Enjoy this one! This is where the human stuff starts as well, sorry if it's a little strange or jarring. But its more occasionally than all the time, so hopefully it isn't too weird!

A couple more days past, and now it was three weeks. Snatcher's stubbornness was starting to wear off, doubt crossing his mind. Was the Subconite really telling the truth? Would…

Would her parents seriously never return for her?

A frown etched on his face, and his boisterous storytelling faded. Hat Kid looked up at him, frowning. It was almost like she could feel his depressed mood.

"What? I'm alright, kid. Just lost breath. Don't worry." He ruffled her hair. Hat Kid closed her eyes, a smile appearing on her face. Snatcher smiled, picking her up. "Alright, it's time for bed. I said one more story."

Hat Kid huffed, but let herself be placed down into the crib. She fell asleep not too long after. After summoning a Subconite to watch over her, he went into a shadow. Appearing once more at where he found her, he stared at the spot. The grass was growing there, but if you looked you could see an outline of where the hat once was. A prominent frown was on his face, and he leaned down to get a closer look.

"If they really aren't coming back…" Snatcher stood tall again, shaking his head. "Two more days."

Snatcher went into another shadow, and traveled to the edge of his forest. The moon was high in the sky, it's light illuminating his face more. Using this to his advantage, he stepped out into the light. The moment he did, he had shapeshifted into a form that was similar but not exactly the same as his old human self.

He actually looked quite fancy, for a soul sucking demon. A freshly pressed suit, a lovely face, even with the fangs and bright yellow eyes. His hair was long like his neck tufts, and his skin was a light purple color.

He rarely used this form, however. Only to go into town to buy more books. And well, wouldn't you have guessed it!

He was in town buying books.

Where did he keep these books, you may wonder. Well, when you have a closet that is basically a void at this point…

Yeah, yeah you get the point he's a bookworm.

The one time where he didn't have to worry about intruders or mysteriously disappearing parents. Wasn't a long time, but it was still quite relaxing.

But he also had a second purpose for tonight. As much as he believed her parents would come back last minute, just in case, he decided to get Hat Kid some books. As much as he enjoyed reading her ghost stories and horror novels, she kinda also needed toddler books. Parenting books wouldn't hurt either.

"Hello, Luke," The bookstore owner greeted. He was an old toucan, with tiny circle glasses and a withered yet friendly smile. If there was any people who Snatcher was to refrain to steal the souls from, it was him and his family.

Snatcher nodded in greeting. He used an old nickname, as he didn't want the old man to be suspicious.

"What brings you here?" he asked, dog earring a book he was reading himself.

"I'm taking care of a child," Snatcher answered, picking out a book for himself before scanning for more child books.

"A child? Has the ever-so cold Luke become a father?"

Snatcher nearly dropped his book, but his fumbling hands managed to catch it. The old toucan laughed merrily.

"Me? A father? No, no. She's… the daughter of a friend," Snatcher lied, pulling out a parenting book.

"Uh-huh. A friend… So, daughter? What's her name?"

"Hattie." It was a half lie. He had been calling her Hat Kid this whole time, but he doubted Hat Kid would persuade the old bird that she wasn't his. Not that she was!

He groaned mentally.

"Hattie? How adorable."

Snatcher rolled his eyes, pulling out two children's books. He strolled over to the counter, where the old bird began to scan them.

"How long is she staying with you?"

"Only a couple more days. My friend travels a lot for her job."

"Is she-"

"No! I'm not seeing anyone right now."

"Alright, alright. I shouldn't have pried."

The bookstore became quiet again, and once it was done Snatcher handed him some pons.

"I'll see you next week."

"Yes. And, Luke?"

Snatcher turned his head to him.

"Good luck."

When he had gotten back, Hat Kid was awake, the Subconite playing with her. He formed back into his phantom form, books still in hand.

"Welcome home, boss!" The Subconite greeted, picking up Hat Kid.

"Still no sign of the kid's parents," Snatcher sighed, placing the books in the closet. Hat Kid babbled, reaching out to him. She must have just woken up, as she wasn't distraught like she had been. "She's getting really talkative, huh?"

"Yeah! I think she might say her first words soon!"

Snatcher scoffed, taking her into his arms.

"I doubt it. Also, don't get too attached to her."

"Right, boss," The Subconite chuckled. After he left, Snatcher grabbed one of the toddler books.

"Alright kiddo, time to read you back to sleep," Snatcher said, sitting down in his chair. Hat Kid lied down in his arms, turning her head to the book's pictures. He began to read to her, pointing out each animal and kept a gentle voice. Soon enough, Hat Kid was getting sleepy once more.

Snatcher placed the book on the boxes once finished, Hat Kid drifting in and out of sleep.

That's when it happened.

She reached out her hand, and for a second Snatcher thought she'd just pull on his neck tufts again. But instead, she made a grabbing motion, but grabbed nothing.

"Pa-Papa!"

It was an immediate reaction, and since he was so used to it, his hand moved to hers. Her little hand gripped his finger again, and before he could think, he already blurted out what he thought.

"Don't worry, kiddo. Papa will keep you safe from night terrors."

Hat Kid finally fell asleep, but it had already been done. It took almost a minute for Snatcher to realize what he said.

"Wait, no, I couldn't have-" He cursed under his breath, his eyes softening. He hated to admit it, but he loved it. When he used to be an actual human, he had wanted to be a dad. Her saying that, to him especially, welled up an emotion inside that he hadn't felt in a long time.

He pushed it down, standing and putting her into her crib. He tucked her in, watching her from above. His hands gripped the side of the crib, his eyes closing again.

Love. That's what he had felt. In these three weeks, she had him. In these last hundred years, he couldn't believe it. But he knew he couldn't keep it inside forever. Her parents could still be out there...

Love.

My hc is that Snatcher's real name is Lucas lmao. (Haha, his va is named Luke, so long name Lucas). But I mean if I'm proven wrong I'll gladly go back in and change it!
I especially loved writing this chapter for the little bit at the end. Her first word~