In the study, Alaric and Carlton sat in heavy silence, their faces as gloomy as a funeral procession that had just been hit by a natural disaster. Gone was the cheerful, beaming Carlton of a few days prior who had shone like the sun on Alaric's usually dour mood. Now both men wore expressions of deep melancholy, like two mourners at a wake.
Alaric, who had earlier resolved to avoid Carlton after their recent sexual escapades, decided that perhaps now was finally the time to confront this peculiar creature who seemed not quite of this world. The sight of normally jovial Carlton looking so somber was alarming enough to prompt him to break his self-imposed isolation.
"Ahem... Carlton," Alaric began hesitantly, "I think we need to have a talk..."
