I own nothing and I stand by my Bambi reference. The book came out in the early 20's even though the disney film was in the 40's. Also Red Hood...I own you so many flowers and so much candy for all of your reviews. You're amazing.
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A human Alastor, looked in the bathroom cabinet mirror and took a deep breath. It was the night of National Broadcast Awards and he felt like a princess on her way to the ball. KDKA was going to clean up as usual but he'd be rubbing elbows with all of them and was up for a minor one himself. He tried to quell his nerves, forcing a smile at himself. Again and again he smiled at himself in the mirror but no matter how hard he tried it didn't quite reach his eyes.
He closed his eyes and pressed his forehead to the mirror, rehearsing his acceptance speech under his breath. "Thank you all so much. It's an honor, truly an honor. I'm just so glad to even catch your attention. I'm the only one here who was born after those lights shining so bright from the rafters but I'm glad ya' could make an exception to the age before beauty rule-"
He winced and looked at himself again. Lame joke. He probably wouldn't need it anyways. He was the newest kid in the radio game and despite his popularity he wasn't expecting recognition. He was just so happy to be included. To have a genuine invitation and a plus one. It felt good. It was all he ever wanted. But it also was terrifying. Looking himself up and down in the mirror he couldn't help but feel like a poor man's celebrity. All of his clothes had been thrifted, and no matter how much his mother had sewed and ironed, they still felt like another man's clothes. He gave up trying to smile and just stared at himself. That was it. He was in another man's skin.
He turned on the faucet and splashed water on his face, careful not to get it on his clothes. All he ever wanted was to be in radio. And he had taken every chance he could to get there. Thoughts of his boss flashed through his mind's eye but he tried to push them away. His boss had been having trouble. His mother had the big C and no one knew anything about it other than it was a death sentence. And as a result...he'd been hitting the bottle. Hard.
Hank's work at the station had slacked off and numbers were dropping. All doom and gloom didn't make for good entertainment. There had already been talk of him getting the hook but he was a good man and people didn't want to turn on him. Except Frank. Frank was a bootlegger and a scoundrel and everything Alastor hated, but he'd offered him a deal he couldn't refuse. Rat out Hank's connection. With Hank's bootlegger behind bars it meant more customers for Frank….and an open microphone for Alastor.
Alastor looked in the mirror and felt like he didn't recognize himself. But he had made the right decision...right? Hank was going down on a sinking ship. And with his dealer gone, his supply was cut off? He was doing the man a favor...the network a favor…..right?
BANG
Alastor jumped.
"And they say ladies take too long. You gotta stop primpin' so I can fix my hair, Pidgeon, or you're going on your own," his mother's voice rang through the door.
Alastor grabbed a towel to pat his face, did one last comb to his hair, and opened the door to his smirking mother, greeting her with a smile. Hoping this one reached his eyes.
"Sorry Mother," He said, siddling out of her way. "I just want to look sharp tonight. And you always look like a dime-"
"Flattery don't get you anywhere fast with me, you know," she chided, inspecting her hair in the mirror. "And stop doing that thing with your voice."
"Whatever are you talking about?" he flashed a smile.
"Whatever are you talking about?" she mimicked in over-dramatic transatlantic accent. "You talk like you're still on the radio when there's not a microphone in sight."
Alastor grimaced, but dropped the bravado. "Mama I can't talk like I'm from the bayou when I'm around-"
"You sure can when you're home," she shot back. He rolled his eyes but left her to her hair, still hearing her call out, "If you never turn it off you're going to forget what your own voice sounds like."
"Well I'm gonna have to tonight so you'll have to be fine with it then!" Alastor announced "Now finish up your hair and come get your present."
"What present?" He heard her call.
"Just come in here," he yelled back playfully, snagging a box from his closet and carrying it to the kitchen. His irritation had evaporated with his new excitement.
She walked in, fixing her earrings, and stopped dead in her tracks. "Al….baby what is that?"
He looked confused for a moment but shook it away and gestured to the box with a flourish.
"Just open it!"
She eyed him suspiciously but moved to open the box. Inside lay a mink coat. Her eyes widened and Alastor lit up as she gently touched it, grazing it as though she was afraid she might damage it with just her finger tips. "Pigeon…" she gasped. She lifted it gently from the box. "It's...why did you buy this?"
His face fell. "Mama it's a gift."
"This costs more than everything in my closet combined-"
"I saved up! Jesus Mama I was trying to-"
"Don't take the Lord's name in vain."
Alastor closed his mouth and looked at his shoes. She regarded him coolly for a moment.
"I love it," she sighed, giving him a peck on the cheek. "I just think it's a bit extravagant...you could have bought two new suits for-"
"I wanted you to have something nice to wear-"
"You don't want me wearing my old coat." she accused
"NO! That's not…" Alastor's voice trailed off as he felt his cheeks get hot with tears. He took a moment to collect himself, turning his face to the ceiling and will the wetness back into his eyes, blinking hard. "Look, Mama I can afford things like this now. It's a big night. I just wanted you to be proud and see that I can take care of you now."
Katherine softened. She pulled the tall boy down to eye level and kissed him on the forehead. "Alastor, Alastor, Alsastor," she sang with a smile. "Boy you know I've always been proud of you." He smiled and she took a step back. "You're a good man, you work hard...you've always helped out. I couldn't be more proud of you. And I'm happy you're doing so well at the station, I love that you're chasin' your dreams. But I love you for you, not all that. You don't have to prove anything to me."
He chuckled and rubbed the back of his neck. "But do you like it though? It's warm, so it's still practical, and the girl at the shop said-"
"I love it," Katherine hugged it tight. She pulled it over her dress and gave a dramatic pose. "I'll be playing a queen tonight."
He laughed and went to grab his own coat off the rack.
"Check your pockets, you got a gift yourself."
He looked at her confused. Placing his hand in the pocket he felt a small box. "Mama you really gonna give me such grief and-"
"Oh just open it, Pigeon," she rolled her eyes, her smile staying warm.
Alastor gave her a look but chuckled to himself as opened the box. A golden tie clip, the shape of two antlers. "It's just like the story I used to read you," Katherine stepped forward to help him adjust it to his tie. "My little Bambi is growing into the Prince of the Forest." He felt himself tear up and wrapped her into a hug. Katherine embraced him tightly. She laughed into his ear. "I am SO proud of you, Alastor."
He squeezed her tightly and then stood up quickly, wiping at his eyes. "Thanks Mama," he said, smiling.
She shot him a stern look, before batting him towards the door, "Now we best be going before we're late," she chided playfully. "Is that old Tom Cat comin' too?"
Alastor winced. "Nah, Mama he ain't really...been around a ton lately," he admitted.
She rolled her eyes. "I hadn't seen hide nor hair of him lately either," she admitted as well, concern seeping into her voice. Off the look on her son's face she added, "You know he always shows back up again though. Don't be thinking about him too much. Tonight is YOUR night sweetie…"
….
Charlie heard the sound of humming and followed it down the corridor. Alastor was surprisingly easy to find despite his knack for sneaking up on others. The closer she got to the open door the more an upbeat jazz rhythm played in her ears. Poking her head in she gasped audibly at the sight of tarp and paint littering the room. Amidst all of it, Alastor, stripped down to dress pants, and a button up, cloves feet bare and a small tail poking out.
"Charlie my dear," he swiveled at the sound, greeting her with the usual Cheshire cat grin. He wiped at his brow, leaving behind a smear of paint. "What do you think?" He gestured to the half painted wall with a flourish of his brush, splattering some onto the floor.
"It's ummmm," she started. "Why are you...painting?"
He vanished and reappeared next to her, grabbing her in a tight side embrace with one arm, the other gesturing wildly at the wall. "Why does one do anything dear? They say if you want something done right, you do it yourself!" A laugh track played throughout the room and Charlie giggled nervously along, slipping out of his grasp. He adjusted his monocle and shot her a smirk. "I assure you my dear, these hands are good for much more than ripping out hearts, HA HA." An unseen audience "oooooo" scandalously as he snapped his fingers and shadows appeared, setting about cleaning up the mess. He moved up to inspect his work, before picking up the brush, twirling it in his hand, and setting himself back to work, the shadows cleaning up the splatters behind him.
"Right," she said, slowly, crossing her arms. "It looks...um...you've been quite the...busy bee...lately," she said with gesture of her arm, trying to match his bravado. "Is...everything ok?"
The music stopped with a record scratch, and even her forced smile fell from her face. He stood with his back to her, his arm dropping but not turning. The silence of the room felt tangible. Charlie tucked her hair behind her ear.
"I've been thinking my dear," his voice was still canny but had dropped into a low tone. "You're silly little idea may have a fighting chance if all goes well with the angel."
Her eyes widened. "Do...do you really think-"
"I do." She jumped at his voice in her ear as he was suddenly leaning over her shoulder. He placed his hands behind his back and bared his sharp teeth, once again dressed in his full regalia. She instinctively backed away, his closeness making her uneasy. The music began to play again, softer this time, as he summoned his cane and gave a laugh like a radio trying to find a station. Although she took a step back he took a step forward, keeping their distance close. "And that's why I think we need to have a bit of a conversation Princess." His voice was low and he leaned in much to close for her comfort. She laughed nervously as she continued to back away but felt herself suddenly stopped by a shadow. "I want to make a deal," he continued, a green light starting to permeate through the room.
"No, no deals, Al," she tried her best to sound stern but felt her voice shake.
"Very well," he chirped cheerfully. She suddenly tumbled backwards as the shadow vanished and Alastor was back to the wall, stripped again to his button up and painting. Shaken, she climbed to her feet, brushing herself off.
"I um...I just wanted to let you know that…." she started, but felt herself falter at his humming. Was he even listening? "I really, REALLY appreciate the work you've been doing. And...and what you said. About thinking...well...your support...I guess." He continued to hum and sighed, raising her voice. "We're doing a little party tonight for Katherine. Her report is tomorrow."
"You'd like me to stay away?"
Her jaw dropped. "No!" she assured. "No just...you know...this is our last chance to make a good impression so…"
"You don't want me to ruin it."
Charlie bit her lip. Alastor turned to her, eyes dancing, smile sharp with amusement.
"Charlie I assure I won't do anything to befuddle your plans." He threw his finger to the air dramatically, "In fact," he announced, "I'm afraid I can't make it at all. My time at the hotel is growing short and I have other arrangements to make tonight."
Charlie took a few steps forward, almost tripping over a paint can in her haste, "Wait, wait, what?! You're leaving?"
If he recognized the hurt in her voice he didn't show it, handing off the paint brush and summoning his cane and usual suit. "Well of course darling. It's no fun if it all works out. I came for entertainment and it seems I'll have to seek it elsewhere." To the shadows, he tipped his hat, "Take it from here boys."
He sauntered past Charlie but she caught his arm. There was a record scratch as he froze at the touch. She immediately pulled back her hand, "Al...You don't have to leave. We...I want you to stay."
He relaxed slightly. He tapped his cane against the floor and the microphone lit up. "As the Princess of Hell, I order you to stay and help with this hotel...for as long as you desire" her voice drifted from the staff.
"I believe it is time to part ways Princess. My time here is done."
"But Al...this could...don't you want to…" she played with her hair, nervously. Gulping down her nerves she finished. "You could be redeemed too…."
He chuckled darkly. "Oh I don't think theres any hope for me darling." Shadows creeped up around him, but before he teleported away, they sunk back to the grown. He turned to look at her and lips fell over his teeth, his smile dropping. "Princess. If you won't make a deal, can you at least make me a promise...as a friend?"
Her mouth opened but no sound came out.
He held up his hands and chuckled, but there was a sadness in his eyes. "No handshakes, no voodoo. Just...If I stay out of the way, and your plan works….make sure Nifty and Husker make it."
And with that, the shadows shot up and he was gone.
