director, Mr. Mammon, didn’t seem like much of an improvement even if he did keep his hands to himself.
It was dark, and Vox wanted to go home to his wife, but Vox stayed in his dressing room and waited for Mimzy.
She showed up with a wrapped box. One wrapped in soft pink and blue paper. It looked like how one would wrap a gift for an expecting mother.
“Don’t open it till you’re home.” Mimzy said. “And go straight home. Don’t let anyone touch it. And I wouldn’t have anyone in the room with you when you open it.”
It must be a surprise for Alastor for later or something. But Vox gave his word and went straight home.
But he didn’t open it until bed time.
After Alastor got home from his radio show, they shared a late dinner and Alastor went to the study to work on some writing before bed.
Vox stayed in their room and unwrapped the gift from Mimzy.
He genuinely expected baby clothes. Or lingerie. Or something wedding related.
He did not expect to see a stack of big, thick yellow envelopes, all filled with what felt like photos.
Maybe the wedding photos? Had Mimzy gotten them developed while they were out?
Then, he saw that familiar painting on the bottom of the box.
He immediately slammed the lid shut.
That painting…
The painting Valentino had made of Vox the night he had first assaulted him.
Which meant the photos…
One peak into one of the yellow envelopes confirmed Vox’s theory.
The photos Valentino had taken of Vox after abusing him.
He hated how many there were…
He spotted a thin, white envelope labeled “To Vincent”.
He opened it and read the letter from Mimzy.
Found all these in my daddy’s office. Bought Val’s art collection when they sold his shit and I’m keeping them safe until you can help me with a bonfire.
Congratulations on your new leading lady
Your longest and oldest leading lady
- Mimzy
She took the photos from her dad. She’d bought all of the graphic art Valentino had made of his many victims and was keeping them safe for the time being.
She’d given him the last key to the chain around his neck.
The photos were his. The blackmail was over.
Vox’s life was his and his alone.
And he was going to choose what he wanted to do with it.
He wondered if this is how that shark had felt once it finally got free of the rocks keeping her trapped.
They were free.