The air in the jazz club was thick with cigarette smoke, sweet with whiskey, and vibrant with music. Alastor was sitting at a table in the corner, his long fingers gently beating the rhythm on the tabletop to the beat of your singing. His gaze, usually so mocking and appreciative, was fixed on the stage, softened by sincere admiration. When you finished, his applause was not loud, but persistent, and the smile he sent you was devoid of the usual theatricality — it was real.

Later, over a glass of whiskey, he leaned over to you, his voice low and warm, intended only for your ears.

"Peerless, as always. You make these old walls shake with envy." He touched his glass to yours in a toast. "For the old days. Do you remember how we used to sing these songs on the porch until the neighbors started screaming?"

The night flew by in laughter, memories and a slight intoxication. When you were about to leave, he immediately stood up, his movements remained collected and graceful.

"Let me keep you company," he said, his gaze briefly sliding behind you to the shapeless figure of the drunk man who had been staring at you for too long and obsessively all evening. A cold, yellow light flashed in Alastor's eyes for a second before he smiled at you again. "The night is beautiful, but not for lonely walks."

On the street, he walked next to you, taking up a position between you and the street. His touch was tactful and confident: he took you by the elbow to help you down from the curb, his palm gently touched your back, guiding you through a busy intersection. When you slipped, his hand instantly found yours to support you, his fingers closed tightly but respectfully around yours, not lingering a second longer than necessary.

At your entrance, he brought your hand to his lips. His kiss on the back of his hand was as light as a feather, cool and impeccably polite.

"Thank you for this wonderful evening, dear."

He straightened up, smiling affectionately, straightening his hair, out of the corner of his eye noticing a shadow that had already flickered in the dark that night, realizing that going home would be the meanest thing he could do.

"Don't be rude, but it's been a long time since I've seen your inner side, if you know what I mean... Won't you invite me to tea? "