Kota has something important to ask Lizzy but what will she say.
Songs in chapter:
Always by Frank Sinatra
I Cross My Heart by George Strait
Ch 69: Will You?
(Heart's POV)
Everything was going to plan. I was so excited to get up this morning, besides Elena waking up that morning which woke me up. I was ready. We had it planned for today. I was excited.
For two weeks we had this day ready for Kota. Once I told him we could do the date two weeks from that day he agreed. So after that I went around calling people up, he would be ok to have there
Russ and Angel agreed right away, they were there for the couple's day they announced their feelings and they'd love to be there for this next chapter of their lives. Charlie and Vaggie said they wanted to come but they had an important meeting with Charlie's parents that day and couldn't miss it. So unfortunately, they wouldn't be there.
I feel it was ok if only the small group was there. We didn't want to overcrowd the two. Plus I knew Kota was probably nervous, so I didn't want to make the guy even more so.
We all agreed to meet at noon at the end of the dirt road, just like we did the first time. Alastor and I made some lunch snacks for everyone the night before so we would be ready. Of course when I woke up this morning, I could have gotten it all done, but I had to take care of Elena all morning anyway.
When we left the house it was a bit before noon. I made sure to dress Elena into something that would be light on her since it was a little hot that day. Rufio was so ready to go and run around. I am sure he would have fun in that clearing. I wore just a button up shirt and a pair of jeans. Alastor was dressed down slightly and just wasn't wearing his coat with his sleeves rolled up, his mic cane in hand.
We didn't want to take Elena in the stroller, it was too hard when going through the woods, so we used the carrier that Charlie had bought us a few months ago. Getting the kid in it was a little hard but once we were all snug into it and strapped to my back, we were fine. Getting adjusted to having about 20 pounds on your back wasn't easy but I could deal with it.
It was easy to just slip my wings through the straps and I would fold them against me to give her a little bit of comfort. She found my wings to be very interesting. She liked to touch them, but that was probably because the leathery feel of them were new and weird to her.
I held Rufio by his leash as he walked beside me. He always enjoyed a nice walk, but this was going to be a new spot for him, so I hope he behaved. Alastor walked next to me and held my hand as we went down the dirt road. Luckily, the day was nice, and it was only a bit cloudy. Was just a perfect day.
We walked and Elena babbled in the carrier as she was looking around. It was new to see the forest like this instead of in the car. She played with my wings, I didn't mind, but sometimes her sharp nails would dig into them. I really needed to clip those, bad enough that she had a small scratch on her face already from them.
Elena was soon starting to take interest in the stuffed deer that's been in her crib. Made me happy to see that she took to it. Lately she has been babbling to it, almost like she is having a conversation with a best buddy, but only he can understand. That's ok, I knew it would help her out. Good thing I remembered to bring the stuffed deer with us, otherwise we'd have a problem. She loved the thing. She honestly didn't want to be without it now.
With her teeth growing in she could be a little cranky when they were bugging her. I try to help her out, but of course Alastor does the old ways and will rub a little bit of whiskey along her gums. Honestly, it works the best of the other ways I've tried so I just let him do it.
We reached the end of the dirt road and stood to wait for the others to arrive. I commanded Rufio to sit and he did so. I adjusted the weight from the baby on my back. As we stood there I looked up at Alastor and I just leaned up to kiss his cheek.
Alastor placed a hand on his cheek and looked down at me surprised, "What was that for?"
"What, am I not allowed to kiss my own husband?" I asked jokingly as I chuckled.
Alastor just grinned, "You can kiss me all you want dear." He leaned down to kiss my forehead.
"You're just amazing Al." I smiled as I wagged my tail.
"I admire your flattery darling." He said as he leaned back up and put a hand to his chest. "Why ever so am I amazing?" He twirled his mic cane and tucked it under his arm.
"You know why?" I said and I crossed my arms to look at him with a raised eyebrow.
Alastor laughed. When Alastor laughed that caused Elena to laugh too, she didn't know why but she liked to laugh when someone else did. We both gave a chuckle at her for her outburst of laughter. It was nice to hear to be honest.
The deer demon cleared his throat, "Of course I know why, but it's nicer coming from you my love." He took his hand to caress my cheek.
A blush came onto my face then at his words and I glanced at the ground a moment. "That list would be too long honey." I finally managed to say.
"Give me a few things then, entertain me." Alastor said as he put his arms up into the air.
"I don't think I'm a good form of entertainment for you." A shy smile came onto my face.
It's not like I was lying. Alastor's form of entertainment can be a little on the bloody side. Makes me wonder how I can be entertaining for him. That's something I've always wondered and never asked about. I just never found it important.
"Of course you are my dear." Alastor grabbed my chin to make me look up at him. "You're a special kind of entertainment for me." He let go of my chin and poked my nose lightly. "One of the many reasons why I love you."
My tail wagged behind me as I put my ears to the side in content. "Such a talker you are." I told him.
"I know my ways with words and I certainly know the right ones to use for you sweetheart." The radio demon winked as he gave off a small static chuckle.
He leaned down to capture my lips in a kiss, and I wanted to melt into him. Of course I had to keep on steady legs and make sure my knees didn't buckle. Mainly to make sure the baby didn't fall out of her carrier on my back. The last thing I need is a baby on the ground and for her to get hurt.
Alastor wrapped his arms around my waist and pulled me closer to him. I wrapped my arms around his shoulders and my hands found his short hair on the back of his head.
Such a needy man and I honestly didn't mind. He was a lot more handsy the last few days and he wanted to be a lot more affectionate and I was ok with that. I feel it was because of the little one on my back that was the cause of his distress. I'm sure we'll have to take a day off and have a day together. I'll have to plan that soon as well.
Our kissing was interrupted when I heard the baby on my back start to cheer and wiggle around more on her carrier. Her babbling starting up and I looked over my shoulder to see her pointing.
We pulled apart and looked down the sidewalk to see all four of the demons we were waiting for. We pulled apart once they got closer and Lizzy was the first one to stop and cross her arms.
"Even with a baby on your back you two can't keep apart." Lizzy said as she rolled her eyes.
"She just makes it hard is all. Get it in while you can." I told her with a laugh.
Lizzy made a fake gag noise, "Please." She huffed.
We both just laughed and went to greet everyone else.
As I looked at Kota you could see the nervousness in his eyes. He was playing with his hands and I saw a small sweat on his brow already. The poor guy was so nervous. I can understand since I was on that boat already. Even though I wasn't the one that asked I could still tell how nervous Alastor was.
I was nervous for him to. I knew my sister but at the same time she could be surprising. She could say yes. She could say no. Only when that happened would we have to know. It was a no brainer for me but for Lizzy it was a different story.
She never talked about being married, not even when she dated Victor. Never crossed her mind. To be honest it would be hard to see my sister in a wedding dress instead of leather. She probably would be out of the ordinary and wouldn't wear a wedding dress at all. Was hard enough to get her a dress for my wedding.
Then again, Lizzy was full of surprises. So who knows what she'll say or do? I just had to cross my fingers that things didn't crash.
"I hope everyone is doing well this fine afternoon." Alastor greeted the rest as he put his hands out, his mic cane in hand up in the air as well.
After we all greeted one another we decided to head off. Alastor led the way again but I was beside him as he went to hold my hand again. Angel and Russ were behind us while Kota and Lizzy brought up the rear. When we got off the dirt road and walked through the trees we eventually arrived at the clearing where, once again, Kota was going to be put on the spot.
(Third Person POV)
When Lizzy woke up this morning, she could already tell something was up with Kota. Besides him sleeping in bed with her last night, that was normal, but the love making they had before bed felt more...meaningful. She wasn't sure if that was the word to use, but it was a little special in a way. She didn't understand why.
She was honestly fine with it. It was different. He was touchier and more talkative. Told her almost every minute that he loved her. Hell he even let her take control at one point for a period and she wasn't used to that. Sure she was the leader for her gang, but she was a bottom for the most part. Being in control in the bedroom like that was honestly the most fun she had. She hopes they do it again sometime.
As they got ready that morning for this little triple date, she almost felt like it was Deja vu. Kota brought his guitar. She even forgot her cigarette lighter again. Ironic. Was weird to be living their first date over again, but she thought it was a nice change of pace. Plus it's been a while since they all got to hang out together.
Meeting Angel and Russ on the way there wasn't expected, but it was nice to walk with the two and chat for a little while. Ask how we were all doing. I noticed that Kota was silent almost the whole time. Something must have been on the boy's mind. Usually when he was lost in thought you were better off talking to a wall. Usually he doesn't think that deep but when he was serious, so I let him be.
Kota was a nervous wreck. He was trying to think of what to say to Lizzy. He was expecting the best but also the worse. Would she say yes? Would she say no? If she wasn't ready, then he would understand. Maybe it was fast on his part, but it was worth a shot. If she wanted to wait, so be it. He would wait for her. The thing would be, would he be ok hearing that from her? How would he react. Time would have to tell.
When they arrived at the meeting spot, of course Lizzy would see her sister locking lips with Alastor. When did that not happen? At least the baby on her back alerted them that they were coming.
Lizzy loved her niece. She thought she was the sweetest thing ever. Was weird to see how such a sweet kid could come from a psycho killer radio host. Then again, Heart was as sweet as they came. So it seemed Elena took after her. Good. The last thing she needed was another Alastor walking around.
What did she see in him again? Eh whatever, it didn't matter. They were all happy together and that's what she should care most about. Elena was the best thing to happen to them after everything they were through before her. She was needed for them. She could tell though; the parents wanted a small break from their bundle of light that's for sure.
When they came into the clearing again it was just as pretty as she remembered the last time. The flowers were still in bloom around and the tree still stood tall in the middle. She was needing a relaxing day away and she hoped she would get it.
The group walked towards the tree and they sat down in the same spot they did before. Alastor used his powers to materialize a blanket and the food they had prepared the day before. One good perk about Alastor that Lizzy enjoyed. The man knew how to cook and did it well. She couldn't wait.
As they all sat down, Alastor helped Heart out by taking Elena off her back from the carrier and putting her down on the blanket. She was sitting up at first, but she soon fell back and was now laying on her back. The girl started to laugh and wag her tail as she laid there on the blanket. Rufio laid on the outside of the blanket but he kept a watchful eye on the baby.
Heart hovered over her, "What are you doing silly girl?"
Elena just laughed again in response and that just made Heart chuckle. Elena rolled over from her back and onto her stomach still laughing. She saw Rufio not far off and was reaching for the hound. What sounded like 'Ro' came from the girl as she babbled to the hound.
Everyone watched how cute the girl was.
"So has she said any real words yet?" Angel asked as he was laying back on his lower set of arms.
Heart shook her head. "Not yet. We are getting there though." She then pulled out some toys for the girl to play with to keep her distracted. "I've figured out what she is saying though. The farthest we got was Ma and Da. Rufio is Ro." She then pulled out the stuffed deer for the girl and put it next to her. "We call our stuff animal O, so she must have a name for it."
Elena saw the stuffed deer and cheered as she went to hug it and kept saying 'O' repeatedly. She wrapped her arms around it and brought it closer to her until she was snuggled into its neck. They all laughed at the cuteness.
Angel then looked to Alastor. "Hey Smiles, I'll never understand how you made such a cute kid."
Heart laughed. "She is cute, but then so is Al."
"More like, creepy." Lizzy mumbled.
Alastor glared at the group across from him and let off static for a moment before letting it die. "I may have helped but I don't think I had any control over anything else. Also just because I am who I am shouldn't mean a thing."
Heart reached over and laid a hand over Alastor's that laid in his lap. "It doesn't honey, don't worry." She looked over to Angel with slanted eyes, "Can we not have an argument today please. Nor be one to judge people for who they are or what they've done. Just a nice relaxing day, alright?"
Angel nodded, "Sorry babe, I promise to behave."
"You better." Russ muttered as he wrapped an arm around Angel's waist.
Angel just smiled and leaned down to kiss his boyfriend on the cheek.
The air was lifted when Elena laughed again. This time the baby had abandoned her stuffed animal as she threw it. She was trying to get onto her knees.
"How has her crawling been going?" Lizzy asked.
"Better, we are almost there. Slowly getting it. She goes to that position and has a hard time just staying on our knees." Heart told her.
"She just needs that little push. She'll get there in no time." Lizzy reassured her.
As the group started to talk with each other Kota stayed silent. Lost in his thoughts. He was trying to put together his words. He held his guitar next to him, thinking if there was a song he could sing to her before he popped the question. Why was this so hard? He had two weeks to figure this out. He thought he would be fine, but he found it to be the complete opposite. Thinking it up on the fly but it wasn't as easy as he thought it was going to be.
Heart noticed the man having trouble but didn't want to say anything. There had to be some way to calm his nerves. How though? At least he was eating but he was quiet as could be. She noticed his guitar behind him and was wondering if music would help him out like it did the first time.
Heart turned to Alastor, "Al, Kota is so nervous look at him." She whispered in his ear.
Alastor looked quickly at the man before turning back to his wife. "What do you have in mind dear?"
"Will you play something? Sing something? Might calm him down." Heart suggested.
"I'll think of it dearest. Give me a few moments." Alastor replied and kissed her nose before turning back to everyone.
"You know my friends; I feel a nice song is in order what do you say?" Alastor asked them.
"I think that's a good idea." Russ answered.
"I wouldn't mind one." Angel added.
Lizzy just shrugged as Kota just nodded. Heart looked to Kota and smiled. She was right that maybe a little song would help Kota.
"Wonderful!" Alastor cheered to stood up from the blanket.
He snapped his fingers and his shadow friends appeared under the tree to help him out. Heart was curious as to what Alastor was going to sing.
Elena was curious as her dad stood up and watched him walk away. She started to feel sad with her dad getting up and leaving her. Heart saw Elena's ears going back so she decided to grab the girl before she freaked out. She set Elena down in her lap, so she was facing Alastor. She held her hands out to him.
"No no sweetie, daddy's going to sing. You'll see. He isn't going anywhere. It's ok." Heart cooed to the girl to calm her.
Elena put her arms down but still wasn't satisfied. She didn't try to cry at least.
Alastor saw the little scene take place and gave a small chuckle to himself. The girl was just curious and didn't like the idea of him leaving. He wasn't going far at least.
Soon the music was starting, and it was a slow song.
Alastor started to sing.
"I'll be lovin' you, always
With a love that's true, always"
As Alastor sang Elena finally settled down but wanted out of Heart's lap. So she picked up the girl and put her down in front of her instead. Her trance now on her father.
"When the things you've planned need a helpin' hand
I will understand always, always"
Alastor saw Elena as she looked up at him with aw. He made sure to smile big for her. He started to walk forward.
"Days may not be fair, always
That's when I'll be there, always"
Alastor hit the edge of the blanket and started to walk around. Elena never left his form.
"Not for just an hour, not for just a day"
Alastor got to the side where Heart sat with Elena.
"Not for just a year, but always"
As there was a small break from the lyrics Alastor held his hand out to Heart and she gladly took it. She made sure the baby was fine sitting on her own before standing and he started to pull her forward. Elena only watching with interest as her parents walked away from her a moment. The shadows in the background still playing the music
The two slowly started a small dance but Heart kept her gaze in Alastor's. As they walked back to the front of the blanket Heart looked to see Elena didn't look happy with them leaving her. She had managed to fall forward onto her hands. She finally was in the crawling position she had been having trouble with.
The lyrics started and Alastor sang softly as he watched as well.
"Days may not be fair, always"
Elena moved forward, then moved again. Until she was slowly but surely making her way towards them. Rufio lifted his head and watched closely as she moved.
"That's when I'll be there, always"
Heart was so excited to see the girl was in fact crawling over to them, was a small space but she was doing it.
"Not for just an hour, not just a day"
As she got to the edge of the blanket Alastor decided to pick her up and sang the last line of the song. Almost as if singing it to her.
"Not for just one year but always"
Alastor stopped singing and Elena started to do a small cheer. Others were kind of in shock at what they saw. The girl probably didn't even realize what she accomplished. She was probably cheering because of Alastor.
"Oh my goodness I can't believe she just did that." Lizzy said in awe.
Heart looked at her sister with a smile, "I'm honestly shocked. That was amazing." She glanced over to her husband who still held onto their daughter. "Did you plan that Al?"
Alastor chuckled, "Perhaps, but I'll never share with you." Alastor told them as Elena grabbed the base of his ear. He looked at the girl. "You did a wonderful job my little light." He rubbed his nose with hers.
All she did was babble 'Da' and rubbed her nose against his.
Heart mentally awed at them and just looked with happy content.
"Yay the girl can crawl!" Angel cheered.
"Congrats guys." Russ said and he clapped slightly.
Heart chuckled while Alastor started getting his hair pulled a little.
"Thanks, but I feel that's enough spotlight for us right now." Heart said.
"I agree." Alastor added and he looked to Kota. "I see you brought your guitar, old sport. What do you say you play a tune yourself?"
Kota was now put on the spotlight. Alastor was giving him this open chance. This moment of opportunity. This was his moment to do what he needed to do. He took in a breath and let it out slow.
"Sure. Sounds like a fun plan." Kota grabbed his guitar out of its case and stood up.
Alastor held onto Elena still as the three of them went to sit back down on the blanket. Alastor held the baby in his arms as she started to play with Alastor's hair. Heart sat back down next to them and went to reach beside her to pet Rufio on the head.
Kota tuned his guitar quickly before walking forward and stood in front of everyone. He took a breath again, looked to Lizzy and gave her a smile.
"Please let this give me the courage I need to ask." Kota silently pleaded in his head over and over.
Soon he started to play.
"Our love is unconditional
We knew it from the start
I see it in your eyes
You can feel it from my heart"
Kota had his eyes closed as he sang the first part but opened them and glanced up at Lizzy with a small smile.
"From here on after
Let's stay the way we are right now
And share all the love and laughter
That a lifetime will allow"
Kota started to move slowly as he sang and was heading back to the blanket.
"I cross my heart
And promise to
Give all I've got to give
To make all your dreams come true
In all the world
You'll never find
A love as true as mine"
Kota winked at Lizzy and the wolf girl felt her ears get hot with a blush. Damn did this man know how to get to her. It was a surprise.
"You will always be the miracle
That makes my life complete
And as long as there's a breath in me
I'll make yours just as sweet
As we look into the future
It's as far as we can see
So let's make each tomorrow
Be the best that it can be"
The man started to walk around the blanket slowly. Even passing by Angel and Russ as he played but his eyes never left Lizzy's
"I cross my heart
And promise to
Give all I've got to give
To make all your dreams come true
In all the world
You'll never find
A love as true as mine
And if along the way we find a day
It starts to storm
You've got the promise of my love
To keep you warm"
Kota reached his hand out to Lizzy as he got up to her. She gladly took his hand and stood up from the blanket in front of him. He played the last part of the song to her.
"In all the world
You'll never find
A love as true as mine
A love as true as mine"
Lizzy gave a small chuckle as she smiled wide and leaned in to give Kota a kiss on his cheek.
"That was very pretty Kota. I loved it." She whispered to him.
"Ok Kota, it's now or never." He said to himself to get him calm to do this.
Kota took off his guitar and laid it down softly on the blanket. He gently took both of Lizzy's clawed hands into his own. Rubbing his thumbs against the back of her hands.
"Lizzy, there's something I want to ask you. I hope it's ok if I say this in front of your sister and friends?" He started off by asking softly.
The wolf girl nodded, unsure what the man had planned.
"Lizzy, I love you so much. More than I ever have loved another before while down here. I know you feel the same love for me. At least I hope you do. So with this in mind, I want you by my side always. Even with everything we have been through already. I am willing to stay by your side during this hell lifetime." Kota took a pause.
Soon Kota reached into his back pocket and then went down onto one knee in front of his girlfriend. He was doing this. He had it in the bag.
Everyone had gone quiet as Kota spoke and were all holding their breaths almost at what was playing before them. They all were secretly cheering Kota on. Heart especially. She was probably more nervous about what her sister was going to say more than anything. Alastor wrapped an arm around her waist to keep her calm as the baby was distracted playing with his ears.
His nerves were shaky, but he tried to keep them in check. Especially once he pulled the box to the front and eventually opened it. Inside was a silver band with a red gem on the end of it.
"Elizabeth Wolfe, l love you so much. I want to know if you will give me the honor of marrying me? Spending our hell lives together? Staying side by side forever?" Kota finally asked.
Lizzy was shocked. Her ears were up and so many things were going through her mind. This was all so...crazy. It was the last thing she expected from Kota. Marriage? She honestly never thought of it. She wasn't even sure if she wanted it. Although looking at how happy her sister was with Alastor made her think about it. Maybe even during their wedding she thought about it.
So many things going through her mind. The what if's and the maybes. Was she even wife material? She wasn't sure. She loved Kota, she loved him so much. He treated her even better than Victor ever did. She appreciated him so much. He did so much for her. She loved everything about him. So of course she always wanted him by her side.
Even so, after all that. She came to a conclusion.
She...wasn't ready. She couldn't do this. As much as she loved Kota, she couldn't say yes. Not yet. She needed time to think of it. It was just too sudden for her.
Lizzy's ears went down. "Kota, I love you. I love you so much. I appreciate everything you do for me and I want to be by your side." Kota's tail wagged as he smiled. "But-" The man's ears went back down. Lizzy reached a hand down and put it on top of Kota's and made him close the ring box, "I'm...I'm not ready. I need time to think this through. This was all so sudden." Lizzy had a tear fall that she had been trying to hold back. "I'm sorry Kota, but my answer is no."
Now everyone was more silent. They felt so bad for Kota right now. Heart's ears were down as she heard her sister talk. It was just as she expected, but she really wanted this to not happen. Poor Kota.
Alastor was also saddened slightly about what he just witnessed. He honestly never seen anyone say no before, then again, Heart's sister was a complicated creature. Hopefully, Kota would be ok.
Russ held onto Angel tightly. The snake demon himself wanted to picture himself there one day, but he was afraid of what Angel would say. That was a day he was looking forward to but just the answer no would be heartbreaking enough.
Kota's actions stopped completely after Lizzy explained herself. He agreed with her, maybe this was too sudden. Something they never talked about with one another. It would have to be something they would have to sit down and discuss. Even though Kota was accepting her answer, that didn't mean that it still didn't hurt. It hurt a lot actually. He was ok, but would he be later? He tried to keep calm.
Kota stood up slowly and put the box back in his pocket. "I understand and I'll wait for you Lizzy. Forever if I have to." He patted his pocket, "If you ever change your mind, I'll have the ring. Sound fair?"
Lizzy was still crying but nodded, not trusting her voice. Kota smiled softly and wrapped his arms around his girlfriend to comfort her. Lizzy accepted the hug and wrapped her arms around him.
This day definitely didn't go as any would have thought.
After the date, the walk home for Kota and Lizzy was a quiet one. They didn't know what to say. The rest of the time they were there they tried to make it as normal as possible but deep-down Kota was starting to feel hurt. His hands in his front pockets as they walked. Lizzy wanted to reach out and loop her arm with his but decided not to. So they just continued their walk.
Lizzy started to go through everything in her head. Her main question being, did she truly want to be married? No not really, but Kota made that idea special. He alone made her want it. Her sister almost made her want it as well. Maybe its something they both had to talk about. She loved Kota so much, she didn't want to loss him over this.
Soon Kota just stopped, Lizzy noticed and stopped back to look at him.
"Kota?" She started. "What's up?"
Kota was silent as his gaze was to the ground and not at Lizzy. "I'm going out with the guys tonight. So you can head home and I'm going to head out."
Lizzy's ears went down, she had a feeling this was her fault. The guys probably were planning to drink with him to celebrate. Now they weren't really going to celebrate anything. Lizzy felt so bad doing this to him, but he said he accepted her decision. Hopefully, he still did and there would be no hard feelings.
"Ok, Kota. You go have fun with the guys. I'll see you at home later." Lizzy finally said.
Kota didn't say anything or even look up at her. Didn't even try to give her a kiss goodbye as he turned around and started walking the other way. Lizzy was honestly downhearted about today and she felt horrible. She sighed as she continued her walk back home. Hopefully having Kota in bed with her by tonight.
Unknown to her, that Kota wouldn't be returning home the same after tonight.
That truly hurt, but I feel it was fitting. Poor Kota. I didn't mean to break your heart man. Plus his owner gave me permission to do this. So it was all in agreement, lol.
