Just a little aftermath chapter. Check up on everyone. Nothing crazy happens so enjoy the cool down.

Songs:

Stella By Starlight by Frank Sinatra

Ch 52: Healing

(Heart's POV)

It's been two weeks since that day where everything went downhill. When my life crashed down upon me. When I felt I shouldn't have anything good come from me in this hellish landscape. When a bitch decided to ruin what I had out of jealousy. To break apart what I had. She took something away from me, from us both. Something we wanted and could have had. It was ripped away. That was not something that was easy to forgive. Nor forget.

Also, though, it was when Alastor came back to my side and reassured me that no matter what he will be with me. We were together on this rollercoaster ride. I wasn't alone. We said we would do it all together and Alastor made sure of that. He would also try his best to help me. Mending the broken hearts back together was no easy task though. That would be a long road. He hurt just as much as I did by our loss, but he still wanted to stay strong about it.

Alastor told me he went after Mimzy that night, I knew he did. He told me what he did to her. To be honest...I wish I had been there to watch. I wasn't much for something like that but this...was personal. I had the radio on that night though. I sat in the study since I couldn't sleep and turned it on. I wanted to hear it. I wanted to listen. I could only imagine what he was doing. It was a big weight that lifted from my shoulders when I heard her screams and pleas. When it was over, I felt so satisfied and relieved because we were free from her. No longer could she hurt us. No longer could she see, no longer could she hear, no longer could she speak.

Oh, she was alive. Don't threat but be certain that it would take her long to heal and Alastor made sure of that. I'm sure after all that he must have done to her, Mimzy won't be around again. She made us suffer, so it was only fitting that she suffered as well. At the hands of Alastor no less. The man she loved but he had no feelings to return that were mutual. It was fitting really. She deserved it.

I haven't gone to the hotel or Giuseppe's at all for work. Charlie understood. I felt so bad leaving them hanging. I told Glenn what went on and he understood, and I could come back when I was able. I told them about being injured at the restaurant, which my big temper tantrum made it into the paper. That was embarrassing enough, and I didn't want to deal with going out.

Slowly I was healing. Sure, I healed physically but mentally I was having trouble. I haven't had a dream at all since that day. Nothing. I fell asleep and then woke up. No in between. It was honestly weird, but it was a nice change then dealing with nightmares. My only enemy was my mind. Trapped it felt. I hated that Alastor had to deal with me through this, but he was being so strong through it all with me. I was surprised he had the patients.

We haven't even made love since then. I honestly had no need or no urge to do so. Neither did he. It was fine though, we wanted to just lay off for a while. My depressed mood from everything just didn't let me feel like doing much. I wanted to heal. I'm sure soon I'll get back into that urge I have now and then but for now it was at bay until I was ready. I knew Alastor would wait because he wanted to wait for me. For me to tell him I was ok, and he could take me. I appreciated that so much from him.

I woke up this morning as I have been lately and that was all wrapped up in Alastor's arms. He was awake but he had been waiting till I woke up to get out of bed. He ran his claws through my hair as his head laid on top of mine. His breath was calm, and my head rested close to his chest. I gave a small stretch as Alastor loosened his hold on me a moment. I went right back to snuggle close into his chest.

Alastor kiss the top of my head, "Are you awake my love?" He whispered.

Taking my one wing I wrapped it around over top of us, "I don't want to get up." I mumbled into his sleep shirt.

Alastor chuckled. "Are you going to be lazy again?" He joked.

Nodding my head, I pulled myself closer to him. Alastor just wrapped his arms more around me.

"How are you feeling at least?" Alastor asked.

Tilting my head a little so I could see him, I looked up to him. "I'm feeling ok. Nothing to complain about."

Alastor smiled, "Good." He paused for a moment, "What do you say we go to the hotel for a little bit today? You know Charlie has been asking about you."

Putting my head back in his chest I tightened my wing around us and put my hands more into the fabric of his shirt. I haven't talked to anyone in two weeks. I left my phone off and away. Who knows how many messages I had? I didn't want to deal with people. I understood that they were just looking out for my wellbeing, but I just didn't want it. I don't know why. Alastor still went to the hotel now and then so I'm sure he filled them in with some things. At the same time though I believe they wanted to hear it from me.

Finally, I answered, "I don't know."

Alastor rubbed his arms up and down my back. "You know you can't stay at home forever."

I sighed and played with his shirt. "I know."

"Come with me. Just for today. If it gets to be too much, I'll take you home. How about that?" Alastor was trying.

"I'll think about it." Was all I said.

Alastor stopped rubbing my back. "How about you think about it over a bath? I can join you if you want?"

Looking up at him I smiled and said, "I'd like that."

Alastor returned my smile and kissed my forehead. "Well I'll go get that ready then."

I nodded.

Unwrapping my wing from him and he unwrapped his arms from around me and got up out of bed. Leaving me alone in bed he headed into the bathroom. When Alastor left Rufio jumped onto the bed with me. He laid down next to me and placed his head on my chest. I chuckled at him and started to pet him on his head.

"Such a good boy." I cooed to him.

Rufio's tail wagged happily as I pet him. I'm glad I had the hound around because he has been helpful to. He tried to comfort me when Alastor wasn't around and snuggled with me more than normal. He helped me out on so much. He knew when I was upset or down. He even would try to lick my tears away when I cried. I was ok with that because it was nice. I still took him for a walk but only to the end of that dirt road and back. Felt bad for not getting in his normal walk but I let him play outside more. He seemed to be ok with it either way.

I was trying to figure out if I wanted to go out. I knew I should, but I was having such a hard time with being social. I don't know why I was having such a hard time. After a little more deliberating I figured that maybe I should go out. There was no way I could avoid everyone and everything forever. As nice as that did sound.

My thoughts got broken when Alastor came back into the room and Rufio jumped off the bed. He gave the hound a stern look for a second before he just decided to leave it be and he turned his attention back to me. I noticed that he was already shirtless and just in his pajama bottoms.

The deer demon walked over to me. "Come on now dear. I have the bath ready for us." He held out a hand to me.

Sitting up in bed I took his hand and we walked into the bathroom. Rufio behind us as we closed the door and he sat by the door like usual. The bath looked warm and had bubbles in it like Alastor liked to have it for me. I watched as Alastor took off his pajama bottoms and stepped in first. I took off my pajamas and walked over to the bathtub and he held his hand out to me. I took it then he helped me into the tub between his legs.

Alastor wrapped his arms around me and leaned against my back and he let out a sigh of relief. He rubbed his face into my hair, and I smiled with a small giggle. I just was playing with the bubbles as he held me close. We just relaxed there in warm water as he held me close.

My mind was wondering as we sat there. I was just aimlessly popping at bubbles on top of the water. I wish I could be as strong as Alastor with what happened. I feel that he got a lot of frustration out when he attacked Mimzy though. He seemed to be better after that, but I just felt like something was missing from me now. Like I failed and always would be a failure. Sure, I'll always have Alastor, but I felt something was missing from myself.

What if it was best to not bring life into this hellish world? It was crazy down here. Even myself for an adult was hard but a young kid? It will probably be worse. Of course, they would have parents to help them and protect them if need be, but it was still a hard thing to think about.

As I played with the bubbles, I stopped a moment to look down at my wedding band on my finger. I brought it to me and started to twist it unconsciously. Putting the ring back on after I got home that day of me 'running away' was just a weight off my shoulders, but only a little. I still felt empty with something, I don't know what. Finally, I sighed out loud.

Alastor leaned back and brought me with him as I laid my back against his chest. "What's on your mind my little wolf? You know you can talk to me. I see something is troubling you." He started to rub my head.

"It's nothing much." I answered him as I continued to play with the bubbles, my ears down.

Now he started to play with both my ears and I just started to get instantly relaxed. "Nothing? Are you sure?"

I didn't answer him as I leaned back more and just looked at the ceiling. "I don't know how to explain it." I took a pause as I ran my one hand up and down Alastor's thin thigh. "I guess that the best way to explain it is that something is missing. I feel lost. Empty." I whispered the last part.

Alastor stopped his rubbing on my ears and pulled his hands away to slip his arms around my shoulders then down the front of me. "I'm hurt just as much as you, maybe not to the same extent but I still feel hurt, but we can't let what happened in the past ruin what we could have in the future."

"I guess you're right." I sighed. "I want to try again but just not right now." I paused, "Alastor, what if we are just playing with what they intended for us not to have and are punishing us?"

"What do you mean sweetheart?" Alastor wondered with a tilt of his head.

I felt the tears forming, I was trying so hard to hold them back. "We aren't meant to have kids. Maybe it's just the universe telling us that they are mad and just want to punish us for trying to have something we aren't allowed to." The tears finally escaped. "Bringing up a kid in the hellish place would be so awful for them."

Alastor tightened his hold on me, "Darling please don't cry. Do you honestly truly believe that?"

"I don't know what to believe." I said through some tears.

Alastor kissed the top of my head, "Don't think such wacky things. The universe isn't out to get us. I promise you that. Besides-" The deer demon turned my head slightly to look at him. "I would always protect what's mine. If anything ever would happen to our child then they would have me to deal with and no one wants to mess with the Radio Demon." Alastor reassured me with a smirk.

With my tears slowing down I just smiled at that. "I'm so happy to have you Al."

Alastor leaned down to place a kiss on my cheek. "You will always have me my darling. Don't you worry."

I sighed again and looked away from him, "Even so I still feel so empty with what happened."

Alastor kissed my head, "Well, maybe you should do some closure like you did with the last one? You know when you planted that flower." Alastor reminded me.

My ears perked up, "You know, maybe that will help." I said hopeful. I turned my head back to the side to look at Alastor, "Think we can plant some flowers here at home?" I asked him.

The deer demon gave me a big smile. "I think that will be a good idea. There is a small empty spot in the greenhouse so maybe we can plant some flowers in there. How does that sound?"

"I think that's a very wonderful idea. Thank you Alastor." I leaned up and kissed his cheek.

Alastor rubbed the side of his face against mine. "Don't worry my little wolf everything will be ok. I promise."

"I love you my great buck." I whispered and snuggled into him.

"I love you too." Alastor responded and kissed my cheek. "Now how about we wash up and then go get breakfast."

"Sounds good to me." I smiled.

Alastor took care of me and cleaned me off and the small massage he gave my back was amazing. I was very tense, and it almost made me want to go back to sleep. He was very good with his fingers I'd like to say. I started to mess with Alastor in the tub by playing with the bubbles and putting them on his head and stuff.

That apparently made Rufio want to be in the fun to. He came to the side of the tub and wanted to play with the bubbles. He had his paws on the side of the tub and I was laughing at him trying to get the bubbles. The hound loved water and of course he ended up jumping into the tub before I could stop him. So now we had a full tub with a giant wet hound included.

Alastor wasn't a fan of having the hound in the tub but I just laughed and let Rufio have his fun. Eventually Alastor got out and left me with the hound in the tub. I decided to wash Rufio while he was in the tub with me and then I had to get out and dry myself off then dry Rufio off.

After our little bath and getting washed I felt a lot better than I did this morning. I know it makes Alastor happy because he got to see a smile on my face. I knew that he always enjoyed seeing me happy. I need to be like that more often for him, especially as of late. It was just rough for me right now. Rough for us. We were getting through it and I felt good about this day now.

We both got dressed and headed on our way downstairs to make breakfast. It's been awhile since we made breakfast together so Alastor put some music on and we danced while we made the food. It was amazing and re-sparked that liveliness in me. It reminded me of what I had currently, and it was just what I was needing right now. That thing I needed was Alastor and he was the most important person in my life. He always will be. The rock that would pull me back down from the sky. Or pick me back up when I fell. I knew he would always be there.

A new song was starting as we continued to dance around the kitchen a moment.

"The song a robin sings

Through years of endless springs

The murmur of a brook at eventide

That ripples by a nook where two lovers hide

A great symphonic theme

That's Stella by starlight

And not a dream

My heart and I agree

She's everything on earth to me"

When there was a break from the lyrics, Alastor and I danced around the kitchen slowly. It was so nice to enjoy the melody. A smile on my face never left and his just seemed to get wider. Alastor made me do a spin and he brought me back so that my back was to his chest, but he held my hands as our arms were crossed over me.

He sang the last bit of the song.

"A great symphonic theme

That's Stella by starlight

And not a dream"

Alastor turned me back around and I was facing him, and he still had my hands. He placed them on his chest, and he sang along with the song still.

"My heart and I agree

She's everything on earth to me"

Alastor leaned down to capture my lips in a small kiss. When we pulled apart, I could feel the warmth of my cheeks as it formed a blush. Alastor just chuckled at me and kissed my cheek. We went back to finishing breakfast.

When breakfast was done, we sat down at the table and we had a good laugh as we talked. It was nice to keep my mind off things and I was enjoying it so much. I kept my mind away from the loss and the heartbreak and we talked about what was now and what good we had.

Sure, things were difficult but hey it's hell what can you do. Things would always be tough for us no matter what and I had to face that. You would think that since I have been down here for close to 80 years, I would remember this. Unfortunately for me, reality had to smack me pretty good to get me back into that mindset. Hell will always be the same crazy and damned place. I would always be here. We were stuck here. As long as Alastor was here with me then I was fine by that.

I didn't want to think of how things would have been if I wasn't here. If I hadn't met Alastor or if we haven't fallen for each other. Where would I have been? How would have things played out? Would I have been the first success for Charlie and the hotel? Because I feel it wouldn't have taken much to reform me. I was still a good-hearted person with one mistake, that I don't really regret, that sent me down here. I did want to think of it but at the same time I didn't. I loved my life, these last few years in hell have been the best I've ever had. Maybe they have been the most crazy and dramatic, but I still loved it. This was my life and always will be. I can only picture it getting better at some point, with something we both wanted. Alastor was the best thing that probably happened to me, even though so much has happened since I met him. Of course, Alastor had his own baggage and I was fine with that.

My thoughts got cut off when I heard a snapping by my ears. I blinked a few times from the sound and looked to see Alastor standing there by me.

"Sweetheart are you ok? I lost you there for a moment." Alastor asked me as I saw a hint of concern on his face.

"Sorry honey, I am ok. I promise. I just got lost in my thoughts that's all." I admitted to him.

"What were you thinking about?" Alastor wondered.

I took a pause, "Just thinking of...how life would have been if we hadn't fallen for each other." I gave a small chuckle just thinking about it.

Alastor then burst out laughing. "That is a very crazy idea my dear. You know why?"

I tilted my head slightly. "Why?"

Alastor just gave me a big smile and then took my chin into his fingers, leaning in close. "Because I would have waited eternity for you to come to me. Waited so long for you. You would have been mine either way. Weather we met at the hotel or on the street. I would have seen you and I'd see you with me no matter what."

A big smile came to my face. "You say I am the only one for you?"

Alastor leaned down and kissed me quickly on the lips. "Well darling, you're my wife now aren't you?"

I felt a blush come onto my face. "Yea."

"Well there's your answer then." Alastor whispered to me and kissed me again; this time I kissed him back.

When we pulled apart, I just had a smile on my face. "Thank you, Al"

"I should be thanking you as well my beloved. Without you I would still be this dark hearted lonely sinner with no one to love." Alastor said as he stood up straight.

I chuckled. "Ok Al, you won't fool me with that. I know deep down you are still dark hearted." I pointed out to him.

Alastor put his hand to his chest, "That hurts me so darling, how could you?"

I just laughed a little. "Don't be a drama queen."

"Ok you got me. I may be dark hearted, but I will admit that maybe it's probably not as dark thanks to you." Alastor told me.

"I'm not making the big bad Radio Demon all soft, am I?" I joked as I put my elbow on the table and put my head into it.

Alastor chuckled, "Maybe a little, but I won't let that affect me in any way." Alastor wiggled his fingers to be spooky. "I'm still the big bad Radio Demon."

Without warning I felt a cold hand on my shoulder, and I jumped in surprise. I looked over my shoulder quickly and saw Alastor's shadow laughing at me. The shadow had touched me when Alastor was trying to sound scary. I glared at the shadow a moment and then back to Alastor.

"Haha very funny. You are lucky I love both of you." I huffed.

"Now that was his idea not mine." Alastor said as he pointed to his shadow.

The shadow came back over to be next to Alastor. It took the shape of the deer demon with his hands on his hips and the shadow didn't look happy as it looked at its master.

Alastor looked at it and chuckled. "What? Mad I called you out old friend."

The shadow stuck its tongue out and then disappeared. A laugh escaped me as well and I shook my head.

The deer demon shrugged. "Well let's get everything cleaned up dear." He said as he grabbed his now empty plate.

Nodding I grabbed my plate as well and went over to the sink to help him out with cleaning. Once everything was all done, we dried the dishes and put them away we headed towards the greenhouse. As we walked by the spare bedroom that was down the hallway, I didn't even want to look at it. I just remember my dream seeing the door plane with nothing on it. At the same time, I tried to think of the other hand full of dreams I had with seeing all the pictures and the nameplate on the door. That at least made it feel better, but I feel that after planting these flowers it will hope to be better.

We walked into the greenhouse and Alastor took me over to a small corner of the area that was unoccupied by his vegetables and fruits that still needed to be planted. The greenhouse was half dirt so that Alastor could plant his vegetables and that in the ground that needed to. This corner was a small patch that Alastor didn't use and he was basically allowing me to plant flowers there.

Alastor stood there looking at the main greenhouse and put his hands on his hips, "I say we do some gardening in general." He looked over to me. "What do you say dear? Want to help me out? I always find it relaxing in a way."

Smiling, I nodded and said, "I'd love to Alastor."

He returned my smile with a bigger one of his own, "Splendid. We can work together, and this should go faster." Alastor pointed to a small cupboard on the side of the greenhouse, "In there are gloves if you wish to use them and tools if you would get those out for me." He headed back towards the house. "Wait right here dear and I'll go grab the seeds we need."

With a salute I said, "You got it captain."

Alastor shook his head with a chuckle as he walked out.

Heading to the small cupboard I took out some gloves for myself and then some small hand shovels and rakes. I didn't know what all Alastor would need but I hoped this was it. Soon Alastor walked back into the greenhouse with a small box with baggies in it. All the baggies seemed to have labels on them. Alastor placed the box on a small table that was under the cupboard.

"I try to save a good bit of seeds after I use them so I should have enough." Alastor said as he rummaged through the box. Soon he pulled out a small baggy. "Here it is. I knew I had one somewhere."

Alastor then held out the baggie to me. Looking at the label it said 'roses.' I took the small baggie in my hand and just looked at it. Probably not the flower I would pick but it was better than nothing.

"Those should be white roses if I can remember correctly." Alastor told me.

"White?" I questioned.

Alastor nodded, "Yes, I bought them in a mixed box of stuff. Never used them."

"Well I guess we will see." I said with a smile.

We got to work, and I never really gardened before, except that one time at the hotel, so I needed some help. Luckily Alastor was there to guide me along the way. He managed to get me to plant the roses first and after that was done, we did his vegetables and stuff. He told me how he liked to plant them and to keep them even apart. He was a perfectionist, so it didn't surprise me that he was picky. I did my best to do as he said, and he definitely had patients with me, and I was glad for that. Of course, these last two weeks he had to be patient with me.

When we did the last one and covered them up, we stood up and brushed the dirt from our pants.

"Thanks for helping me out dear. I appreciate it so much." Alastor thanked me as he put an arm around my shoulders.

"I was glad I could help. Sorry I messed up a little." I said a little embarrassed as I rubbed the back of my head.

"Nonsense my love. You did amazing." Alastor reassured me with a tightening of my shoulder he was holding, bringing me closer to him.

"Well if you think so." I replied with an unsure chuckle.

Alastor kissed my temple. "How about we get some lunch right now?"

"Yea let's go." I turned to him and smiled.

"Why don't we make it more exciting? Want to go out for lunch today?" Alastor asked me.

I took a pause and looked at the ground, I wasn't expecting that from him. Was I ready to go back out? I probably should go. If I can face going out for lunch, then maybe I'll be ok to go out again.

Letting out a breath I nodded, "Sure. I'm willing to give it a try."

"I'm proud of you darling. Now let's freshen up and we can go out." Alastor agreed and he turned us towards the doors to go back to the house.

"Maybe we can stop by the hotel before going home. Have dinner with everyone today." I suggested as we walked into the house.

"That sounds like a marvelous idea darling. I can cook for the hotel and we can sit and have dinner with everyone and catch up." Alastor said ecstatic.

"Very good idea. You know everyone loves your cooking Al. They'd all be excited." I chuckled.

My pants were dirty, so I went upstairs to change them. Once I was done and I gave Rufio his food to hold him over till we got back since we were leaving him at home. Alastor said the place he wanted to take me for lunch did not like having pets inside, so we had to leave Rufio at home. Alastor said we can grab him on the way to the hotel so he can be with us and I was happy about that.

Convincing Alastor if we could still drive around in the car, he said he didn't mind and so we jumped into the car and Alastor drove off to head to where he wanted to take me for lunch. The drive, once we left the forest, was nerve wracking. I was so nervous once we were driving around town. I was going further and further into the seat to hide. Alastor reached over when he didn't need to shift to grab my hand. Running his fingers against the back of my hand to make me feel better.

We arrived at a small little diner and it was one we have been to before so at least I knew some people in there. There was a small parking lot next to the diner, so Alastor pulled in a parked the car. As I walked out of the car no one seemed to look at me and I was glad about that. We walked in and took a seat. This diner was so nice, and it was on the smaller side. It was cool because each table had a little jukebox and it was connected to the bigger one by the entrance. Once we sat down, I started to look at the songs available.

When the waitress arrived Alastor ordered coffee and I just got water.

I went back to looking at the songs and when I found one that was interesting, I put two quarters in and chose the song. After a minute, the song 'Minnie the Moocher' by Cab Calloway came on and Alastor started to move his foot to the song. The waitress came back with our drinks then left.

"You always know what to play my dear." Alastor said as he took a sip of coffee.

"I know just what you enjoy honey." I answered with a smile and looked at the menu.

"Are you doing alright?" Alastor asked me as he sat back in the seat with his coffee.

Looking up from the menu I nodded my head to him with a smile. "I'm very well at the moment. I think a day out is exactly what I needed."

"That's good dear. I'm glad that you are doing alright." Alastor smiled behind his cup as he took another sip. "If you start to feel uncomfortable please let me know and we can head back home."

"I will. Thanks Al."

Our little lunch at the diner went smoothly and I was enjoying myself so much. I guess a day out is what I really needed. Alastor and I enjoyed the time as no one was around us. Although before I finished eating, I heard two girls over in the corner talking, sometimes it was hard to not hear with my sharp hearing.

The two girls were talking about, to my surprise, Mimzy. It didn't surprise me if people talked about her, she was a well-known singer and her club was a popular place. They said how they haven't seen her in two weeks, saying the woman locked herself away in her house and cancelled all her singing acts for the whole year. All I thought was, good riddance. I wouldn't need to worry about her, and I didn't want to.

I saw Alastor flick his ears as well. "Try to ignore them dear." He whispered.

"I am." I whispered back and took my last bite of food. "Don't worry I'm not affected."

Alastor reached a hand across the table and held it a moment as he gave me a reassuring smile. He picked up my hand and placed a kiss on it.

We paid for our meal and then left. On the drive back home to pick up Rufio I was just looking out the window at the passersby. I was enjoying this little time out and I think some time at the hotel will be nice as well. Before I knew it, we were back home, and I walked in while Alastor waited in the car. I was greeted by the hound jumping around, excited to see me. I got Rufio on his leash and he stopped his jumping and wanted to head out the door. We walked out of the house and I put the hound in the backseat with the window down a little. Alastor then drove back down the road and headed to the hotel.

Rufio had his head out the window as we drove, and he was enjoying the drive. He liked to go for car rides and Alastor made sure that his claws didn't dig into the seats and Rufio learned to walk around the car without hurting anything. Sometimes he would put his head back in and pace around. Stick his head up front with us and then go back to putting his head back out the window.

When we pulled up to the hotel Alastor opened the back door for the hound. Rufio jumped out of the car and ran to the front door of the hotel. I got out and we both headed to the door and opened it. Rufio ran in and went slipping a little into the lobby, using his wings to help keep him up from slipping.

As we walked in, I heard Charlie as she squealed, "Rufio!"

The hound barked. I walked in more and saw Rufio on the couch licking Charlie's face. The princess laughing from the hound's actions. Angel Dust was sitting on the other side of the couch and the hound's tail was hitting him in the face. Angel kept putting his hands up to protect his face. I gave a chuckle at that.

Charlie heard me laugh and turned to look at me, "Heart!" She called out and jumped off the couch and ran over to me.

The hound turned his attention now to Angel and started to lick him. The spider demon was not expecting it and yelped in surprise as the dog 'attacked' him.

The princess came and gave me a crushing hug. "Oh, Heart I missed you and you haven't been answering my messages, so I was super worried. Alastor has been coming by the last few days to tell me how things have been."

Hugging her back I said, "I'm sorry for worrying you Charlie. I didn't mean to." We got out of the hug and I kept my hands-on Charlie's shoulders. "I was just...lost, I guess. I just needed time away from people. Time to myself."

Charlie smiled, "Heart don't worry. I may not understand or know what you went through, but I will let you know that I am here to support you as well. I do want to tell you I am sorry though for your loss."

Returning with a smile of my own I replied, "Thank you Charlie. I'm slowly getting over it but it's a small hill I'll get over." I took my hands off her shoulders.

Charlie looked at me sadly, "I hope you don't mind me asking, you don't have to answer me if you don't want to, but will you try again?"

I looked down a good moment and then over to Alastor who was talking to Husk at the bar, "I think so. Third time's the charm, right?"

Charlie nodded, "That's right. Take your time to recover first."

"Oh, don't worry I will." I gave a small chuckle.

Rufio then came back over to us and wanted to be petted, he must have given up on Angel. Charlie reached down and started to pet the hound.

"So, what brings you guys in today?" Charlie asked.

"Oh well Alastor was going to make dinner for the hotel tonight and we were going to stick around and eat with everyone. Figured we could all sit down and catch up on things." I told her.

Charlie jumped with excitement, "Aw that's so nice. Plus, I am glad you are ok with wanting to stay. It will be nice to catch up from the two weeks of being away."

I chuckled at her, "Definitely, I figured a little interaction won't hurt me today."

"I'm glad you are taking that step then." Charlie smiled as she put a hand on my shoulder.

"It was big, but I felt good after doing some gardening today with Alastor."

"Gardening? That sounds fun."

"It was. Very enjoyable. Even though I had no idea what I was doing." I said rubbing the back of my head slightly embarrassed.

Alastor then walked up to us and put a hand around my shoulders. "You were a marvelous help to me today my dear!"

"If you say so honey." I shrugged.

All Alastor did was laugh.

Charlie then laughed as well. I huffed.

The rest of the day was enjoyable though. I talked with Charlie and Vaggie for a while and we talked about stuff and it was nice to enjoy the girl time to be honest. To catch up with them on stuff. Charlie told me that she would make up our quad date to us since it didn't go well. I told her it wasn't necessary, but she kept insisting. I agreed with her because I knew she wouldn't stop if I didn't agree. I'm sure Alastor wouldn't mind.

Dinner was enjoyable and it was nice to enjoy my time with everyone. Alastor made his jambalaya, it's been a good while since I've had it. Tasted so good. Better than the one time I tried to make it myself. Alastor told me I over seasoned it, but it was still good.

The time with everyone took my mind off stuff and everything that's been going on. Even let Rufio get spoiled for a little and gave him some normal food for dinner instead of his hound food.

By the end of the night I was so tired. I fell asleep on Alastor on the couch. I woke up slightly when Alastor picked me up into his arms and we started to walk up the stairs.

"Alastor?" I whispered sleepily.

"We are staying here tonight, love. You're very tired so I figured we can spend the night." Alastor told me.

"Where is Rufio?" I asked.

At the sound of his name, the hound let out a yip by my side.

"He is here, don't worry." Alastor answered. "He will be ok. Let's get you to bed."

All I did was nod and put my face into his chest.

Before I knew it, we were walking into Alastor's hotel room and he was placing me down on the bed. I didn't want to let him go but he eventually pried my hands off him and he tucked me in. He kissed my forehead and went to leave.

I grabbed his sleeve, "Where are you going?" I asked, still sleepy and with half lidded eyes.

Alastor sat back down on to the bed, "I have to finish some paperwork for Charlie. I'll just be in the office if you need me."

I pouted.

Alastor leaned down to kiss my forehead again, "Rufio will be here. He can sleep with you until I come back. I'm giving him permission to sleep on my bed. Sound ok?"

Nodding I gave a yawn. I let go of Alastor's sleeve as he stood up from the bed again. Alastor snapped his fingers at Rufio and pointed into the bed. Commanding the hound to get into bed. Rufio hung his tongue out with excitement and then jumped onto the bed. I opened my eyes a moment to see the hound lay down next to me. I laid my hand down on his back and softly started to pet him.

I felt Alastor kiss my cheek and I heard his shoes click against the floor as he headed out.

"Alastor." I called out to him. I picked my head up a little and saw him in the doorway.

Alastor turned around to face me, "What is it darling?"

"I love you." I smiled at him and laid my head back down.

"I love you too." Alastor responded with a big smile in return.

Then I heard him leave the room. I had my mind engulfed into darkness and went to sleep.

Oh, my goodness I had such a hard time with this chapter, and I don't know why. It took me forever to type up. I hope you all liked :)