Getting ideas. I didn't want to do giant time skips, so I hope this small skip is ok. Enjoy.
Ch 53: Listen to Your Dreams
(Heart's POV)
It's been two more months since that day I finally decided to join the real world again. It was a rough road and stuff still lingered in my mind, but it was easy to push away and move on. I tried my best and Alastor still helped me.
I went back to work, and it was nice to sing in front of others. I was just doing dinner shows for a while and Glenn was ok with that. Now I was doing my whole day and Alastor always came as he always did to my dinner shows. Made the night easier. Almost faster to. Plus, Alastor would drive me home so that we didn't have to walk home so late.
Was nice to get back to work at the hotel as well. To see everyone. Charlie let me be in charge of the fun activities the patrons could experience and it was a nice change of pace. Was fun to try to teach people things. Having them be nicer to each other. Show them how to share. It was enjoyable. Was rough but I feel I was helping with progress.
As for me and Alastor things have been getting better. We were slowly building things back up after things happened. As far as the love making went there wasn't any. I was surprised as much as him, but my urges just weren't there. We were ok with that though; our relationship didn't circle around it, so it wasn't an important thing to get back into.
Alastor was being more affectionate for me and I didn't mind that at all. He just wanted to make sure I was taken care of and happy. He has been going with me to the hotel more instead of running off to do his errands. He was even showing me how to drive his car. I knew how to drive but it's been years since I have so I needed a refresher. Luckily, I caught on quickly and was able to drive it when I needed to.
Right now, we were driving home after a date night out with Charlie and Vaggie. They decided to treat us out for dinner away from the hotel. I was saying it wasn't necessary, but I knew Charlie could be very persistent, so I didn't want to make her upset by not going. I honestly was exhausted because Alastor and I danced a lot during the night. That and I had been drinking and may have had a little too much.
As for me, I was in my wolf form and had my head sticking out the window to get fresh air. It made me feel a little better from the drinks I had. I took my dress off so that I didn't ruin it, so it was in the backseat and I gave Alastor my wedding ring. My tail wagged as my tongue hung out. My tail though was hitting Alastor, but I didn't even realize. Sometimes it had a mind of its own. Poor Alastor, I didn't get it under control until he said something to me about it.
"Darling, I know that your tail can do its own thing, but can you please keep it under control while I'm driving?" Alastor said with slight annoyance.
I put my head back in and looked back at him. "Sorry honey." I sat down and still was able to stick my head out.
I tried to keep my tail under control as we continued our drive. We got to the woods and I was jittering in the seat. I don't know where this burst of energy was coming from. I wanted to run. Wanted Alastor to chase me. Have fun. A run in the woods sounded exciting.
Without warning or without even thinking, I jumped out the window of the car. Luckily Alastor wasn't driving too fast and thanks to my wings I glided down safely and then took off into a run. I heard Alastor stop the car.
"Heart! What are you doing!?" He yelled after me.
All I was doing was laughing, "Chase me Al!" I yelled behind me and started running faster.
Laughing as I ran my mind was almost in a haze and my body was just doing what it wanted. I feel that the alcohol had something to do with it though. I was never like this, but I was so playful right now.
Soon I heard someone running after me then I heard Alastor's voice, "Heart! Come back here!"
"Not until you get me Al!" I said playfully to him over my shoulder.
I flapped my wings and was catching some speed. I was laughing the entire time and my blood was pumping. I was fast in my ears. I was having fun even though it was mainly due to my alcohol, but I didn't care. I was having fun.
I was jumping over logs and running through little streams. I felt free in this moment until my fun was cut short when I saw a wall of tentacles in front of me. Most likely from Alastor as he was trying to stop me. I skidded to a stop and then lost my footing on a tree root. I let out a yelp of pain as my back-left paw twisted at an angle. I laid there whining in pain now. I managed to get up and tried to put my paw down on the ground, but a pain shot through my back leg. Another whine escaped me.
Soon I saw Alastor appear out of a bush in his deer form, he was panting and out of breath. He looked at me sternly and looked like he was about to yell at me. I saw his eyes glowing with slight anger from my actions. He opened his mouth but closed it when he looked down and saw my injured paw. I let out another small whine as I put my ears down and looked away from him.
"Darling are you ok?" Alastor asked as he walked up to me. I could hear the slight concern in his voice.
"I twisted my back paw." I answered him, still looking at the ground.
"Well if you wouldn't go running into the woods randomly then you would have been ok." Alastor said sternly to me.
A small whine escaped my throat. "I'm sorry. I don't know what came over me. I just wanted to...run. I had so much energy suddenly." I told him.
"That's because you had a lot to drink." Alastor pointed out to me.
I sighed. "Yes, I know."
Alastor shook his head at me, "Come on let's get you home." He walked up to me and transformed back into his normal form.
"Al you don't have to carry me." I yelped as he bent down and picked me up into his arms. "I can transform back you know."
"Do it when we get back home." Alastor said to me as he started to walk. "Hold on, I'm going to get us back to the car fast."
"I have no hands." I whispered annoyed.
Alastor said nothing as he made us both shadows and before I knew it, we were back at the car. His shadow opened the passenger side door and he placed me down inside the car. I put my head on my front paws and curled myself up and had my left back paw sticking out. Alastor closed the door and walked back over to get into the driver seat. He started the car back up and drove down the road.
As he drove, I just looked down at the floor of the car and said nothing. My ears pinned back in sadness and I knew I had to really apologize to Alastor for my actions. I unfolded my wings and covered my face up a little with it. I jumped in surprise when I felt Alastor's hand being placed on my back. I looked up from under my wing and saw him still looking at the road as his hand started to pet my back. I just said nothing as I laid my head back down.
Soon we got back to the house. I heard Alastor pull up to the house and stopped the car. He got out of the car and went to my side and opened the door. I took my wing away as he looked down at me. He kneeled down a little to put his hand on the side of my muzzle.
"I'm not mad at you my little wolf. Don't seem so sad." He whispered to me.
"I'm sorry for the way I acted Al. I don't know what came over me." I said back as I enjoyed him petting the side of my face.
"It's ok dear. I know you had a good bit to drink tonight and I should have expected some kind of wild behavior." Alastor reached his hand up and took my ear between his claws. "Don't worry about it too much, alright? Everything is fine and I'm not angry."
Being calmed by him petting my ears, I looked up, "If you say so." I breathed out.
Alastor smiled. He leaned down to kiss the top of my furred head. "Come on. Let's get you inside."
Alastor leaned into the car and picked me up into his arms again. Having his shadow close the car door he walked towards the house and his shadow opened the front door for him.
As soon as we walked in, we were greeted by Rufio, but he didn't go to jump on us like normal as he skidded to a halt when Alastor walked in. I saw him tilt his head to the side as he saw us walk in with me in Alastor's arms.
"Al I can transform back now you know." I said again when his shadow closed the door behind us.
"Not until I get you in bed and more comfortable darling." Alastor told me as he walked us to the stairs.
"But I am probably really heavy for you."
"Nonsense. I can handle you."
Rufio got our attention and barked. Alastor turned to face the hound.
"Rufio, I'm ok. Don't worry." I reassured the hound.
Rufio let out a whine and put a paw up to me.
I chuckled, "It's just a hurt paw, I'll be fine."
Alastor turned back towards the stairs and began to walk up to our bedroom. His shadow opened the door for us and Alastor walked in and took me over to the bed. His shadow pulled the covers back and Alastor laid me down on the bed making sure to be careful.
"There you go dear. Now you can change back if you want." Alastor said as he pet my head.
As I gave a yawn I managed to transform back into my humanoid form, and it was painful as my ankle was still sprained. Once I was done transforming, Alastor pulled the blankets up to cover me since I was naked.
"Is that better?" Alastor asked.
"Much better. Thank you, Al." I snuggled into the bed. I hissed in pain from my ankle.
"I'll get you some ice for that so it can get better." Alastor suggested.
I shook my head. "Don't worry. I'll see what it's like in the morning."
"Ok if you say so dear. I'll go take care of Rufio and be back up in a little while ok?"
"I appreciate that Al."
Alastor smiled and leaned down to kiss my forehead. He pulled away then reached into his pocket. He pulled out my wedding band. "I believe that this belongs to you." He stuck it back on my left ring finger.
A sigh of relief escaped me as I looked at my hand. "I thought I was missing something. I'm always afraid to lose it when I transform."
"No worries dear. You gave it to me to hold onto, so I kept it safe." Alastor took my hand and kissed it. "Now get some rest."
With another yawn I nodded my head and snuggled into the covers. "I love you."
Alastor kissed my cheek, "I love you too." He got up from the bed.
Calling Rufio with him as he walked out of the room. He gently closed the door behind him. I settled down into the bed and closed my eyes to see if I could get some rest.
I was digging through the closet in my room. Why I was, I didn't know but I must have been looking for something. I pulled out a box that was on the floor. A bit of dust hung to the lid as I brushed it off a little. I opened the lid and was surprised by what I saw inside. They were books, almost like scrapbooks or photo albums. I looked at the first one on top that was labeled wedding, so I pulled it out and opened it.
Looking through the photos really brought me joy going back to that day. Seeing all the pictures Nifty took. Even ones before the wedding happened while we were getting ready. All brought a smile to my face. All the smiles on other people's faces. Me and Alastor at the altar then walking down it. The pictures of us in the garden and of all the wedding party. The reception pictures. Us during our first dance and when Alastor smashed cake in my face when we cut our cake. The kiss Angel and Russ had once they put the garter on. I laughed at the photos and my memories just came back from those times. I realized I should have taken some pictures from our honeymoon, but I kept my phone away to enjoy our time together. So, I didn't really have any pictures from then.
I closed the photo album once I got to the last page and was going to put the book back when I noticed the next book in the box. It was red and had a picture slot in the front. I put the wedding photos to the side of me and pulled out the red book. I looked at the picture that was in the front of the book and saw that it was a baby picture. I tried to see if the baby looked familiar but as I looked, I saw that there were small red wolf ears sticking out on top of the baby's head.
"Elena?" I questioned in a whisper.
I opened the book to the front page and there was just the printing of the paper that said 'Baby Book.' I almost wanted to chuckle out loud. Above that was Elena's name written out, it was obviously in Alastor's handwriting because he had better penmanship then I did. Her full name was written out, Elena Abigail Ledet. I was honestly in shock. No. This couldn't be...could it? I thought I lost her. She wasn't in my dream the last time I had one.
I must be dreaming!
This is the first dream I've had in the last two months, why now was I having one? Why was it about Elena? I almost wanted to cry seeing it again. I held back though. I didn't want to nose into the baby book, so I put it down and went back into the box.
The next book was purple, and I pulled it out. It was the same as the red with the picture slot in front. I looked at the picture and saw it was like the last one. A cute baby picture but this one had black ear tufts sticking from its head.
"No way." I whispered aloud again.
I opened the book and it was the same as before. The name written on the line, again written by Alastor, was Alastor Thomas Ledet Jr. Then next to that in quotation marks was 'AJ.'
AJ? Why did that sound familiar? I looked at the picture again and that's when it clicked. That boy I dreamt about that night everything happened. He was mine after all. Lucifer.
I closed the book and put it back to the side. Oh my, this dream is crazy. Why was I having this dream? Maybe my mind was trying to tell me something. Get something through to me. I thought I had lost Elena when I miscarried but if my dream was showing me her then was it possible, she was or would be around.
Maybe I shouldn't give up so easily. I had to try again. This definitely was giving me a new hope on things. I had to find her though. If she were here in the actual dream then maybe, just maybe, she would be around in my future.
Putting all the books and the photo album back in the box, I put the lid back on it and pushed it back into the closet. I got up and closed the closet door and made my way out of the bedroom. I opened the door and I headed down the hallway then down the steps. I looked into the kitchen and to my surprise, I saw Alastor.
Slowly I stepped into the room and watched as Alastor was cutting up some carrots and other veggies. The deer demon had his hair pulled up with his sleeves rolled to his elbows. I was also surprised to see him wearing an apron. I've never seen him wear one before. He honestly looked cute with it on. Alastor paused to pick up a cup of coffee on the counter behind him and took a sip. He put the cup back down and when he turned around, he saw me.
Alastor's ears shot up, "Ah my love. There you are. Did you find what you were looking for in the closet?"
Why I was up there and what I was looking for I was not sure of. I shook my head. "I might have to take another look, but I don't think so."
"Ah well that's ok. Take a small break from it. You've been up there all day. Sometimes fresh eyes are helpful." Alastor said and turned back to cutting some more carrots.
"So, when did you start to wear an apron. You're pretty handsome in it." I wondered as I leaned against the door frame.
Alastor laughed, "Your memory must be really going today dear." Alastor shook his head and turned to me. "Elena gave it to me one day for, I think she called it, Father's Day? It was back when she was ten. She had you help her make it." He turned to me fully to show off the front of the apron. The apron was black, and it had red words written on the top, in what looked like, glitter glue. You could tell that it was written by a child though. The words written in it was '#1 Deer Dad' I honestly thought it was the most adorable thing.
I went silent after he said that though. I just stared at him and looked at his apron for a moment. What in the world was happening? This dream was getting too crazy for me to believe. I felt air stuck in my throat for a moment. I blinked a few moments.
"Oh, yea that's right." I laughed nervously. "Guess my memory is getting a bit bad."
Alastor shook his head and continued to work on the vegetables.
My thoughts got broken when I heard laughter. Kids laughing. It sounded like it was coming from outside. My ears flicked at the sound and my head turned to look out the giant back window. I walked out of the kitchen and headed to the window. Slowly made my way through the living room until I got to the glass.
Looking out onto the porch I couldn't see anything. I heard the laughter again and the sound of barks. I walked to the doors and walked out onto the porch. Slowly I made my way to the railing and looked down into the backyard.
When I looked down, I saw Rufio. He was flying up in the air. I was surprised to see the hound actually flying. He landed and I saw someone jump onto his back. When I looked closer, I noticed it was Elena. She was definitely older than when I've seen her before. Looked to be almost thirteen. Her hair was longer, and her antlers were a little bigger on her head.
Elena went riding Rufio as he jumped up and started to fly around. I then heard her laugh.
"Catch me now AJ!" I heard her mock.
"Oh yea, just you see." I heard a boy say.
I looked and saw the boy I saw last time in my dreams. He looked to be the same age and was dressed the same. He flew up after Elena and Rufio.
"Elena." I called out.
The girl stopped the hound and she looked up at me, Rufio flapping his wings to keep aloft. "Yea mom?"
"Can you come here sweetie?" I told her.
"Sure mom." Elena patted the hound's neck. "Rufio, down." She commanded.
Rufio landed and so did the boy. Elena jumped off the hound and ran over to the porch. Rufio turned his attention to AJ and the two started to play together. Elena ran up to the side of the porch until she was in front of me.
For a few moments I just looked at her. She had a red long-sleeved shirt on but it hung off her shoulder and you could see the tank top she had underneath. Her shirt had a deer skull on it with flowers. She wore jeans with holes in the knees. I noticed she had a choker on, and a wolf pendant hung from it. Her left ear also had a piercing in it. I felt tears start to fill my eyes. I tried to hold them back before but seeing the girl in front of me made them come back.
Without warning, I wrapped my arms around her and started to pet her head. "I thought I lost you." I whispered into her hair.
The girl said nothing as I hugged her. Soon she wrapped her arms around me, "Mom, what's the matter." She asked worriedly.
I pulled away a moment and looked down at her, my tears still falling. I got down on one knee and put my hands on her shoulders.
"Mom don't cry. Please. Did you have another bad dream?" Elena asked.
I nodded, "I did."
She put a hand on my arm. "You want to talk about it? I always tell you when I have bad dreams."
Taking a breath to compose myself I managed to get out, "I had a dream where I thought I lost you."
She gave a small chuckle, "You'll never lose me mom. You know that." The girl put a hand to my chest. "Because I'll always be right here. Remember? You told me that before."
I chuckled and nodded, "Your right. Thank you, Elena. I just needed a little reminder I guess."
The girl then jumped and hugged me. I gave a small laugh from the action and held onto her. Maybe I hadn't lost her after all. There was still a chance. This dream felt real and it better be. I've alrighty had my heart broken before. Never again should I doubt what I believe can be possible.
We pulled away from the hug. I stood up then I kissed the girl on her forehead. "Go ahead and go back to playing with your brother."
Elena smiled with a nod and then ran back off the porch. I watched as she ran back up to AJ and the two started to play again. I watched them play for a little while and a smile just never left my face. I don't know how long I stood there watching them because I felt arms wrap around me from behind. That made me jump in surprise.
"Oh, sorry dear didn't mean to surprise you." I heard that it was Alastor as he put his head on my shoulder.
"It's ok. Just was lost I guess."
"Are you feeling ok love? You've been weird today."
"Oh, I'm fine don't worry. Just an off day I guess." I turned around in Alastor's arms. "I do know one thing that I feel."
"What's that sweetheart?" Alastor asked curiously with a twitch of his ear.
I placed a hand on his cheek, "I love you, my great buck."
Alastor chuckled, "I love you too, my wolf."
I leaned up and kissed him. Alastor wrapped his arms more around me and brought me closer to him. His one hand went to the back of my head. He put love into the kiss as I did. Alastor started to get more into the kiss as he forced his tongue into my mouth. I hummed from the feeling.
It seems that someone wasn't keen on our kissing though.
"Ew mom! Dad! Can you not make out there!?" Elena yelled.
"Yea gross." AJ fake gagged.
We both laughed and pulled away from the kiss to look down at them.
"Sorry. Can't help it." I chuckled.
Both kids gagged and turned away.
We both gave out another laugh and Alastor leaned back in to kiss me again.
I opened my eyes and realized I was back in our room and I was lying in bed. I let out a sigh as I realized my dream was over. I was back to real life and unfortunately back to the way I am. Should I tell Alastor about my dream? I wasn't sure. It showed me that Elena was still possible in our lives, but I still wanted it to be a surprise if so. I think I have finally decided. I want to try again to get pregnant. This time nothing will be in my way.
If I wanted a pregnancy to be a surprise, then I had to think about how I had to do so. Last time I gave off a smell that only Alastor was attracted to and it was hard to keep him off me. Not that I didn't mind. So maybe I had to use that to my advantage.
Thinking back to last year when Alastor asked me to marry him. That next day Alastor was in rut. So maybe him being in his rut was my answer. I tried to think about what today was first. Thinking it though I determined that it was probably another two months till he hit his rut. I had to keep an eye on it though and keep my nose sharp. I can smell it on him when he is, so that day I smell it on him ill see if I can go to Dr. Talon and get my injection.
It may seem so short notice but it's been almost two and a half months since everything happened. I may be hurt but after that dream I was confident that I was ok with trying again. I was ok with that and it honestly made me excited. I knew Alastor would be ok with it as well. Now I had a goal in mind. All I had to do was wait.
I sat up in bed and stretched. I looked over to the other side of the bed and saw Alastor asleep. Surprised I was awake before him. Hopefully Rufio didn't keep him up late. I gave a yawn and took the blanket off me. I swung my legs over the edge of the bed and went to stand up. Of course...I forgot about my sprained ankle from last night.
When I went to stand up, I had a jolt of pain go up my leg and let out a yell of pain. Surprised by this, I lost my balance and fell forward. I landed on my side and hissed in pain.
Before I could blink, I had Rufio on me as well as Alastor. The deer demon must have jumped out of bed and as quick as a flash was at my side as soon as I yelled. Rufio was sniffing me and whining, he probably wanted to make sure I was ok.
"Heart, are you ok?" Alastor asked worriedly.
I sat up and let out a breath, "I'm ok. I just forgot about my sprained ankle is all. I lost my balance."
Alastor gave a sigh of relief. "Oh, thank goodness. I thought you were severely hurt." Alastor put his arms under me and scooped me off the floor and up into the air. "Come on. Let's get you back up here." Alastor laid me back down on the bed and took one of his pillows to put it under my foot to prop it up. "Now let's take care of that ankle." Alastor snapped his fingers and an ice pack appeared in his hand.
He placed the ice pack on my ankle and hissed as the cold hit my skin. I knew it was just a sprain and would heal in no time, but I still had to feel the pain.
"Guess I can't walk for the next day or so." I sighed.
"No worries dear. I'll make sure to take care of you." Alastor reassured me.
I put my ears down a little, "Are you sure? I'd hate to be a burden."
Alastor smiled and kissed my forehead. "You'll never be a burden to me dear, remember that. I'm happy to take care of you."
I smiled in return, "Thanks Al. I appreciate that. Sorry about last night."
"In the past my dear. No harm done." Alastor said. "How did you sleep?"
"Slept great actually. I guess the alcohol helped." I then giggled. "Slept like a rock."
"That's good." Alastor kissed my cheek. "Now stay here and I'll go get you some breakfast. Sound good?"
"That be wonderful. Thank you honey."
"Ok. I'll be right back."
Alastor stood up and walked to the door. Alastor even called Rufio with him so he could give him his breakfast too. I was glad Alastor was getting to be ok with the hound. Especially being alone with him. Made me happy he was helping more.
Fixing my pillows so I could sit up more I repositioned myself and got comfortable.
I wanted to tell Alastor about my dream, but I honestly can't right now. I don't want him to get the wrong idea. Or to even get an idea for that matter. If I wanted to do this, then I had to do it on my own terms. The only way I can think to sneak the surprise was to wait. I was ok with that. Would just make our return of love making even more special. Of course, the love making would be while he would be in rut but I didn't mind that at all. I wanted to wear something for him again because it seemed to drive him crazy last time. Was very fun. I'd probably have to take a week off work.
Excitement made me bubbly. I figured I should tell someone. Of course, the first person I thought of, was Lizzy. I grabbed my phone off the bedside table and called her up.
After a few rings she picked up, "Hey Heart, haven't heard from you in a while. How are you doing?" Lizzy asked.
"I'm doing ok. I honestly feel great today. Well minus the sprained ankle." I answered her.
"Sprained ankle! Heart, what happened?"
"Nothing happened so to say. I got a little too drunk last night and decided to take myself in my wolf form into the woods. I was excited and had energy. I wanted to play and have Alastor chase me. I got distracted and twisted my paw on a tree branch. Now I have a sprained ankle." I managed to explain to her.
"Heart what is wrong with you? You're never that reckless."
I sighed, "I know. I honestly don't know what came over me."
"Well as long as you're ok that's what matters." Lizzy said relieved.
"Yes, I am fine so no worries." I paused. "Oh! There is another reason why I called you. I need to tell you before Alastor gets back to the bedroom."
"What's that?"
"I'm going to try again."
"Heart, are you sure that's a good idea?"
"Why? You don't think so?"
"I think it's too soon."
"Well it's not right now. I'm waiting in two more months."
"Two months?"
"Yes, I plan to try when Alastor is in his rut. It will hide that smell I give off. So, it will be a surprise when I tell him."
"What made you think this up?"
"I had a dream."
"A dream? I remember you telling me that you haven't really dreamed in a long while. At least since that night. What was the dream about?"
"I know right? It has been a while. My dream was about Elena. She was still around Lizzy, unlike the last dream I had. She is still possible. I feel my dream was just a sign to tell me to keep trying. I'll get what I want in time."
"Was that boy there?"
"He was. He seemed to be real too. As to why I had a second kid I don't know but maybe time will tell."
"I'm happy for you Heart. If you're doing it when Alastor is in rut, then I know you won't have a margin of missed opportunity." Lizzy laughed.
I laughed as well. "Yes, I know. That's also part of the plan."
"You're so bad."
"And you're now realizing this?" I then heard footsteps on the stairs. "Hey Lizzy, Alastor is coming back. I'll talk to you later ok?"
"Ok sis. Talk to you later."
We both hung up and just in time as Alastor returned with a small tray of food. Alastor had made breakfast and was being generous by bringing it up to me. He was too sweet. He laid the tray on the bed between us as he got into bed next to me. I enjoyed the time in bed with him as we ate and the whole time, even as we talked, in the back of my head I was planning stuff. Planning ahead to try and get this rolling again. I wasn't going to give up. Not yet. The dream showed me that I shouldn't give up on what I want, what we both wanted. We can have it.
It wasn't the end.
This was just the beginning.
I will be honest this was just a filler chapter and was shortish, but I feel it turned out nice and super cute. I hope you all enjoyed it. Tiny time skip again for the next chapter so be ready.