Chapter Text
Alastor didn’t know if he’d ever been so unexcited to go to work in his life.
Of course, he was well aware that most-if not all-despised their job. How could he not? Most any conversation would always morph into how terrible and soul cruising their nine-to-five was. It was quite pathetic! How terribly awful for them.
How sad that Alastor was unable to relate.
Being a radio host was his dream, his overall goal in life. He looked forward to it ever since he heard his first broadcast, and had long decided this was where he’d stay as long as he could. It had this marvellous rightness to it, his mother often teased him that he loved it above all else.
So yes, he looked forward to work. At least normally.
Today happened to not be a normal day however.
Alastor sighed, absentmindedly taking the tea bag out of his empty mug and squeezing the water out. He’d been attempting not to dread this day, but here he was.
Today he would be working with rich people.
How unfortunate.
He’d had to accept the proposal, the amount of money the white man had offered for just a day of advertisement was too good to turn down. He was expecting to receive a script, but his clients had insisted on an in-person meeting. Alastor’s discomfort was a small trade off.
He checked his watch again and resisted the urge to groan.
He should probably check the front door now. As certain as Alastor was that his clients would be late, five minutes was probably pushing it.
Standing reluctantly to his feet, he walked up to the window and scanned the walkways outside.
Ah.
There was someone there.
And, if his looks were any indication, he was probably one of the Morningstars.
The cost of his top hat alone could probably feed both Alastor and his mother for a month, his buttons shiny and skin matching the whiteness of his suit almost perfectly. The Morningstar crest-a dove holding a fig branch-glittered on his chest. He carried a dark wood cane, his hands sporting midnight black gloves.
And, of course, there was that trademark arrogance to him. Even if all his skin was covered, his aura still would have tipped Alastor off to who this man was.
Sure, he may be casually leaning against a wall, head tilted up to watch the sky-it was dreary, of course. Why would you even need to check that? It was the rainy season-but he was still incredibly important and superior and needed everyone around him to know that.
Alastor felt his nose wrinkle in distaste, then wiped his expression away and replaced it with a smile as he opened the door.
“Hello sir! Would you like to come in?”
The white man jumped, then looked over at him and blinked as though he’d been lost in thought. Alastor realized that he was short. Incredibly so. He barely made it up to Alastor’s chest.
“Ah, probably. You’re Alastor Bonin?”
“The one and only!” Alastor said brightly, and the man stuck out his hand.
“Luck. Good to meet you.”
Alastor managed to not gag as he shook it quickly, turning to direct him inside.
“Charmed! And what’s your name?”
“Luck.” The man repeated.
Alastor’s smile grew as he understood, attempting not to laugh.
“How unique!”
Luck snorted.
“Oh, I know it's weird. Some people call me Lu, if you prefer.”
“How kind of you to give me a choice!” Alastor said as he closed the door behind him.
Luck groaned as he looked around the room.
“Don’t tell me I’m the first one here.”
Alastor’s eye twitched.
The first one? How many of you bastards are there?
“You are.” He said instead.
“Shit.” Luck declared as he took off his hat, revealing blonde hair that was carefully slicked back. “I’m sorry on their behalf.” He motioned to Alastor’s hat rack. “Mind if I put this here?”
Alastor felt his eyebrows raise in surprise. For several reasons.
Firstly, profanity. How unexpected! You would assume that a Morningstar was much too pompous to swear.
Secondly, an apology. Again, strange coming from a white man, but also hard to come by in general. Though it was probably just a politeness.
Thirdly, Alastor had been about to offer to take Luck’s hat, and he’d also asked permission! Almost as though he had basic respect for those around him. Fascinating. Alastor would have to remember this man was an excellent liar.
Alastor nodded to him.
“That’s fine. Do you know how many are coming?”
Luck rubbed a hand down his face.
“You don’t know?”
Of course not. You didn’t tell me anything you pompous ass.
“I do not! Though I suppose you can keep me in suspense, I don’t mind!”
Ah dear, Alastor may have gone too far with that one. He kept his smile wide.
Luck snorted.
“We’ll be in suspense together I’m afraid. I have no idea, though I’m guessing it’s not only me.”
“And why is that?” Alastor asked curiously as he sat in his usual chair. Luck stayed standing, eyeing the door.
“Oh, I’m not very…what’s the word…press friendly?”
“Really?”
“Too irresponsible.”
“I would never have guessed.”
Luck laughed, absentmindedly switching his cane from hand to hand.
“That obvious, eh?” He asked, raising an eyebrow at him.
“Not at all! I was being fully genuine, sir.”
Luck grinned, though it seemed slightly tense.
“I suppose I’m the only one here on time. I doubt you appreciate my dear family’s lateness.”
Hmm. He was right about that. This delay may prove to be a problem pretty soon.
“In that respect, I suppose you’d be my favorite Morningstar.” Not that it’s much of an achievement.
“I’m honored.”
“It’s your luck y day.”
The man laughed again, eyes sliding to the door.
“There we go.” He muttered to himself as it slammed open, revealing a similarly dressed man.
Now, if Luck was arrogant, this man was straight up pretentious . He was wearing a dark gray suit littered with glittering silver buttons that actually looked like they’d been polished lately. His chin was tilted up as he scanned Alastor’s station with slight disgust. Alastor felt his eye twitch.
He barely even looked at Alastor, eyes snapping to the other white man immediately.
“The fuck are you doing here?” He snarled.
Luck didn’t move.
“Got a letter to be here at seven thirty.” He said simply, rubbing his thumb over the top of his cane.
“Not you , there has to be a mistake.”
“Funny, that's what I thought when you came sauntering in, but here we are.” Luck gave Alastor a grin. “This is Adam, by the way, my cousin.”
“Charmed!” Alastor said brightly, giving the man a nod. Adam didn’t look away.
“I deserve to be here.” He growled dangerously, stalking closer to Luck.
The smaller man raised his eyebrows, looking up at Adam as he hovered over him. Alastor felt his eyes narrow on the interaction, his muscles tensing reflectively. Luck was really playing with fire.
“No argument here.”
“ You don’t.”
Luck shrugged casually.
“Mr. Morningstar seemed to disagree.”
Adam raised his hand, about to slap him, and Alastor spun around to begin preparing everything to go on air, bracing for the sound.
But…it never came.
Blinking in confusion, Alastor snuck a glance over his shoulder to see Luck standing behind him, Adam still standing near the wall with a slightly confused look on his face. Apparently the smaller man had evaded him.
Luck tilted his head at Adam.
“What are you doing?”
“I forgot how-” The taller man cut himself off, shaking his head before moving to lean against the wall instead.
Luck watched him for a moment before turning back to Alastor.
“Sorry for the drama.”
Ah. Another apology. This was becoming a more and more novel experience.
“No issue-” He began, but Adam interrupted.
“Don’t apologize to him, he’s getting paid.” He grunted.
Well! Wasn’t he a brute! Alastor dearly wished he’d never gotten out of bed that morning.
Luck frowned at him.
“So by your logic, anyone with a job doesn’t deserve apologies?” He asked with a raised eyebrow.
“No. It’s not…that.” He said hesitantly.
Wonderful . Alastor was sure it had nothing to do with the fact that he just happened to be black. He was just getting paid, that’s all!
The smaller white man clearly had figured this out as well, as he sighed and turned around.
“Again, I’d like to apologize.”
And again, it does nothing to fix what is happening! Alastor thought cheerfully.
“It’s quite alright. Now, if you’ll excuse me-”
“Of course.” Luck said immediately, giving Alastor space and moving to look out the window while Adam pulled out a cigarette. Gosh, this was just getting better and better. Now Alastor would have the smell of ash in his workplace for days.
Eventually, the door opened again, and an incredibly tall woman walked in. She actually had to duck a little to get through the doorway, her expression strained and stern.
Luck gave her a nod.
“Sarah.” He said, though she didn’t respond, looking over to Adam.
“You both are here? Good.” She said, severe gaze sliding to Alastor.
“Can we begin yet? I’m aware I’m late.”
Oh, very much so.
“Certainly.” He said, hitting a few more buttons and prepping his microphone eagerly. Sure, Morningstars were awful, but it was still radio. No one could ruin radio. It was a fact.
“Wait, Sarah, what are we supposed to do?” Adam asked as he lit his cigarette. Luck’s eyes followed the motion carefully before sliding back to Sarah, his face full of careful indifference.
“Listen and repeat. I don’t have long.” She said primly, sitting in the chair next to Alastor’s and clearing her throat. “Begin when ready.” She told him.
Alastor took in a breath, flicked them on air, and began to speak.
“Hello and good morning to all those early risers out there! Welcome to the best radio show your ears have been blessed to hear! Today we have a special message from the Morningstars, a hot topic of conversation all throughout New Orleans!”
Alastor abruptly broke off and motioned to Sarah to say her piece.
She bent towards the microphone and began, rather stiffly and terribly much to Alastor’s delight.
“I’m Sarah, niece of Mister Morningstar. He sent me with a message to give-” She took a breath here. Awful! Alastor hadn’t felt this good since this morning! “-He will be cracking down on the growing crime rates all throughout the city. You may think-” Another breath??? Oh this was hysterical. “-That your wicked deeds will go unnoticed. You are wrong. The probation act is still in effect, and any breaking of it will be punished severely. Step lightly, we are not afraid of you.”
Alastor blinked, trying to see if she had anything else to say. But nope! Now there was an awkward pause! He hurriedly took the microphone again.
“Thank you Sarah! Now to go along with that cheery message, please enjoy some Bye Bye Blackbird!“ Alastor said with a final laugh, then switched them off air as he played the song.
Sarah abruptly stood.
“Repeat when you can.” She told the two white men, then began on her way.
Adam scrambled after her, stopping her from walking out the door.
“ What ? That’s all ?” He asked, sounding outraged. “You just want us to tell everyone that crime is illegal all day?”
Luck was standing there, still for the first time since Alastor had met him.
“Sarah?” He asked softly, but she didn’t acknowledge it, and the man seemed to…wilt, almost. His eyes were suddenly filled with toiling stress, his back bowed as he stared at the ground for a moment.
Luck then seemed to notice Alastor looking at him. His posture straightened immediately.
“Ahem. I’ll take the first shift.” He said more confidently, sitting beside him. Though his eyes were still trained on Sarah.
“Adam, you have to realize this is of the utmost importance.” Sarah was saying patiently.
“‘Utmost importance’ my ass! A parrot could do this job!”
“Oh yes, even I could.” Alastor added in a deadpan. Adam nodded vigorously.
“Yeah!” Then his eyes widened as he realized what he just said. “I mean-not that you’re a parrot, or anything-” He cut himself off and turned to Sarah as Luck let out a soft snort. “BUT THIS IS STILL STUPID.”
“It is not, Adam.” Sarah continued, more sternly this time. “This is a job given directly from our uncle. I can only assume it is crucial to keeping control.”
Alastor had to resist the urge to laugh. Have the Morningstars ever even heard an advertisement? Listeners tended to despise them! And even then, he’d only been hired for a day. There was no way this would change a thing.
“Then let him do it.” Adam complained, pointing at the white man beside Alastor.
Luck raised an eyebrow at him, tightening his hands on his cane, which he’d laid across his lap.
“Are you allergic to my name, Adam?” He asked.
Sarah continued as though Luck had never spoken.
“Uncle has decided that he is not enough.”
“Then send someone unimportant!” Adam pointed out with a frown.
“Oh, they did.” Luck muttered under his breath.
Sarah crossed her arms, towering over Adam with a disapproving expression that probably would have vaporized Alastor on the spot. Her stink eye could rival his mother’s.
“And what were you planning on doing today? Something terribly important on the agenda?”
Adam cowered a little, putting a finger up.
“I-uh…”
“You were probably just going to gossip all day with Lute.” She said briskly. “Something that neither helps our cause or is a good usage of your time.”
Adam sputtered.
“What? Lute is-”
Sarah ignored him.
“Do you really think it’s a good look for you to be spending so much time with her? You’re already married , Adam.” Her eyes narrowed threateningly. “I’ve been covering for you, but that certainly can end if it starts to interfere with your performance.”
Luck was suddenly beside the taller man. Alastor blinked. Goodness he was fast.
“Sarah, you said you had somewhere to go right?” He guided gently.
She finally looked down at him. He barely came up to her waist. What was it with the heights of this family? Were they really related?
“I do.” She said, somewhat stiffly.
“Go ahead.” He said with a nod, patting Adam on the back. “I’ll convince this one.”
“And why should I trust you ?” She asked, voice full of the exact opposite. Alastor leaned forward on his hands, humming to himself. He certainly hadn’t expected this much family drama with the Morningstars. It was entertaining, at least. He could probably get a good show out of this.
Luck barely reacted to the taller woman’s tone.
“I have nothing I’m willing to risk.” He said flatly. “As I’m sure you’re aware.”
Ah. How interesting.
There was an advantage, it seemed, to being around pompous asses. They barely remembered you were there, and you could get a wonderful amount of drama.
Adam smiled for the first time since he walked in, though there was a cruel edge to it.
“That’s true.” He agreed, patting him on the top of the head condescendingly. Luck grimaced back, rage flashing in his eyes before he looked back to Sarah.
“Go on. I’ll whip him into shape.”
Sarah looked down at him, hardness in her gaze.
“Do not leave.” She ordered.
“Not to interrupt.” Alastor interrupted shamelessly. “But I do have a service to perform.”
Sarah nodded, then abruptly turned on her heel and walked out.
Luck turned back and blinked.
“Oh right!” He prodded the man beside him with his cane. “Adam, you’re staying.”
“FINE.” The larger man pouted, shoving his cigarette in his mouth and sitting down angrily.
“Nope!” Luck said, snagging it out and slipping it into his own pocket.
“ASS.” Adam declared.
“Eloquent.” Luck said unapologetically as he sat beside Alastor once again. “Try to listen this time. You need to actually memorize this at some point.”
Adam froze.
“Wha-I-How’d you know?”
“I read minds.” Luck said flatly.
“Fucking smart aleck.” Adam grumbled.
Luck tilted his head at Alastor.
“How often do you want us to do this?”
“Two or three times an hour should do it.”
“Lovely.” Luck sighed, entirely implying it wasn’t lovely.
Like you have somewhere better to be.
Alastor thought, feeling his smile twitch.
Luck, to Alastor’s great surprise, was not the worst speaker he’d ever heard. Not as good as him, of course. That barely needs to be said. But at least he didn’t breathe in the middle of sentences(Alastor was still amazed that had happened), and his voice wasn’t quite a monotone. And he was quiet too. Eventually bringing out a small notebook and scribbling away at it whenever he wasn’t needed. Though he never seemed to fully relax, he was constantly looking up to scan the room and shuffling in his seat.
The same, of course, could not be said for Adam.
Alastor would love to say that he was the worst man he’d ever met, but that was unfortunately not the case. Probably not even the top three.
Insufferable though? Yes. Incredibly so.
He stuttered and mumbled every time it was his turn to repeat the message, even near the end of their time. He complained constantly, had probably asked if Alastor had a phone thirteen times at this point(No you absolute troglodyte, nothing has changed in the past half an hour, he still didn’t allow phone calls during work hours.)
“But why ??” Adam complained loudly. Alastor felt his smile twitch as he slowly turned around in his chair. Pour l’amour de Dieu, I hope this man gets eaten by an alligator.
“It can be picked up on the mics.” He explained, again .
“I’ll be quiet!”
I HIGHLY doubt that.
Luck snapped his notebook closed behind Adam and walked up behind him, standing on his tiptoes and reaching up to grab him by his ear.
“OW!” Adam complained loudly as he was yanked down to Luck’s level.
Luck frowned at him.
“Can you attempt to not disturb the peace for a moment? ” He asked.
Adam growled at him, and Luck rubbed the space between his eyebrows tiredly.
“Bonin, how much time do we have left?”
“Half an hour.” Alastor answered with a glance at the clock.
“Alright.” He began dragging Adam to the door. “Get out. I’ll take care of the rest.”
“But aren’t you-”
Luck groaned in pure exasperation.
“Just don’t tell Sarah, we’ll be fine.”
Adam suddenly straightened, looking more superior than usual.
“I am a truthful man!”
Luck blinked a few times in utter disbelief before he sighed.
“Alright. Let it be known I tried to save you.” He said as he raised his hands in surrender. “You can stay if you want.”
He walked back to his corner, sitting down cross legged and pulling his notebook out again. His eyes slid to Alastor, and he raised an eyebrow.
Alastor immediately turned around, changing the record casually as though he hadn’t been listening at all .
Once their allotted time was over, Luck snagged his hat and gave Alastor a nod.
“Thank you, Bonin.” He said as Adam practically ran out the door.
“It was my pleasure!”(It was not.)
Luck snorted as though he could read Alastor’s thoughts.
“Goodbye then.”
“Farewell!”
And then they were gone.
Alastor groaned as he slumped down in his seat, finally letting his smile fall.
Thank god. That was thoroughly awful.