It had started with Angel snubbing that breakfast. That had hurt, but Alastor had forced himself to ignore it. Probably leftovers from the drugs.

But as the weeks went on, it was as if Angel was going out of his way to avoid him as much as possible. Oh, he didn't flee at the sight of Alastor, but he clearly wanted nothing to do with him. Even gone so far as to occupy himself with Husk instead.

Which was fine. Really. Alastor was grateful for the lack of flirting in his direction. And being ignored didn't bother him at all. (His shadow, on the other hand, did everything in its power to interject itself to get Angel's attention. Apparently it didn't like someone else getting ear scratches in its presence.)

Alastor had tried to worm his way out of the Secret Santa nonsense. He didn't hate Christmas, but he didn't much care for it either. He was just sort of indifferent to it. However, Charlie was nothing if not persistent, eventually getting him to draw from her little Santa hat if only to get her to stop.

He got Angel. Clearly, the game was rigged.

Well, if he was going to be forced to do this nonsense, he'd do it right. Which meant he needed to figure out what the other wanted. Which called for some deception.

He walked to where Angel was helping decorate. "Angel, would you come down? I require your assistance!"