This is it. The final chapter. I was going to end it at 75 but decided not to and wanted to make one more chapter. A bonus one if you will. So, enjoy.
Ch 76: Eternally Yours
(Heart POV)
It was a month after Charlie and Vaggie's wedding. The two went on a cruise thanks to Charlie's parents and they had a wonderful time. With them away we had to watch the hotel. It all was fine and the place didn't burn down. When they came back it was like things were as they usually were.
Everything was as it should. Nothing major was happening. We were all happy. Today though, I took the day off from both jobs. I just needed a small break, and I wanted a day with Elena. Alastor was going to do a morning broadcast at least and then would be back to spend the day with us. He even said he'd make dinner tonight.
When I woke up Alastor was already gone for that morning. He must have left before even Elena got up. She was starting to be on a good schedule for sleep. Although some days were a little more of a hassle than others, where she would miss a nap or just didn't want to take one. Would mess her up slightly, but by the end of the week it would be ok.
I had slept in a little but Rufio didn't come to me to let me know that Elena was awake. I woke up and stretched and noticed the time. I almost got a little worried because of it so I managed to get out of bed and walk downstairs. When I got close to Elena's room, I heard her talking, what she could anyway. I opened the door and I noticed that the 15-month-old was out of her crib and on the floor playing with Rufio.
Surprised by this I stood in the doorway a moment and just watched her. She had managed to climb out of the crib. Oh no. Looks like we had to take some precautions now if someone wanted to be an escape artist. She was playing with her stuffed deer and Rufio as the hound was on the floor. The girl had climbed onto the hounds back and was hugging him. Rufio didn't seem to mind as he laid there with the girl on his back.
"Elena, what are you doing sweetie?" I finally asked as I got myself back to where I was.
The girl looked up at me and smiled. "Ruf. Play." She said as she patted the hound on the head.
I gave a chuckle. "You playing with Rufio?" She nodded. "Now why in the nine circles are you out of your bed? Did you climb?" Again, the girl nodded. "Elena, you shouldn't do that. You could get hurt honey." I said sternly.
The girl didn't seem fazed by the words as she just looked at me with a tilt of her head. In her mind I'm sure she saw nothing wrong. In mine I saw so many things happening. I didn't even want to think of them. The last thing I want is to wake up to a crying kid on the floor and she broke her arm or something. I tried to push those thoughts aside though and went up to her. I saw down on the ground next to Rufio and patted his head as well. The hounds tail wagged.
"Such a good boy you are playing with the baby." I cooed to the hound.
Rufio lifted his head up and looked to me with his tongue hanging out. I gave a chuckle. I saw the stuffed deer on the ground next to the hound and picked it up. I pretended it was walking and that it was climbing up Rufio to his head. Eventually I sat the plush on top of the hound's head.
Elena thought it was funny and laughed and went to reach for the plush. She grabbed it and started to make it go down Rufio's back. She then hugged it close.
I gave a small chuckle and went to pick the girl up from the hounds back.
"Come on silly girl. Let's go have breakfast." I told her as we walked out of her room and to the kitchen.
I sat her down in her highchair and got her some fruit I had for her and some oatmeal. I even made some for myself.
Elena was experimenting trying to feed herself, so I was letting her do what she wanted. She was putting the fruit in her mouth and try to use the spoon. It was a little bit of a mess, but it all was well.
When I was done, I watched her trying to finish.
She looked at me and tried to get my attention. "Mommy." She started.
"Yes, my pup, what do you need?" I wondered as I cleaned up the table.
"Walk?" She asked.
"Walk? You want to take a walk?" I made sure.
Elena nodded excitingly.
I gave a small chuckle. "Well alright then. Let's get cleaned up and we will take a walk."
The girl clapped with excitement as I cleaned up her highchair. I took the girl out and went back to her room to change her into something else. I put her into a red short sleeved shirt and put overalls on her. I made sure to put socks and shoes on her in case she wanted to get up and walk.
Got some things together for her and made sure to get the one stroller out that I could use. I figured we could walk around this side of the city. Be close to Alastor, maybe go by the studio. He usually said that it would be ok if we stopped by, but I knew that he wouldn't be there long today.
I made sure to get Rufio on his leash and I put the loop handle on the stroller so that it would be easier. The hound didn't pull so I knew it would be ok.
Then I got Elena and put her inside the stroller and then we were on our way. We left the house and made our way down the road out of the trees. Elena was bouncing a little in her seat with excitement as we walked. It has been a while since we took a walk so it was a nice change of pace.
We got out of the woods and we made our way down the sidewalk. Was a nice day for a walk I think and I'm glad Elena had the idea. Not many demons out and about right now. The girl mainly behaved herself as we went. She didn't make a noise either. I checked on her to see her just looking around and enjoying the day out. I gave a smile and just kept on going.
We did eventually pass the station. We didn't stop really, but I did slow down a little to just look.
Elena just looked to the woods and looked up at the tower. She pointed to the top. "Daddy?"
Chuckling slightly, I said, "Yes daddy is over there. He'll be home soon so we don't need to bug him today."
"Aww." The girl said after I said that.
"No worries. We'll have all day with him once he's home." I told her.
Elena clapped excited after I said that. As we walked past the radio station and went a few more blocks we decided to turn and make our way around and back home.
Unfortunately for me, my walk was going to become eventful.
As soon as I was halfway home, I saw someone I wasn't expecting at all on this side of town. My mother. She walked across the street from the other side and as she was halfway across, she seemed to notice me. I tried not to make eye contact as I got closer. There was no point in avoiding her or going another way. She would follow me.
As she got across, she walked over to me. "Well, it's a nice coincidence to see you over here."
"I live over here." I told her with no emotion.
Rufio started to growl next to me as the dragon demon got closer. I silenced him and said to stand down. As soon as she got closer, I heard Elena whine from inside her stroller. She still wasn't used to many strangers.
"I'm surprised to see you. That and your alone." I told her.
"It has been just me for the last 15 years honey." Dorothy said, but she didn't have much sadness in her voice when she said it.
I tilted my ear a moment. "I thought you and dad were together?"
"We were." She took a long pause and looked off to the side. "Until he died in an extermination. He was an idiot."
My eyes went wide as my ears went up. "Extermination? I'm honestly surprised."
My mother nodded, "It's honestly the best thing that happened to me. I was less stressed, and my drinking basically went down. I guess your father was a lot of the reason I was drinking. Never realized."
"So, you went clean?" I asked.
"Not entirely no. Here and there. Plus, I have to keep my job." She gave a small chuckle at the end. "I'm sorry I never realized it was you sooner, Ashlyn. Otherwise I would have tried to go to your wedding. Or just be there for you in general."
"For one, my name isn't that anymore." I said with a growl. "And two, since when did you care about me?"
"I always have dear." Dorothy obviously ignored my first statement; my mother was always hard in the head. "I just never realized how special you were until...I didn't have it anymore." I saw her wings drop a moment.
"I realized how better off I was without you." I said coldly. "Even though I regret that night. I wouldn't change it for the life I have." I added.
At that Elena whined louder, "Mommy."
My ears flicked up and I went to the front of the stroller and kneeled down in front of the girl. "What's wrong my pup?"
"Home." The girl whined slightly as she looked like she was about to cry.
"You want to go home?" I made sure I understood.
Elena nodded
I gave her a sad smile, "Give me a minute baby. We'll be heading home soon." I went and petted her head to calm her. I reached into the small bag under the stroller and pulled out her stuffed deer. "Here, hold O for a little bit. I know he'll make you feel comfortable." I went and gave it to the girl who was happy to take it from me and hug it tight.
I stood up and looked back to Dorothy.
"You're a good mother by the way. I can tell." She said to me once I stood up fully.
"Well, I learned what not to do so it became simple." I said as I gave her a glare.
I saw my mother's wings twitch with annoyance at my words. Good. She didn't need me to tell her how shitty of a parent she was to me so I could be the best for my daughter.
Dorothy cleared her throat. "So, is it true you married the Radio Demon?"
"I did. I was lucky to have found Alastor in my circumstances. I originally wanted to try and be redeemed." I gave a chuckle. "All these years of wanting to leave when all I needed was the right person."
"I'm glad you're in good hands. In with an overlord nonetheless." She then had a look of worry. "He does take care of you right? He didn't force anything on you."
Shaking my head, I answered. "Alastor never forced anything on me. He doesn't want anything bad to happen to me. That's why I have Rufio." I patted the hounds head a moment. "Even when not around I always have protection. He loves me and he loves Elena." I smiled.
Dorothy swung her tail back and forth. "Can I believe he doesn't do anything to you or her? He could have you brainwashed."
"I know my husband. He wouldn't do that to us." I said as I slanted my eyes in anger.
Dorothy looked like she was about to argue but before I knew it, I saw her eyes go wide. I was confused for a moment. Then I felt a hand on my shoulder. I looked to see it was Alastor's hand. I glanced over my shoulder and looked to see my husband standing there next to me. How he managed to find us I am not sure, but he did have his ways.
"Darling, is this woman bothering you?" Alastor asked.
I smiled at him and shook my head, "No Al, its ok. We were just done with our conversation and about to head home." I said as I glanced back over to my mother and slanted my eyes again.
"Well come along then darling, I'll walk home with you." Alastor told me.
Looking back over my shoulder I said, "Thanks Al." I turned back to Dorothy who was still in a frozen state of fear. "Have a good day."
I turned before she even got to say another word. Alastor moved his hand from my shoulder to my waist. Rufio gave the woman one last growl before I ordered him to follow. So, I left my mother standing there in a shocked state as we headed back home.
Once we were far enough away Alastor asked, "Who was that you were talking to my love?"
I took a pause as I was looking down at my hands on the stroller. "My mother."
Alastor looked down at me and then looked back behind us. I don't know if my mother was still there, but I felt the buzzing radiating off the deer demon next to me. He soon made me stop.
"Did she hurt you? Lay a hand on you? Is Elena ok?" Alastor asked in a slight worry. I watched him as he went to the side of the stroller and kneeled down to look at the girl.
Elena cheered as she saw Alastor, "Daddy!"
Alastor chuckled as he gave the girl his hand to hold as he put his giant hand against her head. "Hey there my little light. Have you been a good girl for your mother?"
Elena chuckled and babbled a few things to Alastor.
The Radio Demon laughed and stood back up. "As long as you both are ok." He leaned down and gave me a kiss.
"We're ok." I whispered. "Let's head home."
Alastor nodded and we headed on down the sidewalk.
The walk back was silent. Alastor playing a little tune from his mic cane as we went. His one arm still wrapped around me. We had no other problems on our walk as we headed back into the forest.
We got back into the house and I took Elena out of the stroller and set her down in the living room. I gave a sigh as the girl walked away to play and Rufio behind her.
I felt arms wrap around me and I gave a small chuckle as I looked over my shoulder to see Alastor. He placed his head on my shoulder. "If your mother annoys you again let me know. I can take care of her."
I then sighed. "I know Al, but I don't want you doing anything to her. She just...wants to be back in my life. I don't want her to be. I know she just wants to because of Elena." I turned to look at the girl playing with the hound on the floor. "I don't know what the right thing is to do."
"I don't know what to say to help you darling. If you want your mother to be back because of the fawn all I can say is to tread lightly and use caution." Alastor told me.
"Thanks Al. I know it's a big decision. It's something I have to think about. I'm not sure I'm ready to have her back. I'll just take small steps at a time." I thought out loud.
"No more worrying darling." He turned me around and made me face him. "Today is supposed to be a fun day for us. Hoe about we go have a small picnic. Just us. We can go to the waterfall in the back and enjoy the day out." Alastor suggested.
I smiled and my tail wagged. "That sounds like a wonderful idea. That would be a very nice way to spend the evening."
Alastor's smile widened. "Wonderful darling! I'll go ahead and start preparing."
I gave a chuckle. "Why don't you wait a few moments? We can hang out here for now with Elena."
The deer demon gave a small chuckle of his own that sounded slightly embarrassed. "Sorry sweetheart. Got a little excited."
"It's ok Al." I reached and grabbed his hand. "Come on." Without letting go I took Alastor over to the couch and we sat down.
Elena was still on the floor as she played with Rufio. When we sat down the girl looked up at us and smiled. She stood up and walked over to the couch. Her stuffed deer in hand.
"Daddy, up, please?" Elena said, holding her arms up.
"Well since you asked nicely." Alastor laughed and picked the girl up to put her on his lap. "What is up with you my little fawn?"
Elena held up her deer. "O." The girl said. The name of the plush still being O.
Alastor smiled at her. "Do you know what O is?"
The girl looked at the stuffed animal and then back to Alastor. She smiled big and pointed to Alastor's head. "Daddy."
"What is daddy?" I tried to help her along.
Elena took a pause as she looked at Alastor a moment, then back to the stuffed animal. After a few more seconds she looked to Alastor and said, "Deer." It was a little slurred but was understandable.
"Very good my little darling." Alastor cheered for her and then rubbed his nose against hers.
Elena laughed and clapped her hands together. She reached her one hand out to touch Alastor's head. He bent his head down a little so the girl could reach him. She sifted through his hair until he found his one antler. She put her tiny hand around it.
When she tried to pull on it, Alastor snapped his head away and said ow. The girl pouted.
Now I know that his antlers didn't hurt him but pulling on them he didn't enjoy. Unless it was in the middle of love making but that's a different story.
I think he was trying to teach her to not do that. "Elena, we don't pull on daddy's antlers." I warned her.
Elena whined.
"That hurt little one. You have to learn not to do that." Alastor added.
Elena gave a huff as she crossed her arms and looked away from us. She could be stubborn but at the same time she was still a child, so it was understandable. We shook our heads with a small breath of a chuckle. She'll learn, it just takes time.
Alastor lifted the girl up and set her back down to the floor. "I'm going to start the food for our picnic. You stay here and play with mommy." He said to her as he stood up from the couch.
The girl grabbed his pant leg. "Dad, stay." She spoke.
Alastor patted the girl on the head. "You want to help daddy?"
The girl nodded excitedly. I gave a chuckle. "We can all help you."
"Very well." Alastor said and picked up the girl. "The more the merrier then." He smiled and headed off to the kitchen.
I shook my head and stood up to follow the two. Rufio decided to take a nap right where he was left on the floor. Poor kid ran him down.
I walked into the kitchen and help Alastor where I could. It was honestly cute to watch how Alastor was trying to have the girl help him in some way. Even if that meant giving her an empty pot and a spoon while she sat on the floor. It honestly worked and the girl thought she was helping.
After we were done in the kitchen, we put everything in a basket to take out. I gathered up anything else we needed. Then got Rufio up and ready to go. I put him on the leash just in case, but I'd let him go as soon as we got to the waterfall. Alastor got Elena ready to head out again, making sure to change her and all that before we finally headed out to the backyard and through the trees.
Alastor was holding onto Elena as I had Rufio. The walk through the woods is calming and peaceful. I forgot how lovely it can be back here. I honestly should come out here more often. It was an amazing place. It was special.
With a little help we got the blanket set up on the ground and put the basket down. We decided to sit and relax a little before taking any of the food out. I took Rufio off his leash and he went running around the little open field. Alastor placed Elena on the blanket and the girl sat there and played with some of the toys that we brought with us. The girl was calm and quiet as she played, just making silly noises with the toys she had.
Alastor and I sat down beside each other. I leaned my head on his shoulder and just let out a sigh of relief. The deer demon took my hand and brought it into his lap, gently holding it and using his other hand to run his fingers over the top of mine. We were looking out at the waterfall. The girl next to us just making noise but it didn't affect the scenery that was before us.
Soon I heard Alastor start to hum. I looked up at him, but he was looking straight ahead at the waterfall.
Soon he started singing a very familiar song.
"How many times do I have to tell you
That you're the person that I adore?
How many times do I have to tell you
And not repeat what I have said before?"
I smiled as he sang. It was the song we danced to at our wedding. I thought it was sweet for him to sing it.
"How many ways can I say I miss you
And skip the ever familiar rhymes?
How many times do I have to kiss you?
Don't make it less than a million times"
I continued to look up at him as he sang softly. My gaze was soft, and I felt myself relax. My tail wagging gently behind me.
"I've said over and over and over and over again
That you are my one obsession
But I'd be willing to say it again and again
If I thought it would make an impression"
I closed my eyes as I put my wing around the deer demon. I flicked my ear and also noticed the girl beside us had gone quiet. Making me wonder if she was listening to her father sing.
"How many dreams do I have to sell you
To make the one in my heart come true?
How many times do I have to tell you
Before you know I'm in love with you?"
I looked up and over to see the girl crawling over to us. She then sat down in front of her father. Alastor paused and looked down at the girl and smiled. She tilted her head a moment but still smiled. Soon he sang the last part of the song.
"How many dreams do I have to sell you
To make the one in my heart come true?
How many times do I have to tell you
Before you know I'm in love?"
When he was done the girl clapped and we both gave a small chuckle. The deer demon looked over and down to me with his smile as I looked up to him.
He leaned down to kiss my lips softly for a few moments and pulled away. "I love you. My little wolf."
"I love you too my great buck." I wrapped my wing around him more.
I heard Elena then whine. She was sad she wasn't getting any attention. We both laughed a moment before looking at her. Alastor reached over and picked her up then set her down in his lap.
"Is my little fawn jealous that she isn't getting attention?" Alastor said as he fixed her hair a little.
The girl sat nicely in his lap, just leaned against him as she nodded her head.
We both chuckled again.
Rufio then came over after he had run around a bit. He came to sit by my side, and he set his head in my lap. I petted the hound on the head and smiled down at him.
"I never thought I would be here." I heard Alastor whisper.
My ears flicked and I looked at the deer demon. "What do you mean by that Al?" I asked him.
I saw a soft smile on his face as he looked down at Elena and then looked up at me.
Alastor paused as I saw a look in his eyes that made it seem more emotional, "I never pictured myself here. Never pictured I'd have a life like this. I have someone I fell in love for, that's one thing I never thought would happen. I married that beautiful woman I fell for." I felt my face flush with heat at his words. "I have a little one of my own. After the rocky road with everything in between it all. I'm glad. I'm glad I got to experience it. I'm glad it was with you my wolf. Makes me wonder what my darling mother would think of me after all I did. With all this. It feels so...make-believe."
Giving him a reassuring smile I leaned up to kiss his cheek. "I will assure you Alastor, I'm real." I then went to pet Elena a moment later. "And so is she. We are here and not planning to go anywhere." He leaned down to place his forehead against mine. "I feel the same though. I never thought any of this would happen to me. I'm honestly glad it did."
Alastor gave out a breath of a chuckle. "Even all the heartbreak and many other things I caused you to go through?"
I shook my head in response. "It's in the past. All it did was make us stronger. All is forgotten. All is forgiven."
"Sometimes you have to put your past behind you in order to move forward." Alastor added.
Nodding, I said, "That's right."
"And you're not going anywhere?" He asked to be sure, I heard him trying to hold back his emotion and possible tears. He wanted to still be strong, even to me still.
"Never. I would never leave. Neither will Elena. Unless you did something that hurt me or hurt her...we don't plan on going anywhere." I told him, giving him a smile.
Looking down, I saw the girl had nodded off in the deer demon's hold and he hugged her close as her head still laid on his chest. I saw him glance down and look at her, still petting her head and caressing her ear. No wonder she fell asleep.
"And I can reassure you that I would never leave you behind. My family is important to me now. I'd never let anything happen to you." Alastor told me in return.
"I know. I'm forever grateful to have you, my buck." I leaned my head against the radio demon and just wrapped my wings around us. "I'm eternally yours."
"As I am eternally bound to you my love." I heard Alastor whisper as he placed a small kiss to my ear.
A smile spread so far across my face as I snuggled into his side and reached down to pet Rufio again.
Nothing was better than this. It was perfect. I wouldn't want things to be different.
To think this all came to be all because I decided to take a step into that hotel all those years ago.
The Happy Hotel.
It might not have been its purpose, but I still found happiness there...as well as my happy ending. At least...for this chapter of my life. I was ready to face the roads ahead. I couldn't wait to see what lies in store next.
That is it! This is the end! I want to thank everyone who helped me through this journey of my fanfiction. It was a roller coaster and a longer one then I ever would have thought would be this long. I enjoyed it so very much though. This was the longest and biggest story I have ever written. I love this story so much and to think...I have more in store. Yes, that is right! I have a sequel planned already for the story! I could have done that a long time ago, but I wanted to just keep going. I finally reached an end I like and I am excited to be starting the next part of the story with my Hazbin Oc and her little family.
Please review and tell me what you thought of everything. What was your favorite part? What would you have liked to see more of? What did you want to see less of?
It will help me grow and improve even more on my writing.
Thank you all. Have a very wonderful day.
