Let's keep the train going!
Song featured:
Long Ago (and Far Away) by Bing Crosby
Ch 9: Deathaversary
(Heart's POV)
After two months went by, things felt different around the hotel. It was in a good way though. With my little slip on the tongue and everyone knowing about Alastor and I, it was nice to not have to worry. I'd kiss him in the lobby in front of everyone when he would return from errands and he would do the same. We started to cuddle up on the couch by the fireplace at night. Alastor would read a book while I laid on the couch with my head in his lap and he would pet my head. It was so nice and content. Sometimes I fall asleep like that.
It was nice not having to worry. Although we still haven't gone on another date night. At the same time though, I was just enjoying what I had here.
What me and Alastor had was just enough for me. I was content. I was happy. That's weird coming from me. I'm happy in Hell. Who would have guessed?
Alastor and I were down in the kitchen. I was helping him make dinner that night. He started to let me help him more often. I honestly didn't even ask. He stood me up from my chair one day and told me he was going to teach me a few things about cooking. I knew HOW to cook but I know a lot of the things he made were a little different then what I would normally make. Of course, some recipes were his mother's so there were some ingredients he wouldn't tell me what they were.
As of now, he was looking for something that was important to the dish he was making.
"Darling, did you buy more hot sauce?" I heard Alastor ask as he looked through a cupboard.
I gave a smirk. "Yes, I did." I answered.
"Then why can't I find it?" Alastor wondered, opening another cupboard.
"You might just be looking in the wrong spot." I sang.
Alastor stopped in his tracks and looked at me as I held the bottle in my hand. I still had a smirk on my face. All Alastor did was give me a large grin.
He closed the cupboard and slowly walked over to me. "Now how am I supposed to get that back?" He pointed to the bottle.
"I have it up for ransom. You have to buy it back." I told him.
He was soon right in front of me, "Now what am I supposed to buy it with?"
I laughed, "Whatever you want."
"WHATEVER I want?" Alastor made sure, lifting an eyebrow.
I nodded and put the bottle down on the counter. I knew what he was going to do. I've been doing this every other time in the kitchen. Always with something different. At first, he wasn't into it, now he just goes along. Enjoying it.
"Well, I better pay up." Alastor said, almost seductively.
The Radio Demon leaned down and laid a kiss on my waiting lips. He wrapped his arms around me and pulled me close to him. He was a little more into it then normal today as he forcefully pushed his tongue into my mouth. Making out with him was probably the most exciting thing I have experienced. My body tingled, my heart raced and half the time he got me so excited and into it ...I thought about more. Wanting more. Feeling more of him. I knew I shouldn't, but I had a feeling Angel Dust's talks were starting to get to me. That stupid spider demon. Putting images in my head. I knew Alastor wasn't even close to that step yet. I know I had to wait. It was a step I couldn't push onto him. I had to stop thinking that way.
Soon Alastor pulled away from the kiss and he had me breathing heavily. My body had that exciting feeling. Damnit. He really did it to me today.
While in my daze Alastor grabbed the hot sauce and let out a laugh as he walked back over to the stove. I soon got out of my daze and walked up next to him to watch.
"You really had me going there." I admitted to him.
"Sorry dearie." He looked down at me with a grin. "Some days you taste so good it's hard to resist." He gave me a wink.
I felt the blush creep onto my face. He did it again. Alastor laughed at me and then looked down at the food in the pot. "It's almost done."
The thought again of a date night crossed my mind. "Hey Al, can I ask you something?"
"Sure." He answered, not looking up from his work.
I played with my shirt, why was I still so nervous around him. "I was wondering if we can go out again for a date night. I wanted to take you somewhere this time."
Alastor looked down at me smiling. "I think that's an amazing idea my dear. We haven't gone out together in a while."
"That's what I was thinking as well. This time though," I reached out and grabbed his hand. "I want to hold your hand the whole way there."
Alastor squeezed my hand in his. "I would like that." He leaned over and planted a kiss on my forehead. "When you want to go?"
"Tomorrow night?" I suggested.
"That would work nicely." He agreed. He took his hand out of mine and went back to stirring the pot.
Should I tell him what tomorrow was or should I wait. No, maybe not. I feel it might affect the night if I popped it on him randomly. "Al, there's also something going on tomorrow as well. Which is why I suggested it."
"Oh? What might that be, little wolf?" He didn't take his eyes off the food.
I took a pause, I was still unsure if I should tell him, but I let out my breath. "It's the anniversary of my death."
Alastor stopped and froze but it was only for a split second. He looked at me. "Are you sure you want to go out tomorrow then?" He asked.
I nodded, "I may have died but every year I just go out and celebrate it. I make it a night for myself." I smiled as I explained. "Am I happy I died? No. Was I happy I was down here at first? No. But I was glad for one thing...I was free from my years of neglect and all the other stuff my parents did to me. So, it was a celebration for me. Freedom."
Alastor seemed to understand, he grabbed my hand. "Well I am glad I can be around for your celebration." He said softly with a smile.
"Thank you Alastor." I went and gave him a hug and he wrapped his arms around me. "I wouldn't want anyone else with me besides you."
He took his hand and took my chin between his clawed fingers so I could look up at him. He leaned down and placed a small kiss on my lips then let go of my chin.
The doors of the kitchen then slammed open. We both jumped in surprise. I unwrapped my arms from around Alastor and looked to see Angel Dust standing in the doorway.
"Can ya two get a fucking room alrighty!? I'm starving and you're in here playing 'find the back of your throat with the others tongue!'" Angel exclaimed.
I looked down and blushed with embarrassment.
Alastor laughed, "No need to worry, Angel. It's done. Was making sure it was perfect." He turned the stove off.
Angel grabbed a bowl from the cabinet. "Good because if I had to watch ya make out again I might have to stab out my eyeballs and eat em instead."
I knew Angel was just joking of course but at the same time it wouldn't surprise me. Even so, I couldn't tell if he was actually annoyed or jealous. I mean, Angel did try to go for all the guys. Angel got his food and didn't say a word as he walked out.
Alastor walked up to me and chuckled as I still had a blush. "You going to look nice again for tomorrow night?"
I looked up at him with a small smile. "I do. I dress up nicely and go to my usual place." I answered.
"I can't wait to see you then." He smiled big at me with slanted eyes.
I stood in front of the mirror in my bathroom and gave a small twirl. I wore a long black skirt with a black shirt that fell off my left shoulder. I haven't worn this outfit in a while, and I was glad to wear it for Alastor. Tonight, was our date night and my death Anniversary. I went and made sure all my stuff was in my purse and then went to my door and walked across the way to Alastor's door. I went to knock but the door alrighty started to open. It slowly opened to show Alastor.
"Knew I was coming huh?" I asked.
Alastor smiled "Perhaps." He looked up and down at me. "You look wonderful my darling."
"Thank you." I smiled big and gave a small curtsy.
Alastor laughed and walked out of his room and into the hallway next to me. He held his hand out to me.
"Shall we be on our way?" Alastor asked.
I took his hand, "Absolutely."
We walked down the hallway hand in hand and down into the lobby. Vaggie and Charlie were down there on the couch.
Vaggie just turned her head away.
Charlie looked at us with a smile as we walked down the steps, "You guys heading out?"
"Just for tonight." Alastor answered.
"We'll you two have fun." Charlie told us.
"We will." I smiled.
We walked away from them and to the book so we could sign out. Alastor led me to the door and we walked out into the streets. I led the way since I didn't tell Alastor where we were going. We walked through the streets of hell...hand in hand. I didn't want to let his hand go and I'm glad we didn't. I led us mainly around the quiet places of the city. Past a few clubs, bars and drunk demons. Some actually saw us and just stared. To be honest, I don't think they were staring at Alastor. Because they couldn't look away as we walked by. No one ever wanted to look at Alastor. They were definitely looking at us then.
Soon I took us through a park and on the other end was where I was heading. It was a small, old time themed restaurant. It was called Giuseppe's It reminded me of home. It was where I came every year. I remember the inside: pictures on walls, trinkets and knickknacks from all over. Was a cool place. There was a dance floor, so while you were there you could dance to the live band.
Alastor stopped before we got inside. "I've never been here before." Alastor said
I looked up at Alastor, "I know you'll love this place, Al."
Alastor gave out a small hum of uncertainty "Will you be ok with how they will react to me?"
I Knew the answer without thinking "Probably not but I'll look past it." I smiled.
"If you say so. Let's go." Alastor kept walking again.
When we got up to the place and Alastor held the door open for me. We headed inside and I walked up to the host stand. I made Alastor stay back so he didn't freak the host out at first. At the stand was a rat demon I know who worked there for a long time. He was all white furred with red eyes. He was so nice, and we would chat when I came in. He wore a bow tie with a red button up shirt.
He noticed me when I got up to the stand. "Ah, Heart!? Is that you?" He greeted me. He came around the host stand and gave me a hug.
I gave a chuckle as I hugged back. "Hi Stanley, it's good to see you."
He pulled out of the hug. "It's good to see you as well Miss. I hope you've been well?" He asked.
"I've been fantastic actually. Best I felt." I told him
He went back behind the stand. "Ah wonderful to hear. Do you want your normal seat?" He wondered.
"Yes, but this time I have someone with me." I gestured to the door where Alastor stood.
Alastor walked forward and took my gestured hand into his. I looked back to see that Stanley had froze looking at Alastor.
I wanted to calm him. "Stanley, my guest will not hurt you or anyone here. He made a promise to me to behave tonight." I assured him.
"A-A-A-Are you p-p-positive?" Stanley stuttered.
Alastor gave a small bow, "Good sir you have my word." Alastor said.
Stanley seemed to calm at that and fixed his bowtie. "Very well." He grabbed the menus. "This way." and headed us into the area.
The way the room was set, it was almost like a concert. The dance floor was in the middle with the band in the front of the room. Tables spread out across the room around it. Stanley led us back all the way to the back corner of the restaurant. It was my normal seat, I always sat alone, and I wanted to be away from everyone, so it was a nice spot.
The rat demon laid the menus on the table. "Enjoy." He looked at me. "Would you like your usual starting drink Miss. Heart?" He asked.
"Yes please. Give him the same too. Thank you, Stanley." I answered.
"Be back in a jiffy." He said and quickly walked away.
I knew Stanley was probably afraid of Alastor because usually he'd stay and talk with me, but he left in such a hurry.
"I hope you don't mind a shot of bourbon?" I asked Alastor as I went to sit down.
Alastor pulled out my chair and pushed it in. "Not at all. I do like my drinks now and then." He answered and sat down.
"Good. I have a shot to start off my night. Celebrate." I told him.
Stanley returned with the shots and walked away again.
I took mine and held it up slightly. "To another year in hell for something I regret" Alastor lifted his shot as well. "but years after this I know will be a lot better than they ever have." I smiled.
"To the future as well." Alastor toasted.
I feel it was the perfect toast. I always say the same thing every year but this time...I could finally spend my time here with someone I love, and I knew loved me.
I downed the shot and put my glass down on the table the same time Alastor did.
This death anniversary night was going to be the best one I've had, all because Alastor was here with me.
"I'm happy you were with me Al. All these years I've done this, I've been by myself." I told him.
Alastor reached over and grabbed my hand from the table. "You'll never be alone again my dear." He said to me softly. "Not while I'm around." He leaned over and placed a kiss on top of my hand.
I felt like I was going to melt at his touch. He was too much for me to handle sometimes. Soon Stanley came back to take our order and then went off again.
Alastor started to ask me about my human life, it was something we never talked about. I told him a few things here and there but never a full-on conversation like we had. I told him about my school life, how I would be bullied since I was a girl, because back in those days they still weren't keen about girls in school. Teachers beating me, then going home and getting beaten by my mother for stuff I didn't do or had no control over. I wanted nothing to do with how my mother lived. I wanted to be different. Out of the norm. I wanted to go off and learn history, I wanted to be a historian. Teach people stuff. That never happened though. I realized that I would never be able to be what I wanted. That's ok though, because even so, I still tried to live the best I could as a kid.
I had ordered another alcoholic drink and sat back in my chair, "My parents tried to arrange a marriage with me too. I hated every second of it, even the thought of it." I made a funny face. "I hated the man. I still remember his name, Robert. One day I went over to meet the family and finally met him. I can say it didn't go well." I took a sip of my drink.
"What happened, if you don't mind me asking?" Alastor wondered.
I looked away and looked at the dance floor, lost in thoughts, lost in memories. "They left us alone so we could talk but talking wasn't on his mind. He had different plans." I took a breath. "He beat me. Pretty good too. He broke my wrist in the process of me trying to stop him." I looked down at my left arm and made my hand a fist. "He tried to rape me to, but he didn't get that far. The most he got was ripping up my skirt I had on. I remember me kicking him well with my heels I had on, but it didn't stop him much. My parents came in just in time and got me out. You can say that they still cared about me because they cut off the marriage because of that incident."
"How old were you?" Alastor asked me.
"About 17. Those were magical years." I huffed and finished my drink.
"Is he here in hell?" Alastor asked with curiosity.
"Oh yea, I've seen him once or twice, but I avoid him. He is a ram looking demon. I can't face him. I'm afraid. Who knows if he would even remember me though?" I told him.
I looked at Alastor and I could tell that he seemed a little angry when I was talking. I almost felt the static from him rise slightly.
I sat up straight and looked at him. "Alastor did I say too much? I'm sorry if I made you upset. Those memories are just so burned in my mind. I can't help it." I apologized.
I felt his energy die off after I said that.
"It's alright darling. I can understand that the memories of your past will always be there, especially the bad ones." Alastor said. "Although, if you ever see him again, let me know. I'll make sure he learns a lesson." Alastor gave an evil sounding chuckle.
I smiled at him, "Thank you Al."
"I'd do anything for you my dear...even take out your old enemies." Alastor told me with a big smile.
Soon the food arrived, and we ate in silence a little and just listened to the music being played. I saw people go on and off the dance floor. It was always a few fast and dance songs and then a slow one mixed in. I still loved and enjoyed this place and I'll never get enough of it. I never danced on the floor, I never had anyone to dance with. This year I feel it will be different.
We finished eating and we talked for a little bit more. I then wanted to ask.
"Al, can we have one dance before we leave?" I asked him.
"Are you sure? We'll probably be the center of attention out there." Alastor pointed out.
I didn't care, "I know, but I've never danced here before since I'm always by myself. I want to dance with you."
"If that is what you wish for, my little wolf, then I shall make it so." Alastor smiled as he stood up from the table. He walked over to me and held his hand out to me. I slid my hand into his and he closed his clawed fingers around it. I stood up and we slowly made our way to the dance floor. This was it! I was finally going to dance here, and I was doing it with this amazing man I called my own.
The song the band was playing was a jazz type song that I had never heard. We walked out and stood by the edge a little. No way I wanted to go in the middle, I felt I would get to nervous. This way the edge was a fast escape. Alastor was pulling me around with the party type song. The jazz was very nice, even if I wasn't too crazy about it, I always loved the live band that played here either way. I could tell that Alastor was having fun. When the song ended, he picked me up but set me down quickly. I noticed in the corner of my eye's others were looking at us but now I didn't care and the only one who had my attention was Alastor.
Then I could feel the music go slow again. That was some good timing. I always loved to dance slowly with Alastor. The song was perfect as well, I knew it back when it first came out back in the day. I have a feeling it was something Alastor would sing to me, but I don't think he'll be singing with everyone around. I knew what was starting just from the beginning.
I wrapped my arms around him as he did so to me.
"Long ago and far away
I dreamed a dream one day
And now that dream is here beside me"
Alastor looked down at me and gave me a smile.
"Long the skies were overcast
But now the clouds have passed
You're here at last!"
I felt him tighten his hold on me, pulling me closer to him.
"Chills run up and down my spine
Aladdin's Lamp is mine
The dream I dreamed was not denied me
Just one look and then I knew
That all I longed for
Long ago was you"
There was a pause from the lyrics as we slowly danced together. I was looking up at him and I couldn't leave his face as I smiled lovingly up at him as he smiled down at me. To be honest, I felt this song almost fit us well. I needed him and after so long, he needed someone like me as well. Someone to make him feel that it's ok to feel love. It's ok to love another. To show affection in a greater way to someone you care about. Someone to make your heartbeat to something different. Have a different purpose. Your life changes. Even though I didn't want to believe it, Alastor was still himself. Crazy, psycho, evil and powerful overlord of hell, but in a way, he changed slightly too. He showed that he can have an affectionate side...he just needed to find the right person to show it off to. To share it with.
Alastor put his forehead to mine and softly he started to sing the last part of the song to me as well.
"Just one look and then I knew
That all I longed for
Long ago was you"
Alastor leaned down and planted a kiss on my lips as the last bit of the song played. It was such a gentle one. One I felt a lot of love behind. My tail wagged. This song probably touched him as much as it did me. I heard some whispers not far off, I heard Alastor's name but didn't catch what all they said. Mostly because I didn't care. I heard the next song start up and Alastor pulled away from me.
"You ready to go home my dear?" He asked me.
I nodded in response, "My night is done."
Alastor took my hand and we walked off the dance floor and back to the table. I paid for the food and we headed back out.
This night was amazing and one of the best nights I had.
We walked back through the less busy streets of hell. Again, he never let go of my hand. Demons we walked by stared again, most were afraid to just do so because of Alastor. I was lucky because I knew no one would hit on me like normal on the way home. Alastor was intimidating enough.
Although I saw one person, I never thought I would see again after last time. Lizzy. She was standing outside of a club up ahead. She was smoking and talking to her group of friends. I remember her hanging out with them before, they all looked familiar. I tried to pay no mind to her, I didn't look at her at all. But as we got closer, I saw her look at me. I knew my nice night would be over.
I saw her hit her cigarette one more time and threw it to the ground. When we got up to her she stepped in my way. She obviously forgot that Alastor was with me and what he would be capable of.
"Why lookie what we have here. It's my big half-sister on a cute little walk with her boyfriend." She made a gag noise. "How sweet."
"Nice to see you to Lizzy. I hope you are well?" I said, trying to be calm.
Surprisingly Alastor said nothing and stayed there holding my hand, he knew he wanted me to handle my sister myself unless needed.
She made a pssh noise, "In a way yea. I'm glad to see that you still care about my wellbeing." She chuckled. "So how is that rehabilitation going?" She said 'rehabilitation' with a growl of disgust.
"I stopped my rehabilitation." I told her.
Lizzy's eyes got big in surprise. "Well holy shit. Who are you and what did you do with my sister? What made you change your mind? I always thought you hated this place?"
"I will agree that I don't enjoy it here, but I changed my mind because of Alastor." I got closer to him.
"All that shit about going to heaven and being pure. All those years I heard you complain. All just thrown out the window?" She pointed to Alastor. "All because of him?"
I looked at her softly, "That's right. A life without him in it, it's just not worth it. What's the point of going to heaven, when all I have is right here?" I felt Alastor squeeze my hand.
Lizzy made a gag noise. "Please, leave the lovey dovey shit elsewhere." She rolled her eyes. "I get it, you love him. Does this mean you're coming home or no?"
I gave her a small frown, "Sorry Lizzy but the hotel is my home now. At least for now. Charlie is letting me stay there because I help out around the place."
"Ok I can see that. I'm glad you're somewhere safe then." Lizzy took out a cigarette and lit it. "Well hey, also, I wanted to apologize to you."
I was surprised by that. "Apologize? I didn't know that was in your vocab sister. It's rare." I joked.
"Yea yea whatever." I could tell she was embarrassed with this. "I wanted to apologize for fighting with you and all that stuff that happened when I came to see you. I was just a little blinded and enraged by my own anger that I didn't see how well you had it." She took a puff of her cigarette. "Heart, you're my sister. I still love you. I want you to live how you choose. I shouldn't have tried to force you to do anything."
I smiled, at least she still cared. "Thanks Lizzy. I love you too. I always want to look out for you as well. I'm just hoping you stay safe."
Lizzy chuckled. "Yes I am. You know I can hold myself." She reached into her jacket and pulled out a knife. "Especially when I have Elliott."
Lizzy always named her knives. Even as a kid. She was very strange indeed. Always will be.
"Oh, you still have Elliot. That's good. He's gotten you out of a lot of scraps." I said.
"Fuck yea." She put the knife back into her jacket. "I'll let you go. I'm sure you were on your way back."
"Yes, it was nice to see you again Lizzy. I'm glad to have you back as my sister." I let go of Alastor's hand and held out my arms to her.
"Heart, not in front of everyone." She whispered, pointing behind her at her friends. "I'm already embarrassing myself,
I put them down a little disappointed but let one hand out for a handshake. "Handshake then?"
Lizzy took my hand into her furry clawed one. "That works." She held my hand and pulled me in a little. "Don't be a stranger ok?"
"You too. If I visit you, you promise to visit me?" I wanted to make a deal with her.
"Deal." Lizzy smiled.
We let go of our handshake and I looked back at Alastor. He walked up next to me and looked down at my sister. I felt his energy spike a little.
"It's nice to meet you on better terms. I will warn though" Alastor's eyes glowed and he started to get that static around him. "Harm her and I'll break you in pieces." He warned in his deep creepy static voice.
Lizzy's ears went back in fear and her eyes went wide. She put her hands up. "Y-Y-Yea man. I-I-I understand."
Alastor went back to normal, "Good." He looked over to me. "Darling shall we be off?" He held his hand out to me.
I took Alastor's hand. "Yes." I looked at Lizzy and gave her an apologetic look. "I'll see you later?"
Lizzy nodded with a small smile and then went back to her group of friends.
We walked again and soon saw that hotel in sight. We finally got to the doors and headed inside, and it was empty in the lobby, except for Husk who was asleep at the bar. We both headed up the stairs and down the hallway to our rooms. Of course, we went to mine first.
"I had an amazing night, Al. I'm glad I could celebrate this day with you." I told him.
"I was happy to be with you my dear." Alastor said.
"You know you didn't have to scare my sister like that?" I said to him as I dug through my purse for my key.
"I know, but it was fun." Alastor admitted.
I gave a chuckled and shook my head. "Don't worry. Lizzy hopefully won't be a problem." I finally found the key and pulled it out. "Especially after that."
"That's what I made sure of." Alastor said.
I unlocked my door and turned back to Alastor. "What would I do without you, my great buck?" I said with a smile.
Alastor gave a big smile and wrapped one arm around me. "You probably wouldn't be here, my little wolf. You probably would have kept following that old dream of yours." He poked my nose.
I giggled. "I wouldn't want to go to heaven now." I looked up at him. "You are my heaven."
Alastor let out a chuckle. "My dear, I certainly am no angel. That's for sure."
I just looked at him lovingly. "You definitely are more handsome than an angel. So maybe not." I said with a small laugh.
Alastor said nothing. He just leaned down and gave me a kiss and wrapped his other arm around me to pull me closer to him. I wrapped my arms around his shoulders. He pulled away and still had a big smile on his face.
"Goodnight my little wolf. I love you." He whispered.
"Goodnight my great buck. I love you too." I whispered back to him.
Alastor walked away slowly and slowly released me from his arms. He went to his hotel room door and went inside. I went and walked inside my room and got ready for bed.
A nice night turned out to be a good sister reunion.