Dear Alastor,
I will be heading over to where you are in a month! I do hope to see you, perhaps we could meet?
Maybe at the coffee place that you showed me the last time we were together?
You did say you would treat me to tea when you got the money, and I am assuming you have the funds now! Haha! I cannot wait to see you!
Sincerely xo,
Vera
That was a month ago. Alastor had been looking forward to this since he received the letter. Ever since it had come in the mail, he had been studying the bottom of it.
Sincerely xo,
Vera
Hugs and kisses.
He waits at the airport for her in his best blazer and dress pants, waiting and waiting as many men and women exit, each one further disappointing him as he waits for his girl. When he sighs in defeat, he feels a tap on his back, turning around, he sees Vera, standing there in a lovely loose pink dress, clearly taking advantage of her newfound freedom.
"Hello stranger," she greets him, her voice lower and full of maturity
"Bonjou cher," he grins, winking
"Did you miss me?" she grabs his arm and pulls him into a hug
"So it's just you this time? No Daddy?"
She shakes her head, smiling "It's just me,"
"Lovely," he says picking her up by her waist and swinging her around as she laughs
"You look spiffy," she tells him
"You look quite ritzy yourself, my dear. What have you been up to? Any shows you're in lately? Tell me everything,"
Vera puts her hand up, palm facing him "How about you treat me to tea, and I can tell you everything there," her eyes glow brightly
Simple things like this, sitting in a coffee shop and being able to pay for it were a dream of his. As they sat and sipped their drinks in silence, the actress broke it.
"I read about you in the papers."
"I could say the same about you. "
"It's funny, my father actually sent me a newspaper with your picture in it. And he left a note asking if I 'remember my little friend'." She chuckles
"It was my mother that showed me the pictures of you. I still have them on my dresser."
She covers her face "Oh my goodness that is so embarrassing! Which picture?"
"The one where your hair is all curly, and your dress is cut low..." he smirks
"Oh gosh!" she blushes "That one is a mess!"
"I saw one photo with you and another woman, who was that?"
"Oh, that was Fredi Washington, fabulous woman. She's phenomenal, we were in a short film together."
Alastor seems impressed "Oh my, you're getting to know everyone. Doing anything soon?"
"I'm actually here for a show. It's playing at the Lyric Theatre. So I'll be here for a while rehearsing and while the show runs."
"Well, that's just perfect. The stars have aligned for us, my dear."
"How so?" She places a napkin on her lap, folding her hands above it before giving him her attention
"I have an idea that could benefit us both."
"Oh?" Vera raises her eyebrow
"It's clear that we have some sort of chemistry."
"Chemistry?" she repeats incredulously
He laughs at her "Yes, Chemistry, that's what I said. Don't tell me you don't think about necking with me" he winks
She looks around "Pipe down! You can't just say that in public!" she whispers
He can't help but look amused "Now is the time for sexual freedom! Isn't that what you said?" He leans back in his chair
"I know what I said," she leans forward "But I have a carefully curated image to uphold as a celebrity"
He crosses one of his legs over the other "You think I don't? I'm a celebrity too. It's actually a bit dangerous for me to be here unguarded." he jests "I put myself at risk, for you." he grabs her hand with his, both gloved. His black, and hers white.
She smiles and rolls her eyes "You still wear the gloves I gave you?" she lowers her voice "I'm guessing nobody knows they're women's gloves?" she teases him
"And they don't need to know," he shoots back
"Besides, your face isn't even what people most recognize. It's your voice! So as long as you keep it down, you should be fine. My face, unfortunately," she places her hand on her chest "Is a commodity." She seems pleased with herself "My face is on posters, newspapers, and magazines." She humble-brags "I even saw myself on a billboard!" she sips her tea gracefully "My image helps shape the current beauty standard for Black women, along with Josephine, Gladys, and of course Fredi,"
He leans forward to her, whispering slightly flirtatiously "And you love it."
Vera breaks out into a grin "I do. It's a dream." She leans back and takes him in more "Looks like we were wrong about each other when we first met."
"And I couldn't be happier for it."
She places her hands over her skirt "We've changed a lot Alastor. We're grown."
"Indeed we are," he drinks from his mug
"By the way, what is that?"
He raises his brows "Hmm?"
"The way you're talking. You were not talking like that before, I'm sure of it."
He places the mug back on the table "Oh! This is the voice I use for my broadcasts, the accent is quite popular amongst other radio stars."
"Stars." she smiles "You callin' yourself a star?"
"It's what I am. It's what we are, be'be." he gestures with one of his hands
Vera's eyes flit from his hands up toward his lips, remembering more about the day she gave him those gloves "Be'be?"
"Baby," He leans back, gazing at her over his glasses, his light brown eyes bright and dilated slightly "Now would you listen to my idea?"
Vera scoots up in her chair "Sure Alastor, tell me."
"I want to court you."
Vera covers her mouth with her hand. It was all she could do to stop from laughing out loud and making a scene, though she did let out an obnoxious snort. Alastor looks annoyed at this reaction, simply waiting for her to be finished. She looks up at him and removes her hand "Oh, you're serious? Alastor, is nobody home? Where did you pull that idea from, your ass?"
"If you'd let me finish, I could explain." he huffs "We're both stars, meaning we're in the limelight, are you seriously telling me that no one has commented on your lack of a husband?" Vera glances away from him "Because I know that many have commented on my 'inability' to find a Jane suitable enough to marry, and there have been some groups of people who take that," he clears his throat "Personally." her eyes goad him to continue "If that's been happening to me, I can't imagine what's been happening to you. A swanky dame, oozing with sex appeal, and yet still hasn't landed a husband? What would the papers say?" He drinks from his mug once more.
"So what are you proposing exactly?"
"I'll level with you. I have certain….interests and…hobbies that I don't need getting out. If enough people start wondering why I'm still not married at this age, they could start digging and find some things they do not want to see."
"And what do I get out of this arrangement?"
"The public favor, the ability to open a bank account where you can control your own funds, and of course, a sexy husband." he leans back in his chair and smirks at her
She can't help but smile at him and all his brazenness. Sometimes he made her feel like she was 19 again "And I suppose you get a sexy wife then?" She says jokingly
"I do indeed, my dear." He responds fully serious
The seriousness of his tone causes her to blush "You're just too much Alastor," she says, not meeting his gaze
He leans forward "I think I'm just enough baby." She scoffs, not knowing what else to say, overwhelmed by his charm "So it's a deal then?" He reaches his hand out in front of him, and Vera stares before embracing it.
"Deal."
Vera and Alastor are taking a stroll through town, occasionally stopping to marvel at the constant music in the air, along with the smells of delicious food hitting their nostrils from every direction.
"God, I never get tired of being here," Vera says to no one in particular, twirling on a whim
Alastor smiles softly at the sight of her. He understood why she was able to make her dream come true, she was truly a wonderful sight to behold "You could live here if you like."
She stops to ponder the idea" I suppose that if I am to become Mrs. Fontenot, then I would have to, no?"
He chuckles "I go by Baudelaire now, but not necessarily. I'd be here, but I'd just have to miss ya." He teases
Vera scrunches up her nose "Baudelaire? Why ever would you change your last name?"
He shrugs "It's easier to digest for some people."
"Well that's ridiculous, just about everyone here has a bit of French in them, but somehow that French name is too hard to get through their thick skulls? No, absolutely not. If we marry eventually, I shall be Mrs. Fontenot and nothing else. Of course, I will still be going by 'Bates' in regards to my work."
"Oh of course," He turns and stands in front of her grabbing her shoulders and shaking them. They both laugh as she pushes him playfully.
Alastor walks up to a street vendor, picking some Encore Azaleas, and casually paying the man all before Vera could see him. He presents her with the flowers and she gladly accepts, not expecting the gift.
"Oh thank you! I love these flowers!"
"I know," he smirks. He loved this feeling, of being able to walk into town and participate in the city. Able to sit down at a coffee shop and take care of the tab. The ability to treat his intended to something as small as a flower that could make her day. Being on the radio was a dream in itself, but it made many other dreams come true as well.
"Look at you Mr. Moneybags," she teases
"I don't have that much money,"
"You never would've bought me a flower a few years ago,"
He shrugs "Hm, maybe plastic ones,"
"Oh please you hated me,"
"Hmm not as much as you hated me," he grins
She giggles "We were quite the pair of enemies,"
"We most definitely were,"
"What changed, Mr. Baudelaire?" she says his new name mockingly, yet flirtatiously
"I suppose I simply grew up,"
"And realized that us girls, don't have cooties?"
"Oh no, I still believe that," he laughs
She laughs with him "If I have cooties, you've definitely caught them,"
"I may need a doctor then," he puts the back of his hand on his forehead
She laughs heartily "Goodness Alastor, you are such a character!"
"Why thank you!" He spins her by her arm
She falls into his chest "Anything else planned for the day Alastor?"
He thinks for a moment, shrugging "Unless you would like to go hunting, then you're out of luck."
"I can go hunting with you."
He raised a brow "Are you sure?" she nodded "Why?" he crossed his arms
"I like to be well-rounded," she smiles
"Fair enough,"
Alastor lines the shotgun up to his eye, taking a moment to breathe in before the loud crack pierces through the air. Out in the distance, the loud thud of a deer that was hit square in the eyes is heard.
"Think you can do that?" He turns to Vera and cocks the gun once more
"I'm certain I can," she tells him
"First let's take this off," he swipes her hat and she reaches for it "This is going to mess up your vision," he plops it on his head and Vera chuckles at how funny it makes him look
"Should I remove my gloves as well?" she puts her hands on her hips
"No! The gloves are perfect. Now here," he hands her the gun and helps her steady it "A little heavy for ya?" he snickers and she rolls her eyes at him
"These were clearly not made for a lady's hand," she holds it up to her eye the same way she saw Alastor do
He stands behind her, one hand on her hip and the other on the gun "Don't hold it so close, you'll get hit in the face," he warns
Vera stomps "Show me then!"
Alastor holds the gun in front of her from behind her "Just focus on pulling the trigger,"
She takes a deep breath like she saw him do, taking a shot but missing it by a long ways
He cocks the gun "Okay do it again, but…better,"
Vera rolls her eyes again, focusing and concentrating, pulling the trigger and hitting a doe in the neck, she covers her mouth in astonishment, falling backward into Alastor, who shoots the gun in the air accidentally. In an instant he takes her to the ground, covering her body with his.
His breathing is heavy when he asks "You alright?"
She nods and starts laughing uncontrollably, she covers her mouth again to stop herself, but it doesn't work.
"What's so funny?" he breathes onto her face
"I can't believe that just happened!" she cackles and from his proximity, he can feel her heart palpitating as he pulls her up to her feet. She's still breathing heavily from all of the laughing she's doing, and Alastor can't help but crack a smile.
"Someone is hysterical,"
She stares up at him "I am not hysterical,"
"Then whatever are you laughing for?"
Vera catches her breath and thinks "I'm not really sure if I am being honest,"
Alastor wraps his arm around her waist and comments "Absolutely the strangest doll I've ever seen," and flashes her his award-winning grin.
"Why do you hunt? I never understood the idea of it,"
"It passes the time my dear, and when I fire I feel like I am on top of the world. The universe at my beck and call,"
She grins back at him "You are the most dramatic man in the world!"
"That's why I'm a performer darling!"
"You want me to be on your radio show?"
"Of course! It would be great for both of us! We can play up our chemistry so our marriage doesn't seem out of nowhere"
She ponders it "Fine, then you have to be photographed with me,"
"Of course! What would it look like if I never took pictures with my beautiful wife," he put emphasis on the word, making Vera's stomach flutter. She was going to be Alastor's wife.
"Alright, when do you want me on your show?"
He taps his chin "How about tomorrow?"
Her eyes widen "That is a bit short notice, but sure I believe that I can work it into my schedule,"
Alastor grins "Our courtship begins now,"
"Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen, you know who I am, Alastor Baudelaire and you are all our delightful listeners of WWL, thank you all for tuning in!"
Vera sits behind him and mouths 'Fontenot' while making hand gestures. He rolls his eyes in an amused fashion before continuing. "Tonight we have breaking news! Connor Glass, the oldest banker in town has been found dead with his throat slit and stab wounds in his mouth and both of his eyes. Oh my!" He covers his mouth with his hand "How gruesome. Apparently, he was found in a dark alley near his own home. No one is safe anymore!"
Alastor waited in the woods near the old man's house, he tripped him and fell into the alleyway, giving him a concussion. He remembers digging the knife through the man's eyes and the groans the man let out as he died. He reached inside the man's throat-
"He seemed to have been found without his vocal cords. How spooky. If the elderly aren't safe, who is?"
It was odd though as Vera watched him, did not seem like he was concerned for the news that he was reporting on. Of course, to be in this line of work, one must be desensitized to the things one is saying. However, he did not seem unattached, but very involved. Involved and pleased. The grin he wore was something evil, something immoral as if he thrived on the demise of these people. Even more odd was how Vera found herself drawn to this sinful energy, the curve of his nasty grin sent shivers down her body, aching for the attention of his fingers.
"Are you ready?"
She snaps her head up "Yes?"
He snickers "Are you sure? Because you're up next,"
"Really?"
"No. Of course you are!" He sits back down and gestures to the chair beside him "Sit here, darling," she does and he pulls her closer to him to share the mic.
"Do I not get my own microphone?"
"I think it's better if we share," he smirks
"We have to be really close,"
He pulls her even closer "Much better," he leans into her face, opening his mouth "And we're back!"
She rolls her eyes at him, smiling.
"I'd love to introduce the most wonderful, incredible, talented, and beautiful doll this side of America, my darling, Miss Vera Bates."
She giggles "Hello Alastor,"
"Now Miss Bates is not only a highly esteemed member of the Black elite of New York City, she is also a new coming accomplished actress. Gracing New Orleans with her presence for a run of an original musical, opening later this year."
"Well, when you say it all like that it sounds amazing." They both laugh at her faux humility
"Not only is Miss Bates talented but she's very smart and drop-dead gorgeous. Unfortunately for you all, you don't get the view that I have right now"
Vera giggles again "I do hope that you plan on attending opening night, Mr. Baudelaire" she speaks very breathy and flirtatiously, raising her eyebrow
Alastor's voice turns slick and sultry "Of course Miss Bates, I wouldn't miss it for the world ma chérie," he peers at her over his glasses "Not only do I adore theater, but I also adore you."
She blushes, not knowing where the line between performance and reality is drawn "Then I'll be sure to reserve you a seat at the front, Mr. Baudelaire,"
"The better to see your beautiful face, Miss Bates"
She blushes and doesn't respond.
"Now Miss Bates, do you think you can give a snippet of your show? Maybe a line or a song?"
"Now, I can't do that. That would be against my contract,"
"Oh, that is quite unfortunate. We would have loved to hear that voice. But I suppose good things come to those who wait,"
"Indeed they do Mr. Baudelaire," she teases
"Tell us Vera, how did you acquire such a gorgeous voice?"
"Well I did take voice lessons as a child,"
"Lessons? How interesting! Here I was thinking you were born with all this talent,"
"Okay, wise guy I was born with talent,"
He raises his eyebrows "Oh? Well, why don't you show us? Or is your voice under contract as well?"
She clears her throat "I suppose I can sing something, are you ready?"
"Yes!"
I'd rather be blue, thinking of you
I'd rather be blue over you
Than be happy with somebody else
I'm crazy about 'ya, without 'ya
For you I'm strong
I can't do without 'ya
Oucha-ma-goucha, don't stay too long!
I need a little ah, little ooh, little oh
And I'm knocking on wood
Honey hurry up, hurry up, hurry up
It's so hard to be good
I'd rather be blue, thinking of you
I'd rather be blue over you
Than be happy with somebody else
Will I be good? Will I be bad?
Don't be a fool, you fool
My little flat, I'm turning that
Into a Sunday school
While you're away I'm here to say
There'll be no ice man there
Singing the blues I'm gonna use
Nothing but Frigidaire
I'd rather be blue, thinking of you
I'd rather be blue over you
Than be happy with somebody else
Blue over you
I'd rather be blue over you
Than be hap-hap-hap-happy
With somebody else
When she looks up, he's staring at her with no words. Vera clears her throat once more "Fanny Brice? I don't know if you know the song,"
"I know of it. Now ladies and gentlemen, if you aren't applauding in your living rooms then either you're deaf or you've gone completely screwy!"
"Oh stop, Alastor! You're such a charmer,"
"Oh now…thank you!"
"What about you? Any other talents besides the gift of gab?"
Alastor looks to the side "Well I suppose I'm fond of taking things apart and putting things back together. I started somewhere in my adolescent years,"
He thought of a moment when he'd dismembered another boy.
"I wonder what you would get if you put the arms where the legs should be? I supposed you'd be doing a handstand!" He sings and devolves into laughter while clapping the severed hands.
He's sitting in front of his mic with an interested bright, psychotic smile. Vera examines him and his tone.
"Wow, what an ominous way to say that,"
"Well, I have to keep people on their toes!" his smile grew brighter "Have you always been interested in acting?"
"Why of course! It's my lifeblood? And you with radio?"
"I could never imagine doing anything else,"
"Well, the world is better for it,"
"For you or me?"
She grins back at him "Yes,"
They both cackle, on the air.
"This has been the lovely Miss Vera Bates, give her a hand." he sighs "Do you hear that applause?" he asked her
"No!" They cackle some more as he turns the show to some music.
"You may be wondering why you've all been gathered here today," Vera announces to May and her family "Well, Alastor go on,"
"Go on what?"
"Tell them!"
"Tell them what?"
"About your…plan?"
"My plan?"
She furrows her brows and whispers to him.
"Oh! I have the intention to court Vera," he tells them.
Their audience is stunned.
"Oh! This is amazing!" May pipes up
"Does this mean he'll be my brother?" asks a grown-up Brynn
"Well, it's just courting, it doesn't mean it's going anywhere else. Right, Vera?"
Vera's eyes dart away "We'll see,"
"Miss Vera, I would love to have you as a daughter-in-law! Promise me that I can make your wedding dress,"
"Now don't get so excited May, we don't know how far this is going to go. My Vera has many prospects,"
"Any serious ones?" Alastor raised his brow
"Yes, they're very serious," Cassius squints his eyes
"But is she serious about them?"
"Yes indeed,'
"Then why am I courting her?"
"Perhaps you just adore wasting your time,"
Vera interjects "Hello, I am right here! A human being with a mouth, thank you,"
"I apologize, darling, I only meant so many gentlemen would love your hand in marriage,"
"Like me," Alastor responds
"Of course," Cassius says flatly
"Of course, it doesn't have to lead to marriage, but I know my boy has been stuck on Miss Vera for a while now,"
Cassius seems tense "Has he?" he asks through his teeth
Vera looks to Alastor, who looks away from her "Really?"
"But I must admit you have raised quite a young lady,"
Cassius boasts "Well thank you, it was a bit harder than raising other children, but I did my best,"
"What do you mean by that?" Alastor cocked his head
"It's not any of your business now is it?"
"If she is to be my wife I feel as though I should know,"
"Well there's no guarantee that she'll be your wife, so it's not necessary," Cassius stands
Vera goes between the two men "All right we do not need a blind meat fight,"
"Language Vera!"
"She is a grown woman, Cassius,"
"Watch it," he leans in and Vera physically pushes them away from each other
"That's enough! I've had enough of this. I will make my own choices, I am a woman now father! And Alastor, stop starting things because you think it's funny,"
Alastor smirks behind her "No promises,"
Cassius sits back down "So, what do you have planned for my daughter?" Thank you
"I was just thinking maybe I could do what you do. Treat her like a child maybe and see how things work out?"
May put a hand on her son's shoulder "Alastor," she warns him "I'm sorry, he can't help himself. Just like his father,"
Alastor chuckles "No I'm not," he speaks with the utmost seriousness "I was just teasing of course,"
"Oh May, I am so sorry that you have to deal with this kind of behavior,"
"Oh yes, and I am so sorry to you as well Daphne,"
"Do NOT speak to my wife!"
Vera puts her head in her hands "UGH!"
"Vera, what have we talked about, inside voices,"
"I am upset father! You refuse to cease this nonsense, not even for me! Your ego is more important than me!"
"Do NOT raise your voice at me!"
"I AM A GROWN WOMAN FATHER!"
"Well, what about him Vera? Huh?! You just let him disrespect your family?!"
She looks towards Alastor "No, I just-"
"You don't know what you want! And it's time for this little experiment to be over!"
"What experiment father? Doing something and choosing something on my own?! You know I invited you here to tell you, not ask your permission!"
The silence is deafening, the tension is so thick you could cut it with a knife.
Cassius turns to Alastor "Things were so much better before you got into my daughter's head,"
"Better for who?" Alastor examines his nails "Because it was much worse from my perspective,"
"I think we should get-" Cassius gets cut off
"Yes, I do believe I should get going!" he starts jaunting off toward the door and Vera follows him
"Where are you going?"
He fixes the collar on his jacket "Emergency down at the station. I do believe I should fix it,"
"You are making a horrible impression!" she whispers
"From the looks of it, it seems that your father was," his tone light and playful
She crosses her arms "Who said that I was talking about with him?"
"I am sorry, I don't know what you mean my dear,"
She sighs "I mean me Alastor, this is how it may be if we marry? I don't want every meeting with my family to be a fight. If this is how it's going to be then I may have to call this deal off,"
Alastor's expression darkens slightly "Now now, let us not get dramatic over one conversation,"
She put her hands on her hips "Dramatic?"
He sighs "I apologize. I'm just in a bit of a rush, but we can discuss this when I return, all right?" He cups her chin
Vera smiles "All right,"
He strokes her cheek with his thumb "Good girl,"
A blush rises her cheeks as she allows him to walk out without another word. The door slam rings throughout the house.
Cassius was not pleased to hear that his daughter was being taken to a club.
"A night out of dancing father, what is the issue with that?"
"Of course, nothing wrong with a night of dancing with a bunch of hooligans?"
She gathers some nice earrings "Who is to say that they are hooligans father?"
"Only hooligans go to clubs,"
"You go to clubs, for business correct?"
"High-end clubs. This is a lousy club where the poor link,"
Vera fastens her earrings "How could you possibly know that?""
"Because I know how hooligans act. You're being courted by one as we speak!"
"Father, Alastor is not a hooligan. And you forget that is a certified celebrity. You can't possibly know the type of club he will bring us to,"
He snickers "Ah yes, a certified celebrity that got help from one of my good friends,"
"Is that a problem?"
"I got to where I am on my own, he needed help from me,"
Vera looks around "Well, me," she corrects him
"Semantics darling. Are you wearing that?"
She dons a light pink fringe flapper dress "Indeed I am,"
He raises an eyebrow "Hmm," he lifts his drink to his lips
"What?"
"Enjoy your night, I'm sure you'll fit right in," he says with a slight grimace.
Vera slid on her gloves, then her headpiece, making sure the feathers didn't fall into her face, and took a look at herself in the mirror. She felt ready to dance.
Alastor insisted they take the trolley "Do you have this in New York?"
Vera chuckles "We do, however, our family personally prefers to take the train. Or perhaps a car,"
"Well, I'll show you something that New York City could never match,"
He brings her inside a small-looking building with a small number of people scattered at different tables and a bartender cleaning glasses behind the bar.
"Wow, you sure have New York beat," she says sarcastically
He rolls his eyes at her, grabs her hand, and approaches the bartender. "Sir," he calls out, the man looking up "Open sesame," he tells him, knocking on the wood of the bar twice.
The man smiles "Welcome back Alastor," and pulls on a rope, opening a door in the back of the building. Alastor leads her through the door and down the stairs, closing it behind them. At the bottom of those stairs was a lively party. A full band playing jazz music and people dancing like there's no tomorrow, switching partners and swinging the fringe on their dresses so it looks like they're about to fly.
On the stage, there's a short blonde woman, chubby in body singing her heart out with the band. She was clearly comfortable on the stage as she danced around with no choreography. Her dress fits her body slimly and her hair stops at her shoulders. When Alastor walks in her eyes widen and her smile increases tenfold. She comes down from off the stage, strolling up to him with a confident smirk as she sings. She taps him on the chest and they share a knowing look as she climbs back on stage to complete her set with a big finish. The audience applauds for her and she soaks it up before approaching him again.
"Alastor!" she approaches with her arms open
"Mimzy!" he hugs her tightly with a squeeze
Vera stands to the side, feeling quite awkward, not knowing how to introduce herself, or if she was even welcome to speak.
"Where have you been? Haven't seen you in forever!"
"Oh Mimzy, it's only been about..two months?"
She scoffs "Two months too long!"
He waves her off "Oh you!"
"I'm so glad you came to see me sing," she bats her lashes
"I had no idea you were singing tonight!" he laughs
She smirks "Oh really? You know everything that goes on here, but not this? Yeah right, Al," Al? She'd never heard anyone call him Al. "Well, come on! Don't just stand there, you know you always have a seat reserved for you!" She pulls on his arm.
Vera reaches for him, and he glances back at her "Well, make that two seats. Have you met Vera?"
Mimzy finally acknowledges her. Vera waves slightly and Mimzy looks her up and down. "I don't believe I have," she spoke in her nasal voice
"This is Vera," he gestures to her "We've just begun courting,"
She squints "Oh! I didn't know you were seeing anyone,"
"Well, I've been keeping it hidden until now,"
"Could've told me Alastor! The line for you is out the door!" they laugh and Vera feels like an outsider. She now finally understood what her father meant earlier in the night.
"They're here for you darling!"
Mimzy snorts "The ladies? Don't flatter me! They're always here for my 'handsome friend,'"
"Well, I am certainly handsome,"
"How charming are you?!" They start cackling together as they walk and Vera follows them. Vera quietly orders a drink and stirs it when it comes. "Come on! Let's hit some shots then hit the floor!"
"Couple rounds on me!" Mimzy tells the bartender and they down them once they're slid over.
Mimzy dragged Alastor to the dance floor and cut a rug like nobody's business. Vera sips her drink, knowing that she could never dance like that, or act like that, or be like that. Alastor had brought her to a place where she was an outsider and then left her alone.
When he stumbles back over he shouts to Mimzy "Let me take a break Mimzy! You're hounding me like a dog!" He laughed and took a sip of another drink. "Having fun baby?" he looks towards her for the first time since Mimsy arrived
She shrugs, stirring her drink further "Sure," she crosses her legs on the stool.
"Is something wrong?" he licks the whiskey off his bottom lip.
"No," she lies, not looking at him
"You do know that I cannot read your mind, my dear," he leans in closer
Her eyes dart away "I do. I am just fine. Everything's jake,"
"Would you care to dance?"
She scoffs "Aren't you dancing already? With Mimzy?" she says her name mockingly while she takes another sip of her drink
Alastor smirks hugely "Are you jealous?" he raises an eyebrow, clearly loving this
She blushes "No! I just… don't like how close she is with you. When did you meet her?"
Alastor's grin takes up his entire face "When you were gone, in New York City,"
"Oh," her face drops, still not looking at him
"Have you not also made friends?"
She shrugs "Well my friends do not flirt with me!"
"Flirt? Who was flirting?"
"Her! And you!"
He slinks up behind her "I'm just being friendly…" he purrs in her ear
"Too friendly," she looks away from him
"What would you like from me? Hmm?"
She sighs "I just want to make sure you still want me. Want to…marry me,"
He wraps his arms around her "Of course I want you, how could I not?"
"Are you sure?"
He nods "Can't wait to slap on the ol' handcuff," he laughs while Vera seems less than pleased. He looks down at her "What's eating you now dollface?"
She turns away from him in avoidance and he turns her chin back to him. She lowers her eyes and stirs her drink with a stirrer "I don't like that,"
"Don't like what?"
"I don't like that people call the engagement ring 'handcuff',"
Alastor rolls his eyes, smiling "It's just a saying baby,"
"No, it's not. Not to me,"
He turns his whole body toward her, giving her his full attention "Why? What's wrong with it?"
She furrows her brows "Calling it 'handcuff' makes it seem like getting engaged is like getting pinched. Like it's so horrible to get engaged." She jerks away from him "And I certainly don't want a fiancé or a husband who does not want to be married to me," she walks away from him
Alastor leaves the bar and comes up behind her, swiping her glass from her fingers and placing it on a table. He enveloped her with his arms, holding her close to his chest. He lowers his head, nudging into the crook of her neck, pulling a small smile out of her.
"I would be honored to marry you if you'll still have me," He sways their bodies back and forth
"Don't push it, you haven't even proposed yet," she looks at him smirking
He smirks back "But you know I will,"
"I don't think I do know, it's been so long,"
Alastor bites her ear "I'm waiting for something special,"
She looks up at him "This isn't special?"
He just gives her a smug look without answering. She knew he had something devious up his sleeve. He always did.
Alastor took her by the hand and pulled her to the floor during a slower number. He places her arms around his neck and his around her waist, pulling her so close to him that their chests touch. They sway back and forth to the sultry sounds of slow jazz as Vera moves her fingers to play with his loosely curled hair. She stares up at him as he tells her
"These are my favorite dances," and she giggles "I'm so glad you're here with me,"
"Really?"
"Of course, I love showing you off,"
She giggles once more "Well, then I'm happy to be here,"
He smiles warmly "I apologize for making you feel unseen. I just wanted to catch up with Momizy, but that's no excuse for ignoring my intended,"
"I forgive you," she hums as he spins her
"Lovely," he kisses her neck, making her giggle further.
Once the song ends he guides her back to her spot at the bar. He glances just past her and says
"I apologize, however, I need to make use of the facilities," and he runs off to the john.
Vera sips her drink waiting for Alastor to return when Mimzy approaches her.
"Ya know, you don't babysit the shot. You just drink it," Vera stares at her confused "Too good for our drinks?"
"No, they're just…very strong,"
Mimzy hums and examines her nails "Ya can't handle a drink. Can you even handle being here…toots?"
"I am doing just fine,"
"I see that," she says passive-aggressively "What's with you and Al anyway huh? You a stray puppy?"
"Why are you calling him Al?"
"Because he's my best friend," Mimzy bats her lashes "Is there a problem?"
"Of course not, Just wondering. And he told you, we are courting,"
Mimzy looks her up and down "Right. Quite a dress you've got on," the look is similar to her father's "What trash can did you find that in?"
Vera squints "I had it made,"
"Yikes," she grimaces then giggles
"Is there a reason for you being over here?"
She rolls her eyes "I just wanted to see…what my Al is 'courting', but I see you're no threat,"
"No threat because there is no competition,"
"Right, 'cuz I'm his best friend and you're a nobody who wants to ride on a meal ticket,"
"Ha!" She stifles her laughter "Do you know who I am? I'm Vera Bates!" The blonde's face reeks of confusion "Award-winning actress? Part of the Bates family of the Black elite? From New York? We're something of an aristocracy there" She gives the blonde a faux humble smile "Ever heard of the 'Harlem Renaissance'?"
"No," Mimzy's nasally voice responded
Vera leans down to speak to the shorter woman "Yeah, that's 'cuz we're living in it. The bottom line is I do not need your friend's money."
"Oh, so he wants you for your money. Haha, now it makes sense!" Mimzy soothes herself with this possible conclusion
Vera laughs again "I assure you, money has nothing to do with it. Do you know that he practically begged me to let him court me?" Vera smirks cockily "He simply came to me with his concerns about needing a wife, and I agreed to help him out."
"But why would he ask you?"
"Why wouldn't he? I'm rich, smart, talented, and beautiful!"
Mimzy scoffs "He could've asked me." she mumbles under her breath
"Oh! Is that what this is about? Do you love him?"
Mimzy's pale face turns red "Well, I wouldn't say that-"
"Ah yes, I know about the trend of white women being interested in Black men these days, but I must remind you that it is in fact illegal." she gives a smug grin "Besides, even if it wasn't, he was quite clear that it had to be me."
"You're lying!"
Vera raises her eyebrows "Ask him,"
"I don't have to do anything you say," she huffs
"Aww, is bunny scared? You were the big cheese a few moments ago,"
Mimzy scoffs and disappears back into the crowd.
"I apologize for taking so long my dear,"
Vera giggles "Did you have to drop a load in the john?" he laughs along with her. When they calm down, Vera notices his collar and reaches up to pull it. "What's that?" she reaches and wipes off a small red stain. "This stain?"
Alastor widens his eyes "Oh that, well I just got a bit of a nosebleed while in the bathroom,"
"You know you're meant to take your jacket off when you use the toilet?" she chuckles
He waves her off "The quicker I get it all done, the quicker I can come back to you," he steps towards her
She pulls back "Does that mean that your jacket has toilet germs on it?" she laughs
"Hmm? It might, do you want to check for me?" he teases her, coming closer
"Eugh!" they both laugh together and Alastor takes a breath of relief
"Did you have fun with Mimzy?"
"I don't need you to mock me," she rolls her eyes
He waves her off "But did you enjoy yourself tonight?"
She nods "I am a huge fan of the jazz music the band played. I loved it and all the dancing,"
"But?"
She smiles "I think Mimzy has a crush on you,"
"I know,"
"You know?"
"Yes, I am aware. We have had that discussion, and I've informed her that we are just friends,"
Vera smirks cockily "You may need to have it again,"
"I certainly will,"
She jokes "You plan to invite her to the wedding?"
"I don't know, maybe,"
"Why didn't you tell her ahead of time?"
"I thought she would take it better this way,"
She stares at him incredulously "Did you really?"
"Yes! She seems better at it on the spot,"
"Well, she knows now. She is not my competition,"
"She was never your competition"
Vera smirks "I know,"
Vera began to wonder when it was that Alastor planned to propose to her. They've walked in the park, gone to fancy French restaurants, jazz concerts, and they'd even danced in the street. She'd been on his radio show many a time, and now she was wondering if he was ever really serious at all.
"So tell us again what the show is called,"
"The show is an original musical called The Moon and the Stars. I play a character called Sunshine,"
"And how are you feeling, now that the opening night is in a few days?"
She sighs happily "I honestly think it feels so surreal. It's as if this is all a dream that I haven't woken up from yet. I can't believe that this opportunity is going to me, but I am eternally grateful for it,"
"Well, you deserve every moment of it. How do your castmates feel about you?"
"We're all a big family, that's how it is when you're in a show. Everyone becomes your brothers and sisters,"
"Do you have a favorite?"
"Of the cast?"
"Or anyone,"
She flutters her lashes "Well, not to be sappy, but my favorite is you,"
"Oh stop," he waves her off "You're making me blush,"
"And just like a family would, my castmates are very interested in knowing when you plan to propose?"
Alastor leans back in his chair, bringing his mic with him "What did you tell me? Good things come to those who wait, my dear,"
Opening night was magic. Right before going onstage, she felt her nerves almost get the better of her. However, the moment she stepped out into those lights, it felt as though her body moved on its own, the lines, the songs, the dancing, her mind was no longer in control, it was her soul. She knew that this was what she was meant to do. Her entire family has front-row seats, as well as May and Alastor, as he'd promised. And when the show had ended she felt as though she'd just blinked and just like that it was over. Standing ovation and all.
Sitting in her dressing room, staring at herself in the mirror she heard the door open.
"Knock knock!" said her father as he entered
She stands to greet her parent and little sister
"Congratulations!"
"You were so amazing!"
She was so long lost in the whirlwind of love and praise from her family that she didn't even notice Alastor walk in with a large bouquet for her until Brynn called out his name.
"Alastor?" she called
Vera turns away from her parents and runs to him, embracing him in a hug.
"Did you like it?"
"It was a masterpiece, my dear, you were immaculate,"
She blushes "Oh you," she waves him off as she takes the bouquet and places it by her mirror. She hugs him, staring up into his eyes and he stares down into hers, when a bright flash goes off in their faces.
"Mr. Baudelaire, Miss Bates! When are you tying the knot?"
"Are you still planning on marrying?!"
Vera pulls away, pushing hair out of her eyes "I'm not sure. I guess that's up to Mr. Baudelaire," she laughs, hugging herself
"Well, it seems he's already decided!"
Vera seems confused "What?" she laughs and questions as the flashes go off over and over again. She takes a moment to stop and slowly turns around to see Alastor's Chesire grin as he knelt on the ground on one knee.
She covers her mouth and screams, the flashes going crazy behind them, but they don't matter at all at this moment. Nothing but the two of them mattered when he slipped that ring on her finger, laughing at her reaction all the while. Hugging her stiff body while she stares at the ring in shock. The flash goes off over and over as he kisses her cheek.
Even Cassius is shocked and holds Brynn by her shoulders, but even he can't find any fault with this beautiful moment.
Alastor whispers in her ear "This is something special,"
After the opening night, Vera decided to ditch the party and sit by the river with her new fiancé and watch the moon rise in the night sky.
"Wow, this truly is something special," Vera says in hushed wonder "It's so beautiful,"
"Not as beautiful as you," Alastor chimes in
She playfully shoves him "Ugh you are such a dope."
"Mhmm," He agrees lying her down on the grass and climbing on top of her
"Alastor!" she whispers
"Hmm?" He says planting small kisses on her lips. She cannot resist these kisses.
She tries speaking between each kiss, "Alastor!" she manages to get out his name once more
"Yes..?" he goes down to her neck to let her speak
"I… uh, umm…" she tries to remember what she was going to say between moans of pleasure "What-w-what. Oh! What if someone sees?" She warns him
He lifts his head "We're engaged now, what does it matter?" he goes back to kissing her neck
"Oh, umm…" she bites her lip "I guess you're right."
"You know I am baby," he kisses her lips once more, trapping her in bliss under the beautiful night sky.
His hands travel up from her waist to the buttons of her blouse, undoing them expertly.
"What are you doing?" she questions him
Alastor doesn't answer, but slowly inserts his hand inside her blouse and under her bra, beginning to rub the sensitive nub in the center of her breast.
"Alastor!" She sits up, pulling her blouse together to cover herself "We are outside! In public!"
Alastor seems very hypnotized by lust "So?" he says shrugging, a constant lazy grin on his face
"Ugh!" she groans "So…I do not want to be caught with my tits out!"
"Like I said, we're engaged,"
"That wouldn't matter if my bubs were all on display for everyone to see!"
That grin does not waver "Not everyone, just me," he leans forward, kissing her again and reaching back into her blouse
"Ugh!" she groans, slapping his hand away
He finally looks annoyed "If you can tell me that you seriously don't like it, I will stop,"
Her eyes dart away from his face "I-"
"No," he stops her "Look at me,"
She swallows some air "I…."
Alastor raises his eyebrows in anticipation.
"Keep going," she wraps her arms around him and his grin returns
"That's" he drags his tongue up her neck at a snail's pace "What I thought," reaching inside her blouse once more to rub her hard nipples with his cool fingers, making them harden even more. "Mmmmm," he hums, pulling her breast out of her shirt and placing it in his mouth
She gasps "Alastor!"
He turns his eyes up at her and drops her breast from his mouth "Baby, I know you love saying my name, and I do so love hearing it," he flashes a smile "But you don't have to pretend that you don't like it. There's no one around. I promise if you actually don't like what I'm doing just say so. I will stop," he kisses her nipple "All right?"
She stares up at him as she lies in the grass. His loose curls fall over his smooth warm beige skin. He was so beautiful, especially on top of her. She takes his glasses off and puts them to the side. "All right," she smiles sheepishly as he removes hers.
"Lovely," he states trailing his thick, long tongue around the bud
"Uhhh," Vera lets out a high-pitched whine as he flicks one bud with his tongue, and the other with his fingers, pulling the other breast out of her blouse. He starts sucking on the other breast, leaving the initial one exposed. The night air hits the saliva he left on her nipple, intensifying the cool feeling on it.
He switches back and forth between her breasts, then pulls them together to suck on them at the same time.
"Fuck!" It slips out of Vera's mouth before she realizes it. She blushes and covers her lips in embarrassment. Alastor moves her hand away.
"Say it," he growls "Say 'fuck' baby,"
"Fuck," Vera moans as Alastor expertly twists her nipple in his thin fingers
"Say it again," he commands
"Fuck!" She breathes out louder
"Now say my name," he orders, pulling said nipple
"Alastor," she breathes out "Fuck Alastor!"
He pulls her so she's sitting upright on his lap, both of their cores aching under their clothes. His bulge is obvious, and her heat soaks through her panties and tights, wetting his trousers as they meet, blocked by barriers of decency.
Alastor pulls Vera forward onto his bulge, making her gasp.
"What is that?" She asks him
He furrows his brows in concentration and smirks "You don't know what that is?"
She blushes "I do," she looks away, "I just didn't know it could get…hard like that,"
"It's for you," he jokes
She looks back quickly "What?"
"I'm supposed to use it on you, but that I'll save for later," he bites her neck, then her bare breasts hanging outside of her blouse.
"Oh," her blush deepens "A wedding present?" she jokes
Alastor throws his head back, his cackling turns into him sucking in air and letting his jaw drop as he stares at his intended, filled to the brim with lust. He pulls her back on forth on top of his twitching bulge, running between her clothed lips, making her moan into the night sky. Alastor returns his mouth to her nipple, sucking like he expected milk to come out. Vera's moans turn gravelly as she stares down, meeting his eyes as he looks up with her breast still inside of his mouth. She begins grinding against him on her own, holding onto his shoulders like handlebars. She hugged and pressed his face against her breast, obsessed with the feeling on his lips around her nipple, grinding faster according to the pleasure she was feeling.
"Yes…" she growls into his ear as she holds his head
Alastor's eyes widen, and he's surprised by her reactions, expecting something a bit more prude, however, he then remembers the woman that he was marrying. Her prudish nature was simply a facade that he saw through immediately, a mask that she insisted on wearing, but he was attracted to the woman underneath. Vera sucks in some air, her eyes lidding as she stares down, not paying attention to anything but the man hanging onto her breast. She wants nothing else but him.
"Yes…mmm…fuck, switch to the other one," she orders him
Alastor's cock jumps in his trousers hearing her take charge as he does what she tells him. Rocking her back and forth as she grinds onto him.
"Mmmm…yes!" she shuts her eyes, holding him as tight as possible as he juts up into her. The cool, night air does nothing to stop them as Alastor feels the tension rising in his cock and Vera feels the knot tightening in her core. She grinds into his bulge once more, slower this time, to feel every inch of his throbbing clothed cock, dragging her juices all over him in the process. At the same time Alastor thrusts up into her clothed core faster and faster, his trousers being wettened by the dewy grass and her clothed cunt, Alastor automatically knowing which one he liked better. They ride this pleasure out together as they both release, creating wet spots over their respective garments, all done within the light of the New Orleans moon.
She pulls him off her nipple and up to her face, hands on both sides of his head, she kisses him.
"You…." Vera breathes heavily into Alastor's mouth, their noses touching and his arms still holding her in place "Better go through with marrying me," she threatens
"Oh I am," he grins wickedly, staring up at her, and pulling her closer, giving her a lick on her neck that has them both grinning like crazy. They kiss as if they may never see each other again.
"What do we think indoor or outdoor?"
"I think indoors would be nice,"
"Flowers?"
"Azaleas of course,"
"And what about theme?"
"Why are you asking me everything this is his wedding too,"
Daphne grabs her daughter's shoulder "Sweetheart, everyone knows that the wedding is all for the bride. The groom is just lucky to be marrying such a beautiful woman at all. So what do you want?"
Vera puts her finger to her lips "I want Alastor to help me plan it,"
"You don't need Alastor, weddings are a woman's event,"
She purses her lips "It's a lot to do on my own,"
"That's why you have me and Brynn. We're women, here to help." she puts her hands on her daughter's shoulders "I remember my wedding, it was the most beautiful day of my life up until that point, and I had to do the planning all by myself because my mother hated that I was marrying up," she pushes hair behind her ear
"Father didn't help you at all?"
Daphne laughs "I told you, a wedding is a woman's event,"
Vera looks off past her mother when Alastor comes into the room "Oh I apologize, is this a bad time?"
"Well Alastor, we are planning your wedding to my daughter," Daphne says looking down
Vera smiles "Hi," she waves
Alastor smiles softly "Hello my dear," he holds up an envelope "I happened to catch the mail as I walked up. It's for you my, sweet,"
Vera skips over to him "Oh! Thank you, how sweet,"
She opens the letter and reads it while Alastor comes up behind her and kisses her on the hair. He wraps his arms around her waist "What is it, my dear?"
"It's a letter from the producers of The Moon and the Stars…we're being transferred to Broadway," she looks up
Daphne gasps and runs over prying her daughter out of Alastor's arms, she screams in excitement, while Vera doesn't know how to react.
"What's all the hubbub?" Cassius enters the room
"Vera's going to be on Broadway!"
"Well we can calm down with the screeching Daphne, let's keep our manners,"
Daphne calms herself "You're right, my apologies,"
"But that is exciting. Great job sweetie!" he hugs his older daughter and Brynn hugs her as well
"What does that mean about the wedding?" Brynn asks, breaking the moment
Alastor runs his hand through his hair "I was wondering the same thing,"
Cassius has a huge smile on his face when he says "Well, I suppose we'll have to cancel it!"
"Well, it could just be moved…"
"Nonsense! Weddings should not be rushed, no need to do all that work for it to turn out low quality am I right sweetie?" They all look over at Vera "Vera?"
She snaps out of her daze and says "The Broadway run would start after the wedding, but right after." She looks up "Only about a week,"
"No time for a honeymoon!" Daphne comments
"Well, thank God for that!"
Vera looks toward her fiancé "Alastor?"
"Normally I'd say your husband comes first, but this is my daughter's dream! You wouldn't get in the way of her dream, would you?" Cassius grins mischievously
Vera stares up at Alastor, waiting for his response "I don't understand why anything has to change. We can have the wedding and Vera can attend the Broadway run of the musical after,"
"But who knows how long I'll be gone,"
"True as well!"
"I'm willing to sacrifice the honeymoon for you my dear,"
"Really?" her eyes light up
He strokes her cheek "Anything for you, dearest,"
Vera looks down at the letter once more "Then it's settled! I'm going to Broadway!"
"Huzzah!"
Brynn speaks up from the couch "Has anyone heard about the New Orleans killer?" she asks unwrapping some chocolate and popping it into her mouth
They turn to her "What?"
"The New Orleans killer, people have been talking about it for quite some time. Have you not read the papers lately?"
"I thought that was a myth if I am honest," Vera tells her
Brynn shakes her head "No, he is real. And no one can guess his motives. He has killed men, women, elderly. No one knows where he will strike next," she smirks
Daphne scoffs "That's it, no more morning papers for you. You bring this up now of all moments?"
The younger sister raises her eyebrow "I suppose it's my turn to give her the heebie-jeebies," she smiles at her sister
"If there's a killer on the loose, perhaps we should postpone the wedding" Vera looks around, worried
"Looks like someone getting cold feet," Cassius jokes
"She is right about there being a killer," Alastor defends, turning to her and grabbing her hands "Vera, don't you worry about a thing. I will make sure nothing happens to you and no one hurts you. I guarantee it."
"What about you?"
"I'll be fine, my dear."
"That's what you think," Brynn eats another chocolate and Daphne takes the can from her.
"This is so exciting I can't believe this is happening! Thank you for being so understanding,"
"Of course! We made a deal!"
Vera's face falls slightly "Right, our deal," she quickly changes the subject "How are you going to feel finally living on your own?"
"Well, I won't be lonely. I'll have you… and of course my mother,"
Vera's thoughts stop like a record scratch "I'm sorry?"
"You and my mother,"
"You mean that your mother will always be in your heart?"
"No..well of course she will. But, she'll be with me,"
Vera shakes her head in disbelief "Pardon me but, we are to be married,"
"Yes?"
"Which means we will have to complete the marital act,"
Alastor smirks "We can do that,"
"And you plan to have your mother with us?"
He shrugs "In a separate room of course,"
She shakes her head again and scoffs "No,"
Alastor furrows his brows "So my mother has to be alone?"
"Alastor we are about to be a married couple, surely your mother understands that,"
"Of course, but I can't have her alone,"
"Why not?"
"Because she will be alone. She does not have a husband like your mother, or any other children. She only has me,"
"Have you considered that maybe she wants to be alone?"
"Why would she want that?"
"Because she's had to live with you your entire life,"
He steps toward her "I've helped her my entire life. Why does this peeve you so?"
She lowers her voice "I am not comfortable with the idea of doing, husband and wife things, while your mother is in the other room,"
"She can be down the hall,"
"Alastor this is ridiculous,"
He gestures with his hands "I know that your family has money to keep them company, but the only things my mother and I had were each other,"
Vera drops the objects in her hands "No no no no no! This will not stand!"
"What would you like my mother to do alone? What if she needs help and I am not there?"
"Your mother is a grown woman, why do you think her incapable?"
"My mother has no one, you always have. All she has is me,"
"That does not answer my question, why do you think her incapable?"
"It confuses me on why this is such an issue for you,"
She slams her hands down "It is not the life I dreamed of with you!"
He doesn't respond for a while then speaks up "I understand. But do you understand why this is necessary?"
"I do not. I cannot," she storms out of the room
When Alastor returns home, he hears voices inside which is abnormal. He enters the kitchen to see his mother sitting at the table across from his fianceé.
"Hello Alastor," Vera greeted him
He looks around "What is going on?"
"What is going on is that I decided to visit your mother. And being the amazing woman that she is, we decided to compromise on her living with us, only to find out, that she had not heard anything of the sort whatsoever. Is that not strange, my dear?"
His eyes dart around, face turning warm "I-" he takes a step backward "That is quite strange,"
Vera turns to May, "What do you think about it May?"
"I think you two will have a lovely time, by yourselves,"
"I agree, do you not Alastor?"
His face falls, not responding. His fianceé approaches him
"Alastor, we are going to be fine," she lowers her voice, touching his chest
"Vera baby, let me talk to him," May touches the small of her back
Vera looks back at the mother in slight confusion "All right," she says, touching Alastor's face "I will see you later," she tells him and she exits the house
May steps closer to her son "Alastor, I know that for a long time we've only had each other, but you're about to become a husband. You cannot have me by your side forever,"
"I know," Alastor throws himself into his mother's arms "I will miss you,"
"I know. I will miss you as well. But I will be all right, and so will you. I will be here for you whether we live together or not"
Alastor doesn't respond, but the sound of small sobs is all May needs to hear to hug her son tighter.
When Vera arrives home, Brynn is sitting in the living room reading. She sits down next to her and undoes her shoes.
"What are you reading?"
"The Wonderful Wizard of Oz," she says without looking up
Vera's eyes widen "Really? You're reading that by choice? I had to read it in school and it was oh so boring,"
"I find it quite interesting. I think it serves as a metaphor for the way women are treated in modern society,"
Vera thinks "How's that?"
"Well, Dorothy was not believed despite having memories and proof of her adventures, just how women are not taken seriously in real life."
Vera sits back and ponders her sister's words. "Huh, you're a real person," she says
Brynn seems bewildered, she scoffs and laughs "Of course I am!"
"You don't understand, I remember when you were just a baby. And all you knew how to say was mother and father. Now you have thoughts, opinions, and ideas."
She shrugs "I grew up, and so did you,"
They sit in silence as Brynn continues to read.
"Do you want to know what I did today?" Vera asks, turning to her
"Sure,"
She props her chin up with her elbow "Well, today Alastor and I were discussing our house and he wanted his mother to live with us. I forbid it of course, and he couldn't understand why it was so horrid of an idea. What I could not understand was why a grown man would want to live with his mother well into his 30s,"
Brynn doesn't look up from the book "Well, it has only been just them two yes?"
"Yes?"
"Perhaps he will miss her?"
"Sure, but to do that?"
"I am sure he knows the idea is impractical, but surely he is speaking from emotion." She puts the book down "Did you know that men can get emotional as well? I was flabbergasted when I heard of it. Father tried to shield me, but I heard it anyway."
"Yes, it is something unknown to me,"
"Anyway aren't you going to miss us?"
Vera thinks "I should not think so,"
Brynn blinks "I will miss you,"
"Pardon?"
"I will miss you. We will return to Harlem and you will be here. We will see you once a year at most. Hardly enough time to play,"
"A lady does not play," Vera speaks mockingly "Remember when Mother used to say that all the time?"
"And we would play anyway," she puts down her book "Oh! Remember when Mother tried to convince us that sugar on top of a lemon was a delicious girl snack?"
Vera claps along with her laughter "Yes! And I took my allowance and we snuck out for ice cream?!"
They laugh together for a while until it fades into nothingness, Brynn leaning on her big sister's shoulder. Vera realizes, in the silence
"We won't be able to do that anymore," Vera states monotonously
"Well perhaps not as often," she hands her big sister a chocolate and unwraps one for herself
"Did you sneak these from mother's room?"
Brynn nods "Yes," and the sisters giggle together
As Vera eats the chocolate, she thinks some more, and the feeling she hadn't understood finally clicks to her. "Then I suppose I will miss you," she says, wrapping her arms around her little sister for the first time in a while.
"Okay," Vera says sitting at Alastor's kitchen table once more
"Vera? What are you-?"
"We may live in the next neighborhood over, where the houses are a bit bigger. I get more space, I get you to myself," she walks up and puts her arms around his neck "You get to be near that hunting ground that you love so much, and you get to be near your mother."
Alastor's eyes widen
"I understand now. She won't live with us, but she will always be nearby if you want to see her."
Alastor lowers his head and kisses his fianceé with the burning passion of a thousand suns.
Traditionally flower girls are very young, though Vera insisted on having her sister fill the role, as well as be a bridesmaid. And what a flower she made. Azaleas of every color all over purchased directly from the Fontenot garden, this wedding meant May could afford groceries for the next year.
As for the actual wedding, Vera didn't really remember, she knew she'd spent hours getting ready, including the time took to fit into her dress and do her makeup. She knew her father had walked her down the aisle and that Mimzy was in the audience. She knew the crowd grew quiet when she reached the altar, that the priest was saying something but she wasn't focused on that. She mostly wanted to make sure she was standing right and that she didn't pull her ears like she usually did when expected to stand still. She only came to attention when it came time for the vows, and that was when they had to look at each other.
"In the name of God, I, Alastor Fontenot take you, Vera Bates, to be my wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until we are parted by death. And even after that!" He grins as the audience laughs "This is my solemn vow"
"In the name of God, I, Vera Bates take you, Alastor Fontenot to be my husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until we are parted by death. This is my solemn vow"
Vera grins back at him, giggling "And even after that!" She adds on
"By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife, you may now kiss the bride,"
Alastor lifts the veil from her face and Vera instinctively looks away, blushing "Do not hide from me, my dear," he turns her chin back to him, tilting it up and kissing her square on the lips as the crowd applauds.
And just like that she was Vera Fontenot, Alastor's wife.
Vera wasn't a party gal, but it was clear that Alastor was a party guy. She watched as he danced with everyone from his mom to her little sister, who she now thought was his little sister as well. He even danced with her mother, whose opinion of him definitely changed after she was taken on that whirlwind. Her husband really was quite the charmer. Vera on the other hand preferred to sit and only dance occasionally, but she let him have his fun. She thought about that word, husband. Alastor was now her husband, they were married and she was a wife.
She was approached by a man that she knew through her father, one of the many men who had wanted to marry her before she entered her courtship with Alastor, James Richards was his name.
"Hello Vera," he greeted her politely
"Hello James," she responded, still enamored with her husband on the dance floor
"Funny seeing you here,"
"It is my wedding James," she said
He nods "Ah yes, what a shame that is,"
She turns to him "Why is that?"
"Clearly your father set this marriage up between the two of you,"
She sits up "Actually my father was quite opposed, why did you assume it was arranged,"
"Because of the chemistry you and I so clearly share,"
"James, I did warn you to stay away from certain berries on your camping trips," Camping was one of the big reasons she had turned him down amongst others
"I mean it Vera, we had something special, did we not?"
"We did not James, if we had, you would be the groom at this wedding would you not?"
He recoils at the venom in her words "Yes, instead you went screwy and married a mulatto,"
Vera looks up at him, standing straight and backing up "Why would you say that?"
"I heard his father's white and wants nothing to do with him or his mother, is that true?"
She scrunches her eyebrows "I don't know what you're talking about,"
"Oh come on! You have to know! You're his wife!" he cackles "Right?!"
Vera glances down at the glass in his hand, knowing that this situation could turn very dangerous for her very quickly "Please walk away James,"
"I don't want to,"
She doesn't look him in the eye "P-please,"
"I don't want to!" he drops the glass on the ground, loud enough for the band to stop playing and the guests' attention to turn to them. Cassius steps between her and James, while Alastor wraps his arms around Vera.
"There's the mulatto himself ain't he?" He cackles as he's held back by Cassius and some of Vera's cousins
Alastor's arms wrap tightly around Vera and he makes eye contact with James, after which James smile drops instantly. Vera looks up to see the absolutely icy stare from her husband as James is dragged out. He looked down and asked, "Are you alright?"
"Yes, I am, just startled,"
He smiles "Well I know just the cure for that," he holds out his hand for her to take and she does. He pulls her onto the dance floor for a nice slow dance, just was she loved.
"What?" She asks the man as he grins wildly
"Oh nothing," he says still looking down at her with a Cheshire grin that made her blush
"Alastor," she looks away, self-conscious under his piercing gaze. He turns her head back to him
"What are the odds that out of all the women in the world, I end up marrying the one star that shines brighter than me?" He raises his eyebrow, grin widening
"Alastor! Oh my goodness!" He twirls her to the music "Ugh that smile!" She playfully hits his chest
"Get used to it be'be, because I will never stop smiling as long as you're my wife,"
"Stop," it's almost too much for her to handle
He shakes his head "No,"
A house on the bayou is where they spent their wedding night and immediately were her husband's hands on her.
She bites her lip "Yes baby," she moans "touch me like that,"
"What do you want doll?"
"I want my husband to touch me," she spoke, her eyes lidded
Alastor yanks off her gloves with his teeth and throws them to the side as she giggles
"I want to feel my wife's bare hands on my skin."
"Why are you always trying to undress me?" She asked with a hint of teasing.
"I'm dying to see what's underneath," he presses his lips together harder
"All of those interesting people you met in LA, right? Why would you want to be here with me?" He speaks into her neck while kissing it
Vera pushes him back to look at him "Alastor, are you jealous?" she looks quite confused
"No, I just-"
"Don't be jealous baby," her smile turns sultry "I'm here with you," she pulls back down, catching his lips with hers "And I didn't marry anyone in LA, I married you. You're my husband, Besides, you're a star" she whispers in his ear
"Mmm, my bèl." he hums into her throat
When he goes to remove her tights she snaps her knees shut, he looks up at her confused
"I thought about something,"
Alastor sits back "Yes?"
"I don't want to give you my body and then leave right after, you know? Maybe we should wait until I get back?" she offers
"Who knows when that will be?"
She pleads with him using her eyes.
"Alright, what would you like to do then?" he asked her
Vera blushes and chews her lip "Well, I can think of one thing, but you have to take your gloves off,"
Alastor rips his gloves off with his teeth, so eager at the chance to touch his wife, she giggles. Vera stands and turns her back to him
"Could you take this off me?" she looks at him over her shoulder
Alastor zooms to undo the fastenings and when the dress hits the floor, Vera turns to stare him in the eye, as she removes her shoes, her tights, and panties all in that order. She stares him in the eye as he sweats, her daring him with her eyes to look down at her bare cunt. She strolls over to him, removing his blazer, shirt, and tie. She takes the tie for herself.
"I would like to try something," she bites her finger
"Anything,"
"I want to lay on the couch and you use your fingers on me," she pulls out his tie "While pulling this around my neck at the same time," she looks back up at him, "Is that okay?"
Alastor nods quickly and clears off the couch and she giggles as she lays down,"
Vera places her left ankle on Alastor's shoulder and her right by his torso, leaving her legs spread for him to enter. Her lips already glistening with slick. Alastor stares at her pussy in awe. Reverently he drags a finger from the bottom of her entrance to the tip of her clitoral hood. He does that again and again with his thumb, gathering enough slick before grabbing his tie that she'd tied around her own throat and pulling slightly, not a lot but enough to create a slight tightness. Alastor slips one finger inside of her cunt, very quickly and easily as she had already been warmed up. Vera moans, short and low, arching her back from the sensation of the finger opening and gracing her warm, wet walls. He pulls the finger out slowly and reenters it at the same speed, getting the same reaction from her. Cautiously, Alastor entered another finger, remembering that she had said 'fingers'. Index and middle fingers drowning in her warm waters as she squeaked sweet little cries. She gripped his wrist, gasping
"Faster,"
Alastor pumps his index and middle finger at a quickening pace, using his thumb to rub her clitoris in small sweet circles. She pulls at his left hand to make him pull the tie tighter and he does, constricting her breath that much more. Alastor watches as his fingers disappear inside her wet cunt, hearing the delicious squelching made him slip another finger inside, eliciting louder and more guttural moans from Vera. Suddenly he had to contend with the tent in his pants just from seeing feeling her wetness and twitching pussy. Now he was thrusting with his entire hand, holding her clitoris like a button forcing out choked, helpless, filthy moans from her mouth.
"Alastor," her breath barely allowed her to say
Faster his hand pumps so much so that the couch begins shaking. Alastor could feel himself reaching climax simply from watching her, how gorgeous she was, even covered in sweat. The twitching inside her pussy became much more intense as she grabs his left hand, displaying their wedding bands side by side, reminding him that she was his and his alone, this itself was enough to coax the wetness into his trousers
"Alastor, make me cum, make me-FUCK!"
"Yes baby yes," he climbs on top of her his fingers continuing God's work, "Who am I, baby? Who am I to you?"
"My husband! FUCK!" just hearing that made him hard once again, the golden rings shining in the light
Alastor kisses her throat and chest "I want you to cum for me,"
"I want to cum for you," she holds on, squeezing his wrist "I-oh fuck!" she whispers
"Just let go," he coaxes her
"I-I-"
"Don't think, just let it happen, baby. You can do it,"
Vera closes her eyes and pulls her lips in to focus, creaming all over his fingers in the next second with a hoarse, strangled, whine coming with it.
"Yes that's it, baby, let it out. Oh, you're such a good girl,"
Her body jerks before collapsing onto the couch. A blush rises up her neck when Alastor releases her, tasting her juices on his hand.
"Thank you," she gasps out
"No, thank you," Alastor licks off his fingers as Vera laughs
At dead of night, not very far from where the reception was held, James had sobered up and went out for a smoke, rethinking his actions at the wedding reception. He didn't know that this would be his last smoke. He especially didn't know that as he faced the river a knife would stab him from behind and be dragged up along his spine while he was still conscious. He had no clue that a boot would hit his back, knocking him to the ground, where he would get stomped and stabbed in the neck once for good measure. Good thing he didn't have a wife or child to mourn him. And he had no clue that the person who did it would take his last few minutes of life to whisper in his ear.
"Price to pay for being right James,"
No, he had no clue.
"Everyone, I have some awful depressing news." Vera heard Alastor's voice on the radio from the car she rode in "You all know my wife, Miss Vera Bates? She is leaving me for New York City!"
The driver could tell she was listening and turned up the volume "Miss Bates just finished up a successful run of a brand new musical, titled The Moon and the Stars, fittingly enough, considering that's what she is to me."
Vera can't stop herself from smiling and looks out the window to hide it. The driver can see her and smiles a little himself.
"The show was so successful, that it is making a transfer to Broadway! In which Miss Bates will reprise her role as the lead, Sunshine! And shall be staying there for an indefinite period of time, which means she won't be here with me!" The driver glances back toward his passenger, smiling some more. "Now I must say that I am happy for Miss Bates, but oh so sad for myself! I will miss you mon amour!"
The driver peeks one more time in the rearview mirror, seeing Vera biting her lip to keep from laughing "That Vera Bates is a lucky gal," he says, his eyes returning to the road
"Yes." Vera smiles wide "Indeed she is."