I love posting as often as I do- i hope you all enjoy that I do so because I know how it feels when you gotta wait so long to read a new chapter. I have 45 bookmarks and I agonize when nothing updates XD

but I plan on taking a break for about a week or so to give my brain a break. Also... i cut my fucking finger like a jackass and it stings slightly tapping away a little even though I use my damn nails to type *sigh* i'll live but it's just annoying more than anything.

Idk if any of you follow Paranoid DJ but they just posted a song yesterday for Husk and I fucking love it so much! it's got like rock/country sound to it.

I hadn't commented on it but I like Angel Dust's new design but everyone seems so sad that his boob fluff is half gone XD I'm sure it's shoved in his coat somewhere lol I hope so at least lol

Enough of my rambling... Enjoy the chapter lol

I would've laughed at anyone else if they had suggested what Niffty had done and I would've killed them with my bare hands, squeezing the life out of their bodies as my claws wrapped around their necks and watch the light die from their eyes but…. she showed me it was true.

I felt…. gross.

Humiliated.

Pathetic.

Destroyed…..

I couldn't come up with all the words but I am sure I hated myself in that moment. Niffty made me coffee and forced me to drink water of all things before I was allowed to leave. I could still feel the slight buzz of alcohol but it was ok.

I could think enough.

I murdered several sinners, wiped myself clean and headed for the Happy Hotel once again when night fell. I felt better in a way. I just had to ignore that god awful video Niffty took of me because it made my stomach turn in such a way I hated it and liked it at the same damn time. More than I should.

At this point, I may start saying worse profanities because I didn't know what else to do with myself!

I pulled open the wooden door to the Happy Hotel and went inside. No one was in the lobby…..

Oh well.

Part of me had hoped Charlie was there waiting or at least a little mad I had been gone for so long but neither of those things happened. I sat there for some time reading on the couch that apparently no one else would sit on. I was there for about two hours when eleven rolled around and I decided I should try and sleep.

I wasn't tired at all.

My mind was reeling with the new information about myself….

Damn you Niffty.

I sighed as I snapped my book shut. I stood up when I saw Vaggie coming down in a bright purple nightgown. Her eyes landed on me and she gave me a smile.

"Oh, welcome back. I was thinking you weren't coming back."

"I got held up."

She just eyed me like she was trying to see if I was telling the truth.

"I see."

It seemed the mothy demon was studying me for another long minute before placing a hand on her hip.

"I got breakfast in the morning. You should sleep in and rest."

I cocked an eyebrow at her.

"Why is that dear? Do tell."

"Because. You've done enough and you look…. a little bothered."

Bothered?

"I'm not any longer…. I had a long talk with my companion."

"Ah."

I started walking for the hallway with the elevator when Vaggie cleared her throat. I stopped in my tracks.

"Charlie was asking for you but I told her you had some business to take care of. She ended up going to bed around nine I think."

"Oh."

I didn't dare turn around. I knew my face would betray me like it did with Niffty and her little stunt.

"Is she feeling better?"

"Yea."

"That's good."

I left it at that and went to my room. I passed by Charlie's door so quickly, I did hear her door open but I slammed mine shut.

Like a coward.

The next two days…. did not go well.

I continued to act like a damn coward.

I actively avoided Charlie like the plague. Any time I saw her coming for me, I would jump into the shadows. I can't explain it- not even if I tried.

I so badly wanted to engaged in a conversation with her and after that revelation with Niffty, my body had other plans. I cursed myself every time it happened. Vaggie saw me and even watched as Charlie came running after me with this bewildered look on her gray face. I cannot say I felt the same but my brain wasn't functioning correctly. It was if I….. couldn't confront the swirling emotions in my head. It was all too much and I never felt these things before.

It was about dinner time on the second day when I finished. I had a feeling Vagatha had kept Charlie busy for my sake. I think she saw my internal struggle….

Just as I was about to leave that damn kitchen, Charlie came marching in. Two little horns were poking out of her golden hair and her sclera was bright red with black eyes. She…. looked magnificent! Beautiful and dangerous!

As awe struck as I was- I really was honestly but I dashed for the nearest shadows.

"GODDAMN IT ALASTOR!"

I was safe in my room for the time being. I think I even heard Vagatha yelling in the background.

Good god- when would this madness stop?

I was beginning to wish for death.

Good god.

X

X

It was close to midnight and I could not sleep. I mean, I didn't need it but my word…. These things kept plaguing my brain at a rapid fire pace.

Niffty was right. If I didn't leave here- I wouldn't get this nagging feeling on my soul to go away. Did… did I want it to go away? It's like Charlie placed a spell of some kind on me….. all she had to do was get me into one night full of dance and I was enraptured like that.

No, it was my fault... I approached her first. I should've just left it at that and went back to my radio tower but I didn't. I did this to myself.

Good lord- I can hear my father's voice in my head making fun of me right now!

I had sworn off any connection to humans in that way and he just laughed anytime I rejected the idea. He probably was in Heaven now, laughing at my conundrum.

I got up from my bed and headed down stairs, practically running past Charlie's door like she would jump out and attack me. At this point, I was sure she would if she could. How could I blame her? I mean…. she did ignore me all day…. I didn't think of it that way.

I should've asked Vaggie why. She would know but I highly doubt she would be awake right now.

I sighed for what seemed like the umpteenth time that day. I made it into the lobby and saw Charlie sitting on that ugly couch I had been sitting on and reading. She raised her head and stared at me blankly before returning her attention to her phone. Oh…. that hurt my dead heart more than it should have.

Damnit. I should've thrown myself off the nearest cliff.

The hurt was clear in her eyes even though her face showed no emotion.

I strode over to the couch with my hands behind and towered over Charlie with my poor heart pounding in my chest. I cleared my throat but she didn't look at me. That hurt even more and I had no idea how it was possible.

"May I sit down?" I asked.

"I don't see why not? Everyone thinks it's your couch. No one will sit on it other than Vaggie."

An amused smirk played on my lips. Ah, that's why no one else ever sat on it.

"I did sit here and wait for you after all. I suppose that made sure no one else would sit on it. That wasn't my intentions though."

Charlie's eyes met mine.

"I don't know if you know this Charlie, but personal relationships aren't the kind of thing I dabble in. I enjoyed your company very much Princess but next thing I know that porn star has you drinking like a friend of mine and then I'm holding your hair back while you're puking into my trashcan."

Her mouth dropped and horror overcame her features.

"Oh my god….." she whispered.

I sat down carefully at the other end away from her, trying to put as much distance as possible between us. I wasn't sure if I needed more or her but it felt like the right thing to do… I think.

It did in that moment anyways.

"I thought I dreamed that…. It makes so much sense…."

She groaned into her hands, leaving her device on her lap. I chuckled and snapped my fingers. My book appeared in my hands. As I opened it, I could feel her eyes on me, watching me.

"Why were you drinking? You seemed like you were so receptive of our therapy sessions and I thought it was helping you. I wasn't aware you preferred drinking as a substitute."

She looked mildly uncomfortable. After a few minutes of not answering me, I went back to reading with my usual smile trying to look unbothered. I think we sat there for the longest while- around a half hour when I noticed Charlie had picked up her phone and started playing a game I think it was called. I hated those things but I wanted to know what she was doing.

I scooted over a few times watching her face go from pale to pink to tomato red.

"What are you doing?" I asked.

She stammered and stuttered trying to give me an answer. Did my presence make her uncomfortable or was there something else going on? Did it have to do with her wanting to grab my face that day she cleaned my room?

"It's called…. Angry Birds."

"Why are the birds angry? Are those green pigs?" I asked seeing the screen.

I didn't quite understand and usually I didn't care too but seeing as Charlie was willing to talk to me about it…. why not? I wanted her to talk to me. I just couldn't stand her not talking to me.

"The pigs keep stealing their eggs. The birds all do different things… Wanna see?"

Charlie scooted even closer and our arms were touching. My heart thumped in my chest. It was downright awful how much I loved that feeling.

Good lord.

"I suppose so."

She did something on that phone of hers, sending a red bird flying and hitting what looked like a two by four board. The look on the pigs' faces were quite hilarious if I do say so myself.

"How amusing."

The princess giggled loudly and looked at me. Her red eyes were bright with delight. They really were beautiful. Maybe she felt I was staring too long but she looked away. She was still a little more pink in the cheeks than usual.

"I am very sorry for running away Charlie."

"I…. guess I'm just as guilty. I hid away because I was embarrassed by my actions."

"Which actions?" I asked curiously.

I needed to know which ones bothered her so much. Perhaps it could help me as well to understand everything more.

"I….. Do you need me to say it?" she asked quietly.

"Yes I do Charlie. These things elude me and I have no idea what's going on. This might be one of those time you might want to treat me like an idiot. A rare moment honestly, so savor while you can."

She giggled softly and looked back up at me.

"I don't know what to say…. I kind of just wanted to touch you? I know you don't like that and all but I felt that urge to do it. I panicked and started drinking to get rid of the feeling."

I tilted my head.

Would it be the worse thing to let her touch me? I can't remember the last time someone touched my face. I suppose my mother did when I was a young child but that was forever ago. Would I like it? Would I like her touching my face?

"I suppose you can try, if you desire to do so," I finally said.

Charlie smiled softly.

"You… you sure?"

"No."

She looked baffled by my answer and I shrugged. I was not sure but why not? It was something new and it felt a little exciting.

"Go ahead."

I wasn't going to murder her. She probably thought of that quickly but it didn't show on her face if it did.

The seconds ticked by when Charlie raised her hands. Those small, delicate pale hands shook slightly but she seemed to pause after a getting so close. I had no idea if her heart was pounding as hard as mine was but I hoped it was. Some part of her hoped she was just as anxious as me.

I grabbed her hands carefully since I didn't want to injure her and pressed her hands against my face. Her hands were warm and comforting. Her bright red eyes softened and her smile returned back at full force. I don't know what she was smiling about….. but I hoped it was something good?

"What do you think darling?" I asked in a hushed whisper.

"You're so warm!"

I blinked rapidly. I had no idea what I expected her to say but I don't think it was that.

"You're warm too."

The princess beamed and blushed.

"I missed you…. When you kept running."

My heart gave a delightful jump at the words of her missing me. I instantly felt better.

"Is that why you were yelling at me?" I asked with a smirk on my face.

"Yes!"

I chuckled as I released her hands. I stiffened slightly as she ran her hands up to my hair. I didn't expect that action.

"It's so soft. Like a kitty."

I felt my face heat up with embarrassment. I never thought I would hear someone compare my hair to that of a cat but I suppose anything was bound to happen with this demoness sitting beside of me.

She truly was an enigma.

"Thank you?"

She dissolved into giggles. The sound alone made me smile a little more.

Damn you Niffty.

"Can I touch your ears and antlers? It's ok if you say no."

"You already touched my ears days ago so go ahead Miss Charlie."

Her touches were electrifying. My skin felt like it was fire from every touch and her fingers gave me the goosebumps. I liked the way it felt. In a way, it reminded me when we were dancing. I wanted to feel her that close to me again. I wanted the feeling of the beat through the floor into my feet and up my body. I wanted to it go back to all that…. minus the alcohol in the princess' system.

My ears twitched slightly at her touches and she snorted lightly. I suppose I didn't understand what that was for but she looked so delighted by my reaction. She allowed her fingers to slip from my ears and back up to my antlers. That was a little different feeling…. I didn't hate it though.

I so badly wanted to close my eyes because it oddly felt so good and comforting but I couldn't allow myself to defenseless like that.

I'm sure I sat there ten minutes allowing her to feel up my face and hair. Finally, she placed her hands in her lap and smiled.

"Thanks! I was so curious and everything….." she trailed off, turning pink once again.

"I understand very much sweetheart. Thank you for asking instead trying to paw at me."

Charlie laughed and brushed her hair back from her face.

"It's so weird how lonely I felt without you…." she said quietly, "I get so excited whenever I see you. I just panicked at the feeling I was getting and I hammered shots with Angel Dust. I'm sorry about all that."

"Well, the feelings are different for me as well. I do not quite understand them myself but I can understand what you were thinking. I think I would rather you tell me instead of destroying your liver."

"I can try to do that."

Charlie tilted her head slightly, watching me.

"Have you ever had a girlfriend?"

I blinked rapidly.

"Miss Vagatha had asked me something similar but no I have not. I've never experienced romantic feelings in my living life."

"What about your afterlife?"

HA! She was fishing for answers and I wasn't sure how I felt about that. I watched her face for a moment. She looked hopeful it seemed.

"I was told I was experiencing such emotions."

Her red eyes narrowed, "Was or am?"

I cleared my throat.

"Am," I answered.

"I see."

"Do you now?" I asked.

She nodded.

"I suppose if I were to have such feelings for anyone, they better love dancing. It's rather boring doing it by myself."

Charlie's eyes widened.

"O-oh?"

"Yes. I do not like boring. You know that already."
She smiled, "Yea I remember."

We sat there in silence once again. It was about time my heart calmed down in my chest. I finally felt like my normal self and I needed that.

"Well, I guess I'm going to bed…. Are you doing breakfast in the morning?" she asked, standing up.

"I can."

I stood up next and followed her, grabbing my book along the way.

When we were at her door, I told her goodnight causing her to blush once again. This reaction was interesting to me….. She smiled shyly at me and closed her door carefully. I went to sleep a little easier tonight. I wouldn't have as much sleep but it would be ok.

X

X

I stood outside of Charlie's door with my back to it. I had hoped- hoped she would come out and want to help me in the kitchen. I could feel the hopefulness and excitement bubbling up inside me. I hated it so much. How could someone's very presence cause me to feel that way?

I did it to myself. I'm obsessive. I wanted to dance with her all over again and now I was dizzy for the blonde with red eyes. Is that how people fell in love?

Hmmmmm….

Perhaps it would've been a good thing to ask someone….. Should've asked my father when I was alive but I was a stubborn fool. Not much has changed I suppose.

My thoughts were cut off when her bedroom door opened up. I turned around to see she was wearing purple and black plaid pajamas. She smiled shyly at me. She did try to brush her hair out but I can tell she lost the battle. I smirked at her.

It was cute.

"You ready to make breakfast Miss Charlie?"

"I am! What are making today?" she asked, skipping next to me.

"I was notified of something called ham and cheese egg cups. I figured we could make those, toast and a fruit salad. For lunch I'm making turkey bacon sliders. For dinner I am doing steak, a salad and baked potatoes."

She looked at me a little surprised.

"When did you decide all this?"

"While I was waiting for you."

The princess looked awe struck. I looked away and cleared my throat trying to calm the oncoming heat in my face. We decided to walk down the stairs together, rather closely. I felt delighted to have her near me…. I wish I knew why I liked her being near me so much.

Is this what having a crush is like?

I suppose I wouldn't have my answer…. unless I asked someone. Perhaps I can ask Vagatha in a little while….. I hope I wouldn't ruffle her feathers asking but I needed some answers and I didn't want to leave here to ask Niffty.

After I get my answers, I may have to gut someone….

I showed Charlie how to make the unusual breakfast and it was a lot faster with her helping me. We made about fifty of them, then started on making the fruit salad. The princess had gotten a little better at using a knife. She wasn't as fast as me but she had improved in the short amount of time she had been helping me.

We finished with about fifteen minutes before everyone would start filtering in for breakfast. We sat across from each other in the kitchen sipping our coffee quietly. I wasn't sure what to say…. I had no issues talking to her before but that was before I ended up having these weird feelings.

I don't know why, but my eyes landed on her midnight colored lips. I wonder how they felt.

WELL THAT WAS A NEW THOUGHT

I slammed my half empty cup onto the table with so much force I scared Charlie. She jumped in her seat with wide eyes.

"Are you ok Alastor?"

"I have no idea dear. I apologize."

I stood up quickly.

"I need…. I'll see you around."

"O-oh… Ok."

I disappeared from the kitchen and reappeared in my room. I needed to ponder these new feelings…. thoughts….

I needed to speak to Miss Vagatha soon.

X

X

Once I was sure the moth demon was alone, thanks to my very own shadow, I appeared by Vaggie. It was two in the afternoon and she was in the office by herself. She screamed, dropping her phone on her desk. She glared at me with such hatred, I couldn't help but smile.

"Fucking christ!" she screamed.

"I apologize dear. I need to speak to you now."

Her anger faded quickly. I wonder if I sounded concern or looked like it. I could not tell. She eyed me once again like she always did- like she was trying to figure out what was on my mind.

"What's up?"

"I need to ask…. questions."

She arched an eyebrow at me.

"What kind of questions?"

"I have been informed of my situation… I'm unsure what do about it and it's driving me mad."

"You mean the fact you like Charlie?"

My eyes widened and I felt my face heat up.

"You've noticed it? Have I been acting odd?"

"You are fucking odd!"

"I do not understand. I need you to explain things to me."

She stared at me.

"Explain what exactly?"

"I feel unusual and I don't know how to proceed. Can you explain the weird feelings I have going on if I explained it. If…. If it's not a bother for you."

She looked baffled by my honesty. I felt like we stared at each other for the longest time before she managed to start speaking once again.

"Ok, just tell me slowly and the best you can then I'll try and explain it."

So, I told her everything including the things I had told Niffty and Niffty had told me as well. I had to hand it to her….. She never interrupted me and she listened intently. Once everything was said that I could think of that didn't sound like I was rambling, I stopped talking.

"Alright so, you like Charlie. Romantically. I'm not surprised because she liked you after two days."

I blinked repeatedly.

"That's why she panicked. The two of you are so alike, it's rather weird considering who you are. I can tell you Charlie won't like you murdering people because I am sure you're still doing it."

I stood up a little straighter.

"What do you suggest I do?" I asked.

"Well, she likes your cooking and the help you've been giving her. So, you're winning there."

"I see."

"Her biggest issue is getting the hotel clean. We try our best and with the extra help from the clients we have…. but it's not enough."

"Hmmmmm."

I rocked back on my heels.

"Look, you did enough for her and me but it really isn't your problem."

I started walking away when I heard her get up from her seat.

"I know your secret. Why you're here anyways."

I turned around slowly. She was rubbing her temples.

"I had drank that night but I remember it clearly…. More clearly than Charlie did I think. She never really spoke much of it."

I have no idea why I was so surprised.

"You were the one dancing with Charlie at that block party."

I had no idea what to say. I didn't think anyone knew about that.

"So, if you want more help, tell me why you showed up here."

Vaggie rose from her seat and stood a few feet away from me now. There was no point in hiding it anymore I suppose.

"I saw your lovers' spat. I was curious and talked to Charlie myself. I love dancing and hadn't ever had someone who could dance as well as her. I went looking for her at other parties and my companion is the one who showed me the video of the princess singing. So I came here. I wanted another dance or more than the one. My afterlife has been boring and I figured I could just dance with her when the mood struck me to may time pass by more... excitedly."

The mothy demon stared at me bewildered. I wasn't sure what part of my explanation confused her, so I waited for her to question me.

The silence between us seemed to be going on forever.

"Are you alright dear?"

"That's the reason…. That's the reason you showed up here?"

I nodded.

She groaned.

"Fucking for real? I feel like I should be relieved. I thought you were after Charlie for her power."

"I'm not interested in that."

"Alright then. Tell me what was the most alarming thing you felt so far."

"I looked at Charlie's lips and wanted to touch them. I let her touch my face. I liked it."

Vagatha snorted and shook her head.

"That is the most innocent things I have ever heard and the fact that it came from you of all people….."

"Is that…. bad?" I asked.

"No. The thing is, you can ask Charlie for the control. She's much more experienced than you and she won't push you. She was very concerned for your issues so ask her if you have permission to make the moves. As long as you express what you want first I'm sure she'll be ok with it."

"That makes sense but I don't know what I want to do with her. Other than dancing."

"Good god. You need to watch a romance movie."

I cringed and let out a huff.

"You can act like that but it would help. Since you never did anything like that before, it might give you some ideas what it's like. I'll suggest a movie night tonight and you can watch in the shadows or whatever the hell you do."

"Are you sure about this?"

Vaggie nodded.

"Yup. You two have my blessing and all that. I guess it doesn't bother me that much. It's cute and a little disturbing."

She smiled.

"Good luck Alastor."

I had a feeling I would need all the luck I could get.

I had no idea what I was doing.