John and Hotch

[petty_dabbler]

The ministry was taking a great interest in John Constantine.

The old warlock had been watched closely all year. It was clear from his demeanor alone when he began his relationship with the Rooks boy, his honest grief when the boy vanished, and, most interestingly, the rapid turn around.

Aaron Hotchner sat in the far corner of the cafe in the school, watching John Constantine grinning and chatting with students and fellow instructors alike. It was curious, the investigator though, because he had no doubt the distraught had been real. And the dramatic turn around. The gentle euphoria. The serenity.

Hotch wished he could test him for potions.

"Alright, mate. Come see me if the wolf's bane gives you a rash, and follow the instructions to the letter," he told a lad who'd asked for a bit of help with the lesson. John bid him goodbye and went back to his coffee until another familiar face walked in and he smiled and gave a wave.

Comments

[sweet_alwyn]

Alwyn hadn't been avoiding John, but he had been cautious about giving the man space. Humans, he thought, could get overwhelmed by fae attention.

Enough time had passed now though that Alwyn felt safe heading over and offering a nod and a smile.

"Having a good day, professor?"

[petty_dabbler]

"I actually am," he nodded. "It's my office hours- would you like to discuss anything academic?" John invited with a warm smile.

[sweet_alwyn]

"Not really," Alwyn laughed, sitting anyway. "I promise to leave if another student needs you though."

[petty_dabbler]

John smiled and nodded.

"Alright," he said, then more softly he asked, "How have you been?"

[sweet_alwyn]

"I've been well. I feel as though I am starting to catch up with my peers," Alwyn replied. "How about you? You seem better, as though your soul is lighter."

[petty_dabbler]

John nodded.

"It's easier," he said. "Accepting he's gone, grieving, carrying on..."

He sipped his coffee.

"I shouldn't admit how many times I've been through this. Just not like that...usually."

[sweet_alwyn]

"There's still no sign of him?" Alwyn asked softly. "No clues as to what happened?"

[petty_dabbler]

"Nothing I or the authorities can figure out," he said. "And when it seemed he vanished into thin air, I looked in some unconventional directions, but there's just nothing," he said, shaking his head in defeat.

[sweet_alwyn]

"Do you still fear he took his own life?" Alwyn asked quietly.

[petty_dabbler]

John toyed with his cup, watching the light on the surface of the black brew shimmer.

"That's my worst fear," he said softly.

[sweet_alwyn]

Reaching across the table, Alwyn took his hand.

"I'm sorry," he said softly.

[petty_dabbler]

"Are all nymphs as kind as you and Wyn are?" he asked, giving Alwyn's hand a squeeze and then holding on.

[sweet_alwyn]

"I'd like to think so," Alwyn smiled, squeezing, then letting go.

[petty_dabbler]

"I've missed you," he offered quietly. "That kindness. I wasn't sure how to...what to say. If I should come over, or..."

[sweet_alwyn]

"You're always welcome to visit me," Alwyn assured him, offering a gentle smile.

[petty_dabbler]

"Do you have plans tonight?" he asked.

[sweet_alwyn]

The nymph seemed to think for a moment, then shook his head.

"I do not, at least not yet."

[petty_dabbler]

"I'll pop up after supper," he said, a cocktail smile covering how nervous he was. He sounded so confident. Usually no one could tell

[sweet_alwyn]

"If you like," Alwyn nodded. "I suppose for now I best let you finish your office hours, hmm?"

[petty_dabbler]

"Probably," he nodded. Especially since another student appeared looking for him.

"Around seven," he promised.

[sweet_alwyn]

"I'll see you then," Alwyn promised, nodding his goodbye before getting to his feet.

The rest of his day was mostly spent studying, but he was back in his room before seven, using a spell to tidy up and then changing into something more comfortable. He went with a tunic tonight, a simple velvet piece made back in the fae lands. He had no intention of just waiting around for John to show up though, and kept himself busy with a book he'd checked out of the library as he lounged on the bed.

[petty_dabbler]

Around seven meant exactly at seven John knocked on the door. He had a bottle, figuring Alwyn might enjoy a little contraband fae wine.

He smiled warmly when the door opened.

[sweet_alwyn]

"Hello," Alwyn smiled, looking John over and then taking a step back.

"Please, come in. It's good to see you."

[petty_dabbler]

"It's good to see you. I brought this," he said, offering him the bottle. John walked in, pleased to see that Alwyn ha made the room his own.

[sweet_alwyn]

"Oh, thank you," Alwyn smiled, taking the bottle. "You didn't have to bring gifts though..."