Drawing Alastor w/out his smile always feels illegal.

Alastor's POV

"Alright, my friend, so you're basically just going to be giving a tour of the studio. Don't worry about speaking or explaining anything, the camera will not pick up audio...but I've already prerecorded a broadcast for the footage! It's a bit of an older one from 1925, but it should do just fine," Thomas explained, fiddling with the recording device as the two women stayed close to him, watching his careful treatment of the object closely.

We were all inside of the studio, which was empty due to the work day being over. Thomas had explained that he needed to make sure his camera is picking up light correctly, and properly.

So, we're going to help him test run his project.

The idea is entirely strange to me...why should a broadcast require a picture, exactly? A small slideshow that showcases the events behind the spoken story, well, wouldn't that just take away a little bit of the excitement?

Perhaps to me...but, I suppose I can push aside my doubts in support of my dear friend.

He seems rather exuberant about this creation of his, and who am I to step on whatever dream this is. Plus, Fawn looked at me so excitedly as well...she must know something about the device, I'm assuming.

I'll have to ask later.

For now, I'm fiddling with my bow tie, and fluffing my hair in preparation for this...uh...what should I call it...?

A recording? We record broadcasts, is this the same thing?

It's peculiar to think of being recorded as a moving image instead of just a voice.

By golly, if this works I'll need to look my very best!

"Honey," came a soft, feminine voice, "you look fine, no need for all this fidgeting," she chided me lightly, my eyes raising up from my suit to meet the moss green ones of my love.

She had moved away from the other two in turn for joining me near the center of the room where I'd been instructed to stand.

I smirked at her, "I can never be too sure, my darling. I must look tip-top for this little venture!"

My exclamation made her giggle, and she reached forward and took my hands in hers.

"You literally always look tip-top, babe," she said, the amused glint evident in her eyes. Admittedly, her comment made me a bit hot inside this suit, and I could feel a blush creeping up my neck towards my face.

I scoffed, looking away from her gaze to hopefully quell this feeling she's caused.

Despite my attempt to act indifferent to her words, a soft smile still plastered my lips, "thank you, my love..." I replied genuinely.

Coming from anyone else, words such as that wild simply roll off my shoulders and mean little to nothing. Even Edith's compliments don't affect me in such a way, because I know no matter what I appear like she'll always carry the same opinion.

Coming from my Fawn, a compliment is like gold. It doesn't matter that I get them from her often...or that it's been nearly two years now that I've known her.

Everything she says to me I hold in higher value just simply because she's the one that said it.

The feeling of her lips stealing a kiss against my cheek snapped me away from my thoughts, and the blush continued to contaminate my skin.

"Damn you to hell, woman." I growled quietly through my teeth, and she snickered and shook her head.

"Only if you come with me," she replied casually, and then Tom spoke up.

"Now then! Everything seems to be in order...Fawn, would you like to hold the camera?" Tom asked the woman at my side, and she perked up.

"Um, yeah!" She let out like he'd just told her the best news of her life.

She trotted back over to the other pair of lovers, and carefully took the recording camera from Thomas's hands. I watched as he spoke to her softly, pointing out things that she most likely needed to know to operate the large piece of technology.

Niffty bounced in her spot like a child that's had too much sugar, looking like she'd burst with excitement any second.

Then Fawn turned to face me, "you ready, hot shot?" She asked cheekily, aiming the lens at me.

Hot shot...that's a new one.

I flashed her a smirk and nodded, standing up straighter as my smirk shifted into my wide signature smile.

She gave me a countdown, similar to the one I get when broadcasting, and when she hit one I snapped into the same mindset I do when broadcasting.

It's showtime.

Fawn's POV

I held the camera steady while I followed Alastor around the studio. We started at the front, going over the front desk and around the cubicles...

His smile was intoxicating, but something about this so so...familiar.

Why does it feel like I'm getting deja vu?

Thomas gave me careful instructions, him and Niffty following behind me as to not mess up the shot.

Tom explained that only one person should be on film at a time, just until he confirmed his camera was working properly.

Then we all agreed "that someone" should be Alastor.

It wasn't until my fiancé was nearly done with the tour that it hit me, and the small smile on my face dropped in shock.

We made our way back to where the video started, and Alastor lifted his hand and waved and a chill ran down my back.

This is the tape. This is the video that was on the cassette.

This moment is the reason I'm here.

It was as if reality smacked me in the face like a rubber band that had been pulled too tight. Stopping the recording, I tried to also stop my head from spinning like a top.

When I watched that tape so long ago...I felt like he'd been smiling at me...

I guess that's because he was...

"Splendid!" Thomas's voice made me jump, and I faced the smiling man, "now let's head back to my place, and get this film rolling!"

The childlike excitement he had when talking about this, as if it were a project he'd been desperate to show his parents to make them proud, was adorable.

Our group packed up and left the studio, but as we exited, I couldn't help but turn and look back.

This really is where it all started...where my life began. The life that I was meant to live.

Thanks to Thomas...

I wish I could thank him...he'd never understand, but, hell, am I grateful. He's the reason I landed myself in this paradise...

"Darling?"

My head snapped towards Al, and he was holding his hand out for me expectantly.

Quickly, I took it and we caught up with the rest of the group.

On the way back to the house, Tom and Al went back and forth about the technical workings of Tom's machine, but I couldn't bring myself to really listen.

Looking over towards the horizon, I noticed the sun was beginning to set, and the sky was becoming damp.

My lips pursed slightly, and I stayed quiet while we walked.

When we reached the house, and stepped into the foyer, I let Niffty and Tom start up the stairs before I grabbed the back of Alastor's shirt and pulled.

He paused, looking over his shoulder at me before turning to face me completely.

"Yes, my love? What is it?"

I fidgeted nervously. He and I haven't walked together at night since that day...I told him I would prefer not to.

But there's no way we're making it home before dark. Now we have to walk with Julie as well...I just don't feel comfortable doing that...

"Um...i-its getting kinda dark, baby...we're not going to be outta here before sundown, and I don't want to walk Julie home in the dark..."

I mumbled slightly, still feeling a bit silly of my fear. The dark never bothered me before...but ever since that incident with the muggers, it's like a phobia. I hate it, because I used to love a nice, quiet night...

But now I can't even sit on my own porch at night without my heart hammering out of my chest from paranoia.

Al froze for a fraction of a second, as if realizing for the first time how late it was, and then I felt him wrap his hands around mine and squeeze gently.

"My dear, it will be alright...no need to fret, I promise," he replied softly, and I bit my lip and sighed as my eyes fell to our feet.

He was quiet, processing that his attempt to ease my nerves didn't exactly do what he intended.

"Alastor? Fawn? What're you two still doing down there, Tom is getting the film set up!" Niff called, and Al shifted to look at her.

"Uh...Niffty, darling, tell him we'll be a moment. Also, does he have a telephone anywhere that's available to use?" He asked, and my ears perked at the request.

"Over in the main sitting room!" She replied, and then her footsteps scuttled away.

Al sighed, and then lifted my chin with his finger.

"Look here, cher...I will go phone Edith, and request she house Juliette for the night, how does that sound?"

My eyes widened and I opened my mouth, but I only sputtered and then sighed before shaking my head, "I don't want to inconvenience her like that..." I mumbled and Al chuckled, already heading over to where Niffty told him.

"Nonsense! I'm almost positive she would steal our baby if she could," he laughed and then motioned to the stairs, "head on up, I will take care of it. Please do not worry yourself..."

His request was gentle, almost begging me. Reluctantly, I sighed and turned to head up the long, elegant staircase.

I'll get over this stupid fear eventually.

Once I reached the door, I pushed it open and stepped inside. Tom was fiddling with the tv, setting up the rolls of film we gathered and connecting them to the magnifying part.

Niffty wasn't in here with him, lord only knows what's she's off doing.

He looked up, seeing me enter without Al and his eyebrows furrowed.

"Hello, dear. Where'd you lose Al?" He asked curiously, and I snickered, walking up to the machine and looking it over.

"He's making a quick phone call. Now where did you lose Niff at?" I returned his question, and he chuckled.

Standing up from his previously knelt position, he was now towering over me as usual.

"Ah, she told me you two were discussing something and then sped off. I'm sure she's cleaning something or another, you know how she is," he waved it off, unconcerned of her whereabouts.

I shrugged, "fair enough. So, this um...Vox, that you've created...how long?"

Looking up at him, his blue eyes were piercing up close. They were sharp, and observational...predatory, almost. None of which made me nervous because I'm so used to looking into Al's eyes.

He breathed in a deep, thoughtful breath and broke our eye contact to look up, "probably about...five years. I began my technical advancements in Germany, that's where all of the proper labs and such were...my father lived here, still, and would find me if I required...he always did believe in me..." he said fondly, the smile on his face becoming soft, and then sad.

"Unfortunately, he was not of good health...and died while I was away..." the way he said this showed he was obviously regretful of that fact, "so...I gathered my project and hauled it here! The radio station was an easy enough side gig that I could juggle for a bit of extra dough..."

He looked at me again, his smile widening, "never imagined I'd meet such great folks along the way...when father died, I felt like I had no one to support my dream any longer...but you..."

I didn't even realize what he was doing before it had already happened, his fingers brushed across my cheek and he pushed a bit of my hair behind my ear, making my lips part with surprise.

Right then I became acutely aware of my proximity to my boss, not even having thought anything of it beforehand.

However, his hand retreated as fast as he'd advanced when the door creaked open and we weren't alone any longer.

Blue eyes lingered on me a moment, and he knelt back to where he'd been previously, "I'm glad to have friends such as you and Alastor...and Niffty, of course," he said quietly.

I blinked, unable to form words after the absolutely strange moment that just happened. Then I gasped when I felt a hand on my shoulder, spinning to face Al who was wearing an amused expression.

"Boo, I guess?" He chuckled, and then hummed, "it's been taken care of. Edith is happy to have her," he said, and I breathed out a sigh of relief.

"Great," I said with a smile and he winked at me before focusing his attention to Thomas.

"Well, my friend, let's see it! How does this device of yours function?"

Turning around, I stepped closer to Al's side, and shared a glance with Tom. My smile faded and I gave him a slightly wary look.

He paid it no mind and stood up once more with a bounce in his step, motioning to the large, clunky television.

"You're about to witness it for yourself, my good man!" Was his response, and then he messed with the dials on the front of the box, twisting them until a broadcast began to play. He then click a button and flipped a switch, causing the screen to suddenly fill with light.

The light then became dimmer, and dimmer, and dimmer...until it cleared to reveal a choppy, moving image of Al walking through the station.

My eyes were set on the black and white silent film, and slowly I began to smile.

It truly is just like experiencing the beginning all over again.