I did tell Vaggie about Alastor's idea. She finally took the stick out of her ass and agreed it was a good idea. That put me in the best mood and I talked her ear off. I guess after seeing the fridge and what he did, she let some of her anger go. I was glad and I hugged her tight.
She had a temper but we could work on that! I planned to redeem her too because she deserved Heaven and to be with her family too!
Through the whole entire week, I literally went out of my way to find Alastor. I didn't care, I looked pathetic as I did it. Every time he saw me, he smiled and it made me smile in return. Literally everyone avoided him but I didn't. I wanted to be around him and I wanted to show him how grateful I was!
I really was.
I think I cried in my room for a whole hour after I left the kitchen. Yea, it was probably stupid to cry over something so simple but I couldn't help myself.
Alastor gave me forty five minutes of his therapy time and honestly I felt like I didn't deserve any at all. I was the one who was supposed to be put together but he insisted. I had more issues than I thought.
Whoops!
But none of it bothered Alastor. He gave me brutal, honest opinions. He managed to get me to see things from another point of view… He was so insightful! He should've been a therapist!
Every night that week, I would peek out of my room to see if he was passing by.
Every night I screamed in my pillow like a nut case.
The Radio Demon showered me in affection. Anything from 'dear', 'darling,' 'sweetheart' to sitting close to me constantly or placing chaste kisses on my hands. I should be ashamed of the high pitched giggle that escaped my lips from time to time but I wasn't.
I allowed him to invade my personal space as much as he wanted. It seemed the only person he did that with was me. It kind of…. Made me happy and slightly conceited.
He didn't mention dancing again this whole week though.
I wondered what he was thinking….
Did he remember me or not?
Probably not.
Oh well.
More than a few times I caught myself just staring at him, daydreaming a little bit. I so desperately wanted him to dance with me. I did. I wanted to do it but even though it would piss off Vaggie but any time I wanted to ask, the words died on my lips and I felt like an idiot.
Every single time I saw him, I had the urge to tell him. I wanted to tell him I remembered him, he was the best and demand that he danced with me.
I wasn't that brave though.
UGH
So, today I told Al I was going to clean his room.
"Darling, you don't have too-
"I want to Al! You done so much for me! The sinners in the hotel are helping and lessening the work for me and Vaggie too! We're able to do a lot more now thanks to you!"
Alastor looked like he blushed so slightly but maybe my mind was playing tricks on me. I mean… he had done it while we played some card games too but maybe it was the lighting. There was no way he would get flustered…. Right?
"I insist-
"No!" I stated making him shut his mouth, "It's the least I could do for you! Will you please let me Al? Please?"
He chuckled and looked away from me.
"Alright then Princess. You win. I'll allow you to clean my room, if it'll make you so happy."
I blushed and squished my cheeks. He laughed more earnestly this time.
"I'll see you after lunch Alastor! I'll do my best!"
I took off. I sped through my paperwork and then after we all ate lunch, I went to my room and changed. Yea that's right! I was turning it up a notch!
I slapped on a pair of cut off shorts, a raggedy yellow shirt and my old shoes. I wrestled my hair into a ponytail and grabbed my cleaning cart.
Mom would be so proud.
It was hard to have any little bit of sex appeal with big anime eyes and a freakin' doll face you inherited from your fallen angel father. I looked like a damn teenager sometimes and even if I wore fancy dresses, I looked like a girl who tried on her mother's clothes to play dress up.
No Charlie!
You can do this!
I took a deep breath and returned to the floor with mine and Alastor's rooms.
The closer I got to his room, the harder my heart started to pound. I've been in his room a lot- why was it bothering me now? It was the clothes-
OH GOD I NEED TO CHANGE BACK
I stopped at his door.
FUCK
It was already too late. I threw my head back and internally groaned. I knocked on the door and he opened it. Maybe it was worth changing after all because he just stared at me with his eye a little wider than normal.
This time his cheeks did get a little pink!
HA!
"Hi Al!" I said shyly, gripping onto my cart for dear life.
"Hello again, Princess."
Alastor held the door open for me and I walked in more excited like I almost didn't have a mental breakdown in the hallway. I grabbed the broom as he closed the door behind me but I was a little confused. I figured he would leave.
"Oh, you can leave Al. I got this," I said with a bright smile.
"As if I would leave dear! I enjoy your company! I still would prefer if you didn't clean my room. You aren't a slave."
I rolled my eyes, "No more arguing. I'm doing it."
He chuckled and nodded, surrendering on the spot. He didn't really argue with me and that was nice. I slipped on my headphones that I left on my cart and got started cleaning. I noticed he was in his recliner with a book that looked like it was as old as me.
I did my best to keep my attention on my cleaning. I did promise to clean his room and I was going to make sure it was actually clean! I had to do my best!
I bopped my head along to my music but I noticed Al was staring at me. He sat there, book in his lap and stared at me for three whole songs. I couldn't tell what kind of things he was thinking because he had that smile on his face and his eyes were just glowing like a stop light.
At some point, he did go back to his book. He looked a little frustrated after a while. His smile was fading off his face….
Should I ask what was wrong or just leave it be?
JUST CLEAN WOMAN
You would think I would get tired of screaming at myself but I needed it. I couldn't focus.
I couldn't focus enough to even hold my duster and I dropped my damn duster cussing myself inside my head. I saw Alastor slam his book into his face and I almost snorted. I guess maybe he's not so immune to my stumbling attempts to be hotter? Is that what you would call it?
I dusted off his lamp before crawling under his bed and started cleaning under there. I used cleaning wipes on the floor since the mop couldn't go under there without me laying like this but this was easier. I wiggled around like a worm for several minutes.
I managed to wiggle back out to see Alastor focusing on his book so I headed for this bathroom next. I shouldn't be surprised but his room was spotless practically. He didn't seem like the messy type after all. Even when we cooked together he cleaned up after himself.
I finished the bathroom in record time and forgot myself in my music. So I started shaking my hips just a tiny bit. I loved this song and it managed to get me moving just a little when I listened to it.
I backed out of that bathroom to see Alastor staring at me. I almost snorted because his ears were sticking straight up watching me. His eyes were glowing even with the light in the room and his face was actually red. I watched as he got up and walked over to me carefully like he was afraid to spook me or something.
It suddenly felt so damn hard to breathe as he tilted his head as he towered over me. He breathed heavily only inches away. Fuck, I'm sure he could hear my heart pounding away like I was running a marathon.
I hope he didn't hear it.
I slipped my headphones off, still looking into his red eyes. God, they were mezmiring.
"Yes Alastor?
"What are you feeling the rhythm of my dear?" he asked, "Is it a good song?"
I opened my mouth to say something but the words died on my lips.
Come on Charlie! Just tell him already! You know you want to! You two could just do it- I don't mean it! GAH I meant dance- unless he wanted too-
"I don't think you would like it. It wouldn't suit your tastes," I spat out.
Really? Really?
"I'm always willing to try," he said in a husky, suggestive tone.
Doesn't he know he shouldn't sound like that?! It was almost criminal to sound that hot! My knees felt like they were going to give out.
I'm going mad!
I gave the best smile I could with my brain just going fuzzy and pulled off my headphones.
"Let me see if I can place this on your ears," I stated in half a whisper and almost a squeak.
Alastor leaned forward watching me the whole time and my breath hitched. My hands shook a little bit as I placed them on his ears and they actually fit. I had to bite back a stupid grin but he looked funny with kitty covered headphones. I just wanted to squee like a fucking moron.
"Oh! They do fit! Nice! I'll start the song over but…. it's a good song and don't judge me. I love the beat."
"What's it called darling?" Al asked curiously.
"Ode to the Bouncer by Studio Killers."
"I see. Go on and play. I won't judge until the end."
I was so excited he was willing to try. I loved sharing my favorite songs with people I liked. I forgot how loud my music was and the fact Al was ya know, a weird radio-deer hybrid, he jumped when I hit play.
I smirked like an idiot as I turned it down and turned around. I played with my shirt nervously, waiting for him to finish it. I knew he wouldn't like it but it made me giddy just knowing he wanted to know what I liked. At least one of us had the balls to do something.
I sighed.
Maybe I wouldn't be able to do anything but I will- I will do something at some point! I needed to be brave!
When I figured enough time passed, I turned around. I gave him a smile as I paused the song and he took my headphones off. He had a smug smile on his face for some reason. Did he like it after all or something?
"So?"
"Ironic really," Al said, handing me the headphones back.
"What do you mean 'ironic'?" I asked in confusion.
"It's about the singer wanting to dance when in fact you refuse to dance. If you wish to dance Charlie, I will dance with you and you won't regret it."
I felt myself stiffened up, my breath caught in my throat and my stomach felt like it had butterflies in it. Jesus- I might as well throw myself into his arms because I really, really wanted too. I wanted him to slam me up against him all over again, drag me across the floor and make me dance to his beat alone.
He looked a little worried when I didn't answer.
"Are you ok Charlie? Did I say something wrong?"
"N-no… I…."
My poor heart almost broke out of my ribcage when he grabbed my shoulders. All the blood shot up to my face while I was screaming at myself to do something- say something!
"Yes?" he asked like I was going to answer him.
My stupid lips were moving but they weren't producing any sound with what I had in my head. Shit, he looked so amused by what was going on…. I wanted to effectively wipe that grin off his face.
I was gonna do something alright!
I raised my hands, dropping my headphones onto the ground not giving a damn if they broke or not. They were shaking so bad but I kept going. I wanted so badly to press my lips against his. All this whirling emotions was too much for me to keep it together. I was losing my damn mind.
I was almost there- an inch or so from his handsome face and he hadn't moved at all so that made me feel a little more brave, just a little bit. I felt the tips of my skin brush his warm skin and then came back to me he didn't like people touching him.
I jerked myself back, almost stumbling in the process. I felt my eyes widened and I whipped around.
"I-I gotta go!" I screamed not even looking back.
X
X
I don't know why I ended up at Angel Dust's door but I did. I was flipping the fuck out. I was shaking so bad I wasn't sure what to do with myself. I wanted to punch myself in the face because I was so damn close-
I beat on Angel's door with both of my fists like a psycho and I could hear him hollering at me but I couldn't make out a damn thing he said. My brain was buzzing with so much shit, when he opened his door, I grabbed a hold of his jacket and started stammering out a bunch of bullshit that made no sense.
"Alright bitch calm down!"
He dragged me into his room and slammed his door behind us.
"What the hell has you so freaked out?!"
"I need a drink! I know you have alcohol!" I screeched like a banshee.
He looked shocked then placed his hands on my shoulders.
"Alright, alright! Just chill Charlie! It's gonna be ok!"
He pulled me over to his bed and forced me to sit down. I barely noticed him digging around in his closet and pulled out a bottle of Jack. He grabbed two glasses and filled them just a tiny bit. He handed me one and I downed the thing without even feeling the burn and held it back out to him.
"M-more."
"Jesus fucking christ princess."
He just filled up the whole glass until it was almost spilling over the edge and I gulped that down too.
"Fuck, remind me not to have a drinking contest with ya!"
I held out my glass.
"Are ya trying to get shitfaced?" he asked, "Someone as proper as you? Color me surprised."
I shot him a dirty look making him cackle as he poured more.
"I'll replace whatever we drink," I said just staring at him.
Angel's eyebrows shot up, "Really?"
I nodded slowly then he jumped up and started digging through his closet. He pulled out a case of something called, Twisted Shots, another bottle of Jack and a bottle of something orange.
"Girl, we are gettin' fucked up in here!"
"Thank god because I need it!"
Well…. I didn't remember much after that.
I just knew I owed Angel all that alcohol when I recovered.
X
X
I somehow made it from Angel's room to my own…. I don't think he drank as much as I did or as fast. I slid off my bed. My brain only had one thought in it, Alastor. I was so drunk, my head hurt but I felt brave enough now.
When my ass hit the floor I groaned I think. It didn't sound like a groan but whatever. I was gonna march my drunk ass to his room or crawl- as long as I got there who cared- and tell him exactly how I felt. That I wanna kiss his creepy ass smile and I was gonna make him hold me all night while we danced.
That sounded like a swell plan in my drunken head.
"Charlie darling? Are you ok?"
It was Alastor. My drunk little heart skipped a beat in delight. I felt myself grinning some but maybe not. Hey, at least I didn't have to make it down the hallway now. He came to me. Just gotta open the damn door. I can do this! I reached out some and my hand dropped to my side.
Good effort there Charlie you idiot!
I blinked seeing something black creep up my door. Fuck- I was halluncating now! My door swung open to reveal in all his sexy, dancing bod- Alastor. I wanted to smile but I probably would've drooled on myself at this point.
"My word Charlie…. You shouldn't be on the floor!"
I opened my mouth but then my stomach lurched.
OH NO
"Trash… can," I managed to breathe out correctly and coherently enough.
Good job Charlie! I needed a pat on the back for that.
I heard Al snap his fingers and a trashcan was shoved into my hands. I almost started crying but I dry heaved instead. I felt Alastor's fingers against my neck making my heart thump but then I puked- that happy feeling all gone just like that. I think I tried to say his name but I wasn't really sure.
This had to be a dream. Well, it was a sucky dream but at least Al was with me. I felt my hair fall back around me and I felt a little sad. Well, damnit. That was ok…. I was too messed up to do anything.
Then, I felt someone touch my leg just briefly. I managed to lift my head a little to see that worried face of the man who swept me off my feet. I felt something brush across my face and my drunk ass tried to kiss the wash rag. At least Al didn't see that.
My drunken dream was ruined by the very sudden sound of screeching.
Fuck, was it Vaggie? She was ruining my dream!
I rolled my head back and groaned so loudly it hurt my sore throat. It got really quiet and then I felt Al wiping my face again. It was so sweet it made me want to cry.
"Thawanks," I managed to say.
Drunk talking was no easy task.
"Stay right there Charlie dear."
I think I opened my mouth but I don't think I said what I wanted too. I don't even know what I was trying to say.
If I wasn't so drunk, I would have turned bright ass red but since I was, I couldn't even react to Alastor liting me up and I felt the bed against my body. God, I wanted to tell him so badly but now I couldn't even move my lips.
"Vagatha, can you fetch Miss Charlie some crackers and water?" I heard Al say.
God his voice was so heavenly. I wonder if he could sing? I bet he could.
I felt Al's hands on me again but then they were gone making me almost whimper. Then I heard hushed arguing thank god but what were they saying?
It felt like they were talking forever when I felt Alastor's hands on me. How could I ever forget the feel of those hands? I felt my head land on the pillows and he pulled me on my side. I let out a sigh wishing he would just stay with me but then his presence was gone and I almost whimpered.
I think I heard static and then I heard his voice. It sounded so angry but I don't know what he said. Was he disappointed in me?
My heart and stomach dropped. I felt a few tears sting my eyes but it didn't last too long and I passed out for good.
X
Last night didn't come back to me so easily but I think I spilled my guts to Angel. I'm sure I told him how I lusted for the Radio Demon and that I couldn't keep my shit together.
Oh god- he was going to tell everyone!
I sniffed the air a little and I smelled food. I cracked one eye open to see a warm cup of coffee and breakfast tacos. I leaned up and saw the coffee was made exactly how I liked it. Well, the color of it was to my liking.
I dragged my stupid ass out of bed and peed. It felt like I was peeing forever and my head was still throbbing too. I let out a groan. I could drink but the hangover usually wasn't worth it. My mouth and throat were dry too.
I devoured the food left for me and drank the coffee. I ended up sleeping most of the day too but I was ashamed and I hid away.
At least I could sleep some of my shame away right?
It wasn't until after dinner when Vaggie came with a plate full of food. I actually woke up to the smell.
"Meatloaf," I managed to say and Vaggie snorted.
"Yea, it is. Are you ok?" she asked.
She did sound like she was worried. I nodded slowly as she handed me the plate. She placed a glass of milk on my nightstand and I downed it after I finished half my plate.
"You… You like Alastor."
I felt my whole body go stiff. I didn't know what to say to that.
"Charlie, I can tell. I don't…. Blame you."
"Angel told you, didn't he?" I asked, staring down at my plate.
"He said something about how you liked that psycho for years and something about a royal party. He was too sloshed to say much of anything that made sense. You apparently forgot all about it until he showed up here."
I had managed to keep the block party to myself. I nodded.
"Alright. I'm ok with it."
I raised my head and looked at her. She didn't look upset at all.
"I get it."
"Thanks?"
I finished eating.
"I embarrassed myself and I couldn't keep it together anymore. I almost kissed the guy then backed out at the last second."
"That's good because your creepy crush is a fuckin' virgin Charlie."
My jaw dropped.
"What? HOW?!"
She snorted again and started laughing.
"I kind of made friends with him this morning."
I was shocked to my very soul.
"So…. just don't wallow in self pity up here ok?"
Vaggie snatched the empty plate from my fingers and grinned.
"What?" I asked like I didn't understand.
"I know you Charlie. You probably got all flustered and wanted to tell him a million times in the last week. I also need to say sorry. You always know when someone is bad or good. So…. tomorrow, suck it up and get that pancake flat ass psycho alright?"
I busted up laughing.
"Oh, in exchange for me helping, I want to know if he has a tail alright?" Vaggie said before falling into a giggle fit.
"Deal!"
X
X
X
So I was going to take Vaggie's advice and get his pancake flat ass! That's right! Last night I opened my door when I was sure I heard his footsteps. I opened it in time to hear his door slam.
Well it was late and I'm sure he thought I was in bed. No matter! There was tomorrow, right?
I was very wrong about it.
The next morning, I opened my bedroom door to see Alastor wasn't there waiting. Maybe he was already down in the kitchen?! I ran as fast as I could in my duckie slippers and my one piece bunny pajamas. Go ahead and make fun of me but they were comfy!
I was sorely disappointed when I saw Vaggie in the kitchen with like a hundred pancakes surrounding her. Her eye widened when she saw my crestfallen expression.
"Shit, I'm sorry! I told Alastor to sleep in. He looked a little tired last night. I told him you asked about him though. He's glad you feel better!"
I smiled weakly, "Alright…"
"He should be around in the lobby at any time. He'll probably be reading or something like that. You know how he is."
I nodded. Yea… She was right.
Vaggie and I ate pancakes together chatting away and Angel Dust joined us when I decided to hiss at him for blabbing his big ass mouth. He only laughed at me and shrugged but I guess it worked out for the best.
I didn't feel as nervous as before. I guess it was because I had someone to talk to about it. The two of them gave me tidbits of advice.
Vaggie and I cleaned up everything but Al still didn't show up. I frowned at that and went upstairs. I didn't even bother changing first and I headed straight for his door. I knocked a few times but he didn't answer me.
Ok then. He had to have left the hotel.
I announced to Vaggie I was going to town. I still had to replace the alcohol I guzzled down and I wanted to get a few things. I didn't go out in public often but I sucked it up. I was glad I could remember what the hell I drank with Angel.
I returned to the hotel over an hour later. This is when it got really weird.
I walked through the doors to see Alastor walking through the lobby. I grinned like a love struck idiot and went to call him when I saw his freakin' shadow jump out of the floor, waving his hands around wildly. Alastor didn't even turn around- he fuckin' bolted for the shadows.
I stood there baffled.
What the hell?
X
Throughout the day I did my best to find him but damn- he was a hide and seek champion! That was just because we were in the freakin' hotel! Vaggie watched me go on, looking under the couches, desk or anything that deer demon could fit under.
It was like, all the sudden I had the balls to do something about all these confusing feelings and he was hiding from me. Well two can play that game! I'll be the best damn seeker you ever fuckin' saw!
I spent the whole damn day asking if anyone saw Al and then I chased him through the halls/shadows. Mother fucker had to come out sometime!
He even had the audacity to make dinner and then left his shadow to finish it when I burst in there! At least his shadow had the decency to look terrified when I busted in there. Al wouldn't even look me in the eye!
OH MY GOD
Did I say something when I was drunk? I don't think I did? Fuck, Vaggie was there right? I think?
"VAGGIE!" I shouted, making one of my clients jump near me, "Sorry!"
I went through the whole lobby, the kitchen and then to Vaggie's door and beat on it like my life depended on it . Her door flew open and she stood there half naked. Her hair was sticking up everywhere and then I saw some chick on her bed. I whipped around, flushing.
"Shit- sorry Vaggie!"
"What is it?! Did something happen?!"
"N-no! I got it! It's nothing!"
I reached around and slammed her own door in her face before I took off running.
So…. I didn't get anywhere at all today. Well, there was tomorrow.
I laid in bed until three in the morning before I decided to drag my ass out of bed. I went to my door in my bright pink nightgown. I left my door open and walked down the hallway quietly. I stood there outside of Alastor's room just staring at his door.
Yea, it really looked bad that I was standing there in the middle of the night in my nightgown outside of some guy's room but it wasn't just some guy to me. This was Alastor we're talking about! It wasn't something as fall as wanting to claim his virginity no, but it was more than that.
I felt like I was detoxing from his presence alone. This was all my fault. I pounded shots (wouldn't really call what I drank shots) and then puked my guts out. I wasn't even sure Al was in my room…. Vaggie was….? Unless I dreamt all that.
I rubbed my temples softly thinking about it all. This was all my fault- I should've just asked Alastor to kiss him. I just ran out of his room like a nut case (did I even take my cleaning cart?) and panicked. Why couldn't I be more confident like my mother?
I pressed my forehead against his door. I think I stood there for five minutes before returning to my own room.
I didn't sleep.
X
X
I slammed my forehead against the kitchen table with the coffee pot in my hands. Yea, I was drinking straight from it without sugar or creamer in it. I had hoped it would have woken up from the gross ass taste but it didn't help any. How in the hell did Al drink it without any flavor to it?
I hate my life.
Angel Dust walked through the kitchen door to see me drinking straight from the glass pot.
"You ok?" he asked, looking comically alarmed.
"No."
"What crawled up your ass and died?"
"Alastor is avoiding me. I don't remember a whole lot from when I was drunk but I think I told him something…. I can't remember anyways. I went to ask Vaggie but I interrupted her fun time with someone. I was gonna ask her. Then I didn't sleep. I wanted to tell him sorry but I couldn't even do that."
"Damn girl. You fell hard, haven't you?"
"I did but I also avoided him on purpose. I should've come out of my room after dinner from sleeping off that hangover but I didn't. I was still freaking out."
"Ya sure ya want someone like him?"
I gave him a dirty look before drinking some more coffee. I was going to have to refill this pot in a few minutes.
"Angel, I don't see a psycho murderer. Yes, I am very aware that's what he does but that isn't just him. He's like a cake with lots of colorful layers. All you're focused on is the icing!"
"Only you would refer to someone like him like a cake."
I groaned and got up. I finished off the pot and rinsed it out.
"Maybe he will be in the mood to talk to you today. Just find out and give it a shot."
I started up the coffee pot.
"Yea, you're right. Maybe he just needed some time? Thanks Angel. I meant it."
"No problems toots, but ya gotta share the next pot of coffee with me."
X
Alastor DID NOT need time. He was actively avoiding me once more. This time, Vaggie was chasing me around while I chased the Radio Demon around. She tried her best to talk sense into me but it didn't really work. I hadn't slept. I was emotional. I was filled with rage to some degree. I was anxious and I wanted to talk to him.
If he decided he wanted to leave after all, but I wanted to tell him the truth at least. The fact he was still here and actively avoiding me meant he wasn't ready to leave right?
Right?
It didn't make me feel any better actually but it gave me a tiny bit of hope.
That hope was quickly dying by evening though. I did get some work done thanks to Vaggie pestering me to do stuff. She barely had time to come after me when I ran to the kitchen.
There Alastor stood in all his blood red glory, stirring a pot. I didn't notice it at the moment but my horns had popped out from my rage inducing dash to get here.
He turned around, his eyes going wide and he looked like he admired my slightly demonic form but then that mother fucker went running for the shadows. Vaggie was behind me in the lobby screaming like a lunatic.
"GODDAMNIT ALASTOR!" I screeched feeling my palms heat up.
He was gone.
Vaggie, like the best friend she was, took me out for ice cream. I inhaled three ice cream cones before she cut me off.
I should've been tired but I wasn't. She could tell I wasn't in a good mood.
"It will be ok."
"Yea, sure."
"Charlie-
"I don't wanna talk, Vaggie. Can I just get another ice cream cone?"
She smiled sadly at me and nodded. She handed me a chocolate ice cream with sprinkles.
"Thanks."
X
X
I sat in the lobby. I wasn't tired even from the severe lack of sleep. I just sat on that couch Vaggie told me Alastor had been sitting on and reading every day.
I was emotionally tired. I figured I gave it my best go and that this was it. Honestly, I should just let it go. I was going to go to bed and let it go. I was gonna sleep and wake up tomorrow. I was going to let it all go.
I looked up just in time to see Alastor walking into the lobby. My heart gave a hard thump, my stomach felt funny and then my breath caught in my throat all at once.
Fuck.
I looked back down at my phone, my eyes watering a little. I hate myself. I didn't wanna watch him run off again. I heard his footsteps get closer to me and my heart rate picked up.
Stupid heart!
"May I sit down?" I heard him ask.
Oh god-
"I don't see why not? Everyone thinks it's your couch. No one will sit on it other than Vaggie," I answered without looking up at him.
Don't look Charlie, don't look-
"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 intention though."
I finally raised my face to look at him. He looked apologetic. My resolve was already crumbling.
Goddamnit!
"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 trash can."
My mouth dropped open. Oh no-
"Oh my god….." I whispered in horror.
It was real! It wasn't a dream!
Alastor decided to sit at the other end of the couch from but that was a start at least. It made me feel a lot better when it shouldn't have.
"I thought I dreamed that…. It makes so much sense…."
I left my phone in my lap and covered my face letting out a mortified groan. I heard Al chuckle and snap his fingers. I peeked through my fingers to see his book before I lowered my hands off my face.
I needed to calm down. Stupid heart!
"Why were you drinking? You seemed like you were so receptive to our therapy sessions and I thought it was helping you. I wasn't aware you preferred drinking as a substitute," he said quietly like he was a little hurt.
Oh- oh. I hurt him. I just stared at him without talking. What the hell was I supposed to say? I was thinking mostly about myself and not how he felt kind of… I didn't know I hurt him.
After a good while of just staring at him dumbfounded, I grabbed my phone and started playing Angry Birds again.
It was then when Alastor scooted closer to me and I could feel the heat rising to my face quickly. I swallowed hard trying to calm myself down but it wasn't really working.
"What are you doing?" he asked.
Well, I answered him but not with words. I sputtered absolute nonsense and he looked slightly amused and very worried. I wondered what he thought about me like this?
Probably I was some blubbering idiot.
"It's called…. Angry Birds," I answered, rather proud I used actual words this time.
"Why are the birds angry? Are those green pigs?" he asked, seeing the screen more with him leaning in more.
"The pigs keep stealing their eggs. The birds all do different things… Wanna see?" I asked with a small smile.
I scooted closer to Al, feeling his body heat now. I swear to god my face had to be a hundred degrees by now. Someone could cook bacon and eggs on my stupid, hot face.
"I suppose so."
I did what I needed to get the red bird back on the slingshot and let go to send it flying. As all the wood fell, I think Al actually snickered at my game.
"How amusing," he said looking at me.
I giggled and looked at him now too. His eyes had such a soft glow. He didn't even have on his toothy grin, but a close mouth smile. He looked oddly more cute and harmless that way. More human.
Oh god!
My cheeks started reheating again and I looked away quickly.
"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?" he asked, sounding curious.
"I….. Do you need me to say it?" I asked quietly.
I felt like a jackass but I didn't want to say it. He's made it very clear he doesn't understand a lot of social interactions regarding whatever this was.
"Yes I do Charlie. These things elude me and I have no idea what's going on. This might be one of those times you might want to treat me like an idiot. A rare moment honestly, so savor it while you can."
I giggled again and looked back at Alastor.
"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."
He tilted his head, watching me. He looked thoughtful for over a minute and I wondered what he was thinking about.
"I suppose you can try, if you desire to do so," he finally said.
I did my best to hide my excitement and forced the nicest, less stupid grin as possible on my face.
"You…. you sure?" I asked.
"No," he answered.
I felt my lips part but I didn't know what to say. I was so confused.
Alastor shrugged, "Go ahead."
Oh my god. Oh my god-
I raised my hands slowly but I wasn't too proud they were shaking though. Once I got within an inch of touching his face I paused. I wanted to give him a chance to back out if he wanted too. My heart was slamming against my ribs at an alarming rate I was sure I would pass out.
Whatever resolve I had about letting my feelings for Alastor go, just crumbled away onto the floor to be forgotten. He swept me right back in without too much effort.
It was more than just dancing together now wasn't it?
Al grabbed my hands, almost making me choke on my own spit in response and closed the short distance between my hands and his face. He was so warm and his skin was so smooth too. I could feel the muscles in his face that seemed to always be working with that smile he had going on all the time.
Did he sleep with a smile?
I grinned like a giddy lunatic.
"What do you think darling?" Al asked in a hushed whisper.
"You're so warm!" I answered.
Jesus Charlie, really? That's what you say after all this insane chaos?
Alastor blinked rapidly like he couldn't believe I just said that. I almost snorted.
"You're warm too."
Fuck my face turned bright red from that.
"I missed you…. When you kept running," I spat out without thinking.
I felt so stupid for saying it then he visibly relaxed. God did that make me feel god!
"Is that why you were yelling at me?" he asked with a smirk appearing on his face.
"Yes!"
He laughed as he released my hands from his grip.
You know what- fuck it! Go for broke girl!
I ran my fingers up carefully to his red and black hair.
Oh wow….
"It's so soft. Like a kitty."
Alastor's face turned bright red from my comment and it made me feel so damn giddy with excitement. He looked so damn cute all embarrassed like this!
"Thank you?" Al answered but he really sounded so unsure.
I started giggling and he smiled more. I couldn't express how happy I was- I simply didn't have the words. It wasn't because I was touching him but because he was talking to me. Because it seemed just like he missed me as much as I missed him.
It felt like we really made up.
"Can I touch your ears and antlers? It's ok if you say no," I asked, the words tumbling from my lips without thinking about it.
"You already touched my ears days ago so go ahead Miss Charlie."
He didn't flinch at all while I slid my fingers all over his head like I never touched someone else before. I felt so elated while I ran my fingers through his soft hair and up his adorable ears. I so wanted to say something but I didn't want to embarrass him.
His ears twitched so cutely and I snorted- I just couldn't help myself! My face was hurting from smiling so much. His antlers felt velvety too. Wow! He was the closest thing to a deer I would ever see….
I don't know how long he let me do that so I tried my best to smooth out his hair before putting my hands back into my lap.
"Thanks! I was so curious and everything….." I said, trailing off, turning pink once again.
"I understand very much sweetheart. Thank you for asking, instead of trying to paw at me."
I laughed and brushed some of my hair from my face. Ya know what… he allowed me to make him all vulnerable so I think I should be a little more honest with him.
"It's so weird how lonely I felt without you…." I 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."
I tilted my head a little, watching Al. Vaggie already told me some stuff she had figured out about him but I needed to ask.
"Have you ever had a girlfriend?"
He blinked rapidly, looking a little shocked by my question.
"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?"
Al looked a little uncomfortable now but I wouldn't push it if he didn't want to answer me.
"I was told I was experiencing such emotions."
Oh.
I felt my eyes narrow, "Was or am?"
Alastor cleared his throat.
"Am."
"I see."
"Do you now?" he asked with a weird smile.
I nodded quickly.
"I suppose if I were to have such feelings for anyone, they better love dancing. It's rather boring doing it by myself."
I felt my eyes widen, "O-oh?"
"Yes. I do not like boring. You know that already."
I smiled, "Yea I remember."
We sat there quietly for some time again but it wasn't awkward this time. I felt a thousand times better.
It was then, the feeling of tired slammed into me. I was finally exhausted.
"Well, I guess I'm going to bed…. Are you doing breakfast in the morning?" I asked, feeling hopeful before standing up.
"I can."
Al stood up next and followed me with his book in hand.
We made it to our floor (staying quiet on the short walk there) and I stopped at my door. I opened the door and turned around to see Al still standing there.
"Goodnight Charlie."
My face flushed again and I grinned.
"Goodnight Alastor."
I closed my door reluctantly, feeling all the stress of today go away. I stood by my door and listened as his footsteps disappeared from my ears and I heard his door shut softly. I jumped on my bed, bouncing and I screamed into my pillow loudly. I closed my eyes tight and finally-
I fell asleep.
X
X
The next morning, I was so damn excited I couldn't help but skip to the bathroom once my feet hit the floor. I forgot to even bother with my hair and I pulled my bedroom door open. There he was.
Alastor turned around and looked at me studying me for a moment before smirking at me.
God, how can one look make my heart flutter like this?
"You ready to make breakfast, Miss Charlie?"
"I am! What are you making today?! I asked excitedly, skipping beside him.
I was so glad to be so close to him.
"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."
Oh wow.
"When did you decide all this?" I asked, feeling surprised.
"While I was waiting for you."
I was impressed. Half the time it took me and Vaggie thirty minutes to decide what to make for the day.
I guess I was staring because he cleared his throat and looked away. I could see his face turning pink.
I MAKE HIM BLUSH!
We walked together, almost close enough to hold hands with him if I wanted too but I fought that urge.
Once we were in the kitchen with clean hands, we got started. The little ham, egg and cheese cups smelled so good while they were baking! Al let me help with the fruit salad and I could feel his eyes on me while I was cutting the bananas. I couldn't tell if he was watching to make sure I did it right or if he was sneaking a peak at me.
When we were all done, we sat across from each other just drinking coffee together. It felt a little awkward.
I guess I was right about it being awkward because he slammed down his coffee cup making me jump. He suddenly looked alarmed.
"Are you ok Alastor?"
"I have no idea dear. I apologize."
He stood up quickly, "I need…. I'll see you around."
"O-oh… Ok."
He disappeared from the kitchen almost running out of the door leaving me baffled in the kitchen.
X
I managed to focus on a lot of my work since I felt a lot better and I told Vaggie what had happened. She snorted at it and told me that was the most innocent, awkward shit she had ever heard. I guess it was?
Once I finished telling her everything she grinned.
"Movie night tonight. I'm putting on a romance movie."
I sat up straighter.
"What? Why?" I asked, feeling confused.
"I think Alastor can come along and put the moves on you."
My face turned bright red.
"WHAT?!"
"Calm down- it could happen right?"
I drummed my fingers against my desk.
"I don't know Vaggie."
"It will work. Let him lead the way. Give the virgin the chance to make the moves."
"Vaggie!"
I grabbed my face and squeezed my cheeks.
"He's probably panicking so don't be too harsh with him."
"Oh, ok…."
A romantic movie night…
I guess that's a start.
I dropped my hands and let my mind wander with a goofy grin on my face.