Chapter Eight: Atomic Confessions

Alastor returned home, a ball of mixed emotions and frazzled nerves after the lunch meeting he had with his 'boss'. While yes, he was not exactly a member of their organization, he was still an associate who was paid and expected to serve them when needed, as per his contract with Vox, therefore making him an employee; no matter how hard he denied it. Now that he knew Vox was aware of his relationship with Charlie, he felt as if he was starting to walk on eggshells, but it was Stolas and his bond with the Magne Family that made him feel a little bit better. It was a new feeling, and he didn't like it one bit. At least her family name would give her some sort protection. He slammed the door behind him and locked the deadbolt, then walked briskly over to his couch in the sunken living room and plopped down with a frustrated sigh. He tossed his glasses toward the coffee as he leaned back and rubbed the balls of his palm into his eye sockets until he saw white flashes, not caring that his shoulder was screaming in pain from the movement.

He hadn't expected Mimzy to find him with Charlie, first of all. In fact, he hadn't expected her to still talk to Vox, not when she was adamant about leaving behind their life of crime. He didn't want to kill her, really. Alastor was content being left alone, but he should have known she wouldn't let him go so easily. She had been rather quiet since the last time they spoke, which had been the morning he and Charlie decided to see one another casually. He did promise he would end her though if she tried to find him. There were a lot of things, he suddenly realized, he hadn't thought about that he probably would have if he didn't always have Charlie on his mind since the moment his laid eyes on her. It had only been a few months, but she was all that he really cared about.

Charlie.

Sweet, beautiful, and perfect Charlie. She truly was such a breath of fresh air for him, and for once, he saw the world in color rather than black, white, with splotches of red. Her hair was like rays of sunshine, even in the dark, and her eyes were endless pools of midnight with stars shimmering underneath the surface when her face lit up as soon as she saw him. Her smile, her breath-taking smile and melodious laughter, brought him a great deal of comfort he hadn't know he needed after nearly a lifetime of bringing pain, death, and being alone. Sure, he had friends, and at one point, he had Mimzy (rest her foolish soul), but he never had a connection like the one he had with her. Was this how love really made people? No wonder he started to tumble, but was it so bad for him to start turning a new leaf now?

"Good heavens, why did I even say Lucifer was going to be my father-in-law?" He shook his head and groaned, "I mean," he opened his eyes and stared at his coffee table, clutching his head between his hands, "sure, he would be eventually, but they didn't need to know that. Ugh, I should ask Rosie to lower the dosage of my medication so I can be sounder of mind." He sighed and allowed his hands to drop toward his lap as he rotated his head from side to side to loosen up his tense muscles. "This is very unlike me. This whole week has been dreadful. I can't seem to catch a break or catch up. I'm just glad Charlie doesn't ask too many questions, or at least ask anything I can't answer with some ounce of truth."

Everything was happening too fast, he noticed, but he didn't know where to begin to slow things down, if even just a little. What was a woman like Charlie doing with a sick bastard like him, anyway? Did she feel the same way for him, as he did for her? How could he possible brighten up her world when he preferred the shadows? What would happen if his secret got out? Not with the feds, but with her? He was more concern about how she would react rather than the possibility of him being locked up for life, or worse... death row. He would accept the latter if Charlie refused him. She was like a lifeline for him, a line cast down to the shadows he once resided to bring him to the light. Things were different now.

He tilted his head back to stare at the ceiling, his brows knitted with worry. His mind kept drifting back to one unsettling thought. They knew about her. Of course they did... She was Lucifer's daughter. What bothered the assassin was that Vox knew about her being with him without him knowing. Alastor had always been good at keeping his personal affairs private, so to know he had missed spotting Mimzy at the bar was shocking. Why hadn't Husk or Niffty said anything? Did they even notice her? For once in his life, he feared the possibilities of what could happen if Vox decided he didn't want to let him out of his contract. Was there any hope to try and escape somewhere safer, perhaps even another country? Would Charlie go with him? Could he prevent her from ever coming back? No... he couldn't do that to her. Despite her family history, she loved her parents greatly. And that Angel fellow... No doubt they would attempt to do something with him to get her to come out, thus forcing Alastor's hand to pursue.

Charlie had really become his greatest weakness, yet at the same time, he felt like he could conquer the world with her by his side. However, Vox never hesitated to make a point that he was top dog of his empire he built on the backs of people like Alastor who stupidly thrived on money, power, and bloodshed. From drugs, weapons, and sex trafficking to counterfeiting, Vox and his crew demolished their rivals without mercy, and in the last several years, he made sure to get rid of weak links and old blood to strengthen his hold. Alastor was his go to man for those jobs. Perhaps because he had nothing to lose and didn't care at what cost it would be to finish the job. It had been fun for him for some time, a real sport he could enjoy as he hunted and stalked his victims but... things were different now. Even if Charlie was the daughter of one of his most trusted associates, Vox would no doubt do something awful to teach Alastor a lesson, because in the end, it would be his fault for not obeying and Lucifer would no doubt see it that way as well. Maybe Alastor was no better than a lap dog, the filthy mongrels.

Alastor rubbed his face with the palm of his hand. "I'm over thinking this. Vox may be ruthless, but he's smart. He wouldn't harm her, not with everything Lucifer does for him. Perhaps, if I train a successor, maybe then I can be free of all this. What used to be a source of entertainment has really become a nightmare." He closed his eyes and sighed as he placed his hands on his lap again. "What to do? I don't like being so unsure, but I don't even know where to begin to turn this all around for us." He opened his eyes and smiled sadly, "Charlie. What have you done to me, sweetheart?"

His jolted from his musing as his phone rang in his back pocket. He fished it out and chuckled. Speak of the devil. Charlie's face and name flashed on the screen. He hit the receive button and then dug into his pocket to get his bottle of pain medication to numb the throbbing in his shoulder. He swallowed the pill dry.

"Alastor LaChapelle-Gallow speaking." He really should come up with a friendlier way to answer his calls with her.

"Hey!" she said, sounding more chipper than the last twenty-four hours, "You busy?"

"Not at all, sweetheart. Is everything ok?" He began to undo the buttons on his shirt as he balanced his phone between his head and good shoulder. "You sound like you're doing better."

"Yea. I'm feeling a lot better, actually. My dad let Angel join me and my mom, and we managed to get a plot right next to their mother's. The ceremony is going to be the morning of the gala, though, so I'll probably just meet you there. My mom wanted to use the rest of the day as a spa day to prep for it and help Angel cheer up a bit since he likes stuff like that. Is that ok with you?" He heard the sound of a door closing on her end, then footsteps echoing. He figured she must have hidden herself in a bathroom.

"Ah, that actually works out for me as well, darling. I have some things to take care of and it'll run me right until that 6pm mark for the party. The station wanted me to do some interviews before hand while whoever they pick to do the play by play takes a lunch break and maybe try and get something out of the guest of honor performing. I heard he's quite popular in Europe." It was half true. His daytime boss had no intentions of having Alastor participate while he was still on medical leave, but when Alastor suggested the cool down period, and the fact he was the best host and interviewer they had, it made a solid alibi for himself while he dealt with Seviathan and stuck relatively close to him until Vox and Maverick could assist in keeping an eye on him while Alastor mingled and acted as one man reconnaissance team to ensure nothing happened to the sleazy bastard. He really hated the fact he was Charlie's abusive ex and he was unable to do anything to teach him a lesson he deserved. Did she even know? While it had been nearly ten years since they broke up, the trauma she went through still bothered her judging by her body language the night they told one another about some painful memories they normally didn't share with anyone else. He wanted to tell her, but she couldn't know his involvement with Vox. This mission was going to require a lot of finesse, and how things would play out were a genuine mystery to him. He had to be on his toes.

"Oh, ok. That's perfect then. Alright babe, I just wanted to let you know as soon as possible in case I needed to figure some stuff out but looks like we'll be good. Oh! I hope you haven't eaten too much. I'll bring something for us to eat for dinner, ok? You sound tired. Take a nap, and I'll be home soon. Bye."

"Take care." The two hung up. Alastor closed his eyes again and smiled. Suddenly they popped open in surprise as he looked back down at his phone, "Wait... did she just called here... home?" His heart fluttered. Maybe she did feel the same.

Charlie returned to the booth where her parents and Angel sat. Her father had decided to take the rest of the day off and spend time with them like they used to when she was younger, and to also show in his own way he was there for Angel during this emotional time. The four sat in an old timey ice cream parlor the Ragno children used to like going to with their mother. As a way to honor his sister, Angel thought it was the perfect place. Charlie slid into the seat next to his and placed her head on his shoulder. He leaned into her and rested his on top of hers as she reached for his hand and intertwined their fingers.

"Angel, if you need time off..." Lucifer began, but he was interrupted.

"It's ok, really. This day is good enough for me, Lu. I appreciate it. All of yas." He lifted his head and grinned, "If anything, this is gonna make me work harder, ya know? Molls made a name for herself, kinda, and I ain't got much to show for the new life we was given when we decided to change our identities and I left Val. You all have helped me a lot, and I've been an ungrateful bastard, especially since that lil incident a while back." He looked away and smiled sadly, "Ma would be livid."

"Honey, no." cooed Lilith as she reached over and placed her hand on his and Charlie's, giving it a reassuring squeeze, "I see it all the time. It's hard work to overcome addiction, the trauma, and the life you lived until we took you and Molly in for a while. We've told you this before, the two of you are like our own children." Lucifer nodded in agreement. "I just..." she sighed as she pulled her hand away, "I just wish we continued to give you the support you needed so the whole Valentino thing never happened to you or her."

Lucifer nodded, "While I work with him and Vox quite often, I was unaware of how dire the situation had been. You're a good actor, but I am very proud you decided to turn to Charlie and allow us to help you. If you ever feel like we hover over you, Angel, just know it's because we do care and do it for your own good. I don't want to give them any reason go after you. Lilith and I are very proud you're cleaning yourself up finally and have been sober for some time. Congratulations."

Angel felt his eyes water again. He wiped his eyes with the back of his free hand and sniffled, "I... I know. I just wish I could have been better, and never gotten involved with Valentino in the first place and let ya all down like I did. I made a lot of bad choices, but as a promise to Molly, I'mma turn this shit around for the better. Toots over here has been a trooper with putting up with my crap." He smiled at her, "She's gonna make a great counselor, therapist, social worker... whatever the hell it was... when she gets back to school."

A server came with their sundae orders. They ate together and laughed, reminiscing the old days that had nearly been long forgotten. Although it was supposed to be a way to cheer Angel up after losing the rest of his true family, Charlie couldn't help but feel a deep sadness. Her parents, especially her father, had always been tough on her and when she had needed them most, they were rarely there. There was only a hand full of times she could recall after she became a teenager where she could without a doubt say they acted like the kind of parents most other children had. Angel and his sister had been her best friends since they were seven, and Mrs. Ragno was almost a surrogate mother to her when her parents weren't around until her passing when they were in high school. Charlie realized her parents had paid more attention to the Ragno children than their own daughter. Why? Did it have something to do with their father and brother being part of the organization her father worked for aside from his firm?

She watched as her parents stared at Angel, laughing about some distant memory when he was caught dressed in her mother's clothing. The poor fellow sucked up the attention and positivity like a starved man in the desert. Charlie had always felt alone when it came to her family. Just like how she was starting to feel alone that moment. Her parents rarely asked how she was doing, and when they did, it was usually because they had hoped to match her with someone well off or hoped she would forget about wanting to be a social worker. Ever since the incident with Seviathan though, they at least would try and offer someone who wasn't a gangster affiliate that she knew of. Perhaps that was their way to ensure she would be ok in the future since she decided long ago she wouldn't be part of any of it? She wasn't sure, but she knew the decision had disappointed her parents, or at least her father who didn't have another heir to take his place. Perhaps that was why he liked Angel so much, even if he was incredibly flamboyant, and had done everything in his power to wrestle him away from Valentino's control. She wasn't dumb. She knew he was waiting for him to sober up before grooming him, which was why he requested he become his secretary when Charlie told him he was out of rehab the first time. Angel had an idea of how things worked, and after finding out the real monster Valentino was, it made some sense to her that he was of greater value to her father because he knew how Valentino and his customers worked, thus catering to their needs when called upon for expansion or downsizing.

Most of her memories with her parents after she started middle school, as it occurred to her, weren't entirely the best. Her father had mostly shown her tough love, and her mother... barely home. Regardless, she loved them, quirks and all. They were her parents, and she knew they loved her too, even if they didn't give her the attention she had wanted while growing up or even then at that moment. It was probably why she had been so absorbed in working and trying to get to a place where she could help people and be there for them when they felt lost and alone, wearing her heart on her sleeves in hopes to have her love reciprocated. Maybe that's why she hadn't been successful in long term relationships until now, because she didn't know the right way to love someone who genuinely cared. Her relationships had always been... controlling. Like how her parents had been with her.

That's what she liked about Alastor. He devoted so much time and effort to their relationship as she did, if not more. He listened, spoke kindly, built up her confidence, and never once made her feel like she was a waste of space or an air head with silly ideas of helping people she didn't know. He understood her better than anyone because he knew about the loneliness she felt. Even with Vaggie, there had been many times, especially during the last year, she couldn't help but feel like she was invisible or didn't matter. It had been what Vaggie wanted, what she needed, and when Charlie tried to give the Hispanic woman her all, it wasn't enough.

However, Alastor had noticed her, broke her out of a shell she didn't know she had formed, and brought her an immense amount of comfort. She had been so scared he'd leave her when she told him the truth about her family's place in the crime ring in town. She hadn't expected him to tell her he didn't care about any of that, only her and what they had. He really did love her, didn't he? It was better than any story she'd ever read.

She smiled as she scooped a glob of strawberry ice cream into her mouth, 'I love him too. I guess it's about time I say as much to him since he's already told me unwillingly.' She giggled, remembering their phone call the day she decided she wanted to be with him not so casually, but exclusively. 'I really love that goofball. So long as I have him with me, I know everything will be ok. Maybe he is the one.' Charlie continued to sit as her parents and Angel chatted, lost in her daydreams of suits, dresses, flowers, and wedding bells. 'It doesn't hurt to dream.'

One thing did bother her a little, and she had nearly forgotten about it until she heard the name again, 'What business would Valentino, a porn producer, have at a radio station? I wonder if Al would remember. Since Angel remembers seeing Al, I wonder if he would recall meeting Angel too? I just wish I had introduced him to my best friend sooner before all this. Kinda awkward, but I guess it'll be a nice conversation starter for them at the gala.'

Charlie arrived at Alastor's apartment in the evening. She shivered as the air became cold and damp, storm clouds rolling in from the east threatening to unleash their load within the hour. Carefully, she unlocked the door, unsure if he was sleeping, and tiptoed inside. Gently, she closed the door and set a paper bag on the dining room table. Charlie scrunched her nose as she smelled the faint scent of medicinal ointment coming from the living room as she walked toward the bedroom but smiled gently as she spotted Alastor sprawled on the couch and snoring slightly as he slept shirtless. She then bit her lower lip as her eyes fell to the bandage that wrapped around his chest and shoulder to cover his wound. 'Dummy still doesn't wear his brace.' She knelt beside him and brushed his brunette hair away from his eyes.

She stared at his peaceful face, admiring his boyish charm whilst he slept. He was always well groomed, with softly defined eyebrows that matched his coffee colored hair, long lashes, high cheek bones, slender nose, and a well-defined jawline. His skin was unblemished, naturally sun kissed except from the neck up and his hands which were a shade darker as he was usually fully dressed to cover his marred skin. Her eyes traveled down his torso, gliding over the scars that marked him, yet didn't make him any less handsome. He was lean with broad shoulders and a narrow waist, his muscles toned rather than bulky, yet still incredibly strong for someone of his stature. Her eyes softened as he whispered her name in his sleep, turn his head a little as he continued to sleep.

"Wake up sleepy head." She purred as her hand traveled to his cheek to cup it. "Dinner's here."

Alastor leaned into her warmth and mumbled what Charlie assumed was French, before groggily opening his eyes. He gave her a crooked smile as he reached up to hold her hand once his vision focused, "Welcome home, darling. I didn't realize I had fallen asleep." 'How is it that she is my greatest weakness, but greatest strength? With her, I feel like I can accomplish anything and be normal.' he mused as the fogginess in his head lifted. He stifled a yawn.

Charlie blushed. 'Home.' "Sleep well? You didn't try to punch me this time for waking you." The two laughed, remembering the first few times Charlie had unintentionally woken him up by startling him.

He nodded as he sat up and stretched the best he could with his healing wound, "I suppose I must still be dreaming then, for there's an angel in my living room. This is a dream I would hate to wake up from." He leaned over and gave her cheek a chaste kiss. "Or perhaps I died in my sleep from overdosing and this is heaven."

Charlie rolled her eyes but smiled widely as her blush darkened, "You are so fucking corny, but morbid, I swear." She shook her head, "I promise, I'm real." She kissed his lips as she stood up, "I hope you're hungry. I got us some curry from that Thai spot you like down the stre- hey!"

Alastor grabbed her hand and yanked her down to sit on his lap. He nuzzled into her neck and hair to hide the worry etched on his face and took a deep breath. 'I won't let anything happen to you. I won't ever let Vox or any of his cohorts near you if I can help it.' "You are much too kind, my dear! However, I would have gladly made us some jambalaya or gumbo. Or maybe some chicken soup as the weather is quite nice for it." He looked at her and grinned as she craned her neck to stare back at him.

"You should be resting and not move your arm so much until that heals a little more, Al." She huffed as slid off his lap to retrieve their dinner, much to his dismay.

He waved it off, "It's alright. I took some painkillers when I got back so I don't feel much. I'll be sure to put it in the brace starting tomorrow, if it will please you." She nodded and smiled. Alastor chuckled, "So, how was the rest of your day, sweetheart? You seem to be doing better than this morning."

Charlie returned and went to work to serve the both of them. She sighed as she paused and looked ahead, unfocused as she recalled her afternoon, "It was... good. We all definitely needed it, you know? It's rare for us to have family time," she set the serving utensils down and balled her hands into fists on her lap, "and Angel is very much like a brother to me as he is a son to my parents, but... I realized something." Alastor noticed the sadness creep back into her eyes as she returned to prepping their plates. He tilted his head a little to the right as his brows furrowed in worry once again, "I don't mean much to my parents." She concluded.

Alastor was taken aback, "Oh? Why would you say that?" He reached out to hold her hand as she set his plate before him, "If it means anything to you, you mean a great deal to me. It may not be the same, but I hope it's enough." 'We could be a family one day. I just need to tie up some loose ends before I can work towards that.'

Her smile returned, much to his relief, as she looked at him, "I... I know. It's just that, my parents were genuinely concerned about Angel and it's not that I'm upset about that or anything, I've been worried about him too, but the way they treated him and comforted him today... They never really gave me that much attention and compassion when I needed it most, especially after him. So it made me feel a little..."

"Jealous?" he finished for her. She nodded, feeling tears well up. "Oh, Charlie..." He hugged her around the shoulders, resting his cheek upon her head as she sobbed and clung to him, "Shh, shh... it's ok." He rubbed her back as she buried her face into his chest, careful to not rub against his injury. Alastor didn't care about the physical pain he felt as he was more concerned about Charlie's emotional state. "What happened?" He pulled away from her and cupped her face in his large callous hands, wiping away her tears with his thumbs before kissing her forehead. "S'll te plaît, ne pleure pas, ma chère. Je suis là pour toi."

She sniffled and smiled up at him, "I'm sorry. It's been an emotional roller coaster the last twenty-four hours. I'll be ok." She sighed, "What matters is that someone at least genuinely cares for me. Thank you, Alastor. I..." she hesitated. He searched her eyes, begging her to continue, yet somewhat worried what it could be. Both their hearts were pounding, yet neither could hear the other. She took a shuddered breath, "I..." he quieted her with a finger to her lips.

"Hush now, my dear, no need to thank me." He bent down and gently kissed her lips. "Just know I will cherish you always and will be by your side for as long as you will allow it."

Her eyes brimmed with fresh tears that threatened to fall, "You... you really are a cheesy bastard." She laughed, grabbing his hands still on her cheeks and pulled them away to hold them in front of her. "I love you for that. I love everything about you, Alastor LaChapelle-Gallow."

Alastor felt as if the wind was knocked out of him the second time that day. His eyes widened in shock as his mouth hung agape. 'Did she just...?' "Charlie..."

"Is it too soon to say 'I love you', Al?" She looked up at him, a bright blush on her cheeks as worry crept into her eyes. She gnawed her lower lip, waiting for him to say something. 'I hope I didn't misread him. Charlie, you fucking dumbass! You've only been official for a little while and the both of you started off as fuck buddies. God, this is probably the worse time to say it after everything that's happened too.'

Alastor's heart fluttered. 'She loves me.' his mind raced, 'She said she loves me!' He felt butterflies in his stomach and for a moment, wondered if he really was still dreaming.

Charlie opened her mouth to say something as his reaction, or lack thereof, was making her uneasy, but she was surprised as his lips came crashing down on hers, one hand grabbing her tightly by the waist to bring her as close to him as humanly possible, while the other weaved itself into her thick mane of golden hair behind her head. Her arms snaked themselves around his neck as she returned the kisses that became heated, their mouths ravaging one another as they nipped and licked. After a few moments, they pulled back for much needed air, their foreheads pressed against one another as they stared lovingly into one another's eyes.

"Charlie... you have no idea how much I wanted to hear you say that." His eyes glazed over. He couldn't tell what he was feeling but wondered if this was what it felt like to have the need to cry out of happiness. He hadn't cried for anything since he was a child.

"Oh really?" she snickered, relieved that she hadn't imagined it all. "I couldn't tell." How could she not have known? He was everything that she ever desired in a partner, and he also never ceased to amaze her with the littlest gestures that told her how much he really did care. She could see a clear future with him.

"I love you, Charlie." Her heart felt like it was going to burst as she gave him the biggest smile he had ever seen. "Ever since that night in the bar, the moment I laid eyes on you," He reached up to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear, "I thought you were the most captivating woman in the world and never in my wildest dreams would I have thought you would ever consider to be with someone like me." He leaned back and lifted her face gently with a finger under her chin, "I had been content to just be your lover until you grew bored, even if it would hurt to tear myself away from you, but goodness gracious, sweetheart, I never dreamed such a gentle soul as yours could ever love me back." He wiped away her tears that began to stream down her cheeks as she gave him a wavering smile. 'I have to end things with Vox, one way or another. I can't see myself without her.'

"Al..."

"Je t'aimerai pour toujours, si tu me laisses, Charlie. Come." He gently pulled her away from the dining room toward the bedroom.

"But... what about dinner? It'll get cold." She followed him without resistance but looked over her shoulder at the table. She sniffled a little, her tears finally dried as she wiped the rest away with the back of her hand.

"I'm hungry for something else."

"Your shoulder though." She looked back at him; concern etched on her features. "We... we shouldn't. In fact, you should have worn your brace today to stabilize it. You could make things worse, babe."

"It doesn't matter right now. Laissez-moi vous montrer à quel point je tiens à toi." He pushed open the bedroom door. "All I want, and all I need right now, is you."

"I really need to learn French." she sighed. As soon as they were near the bed, Alastor turned toward her and cupped her cheek once more as he dipped down to place a gentle kiss on her now swollen lips. It had been so delicate yet screamed with so much affection and need. He reached out with his good arm and gently slid his hand alongside the curves of her torso to her hip, then urged her leg to lift up to hook onto his waist as he pressed his hips against hers, while his other hand rested around her petite waist.

Charlie placed one arm around his neck and trailed butterfly kisses along his jaw, down his neck where she gave it a nip that caused him to moan faintly, before giving his collar bone an open mouth smooch. She scraped the nails of her free hand down his torso as she looked back up at him, her lips parting as her eye lids drooped.

"Al?"

"Yes, my love?"

Her heart skipped a beat at the new term of endearment, "Will you...? Oh!"

He had moved his hand from her waist to her bottom and gave it a squeeze, "Make love to you? Absolutely."

She laughed, "I was going to say, could you held unzip me?"

He allowed her leg to fall back down as he took a step back to admire her. He smiled at her attire. She wore a knee length black skater dress with a soft pink band down the middle with white floral lace on top. It was simple, but she looked stunning with her hair done in an elegant French braid. He gently turned her around, moving her hair to rest over her left shoulder, and began to unzip her slowly, kissing the exposed skin between her shoulder blades. Charlie turned her head to peer at him from over her right shoulder, inhaling sharply as she felt his lips leave small butterfly kisses on her.

He stood up again and pushed the dress off her shoulders to pool around her ankles. Her arms came up to cover her chest. Her heartbeat quickened as he ran his hand down her upper back, taking hold of the clasp of her bra and quietly unfastened it before continuing to roam his hands down her waist to rest upon her hips, covered by silk red panties, his favorite color. He grabbed them gently and pulled her back toward his mostly bare chest. He leaned forward and whispered in her right ear.

"Please don't cover yourself up, darling. I want to see you."

"You've seen me naked before." She smirked, though the blush returned to her cheeks.

He slid her bra straps off her shoulders, and caressed the softness of her arms, "If that's the case, why are you being so shy, hmm?" He reached underneath her arms to grab hold of her breasts and gave them a squeeze, "I promise to be gentle."

She shuddered, "I... I know. It's just that... it's our f-first time... ah!" He pinched her nipples, causing them to harden, "Since we... mmm... confessed. It's different, kind of."

He whispered in her ear. "I have every attention of showing you how much you mean to me." Ever so carefully, he bit her neck, eliciting a moan from his girlfriend as he found her sweet spot's precise location. "I've been wanting to show you how much I love you, darling, and now I don't have to worry about you running away."

Charlie turned in his arms and wrapped her arms around his neck, mindful of his injury, "Why would I run away?" She whispered, standing on her tip toes to kiss his jaw.

He turned his head and caught her lips for another heated kiss, his tongue snaking into her mouth to play with hers for a moment before retreating as he gently nibbled her lower lip and pulled it slightly with his teeth. "As I've said, there are some things about me you don't know about, and should you ever learn about them, I'm afraid you would see me in a different light."

Charlie's hand found the button of his pants and slowly unfastened it before unzipping them. "Al, all I care about right now is the present, me being here with you." She blushed, "Whatever you did in the past, I don't care because that isn't the you, you are now. People change." Alastor's eyes widened with surprise, "I love you as you are now, and how you will be, but I'm sure I would have fallen in love with you regardless as you were then. I really meant it when I said I love everything about you." She pushed his pants and boxer briefs down, his erection springing up. With her right hand, she carefully cupped his scrotum, causing him to gasp, as she stroked him with her left, "The past stays in the past because I didn't know you then and wouldn't know why you did the things you had done up until we met. I don't believe in judging people on past mistakes, so long as they work to repent for the mistakes they've made. Whatever it is you've done, I'm sure it's not as bad as you may believe. I think we met each other at the time we needed to, and it won't change how I feel about you now."

'If only you knew what I've done... you wouldn't say that.' He thought sadly, yet moaned as she began to fondle his testicles, "So, you believe you and I are meant to be?"

Her blush grew as she thought about her earlier daydream of her walking down the aisle, "Maybe." she whispered so low, he almost didn't hear it had it not been for her lips moving. "Is your arm going to be ok?" her motions ceased as she looked at him with concern again.

He hooked his thumbs into the waistband of her panties and slid them off her, "We'll worry about it later." One of his hands reached for her aching core, his ring and middle finger brushing against her slick netherlips, "Goodness, you're already so wet, darling."

She gasped as her thighs squeezed together. "Oh... Al... Ah!" His fingers ghosted over her clitoris as he pulled his hand away. The both of them stepped out of the remainder of their clothes that had pooled at their ankles. Before he could move, Charlie knelt before him and without warning, ran her tongue from his sac to the tip of his throbbing manhood. He groaned as he stared into her large bedroom eyes. Unsure of what to do with his hands, he carefully ran them through her hair, giving her scalp a gentle massage as she took as much of him into her mouth as she could, her smaller hands gripping him tenderly. Alastor felt his muscles tense as her teeth teasingly grazed against the side of his cock, her tongue cradling him delicately from the underside. She bobbed her head slowly, taking a little more of him deeper and deeper into her mouth each time until his entire length slid down her throat.

Her eyes glistened as she fought back the choking sensation, instead concentrating on the hot and velvety smooth appendage in her mouth and his salty taste. One hand returned to fondle him while the other rested on his thigh. She kept a steady rhythm until Alastor unexpectedly stepped back and in one quick motion, picked her up and tossed her toward the bed, clenching his teeth as the stitches on his wound threatened to tear.

No, he would not show weakness to her. As mind numbingly painful as it had been, he needed to know he was strong, and even stronger with her by his side. She would not be his weakness, but his greatest strength and treasure. She laid sprawled on the bed, looking inviting and mesmerizing as she opened her legs for his eyes to gaze upon her needy core that glistened and dripped with her essence. His breathing became labor as he slid in between her legs, burying his face into her folds to dip his tongue as far as it could go inside her to drink as much of her as he could.

Charlie gasped and let out a yip of pleasure, arching her back as she shut her eyes tightly and gripped the bed sheets. Alastor groaned as his mouth was filled with her flavor. She was definitely his favorite meal next to his mother's jambalaya recipe. He ran his tongue up along her slit and flicked her bud. He then slowly moved his tongue around it, smirking as she flinched and gasped his name. He could feel her struggling to resist bucking up into his face, fearing she would hurt him.

"It's alright, love, no need to hold back. I want to hear every breath you take and feel you move beneath me. I enjoy pleasing you." He peered at her from over her soft mound and between the valley of her breasts that began to heave from excitement. She opened her legs wider, inviting him to continue as she gripped the back of her legs and lifted her legs up for him. He didn't need to be told of what she wanted. Carefully, he placed his lips around her clit and gave it a little suck. Charlie moaned loudly as her eyes closed.

"Oh god..."

He ravaged her for a few minutes and sensed her orgasm already building. Normally he would continue until she made a mess of his face, but not tonight. He wanted to feel her inner muscles ripple around his cock again and again. He pulled away, causing her to lazily open and focus her eyes on him with question. He licked his lips slowly as he crawled up her body until he his face hovered above her own. Charlie lifted her head up to meet his lips for a searing kiss while he positioned himself. He slid inside her hot cavern effortlessly and let out a breath as she pulsed around him. He snaked an arm around her waist and without warning, leaned back and lifted her up with him until she sat on his lap. They hadn't lost their connection as she rolled her hips. His face was at eye level with her chest as he stared back up at her. Charlie ran her hands through his hair and kissed the top of his head as they began to rock into one another in a slow, steady motion.

Alastor caught one of her nipples in his mouth and began to tease it with his tongue, much like how he did her clitoris.

"Ah... Al..." Charlie gasped, arching her back to feed him more of her teat. Alastor bit her nipple and pulled at it, causing Charlie to hiss in pain that turned her on even more. He then swirled his tongue around it to soothe it and leaned back a little to look into Charlie's face. They kissed gently, pouring their love into the kiss. Charlie began to roll her hips to stimulate her sensitive clit as Alastor's hands roamed her body, his lips continuing to shower her chest and neck with kisses, meeting her hips with thrusts of his own.

"Charlie," he murmured as he kissed her collar bone and squeezed her behind, "I love you."

She wrapped her arms around his neck, "I... I love you too." she gasped. "Oh!"

Alastor rolled them until he was above her, bracing himself with his uninjured arm as he caressed her face with his other hand. He kissed her tenderly as his hand continued to travel along her body, feeling every inch of her he could reach until he found her hand that had been laying at her side, and intertwined their fingers together and brought it up to rest beside her head. He once again began a slow, steady rhythm as their kiss ended.

"You're so beautiful." He whispered.

Charlie blushed, a shy smile on her lips, "You're not so bad looking yourself." They both chuckled then gasped as he pushed into her harder, hitting her secret spot that inched her closer to the edge. "Ah...Alastor..."

His tempo increased as sweat began to form on their bodies. Their lips connected once more. Charlie stroked his back lovingly with her free hand as her other squeezed his hand, teasing his heated flesh with her fingernails.

"Charlie... I'm..." he panted as he raised his head to stare at her.

"Yes... please... I need it. I need you." she groaned, "Fill me up like you always do, baby."

Like a broken damn, their orgasms hit at the same time. Alastor thrusted into her one last time before his entire body shook. Charlie cried out as she felt the sudden warmth of her own release rush out of her, letting go of his hand to hold him close to her as she buried her face in the crook of his neck. Her eyes watered from the intensity of her orgasm, a sob escaping her lips as she cried his name. Her thighs squeezed her his hips with all their might.

Finally spent, Alastor collapsed on top of her then groaned as he rolled to his side to pull her into him. He struggled to open his eyes as he panted, "You're... crying..."

She laughed as she ran her hands through her hair to remove it from her face, "Damn... That was... holy crap. I came hard."

Alastor snickered. "Mmm, yes, I could tell." He wiped her tear away with a knuckle as he smiled lovingly at her, "I love you, Miss Charlotte Magne. With all my heart." He kissed her temple. "Please never doubt it. I would do anything for you."

"I know. I love you too, Al." She snuggled into him and yawned.

They remained silent for a while until Charlie's breathing evened out. He looked down at her peaceful face with a small smile on her lips.

"After I tie up these loose ends, I'll spend the rest of my life repent for my sins, just so I can stay with you. Nothing will ever break us apart, my dear, because you've changed me." He lifted a hand and stared intently at it, his brows furrowed, "There's too much blood on my hands to wash away, but hopefully, it won't stain you once I'm done with this." Images of Mimzy's frightened face surfaced, causing him to frown. He took a deep breath to steady his nerves as her lifeless body was replaced by Charlie's, her blood and brain matter sprayed across the floor. "I won't let anything happen to you."

He reached for his phone on his nightstand and opened up an texting app. He located the thread he needed.

-What exactly do I need to do to terminate my contract? I know tying up loose ends and being a watch dog it.- He waited a few moments before a reply was given. He rolled his eyes.

-Details to be given at the gala-

"Figures." he sighed, tucking his phone under his pillow as he kissed the top of Charlie's head, "It's worth it for you, though. I'd walk on hot coals if I have to and for once, I want the same thing Mimzy did." He clicked his tongue, "At least she's finally resting in peace."

Just letting you know, I will be trying to wrap up this story before continuing with Dearest Little Pet