Now I get to introduce a cute little character to you all. It's been a long time coming but he is finally being brought in officially.

Ch 37: Rufio

(Heart's POV)

It's been about a week since I got to go home. I will say that I was glad to be back. When I first got to the house though, some memories of that day I was kidnapped came back to me. I had a hard time walking into the house then just looking at the now fixed glass coffee table. It just spiked something in me. That's the last thing I remembered that day; me crashing down onto it. I slowly made my way around the house again. When I went to the bedroom and I started to cry as soon as I walked in. The memories of me waking up and jumping out of bed to defend myself against my attackers. I remember the blood I stained on the walls. How I tried to fight against them. It was hard for me to be in there but Alastor made sure to calm me.

I was glad Alastor was there to help me get through it. He took me out of the bedroom and onto the back porch. He wanted to calm me. We just listened to the sounds of the forests on the porch swing that was out there. He just wrapped me into his arms and was just relaxed. It was the one thing I missed about being home, just the calmness of the forest. That and just being in Alastor's arms.

I managed to sleep that first night very uneasy. Alastor had a hard time trying to wake me up to calm me, I was very deep in that nightmare. I even punched him at one point and when I woke up to see his bruised cheek I apologized so much. He just kept telling me he was fine and that it was ok. I was wrapped up in his arms so tight that night, luckily my nightmare didn't come back. Alastor told me I slept calmly the rest of the night.

The second night I went to bed before Alastor did, but I couldn't sleep. The darkness of the room scared me a little, I was never afraid of the dark. I ended up getting up and found Alastor in his study, he was in the middle of reading a book. He heard me walk in and wondered what I was doing up. When I told him I couldn't sleep he invited me into his lap. I gladly accepted and sat in his lap while he read his book. I did eventually fall asleep in his arms that night. I woke up in bed that next morning, I assumed Alastor put me there. I was grateful for that.

The rest of the nights he did go to bed with me, I didn't have a single nightmare after that. Being back at home and where I belong just made it all better. I did eventually calm down around the house and I wasn't as jumpy. He made me breakfast every morning and of course I wouldn't complain about it because I always loved his food. He'd make me dinner as well. He wanted to make sure that I was taken care of. We basically didn't leave the house, I was fine with that. I was honestly afraid to.

I did notice that when Alastor wasn't by me his shadow was, his main shadow. I didn't mind though because his shadow liked me. It just always wanted to comfort me. It was almost like a cat; I didn't mind it.

Alastor took care of me this whole week and I was so glad about it. Although he was being a slight mother hen. I didn't mind him watching over me, but he was disregarding his duties though. I didn't want him to miss any more days or skip anything important he had to do.

I woke up in the morning without Alastor. I was surprised to see him not with me. I didn't mind though; it would be nice if he did finally go out and not ignore his duties. I got out of bed and walked to the bathroom and got a shower.

I walked out of the bathroom dressed and saw Alastor's shadow appear out of the floor. It surprised me.

I jumped in surprise. "Can you not give me a heart attack Shadow." I said, holding my chest with my heart still racing.

It laughed.

"Is Alastor home?" I asked it.

It nodded its head.

I sighed, "I need to have a talk with that man." I said a little agitated.

I walked past the shadow and out of the bedroom. I walked down the stairs and looked around the doorway into the kitchen and saw Alastor there; already at the table. I saw his shadow return to him.

He put his coffee down to look at me. "Morning dear." He greeted me.

"Morning." I greeted back with a smile.

I walked up to him and kissed his cheek before going and sitting in my chair, a bowl of oatmeal already ready for me. He was too good to me already; having food waiting for me.

I thanked him and decided to eat. As I did, Alastor was looking at the paper. I noticed that he was in an interesting section of the paper, one I never saw him usually look at. The adoption of hell animals. Was definitely confused on why he was looking at that section, but I decided not to ask and continued eating.

I took another bite and I realized that I should talk about him being at home all the time.

"Al, can I talk to you about something?" I asked him to get his attention.

"Of course, my love. What's on your mind?" Alastor wondered, not looking up from his paper.

I took another bite to think of what to say. "As much as I love you being home, don't you have stuff to do?" I told him.

He looked at me with a raised eyebrow, he almost seemed worried about my question. "Well…what about work for you?" He was answering my question with another question.

I slanted my eyebrows slightly. "I'm off work for about 2 more weeks from Giuseppe's thanks to Glenn. He wanted me to heal a bit before I go back. Then Charlie already knows the situation and said I can come to the hotel whenever I can." I explained to him.

"That's fair." He put down his newspaper. "I honestly don't have a good answer to your question darling other than I want to stay here to protect you."

"You can't stay here the whole time to watch over me, Al." I reached across the table and grabbed his hand. "I don't want you to worry about me all the time."

Alastor flipped his hand over and wrapped his fingers around my hand. "I can't help it though. After what happened I'm just afraid to leave your side again. To leave you unprotected."

I smiled, "I appreciate your concern. I'd want you here all the time too. I would love for you to always protect me, but you can't neglect duties Alastor." I told him sternly.

The deer demon gave a small sigh, "Yes, I know, but I can't help but worry over you." I felt him squeeze my hand a little. "I just don't want to lose you again." He said. I could tell he was concerned. Plus I saw a flash of sadness in his eyes.

I gave him a reassuring smile, "You won't lose me, Al. It was mainly my fault in the first place for what happened. I didn't let you keep your shadows around to protect me as normal. I should never have told you to do that." I then felt a chill and looked over my shoulder to see Alastor's shadow leaning over me. "I know they can help me. I know they can protect me."

"You shouldn't blame yourself fully. I was glad to listen to your wishes, but I should have still kept a small one around either way." Alastor told me. "Something in my gut that day was telling me to do so…but I didn't want you to be upset about it."

Alastor's shadow rubbed up against me then went away and appeared behind the deer demon.

I looked down, "I'm sorry I'm not strong enough to protect myself on my own."

Alastor was silent for a moment but I knew he was looking at me disappointed. "You are strong dear, just in different ways." He finally said.

"Not in a way that's helpful." I said softly.

I took my hand back and stood up from the table and walked out of the kitchen. I was just upset. I knew Alastor was powerful the way he was because he made deals and he wanted to be that way. Me, I never wanted that. I was fine with how I was. Did I wish I had some kind of cool power? Yea. At the same time, I knew my dragon form had potential to be powerful, but I never learned to control it. I was just a waste of space. I went to the study and sat in the chair that sat by the window. I opened the curtain and sat in the chair, my knees to my chest.

To my surprise Alastor didn't follow me. Not at first. I assumed that he wanted to give me space. I just looked out the window into the woods to enjoy the quietness. Just be lost in my thoughts. I couldn't understand why I couldn't stand up for myself. I hate being weak.

I heard a knock on the study door. I didn't look up. I honestly didn't want to be bugged.

"What?" I answered annoyed.

"I'm going out my dear, you want to come with me?" I heard Alastor ask from behind the door.

I sighed, "No. I just want to stay at home." I told him.

What the hell made him change his mind about leaving me? Not wanting to leave my side. Maybe he took our talk to heart then.

He was silent for a moment. "I'll be back. I promise. I'll leave my shadow with you, ok?"

"Fine." Was all I said.

I then saw the shadow appear on the wall across from me. I paid it no mind as I looked back out the window. I looked out to watch Alastor leave. He looked back a moment and I saw him look right up to me through the window. He gave me a wave, I was reluctant at first, but I did eventually lift a hand and waved back to him. He gave me a wink then continued walking.

I was wondering where he was going. I wish he would have told me, but I guess it didn't matter. I was just glad he was getting out of the house.

It was a little time before I felt a shiver go up my spine. I looked over and saw the shadow hiding in the shadow of the chair. It purred.

I actually gave him a smile. "Well hi there, did you come to cheer me up?"

It smiled a little.

"Well thank you." I looked out the window again. "I do feel a little better from earlier." I sighed. "I just needed time to myself. At least he took our conversation seriously. I'm glad to see he went out." I felt a chill on my hand and looked down at the shadow to see that it laid its hand on top of mine. I chuckled. "I'm glad to have you watch over me. I'll never let Alastor send you away again. I promise."

The shadow just made a purring noise.

I calmed down a little and just settled into the chair. "Maybe I'll read more of that book I was reading a few weeks ago." I looked at the shadow. "Think you could get it for me?" I asked it.

The shadow nodded and then went to the bookcase. It grabbed the romance novel I was reading and brought it over to me.

"Thank you." I pulled the curtain and closed it so that the shadow didn't have to hide. "There, that's better." I looked down at the shadow. "Want to come up here with me?" I asked it.

It said nothing as I saw it crawl up into the chair and wrapped itself around my lower waist and laid its head on my shoulder. I just felt relief and got comfortable. I opened the book to where I had my marker and continued to read the book.

I don't know how much time passed. I was just enjoying the book I was reading. Alastor's shadow just wrapped around me and I was comfortable with everything. I was close to finishing the book, I probably had about a quarter of it left. I then felt the shadow lift itself up off my shoulder.

"What's the matter?" I asked the shadow.

The shadow uncurled itself from me and went to the door.

"Is Alastor back?" I wondered.

I saw the shadow nod its head.

I smiled and stood up from the chair. I put the book down on the chair and headed towards the door. The shadow stopped me though.

"Hey, what's up now?" I questioned it.

The shadow stood up full and took the full shape of Alastor with its arms out in front of me.

I raised an eyebrow at it. "I can't go down there yet?" I sighed. "Does he have another surprise for me?"

The shadow nodded.

Before I could say anything else, I heard Alastor from downstairs call up to me. "Heart my dear, can you come down here a moment?"

The shadow quickly disappeared into the floor and went under the door. I opened the study door and stuck my head out.

"What do you need Al?" I called back, still standing in the hallway.

"I have a surprise for you, can you please come down?" Alastor asked me and he seemed to have a happy tone in his voice.

I was still excited because I love surprises. I went to the end of the hall and looked over the railing of the steps. I looked down into the living room.

Alastor stood there in the middle of the living room and I saw a medium sized box behind him. It was a red box with a small bow on top of the lid. What was he up to?

"A surprise?" I thought out loud. "Al, what did you do?"

"Just come down here and I'll show you my dear." Alastor said to me, waving me down.

I decided to walk down the steps and then stood next to Alastor in the living room.

"Alright, what's this all about? I know you're up to something." I said, crossing my arms.

"My love, why would I be up to anything? I just wanted to surprise you with something nice." Alastor said with his usually big smile.

I put one ear down as I looked at him. "So, what's this for?" I asked, gesturing to the box.

Alastor went up next to me and wrapped an arm around me. "I got this gift for you as a welcome home present. Since you've been gone for a little while. That and as an apology to you for what happened. I know it won't make up for my actions towards you but it's the thought that counts. I also took our conversation we had this morning to heart."

I looked at him lovingly. "Alastor that is so sweet of you."

The deer demon nodded with a small smile. "My dear, I listened to what you said. That just gave me all the more reason to get this for you. I was debating it for a long while, but after this morning I finally made the decision. This gift is to keep you company when I am not home."

I then looked at him confused. "Alastor, what did you get me?"

"Open the box and find out darling." Alastor answered me with a wink.

I walked forward from where we stood and up to the box. I noticed that the box did have holes in it. What in the world was in this? I grabbed the lid and lifted it up slowly. What I saw inside surprised me.

It was a pet hellhound!

It was about the size of a large dog, probably about the size of a Collie.

A hellhound? Why in the world did Alastor get me a dog? He is afraid of dogs. I was expecting him to get a hellcat. He was more of a cat person. He must have some kind of reason behind it. Why did he get me a dog? Maybe because I liked them more?

It had big bat ears and small red bat wings with a long red colored devil-like tail. Red horns curled around its ears. It was dark grey with a grey body and light grey on its face and down its back. It had massive paws.

It jumped up from the bottom and put its paws on the edge of the box. It looked up at me. It sniffed me a moment and then let out a happy yip.

Why did it look so familiar to me? I know I have seen this hound somewhere before. Then it hit me. The hellhound that Elena was playing with.

This was the hellhound I saw in my dream!

I smiled so wide. "Rufio!"

I held my hands out to the hound and it let out a happy bark and jumped out of the box and into my arms. I grabbed him as he licked my face. I let out a laugh from it all. I tried to not lose my balance from the weight of the hound.

I turned around to look at Alastor, but he was standing a little further away. "Alastor this is amazing. Thank you so much." I smiled and then laughed when Rufio licked my face again.

"Your welcome dear. I see that you have a name picked out for him already?" Alastor made sure.

"I do. I had a dream about him a few months ago. He was in the same dream I had with Elena in it. As soon as I connected the two together, I knew it was him. This is Rufio." I answered him and snuggled the hound.

Alastor gave a chuckle. "I am glad that you love him already then. I'm surprised you dreamt of him too. Kind of sweet my love." Alastor said.

I put Rufio down and he jumped around me. I laughed at him. "Alright boy, calm down." I looked at Alastor. "I have one question though, why a hellhound. You're afraid of dogs, Al."

Alastor took a few steps closer to me. "Well, I may not like dogs, but my thought on it mainly is...hellhounds are more loyal than hellcats." I gave a small chuckle at that. "I need someone here to protect you when I'm not here. I know you don't mind my shadows, but I know that their company can be a little weird. So, I figured another creature could also keep you company. I know that you also like dogs, so I figured why not get you a pet. I know that hellhounds can be very loyal creatures." He explained to me.

"I guess that makes sense." I looked at Rufio who was still running around me. "Ok boy, sit." I said sternly.

Rufio looked at me and sat down.

"Good boy." I praised and patted his head. At least he knew that command. I looked back up to Alastor. "Oh, my goodness this makes me so excited." I went to Rufio again and took his muzzle into my hands. "I'm going to spoil you rotten." I whispered to him in a baby voice.

Alastor laughed at me. "I'm sure you'll take care of him my dear."

"Absolutely. I need to teach him too. He is probably still a puppy."

Alastor nodded. "He is. Even though he is big, he is a puppy. He is only a year old." Alastor told me.

"Do you mind me asking where you got him from?" I asked.

"I found him at the pound. I know I remember you always saying you would rather adopt a pet then buy one." Alastor said with a soft smile.

"Aw the young baby." I then looked at Rufio and played with his face. "Being left in a pound all by himself." I said in a baby tone to the hound.

Rufio licked my nose.

"How did you get the courage to go to the pound anyway?" I said looking at Alastor with a smirk.

Alastor cleared his throat. "Well...actually…about that." He took a pause. "I actually asked Charlie to go in for me." I snickered and he gave me a 'shut up' look. "I saw some hounds for sale in the paper from the pound. So, I went to the hotel and asked Charlie for help. She went into the pound for me and picked him out." Alastor looked embarrassed. "So, I actually didn't pick him out for you. If anything, I paid for him."

I stood up and went over to Alastor with a smile. "You still did a brave thing Al, I'm proud of you." I smiled and hugged him.

Rufio then ran up next to my leg and I heard him panting. So much for sitting and staying.

I pulled out of the hug and looked down at the hound and smiled. "Are you already jealous?" I looked up at Alastor and he just stared at Rufio. "Al, are you going to be ok with him around?"

Alastor looked at me with a small smile. "It will take some getting used to darling, but I feel I will warm up to him eventually."

I smiled. "Just think of him as me." I chuckled. "I am technically a canine after all."

"You're a little different than an actual pet, dear." He said to me.

"Pet him." I told Alastor.

Alastor had a flash of nervousness in his eyes but he looked down to the hellhound. I saw him reach down a hand and then place it on top of Rufio's head. The hound's tail then started to wag from the touch and Alastor started to pet him.

"I guess it won't be so bad." Alastor whispered.

I just smiled at the two. "Have a lot of training to do. I have two weeks until I go back to work, so I have a lot of time." I then leaned down and started to pet Rufio as well.

For two weeks I was trying to train Rufio, I basically focused on him every day. I have never had a pet before, so it was all new to me. Part of me wasn't sure what to do. Luckily, Charlie knew someone who was a very good trainer and I was meeting with them every other day to help me with Rufio. Alastor didn't stick around when I would go to training, mainly because there were others there with hellhounds. So, he didn't want to partake since he would be too uncomfortable. One hound sure, but multiple, no way. That was ok though, because Rufio was supposed to be for protecting me. Of course, he had to learn basics before going to do anything else.

He learned how to sit and stay. He was a fast learner. I managed to teach him to roll over as well. Even though Rufio had wings, they were too small for him to actually fly. All he could do was hover above the ground for a few seconds. Eventually when he got older his wings would be able to carry him better. The trainer said that flying will come natural to him in time.

Alastor getting Rufio for me was the best thing ever. I was still honestly surprised by the fact that the cat lover got me a dog. He did it all for me he always said. I don't know what I would do with that man. He was too good for me.

The day after I got Rufio, I went out and bought stuff I would need. I got him this nice red spiked collar and got his name engraved on a name tag in the shape of a skull. I think he liked it because he kept trying to look down at the tag, the poor guy couldn't see it, but he knew it was there. He even stood straighter and puffed out his chest to show it off. What a ham.

Eventually his training was over, and he passed his training with flying colors. Rufio did a wonderful job and learned quickly. His trainer asked me if I wanted to put him in the more advanced class and I accepted because if I wanted Rufio to protect me, he needed to know a lot more than just sit and stay. At the same time, I am sure that protecting me will come natural to him as well. If it was like any dog that wanted to protect its master.

I could tell Rufio liked me a lot already and I was happy that he got along with me so well. Of course, he liked Alastor to, even though the deer demon would stiffen every time the hound barked or came up to sniff him. Sometimes it seemed he wanted to hang out with Alastor more than myself most days. I would just laugh when Alastor would yell to me to come and get him away from him after a while. Alastor had his moments where he got over his fears and would pet Rufio. One day I found them both on the couch; Alastor was reading on the couch while Rufio was lying next to him when his head was on the deer demon's lap. Alastor used his free hand to pet the hound. I thought it was adorable. I think Alastor was warming up to Rufio little by little.

Alastor insisted that Rufio not sleep in the bed, so I had to train him to not get into bed, at least when Alastor was in it. He had to sleep on the dog bed that was placed at the foot of the bed. When Alastor was not in bed I allowed Rufio to come up and join me. Especially on the days when Alastor would leave early and I just wanted to stay in bed and sleep. Rufio would jump into bed with me and sleep next to me, taking over Alastor's spot. I thought it was cute and funny.

Rufio was learning to try and stay by the house and not go running into the woods. I would keep him on a chain in front of the house at first to see how he did, but he would try to run out most times. I would put in on the chain every now and then, but I kept a strict eye on him when I didn't. The last thing I needed was him to run into the woods and get lost. Of course, I'm sure Alastor would help me find him but it was something I still was worried about.

I would honestly say that I was enjoying having Rufio around the house. I liked staying home with him, especially since he followed me everywhere I went. But I absolutely had to get back to work. My two weeks were up, and I was worried how he would act alone without me around. There was no point in crate training him, that hound's strong jaws would chew right through the bars. Alastor would be home alone with him, I was honestly scared of the thought. I didn't know how Alastor would act towards Rufio without me there. I had to go through because I told Glenn I would be in, so I just had to leave it to fate, I guess. If I had to, I could always call Lizzy to come over.

I woke up to licks to my face as my alarm, I laughed from the licks and pushed the giant fur ball away from me. "Rufio, stop. Stop. I'm awake." I said as I laughed.

Rufio backed up from me and sat on the bed, his tongue hanging out. He gave me a bark and then got into a playful position. I chuckled at him.

"Sorry boy I can't play. I have to get ready for work." I reached over and patted his head and got up out of bed.

I headed to the bathroom and jumped into the shower. Rufio followed me into the bathroom and stood by the bathroom door waiting for me. He just laid down till I was done. Once I got out, he was back to jumping and being excited. I sadly had to ignore his playfulness as I got ready. Once I was ready, I headed downstairs, Rufio right behind me. Alastor was in the kitchen, he was at the table drinking coffee.

I decided to greet him. "Morning Al." I went over to him and gave him a kiss.

Alastor looked up at me, "Morning, my love. I see you're ready for your first day back at Giuseppe's."

"You bet; I am so excited to get back to work." I told him with a big smile and gave my wings a flap from being excited.

Rufio nudged me and I looked down to see him pushing his bowl over to me. The bowl was black with red skulls on it with his name in silver letters on the side. I chuckled at him and took the bowl from the floor to fill it with his food. Once back on the floor the hound went and started chowing down.

"Al, will you be ok watching Rufio while I am at work?" I asked him again concerned with my ears down, it was probably for the hundredth time since yesterday I asked.

"I can take care of him darling, don't worry. Stop asking me." Alastor chuckled.

"I know, I'm just worried about leaving him by himself." I sighed.

"If I need anything, I know I can call you." Alastor told me as he took another sip of coffee.

I realized that Alastor did have a phone in the house, it was super old, but it did work. He never used it; it was obvious from the amount of dust. I told Alastor that he could use it to call my phone if he needed my help with Rufio.

I put my ears up and smiled, "Alright, good. If you want, I can have Lizzy come over to help you if you need it."

"No need. If I need help, I'll make sure to let you know." Alastor reassured me.

"Alright, I trust you Al." I took a breath. "Will you come see me for my dinner show today?"

Alastor just looked at me with a smile. "Absolutely my dear, I would hate missing your first day back." He told me.

I nodded slightly. "You think he will be ok by himself when you leave." I looked down to Rufio who was still eating.

"I'll make sure he is comfortable before heading out." Alastor reassured me.

I gave a small sigh in relief.

Alastor stood up from the table and went over to me. He looked down at me with loving eyes. Where was this coming from? I felt a blush creep onto my face just from his look. He must have noticed that the dress I was wearing for work was the dark red one I wore for our first date, plus my necklace that he got me. I just kind of grabbed something random today for my first day back, of course it had to be this dress.

The Radio Demon took a piece of my hair and started to play with it between his fingers. "You look beautiful today my dear little wolf." He whispered to me.

"T-Thanks Al." I stuttered as I blushed more, feeling my face getting hotter.

He chuckled at my flustered state. "Don't be second guessing yourself today, alright? You are beautiful." Alastor took his other hand and wrapped it around me so it laid on my mid back. He ran his clawed fingers across my back, feeling the light scars that were now healed.

I looked away from him when he did that, my ears going down a little. I was still so unsure of my scars left behind on my back. They made me feel less attractive to Alastor, even though I knew that didn't matter to him. Marks left by a man that was not him. I felt unwanted and I was still tainted. Alastor said that he loved me, but my mind was still in a dark cloud. It was telling me how unloved I felt and how disgusting I truly was. It was still a thought that lingered in my mind. I never wanted to show off my back, but all my dresses for work were like that because of my wings. I had no choice right now. I just hope not many people asked me about them.

Alastor put his clawed fingers to my chin and made me look back up at him. He gave me a small smile. He leaned down and kissed me quickly on the lips. "You should get going my dear. Don't want you to be late your first day back."

I got out of my thoughts quickly and nodded, my ears going back up. "Right." I kissed him again. "I'll see you later tonight." I said to him with a small smile.

"You can count on it. Better sing a song for me." He said as he let go.

"I might have something in mind." I laughed a moment.

I got out of Alastor's arms and then headed towards the front door to leave. I then heard Rufio run behind me. I got to the door and turned around to face the hound.

I kneeled down and took his muzzle in my hands. "You have to stay here boy; I have to leave. You be good for Alastor ok?" I heard him wine. "Aw don't worry boy I'll be back later ok. When I come home, I'll play with you. Try to keep Alastor company today, alright?" Rufio looked up at me and gave me the sad dog eyes. "Now don't give me that face." I kiss the hounds head then rubbed his head a moment then stood up. "Be good. Stay." I commanded.

I opened the door and closed it behind me, Rufio stayed as I did so. I then started to walk down the dirt road towards work. I had a long day ahead of me.

(Third Person POV)

As soon as Heart left Rufio went to the window next to the door and watched her walk away. He gave out a whine. He just sat there looking out the window. Waiting. He already wanted her to come back and play with him.

Alastor was in the kitchen still and went back to his coffee. He looked out the kitchen window and watched Heart walk away. Alastor looked to his shadow on the ground. "Make sure she makes it to work ok." He commanded.

His shadow blinked then nodded and left him then went out the door to follow Heart.

Alastor looked to see the hellhound still at the door, he was whining. Alastor sighed. Today was going to be a long one for him. He didn't really know how to care for the hound, but he promised Heart he would watch over him. Made him realize that he should have paid attention more.

Alastor stood up after finally finishing his coffee and walked over to the hound. He stood behind him a moment, wondering what he could do. Alastor reached down and set his hand down on the hound's head. Rufio wagged his tail and looked back at Alastor. His tongue hung sideways out of his mouth. The deer demon gave a chuckle from that. He was a strange one.

Rufio turned around and got excited seeing Alastor. He knew the deer demon; he was good and the second master. He was nice to him. His tail wagged but he could see that Alastor was nervous. Rufio walked up closer to him and nudged Alastor's hand. Alastor laid his hand on Rufio's head to pet him. Rufio liked the feeling of his long claws, especially when he had an itch. He was good at scratches.

"So, what does Heart do with you in the morning anyway?" Alastor wondered out loud.

Alastor was honest and didn't pay attention to see if Heart had a routine with Rufio. He was hoping the hellhound would give him a hint.

Rufio looked at the deer demon confused. Didn't he know that the female master took him for a walk? Maybe he just wasn't sure. Rufio had to give him a hint. He went over to the door and there was a hook next to it with his red leash hanging on it. Rufio took the leash between his teeth and pulled it off the hook and took it to Alastor. Dropping it at his feet. He looked up at the deer demon wagging his tail with his tongue hanging out and gave a small bark.

Alastor stiffed from the bark but did reach down and grab the leash from the ground. He looked at the leash a moment and then saw Rufio go to the door and paw at it.

"Oh, a walk?" Alastor guessed.

Rufio gave a happy yip and jumped in circles.

Again, Alastor stiffened from the sound, but recovered and took the leash to attach it to the hound's collar. Rufio made an exciting whining noise and pawed the door. His tail smacked against Alastor's leg.

"Hey, watch what your doing with that thing." Alastor joked.

Alastor opened the door and Rufio pulled on the leash. He pulled Alastor a little from the action, it surprised him, but he got his footing and held him back. Alastor then remembered that Rufio's leash skills still weren't the best. Maybe he should try and work on those when he was with the hound so that he has helped Heart in some way in training him.

Alastor pulled the leash and held Rufio still. "Sit." Alastor commanded.

Rufio did as told and sat down. Alastor went to the front of the hellhound. "Ok, me and you are going to work on these leash skills of yours. When Heart comes home, she'll be so surprised by our work. Are you ready to do this?"

Rufio just looked at Alastor with his tongue out and tilted his head.

Alastor sighed and pinched his nose in annoyance. "A long day indeed."

What did he just get himself into?

Alastor will go visit Heart at work in the next chapter. She still has some stuff that is haunting her though, can Alastor help?