Heart goes to Alastor's home for the first time and they learn more about each other for the moment

Song: You Made Me Love You by Harry James / Helen Forrest

TW: Slight mentions of racial talk


Ch 4: Dancing in Starlight

They are able to sit together, even with the rush of people going home. They talked about how the rest of their day went, mainly Heart asking Alastor how his time at the station was. The two were enjoying the time together and learning more about their day. Alastor was glad to be there for the girl, especially for when the man was annoying her today. When they got to their stop, they both got off.

"Well, Mr. Ledet, take me away to your humble abode." Heart said with a small chuckle as she tried to act.

Alastor gave a chuckle as well, "As you say Ms. Wolfe." He smiled happily offering her his arm.

Heart loops her arm into his and they head their way down the other way on the street and around a corner and his house was the last on the right. It was right by some swamp land but he didn't mind that at all. It was a cute little red bricked home.

"Well, here we are Cher! Home sweet home." The radio host chirped as they walked up to his door. He got out his keys and unlocked it allowing Heart to enter first, "After you, fair lady."

"Thank you. Your home is quite adorable Alastor. I like it." Heart said as she walked through the door and took off her coat.

"Ah adorable? I've never heard it be called that but thank you nonetheless dear!" He said boisterously, closing the door behind them then taking her coat and hanging it by the door with his hat and coat, "Make yourself at home I'll go and get the first aid box." He said disappearing into the other room.

"Ok, take your time." She said as she watched him go.

Heart looked around the area and saw the kitchen over to her right. She walked in and looked around at the white tile floors and brown cabinets. He joined her back in the kitchen when he fetched the box with bandages and medicine and sat down at his kitchen table.

"Here we are, darlin, a box of tricks to help the body feel better." Alastor announced.

Heart turned around to face him. "Thank you. Now let's get you patched up, yea?" She said as she sat at the table and started to pull out some things she needed.

"Okay nurse Wolfe I am at your command." Alastor joked sitting down across from her and laid out his hand for her crossing his leg with his foot resting on his knee.

"Good. Maybe you'll get a treat if you behave like a good boy." Heart joked as she took his hand.

The man chuckled, "Is that a promise?" He flirted.

Heart blushed as she paused for a moment. "Oh...um, well. I don't have anything to give you. So don't take it seriously." She said as she went back to working.

"Such a shame cher, I was looking forward to it." The burnet teased.

Heart put ointment on his cuts. "Well, what would you want then little mister?"

"A dance after dinner perhaps? Little miss." He teased back patting her small head with his ginormous hand.

"A-A dance?" Heart repeated and then felt her face get red again. "I think that does sound nice. I will accept these terms." She smiled softly at him.

"Ah yes you danced so well at your party yesterday, but I'd like a dance with you...in a quieter setting not many eyes on us and we can be as silly as we'd like." He winked.

Heart chuckled. "Honestly I feel I'd like that a lot." She smiled and continued to fix up his hand.

"Good then. It's settled, dinner and a dance, a perfect evening to ourselves haha!" Alastor said with excitement.

"It does sound wonderful." Heart agreed as she finished up. "There we go."

He flexed his hand a little and already felt better. "Wonderfully done darling, now that my hand's repaired, I can start on dinner! May I get the fair lady who nursed my wounds a drink for her troubles?" He asked as he got up from the table and put on his apron.

"Oh, water will be fine for me. I don't want to trouble you." Heart answered as she watched him.

"It's no trouble at all, if you'd like something else let me know." He said, pouring a glass of cold water for her and setting it on the table.

He then got to work fetching ingredients and pans he needed.

"Thank you." Heart says while taking the water and taking a sip. She watched him as he got things ready. "So, what's on the menu tonight Chef Alastor?"

The man flashes her a smile. "I'm going to make my favorite dish my mother used to make. She taught me her recipe: Jambalaya! Have you had the dish before cher?"

"Yes, I have. At a restaurant, but I am sure homemade will be different. So, I can't wait to try it." The woman says. "Did your mother teach you to cook?"

"She sure did! Best cook in New Orleans, to me she was. Nothing was up to par compared to what she made. It was like heaven came to the bayou... so wonderful." He hummed.

"She sounds like a wonderful woman. Especially if she raised a gentleman like yourself." Heart complimented.

Alastor was quiet for a moment... then spoke, "Yes... she was…" He then continued to add ingredients to the pan and cook other parts of the dish.

Heart noticed his quiet silence before he answered. She could tell there was a hint of sadness behind it. She frowned. "Sorry Alastor, for bringing forward any trauma."

"Cher it's alright, you did no wrong I assure you." The male said, not turning around. "I can sense your smile has disappeared... I'd like it to return so tell me, have you heard the rumor about butter?"

She smiled a tiny bit; she had a feeling she knew where this was going. "No, I don't think I have."

"Well, I'm certainly not going to spread it hahaha!" He said turning around in a goofy manner with a butter knife with some butter on it.

Heart burst out laughing at that and almost fell off her chair.

"Haha! There's that beautiful smile and charming laugh that suits you so well cher! Splendid" Alastor said proudly as he got her laughing and happy again with his antics.

"I will admit that I enjoyed that one. Caught me off guard." Heart said, still laughing.

"I've still got it then!" He chuckled, he took a step and booped her nose then returned to cook.

Heart just smiled and shook her head at him. She loved to hear his jokes. They always made her laugh.

"There now we are all better, and it's only your third day in New Orleans! Look at you being the cat's meow little darlin!" Alastor told her.

"Oh, I don't know about the cat's meow." The woman said, waving it off. "You give me too much credit young sir."

"Remember what I say Ms. Heart, I speak the truth and mean it as a man of my word." He said to her with a wink.

Heart giggled. "Well, if you think so then at least that's one person more than before." She says as she then takes a drink of water.

"Glad to hear that then! I'm sure Kristen and Rosie think the same of you though, that girl is head over heels for you as her best friend. She's changed so much for the better since you came to town only 3 days ago." Alastor said.

"Changed? In what way? If you don't mind me asking." Heart wondered.

"Remember her story I told you yesterday?" Heart nodded. "She changed because she has a best friend. People in town thought she was lying about that other disgusting boob who assaulted her for months. She was depressed and even attempted at bumping herself off. When Rosie came along and began to heal her romantically, she needed another friend to heal her too. That's you dear, your letters kept her going and as I mentioned when she found out you'd come here she got her light back." He says inspiringly tending to the jambalaya.

Heart sat there and listened to him explain and it honestly hurt a little to have her friend come to that point. Although she was glad Rosie was here to help her and that she herself was able to help. "I guess moving here wasn't such a bad choice then.

"Not at all in the slightest my dear! You can always count on me as well, you're quite the read as you say!" Alastor said finishing up cooking and plating the dish.

Heart chuckled. "Well, what do you think of my contents so far?" She asked as she watched him plate the food.

"Quite the story I must say, I can't put it down, I want to know more darling!" He winked.

He set the plates of food on the table one in front of her and him.

"I am glad I'm an interesting tale and I hope I don't get put down anytime soon." She says with a laugh.

He grabbed a glass of water as well for himself. Then removed his apron and hung it up before sitting across from her.

She watched him put the plates down and her mouth watered. "This smells so divine. I'm sure it tastes just as good too." Heart said and she eyed the food.

"Haha well cher, go on and try it and tell me what you think. You can have the first bite." He smiled and observed her

"I am not much of a food critic but I can tell you what I think." Heart says as she picks up a spoon to grab some and lifts it to her mouth then takes a bite. Soon after she hums in delight at the taste. She saves it a moment before swallowing. "My goodness, Al, this is fantastic!"

"Oh, you flatter me Miss Wolfe, you're so kind." He said dramatically then took a bite from his own plate. "Take your time and savor it, perhaps you can think of a good topic to speak about. I'm wrung out! Haha!"

Heart took another bite and tried to think of what they could talk about. She then thought about how the man in front of her worked for the radio. Part of her was curious. "So, what got you into being a radio host? You have the knack for it, that's for sure."

"That's a very deep question I expected nothing less of you to ask and I'm happy to elaborate." Alastor said after taking another bite. "Well, I've always been one to be fascinated with the news and loved entertainment! When broadcasting over the air came about it combined two of my absolute favorite fascinations." He began.

"Golly, so it worked in your favor. Did you always start out as a host or did you work your way up?" She wondered after she took another bite.

"I got a break with a good friend of mine who saw quite the talent in me at the studio. He became my mentor and helped me work my way up. When he passed, he wanted me to take his spot... so ... I did. I'll never forget him... the only man who ever cared about me and saw my potential." Alastor smiled sadly as he remembered the man who had faith in him in that way.

"Gee, the ball did roll into your court for the good. That's honestly really amazing Al. I'm sure your mentor would be very proud of you." Heart says as she smiles. "And don't take this the wrong way, but I feel it's a very big accomplishment for someone of color."

Alastor actually blushed. He blushed. He was speechless and his heart swelled. "Cher... thank you... that means so much more than you know." He said his eyes looked a bit glossy as they hid behind his glasses. "Excuse me a moment I'm going to the powder room, don't go away." He managed a wink before going to the hall.

Heart took another spoonful. "Ok, just don't take too long. You might not have any jambalaya left when you come back." She joked as she watched him get up and walk down out of the kitchen.

Alastor went to the bathroom and closed the door looking at himself in the mirror. "What is coming Over me... this Sheba... she's wonderful. I-I've never felt my heartbeat like this... this is silly. She wouldn't feel the same. I'm...our...relationship is, strictly illegal...and inadequate but...I feel so attracted for the first time in my life...What's so different about her?" He asked splashing water on his face.

Being a man of Creole descent did make his skin darker. He always got looks and with how society was sometimes it would affect him now and then. Him being the famous radio show host helped him a little but there was always someone here or there that would give him trouble. Even so, he didn't care. He never let his darker skin color stop him from doing anything. It won't now either.

As Alastor was in the washroom, Heart sat and looked around the kitchen. When she was finished with her bowl, she got up a moment and looked around to the living room that was just through the doorway. She walked in and looked around to see a couch in front of a fireplace, bookshelves full of books, a desk, a China cabinet full of China. She then spotted a prized buck over top of the fireplace with a hunting rifle hanging up underneath. She was amazed by it.

The woman went to the fireplace to look at it better and then she spotted pictures on the mantel. She looked at the first one and saw it was Alastor, maybe about 8 or 9 as he held up a prized buck he must have hunted. She smiled at it and kept looking at the other pictures that were there as well. One looked to be of an older Alastor and a beautiful darker skinned woman next to him. She wanted to assume it was his mother in the picture. She was a pretty woman for sure, probably where he got his looks from.

Eventually, Alastor finally got his composure back and straightened him up, redoing his hair with a bit of gel. Then he came out to find Heart was missing from the kitchen. He then went to the living room quietly and saw her observing his mantle, his gun, and the deer he hunted when he was young. His best one to date.

Heart heard the floorboards creek nearby and then looked up to see Alastor in the doorway. "Oh, sorry Al. I got distracted. I do apologize for snooping around." She said nervously.

"Don't be sorry my dear I'm glad you take interest in my abode. Sorry I took so long, was going at a snail's pace. See anything here you'd like to know more about?" He asked boisterously, walking over, and gesturing to the room with his hands.

Heart looked up at the deer hanging. "When did you kill this guy? He is very amazing."

"Aha, that was when I was in my youth, around 10 years old if I recall. It was during a harsh winter here, one that actually had snow accumulate. My mama and I were trying to survive. It was hard for her to find work that time of year just bein me and her. I went out to hunt and hoped I'd find somethin to last us."

She looked back at him as he talked. "I'm sure this guy helped you out then. Your mama was probably really happy to see this bad boy being dragged by you into the house." Heart chuckled as she saw the image in her head of a young Alastor dragging the big deer.

"Oho you should've seen her face, this monster helped feed us for the rest of the winter. She was proud indeed. One of my favorite memories of her." Alastor smiled.

Heart smiled in return. "I'm sure she was very proud of you all the time." She then looked at the picture on the mantel. "Is this her? If so, she was very pretty. I see where you get your looks from." She smirked as she looked at him from the corner of her eye.

"E-erm yes... that is my mother..." He said in a soft voice his smile faltering a little as he tried to keep it on. He took the picture frame and then took it off the mantel. He held it in hand, looked at it sadly, rubbing his thumb over it.

Heart let her smile fall for a moment. She felt bad bringing up his mother again, she probably shouldn't do that anymore. She could see how much it hurt.

"Sorry Al, I'll stop bringing up your mom. I don't mean to cause you pain." She told him softly.

"No dear, I'm being a sappy sap tree... I'm souring our mood. Shall we get back to dinner?" He asked in his re-composed state. He put the picture back then offered his hand to her.

"You're no sap Alastor, just a man who really loved his mother and I see nothing wrong with that." Heart says as she puts a hand on his arm. "We can go back to eating yes, I apologize I got so distracted."

The radio host gave a chuckle, "Perhaps if I wasn't in the washroom too long you wouldn't have gotten 'board' and been as stiff as a 'plank!'" He said pointing to the hardwood floor

Heart gave a giggle at that. "Oh, my goodness." She tried to recover. "I assure you Al, its ok."

"As you say darling, as you say." He assured her as they went back into the kitchen.

Heart and Alastor went and sat back done and went back to eating and having small chit chat. To be honest Heart had a lot of fun tonight and going over Alastor's house to have dinner was enjoyable.

They finished their meal, and Alastor had collected the dishes, putting them in the sink to be washed later.

"Well then cher, should we go have our dance?" He asked her, bowing, and extending his hand to her after rounding the table to her seat.

"Why yes we shall." Heart says and takes Alastor's hand.

They go back into the living room where the record player was. He took her over and allowed her to pick a song from his collection. "It's your choice dear, take your pick."

Heart looked through his records until she pulled out a small one that had the song "You made me love you" by Harry James and Helen Forrest

"How about this?" She wondered, showing him the song.

"Mmm what a wonderful choice mon Cher, let me dust it off." He took the record from her and gently blew on it in the other direction to dispel the dust that collected on it.

He then put it in and it began to play. A nice trumpet started off the song as Alastor made sure the record played and then made his way back over to the woman in the middle of his living room.

Alastor had already moved to holding hearts one hand while guiding her other to the upper part of his bicep since she was too short to reach his shoulder. It was close enough. He then put his other hand on her waist and took a step.

Heart and Alastor started to dance around in his living room as there wasn't any lyrics to the song just yet, just some nice instruments with a trumpet playing. It was wonderful to dance with him again. Especially like this. So close. She looked up at him and just looked into his eyes, she got lost in them honestly and she almost seemed in a daze. Yet they danced and she didn't want to stop. Even with having two left feet sometimes, she danced on the spot with him.

Soon the lyrics did appear a minute or so into the song.

You made me love you

I didn't wanna do it

I didn't wanna do it

You made me want you

And all the time you knew it

I guess you always knew it

Alastor's heart began to flutter again the more he danced with her. He couldn't understand why he felt such a way. What was this spell she was putting him under? She was, funny, and the most intelligent doll he's met. Not to mention, the most beautiful... he hasn't realized he was lost in her features, her eyes and most of all... her smile. It was one of the most beautiful things about her.

You made me happy sometimes

You made me glad

But there were times

You made me feel so bad

Alastor then pulled her into a dip like he did at her party giving a gentle and tender smile.

Heart was ready for the dip and gave a small giggle as she went down. As she was dipped, she looked at him and took in his features. For some reason she had an urge to run her hand through his hair but she held back that urge and continued to dance.

You made me cry for

I didn't wanna tell you

I didn't wanna tell you

I want some love that's true

Yes, I do, 'deed I do

You know I do

"You dance wonderfully as ever cher, an absolute star." Alastor said to her, sweeping her up off the ground for a second.

"Well thank you. I must have gotten a little better from last time." She joked as he picked her up for a moment.

Gimmie, gimmie, gimmie, gimmie what I cry for

You know you've got the brand of kisses

That i'd die for

You know you made me love you

"Better within 24 hours with no practice my darling such a talent you are! "He beamed.

Heart answered with a laugh. "I must be talented or maybe your skills are wearing off on me."

"Perhaps ma petite Cherie~" he winked saying in a flirty tone as he gave her a spin.

"That French? I've only heard it spoken a few times." Heart wonders as she comes back from the spin as the song ended with a loud trumpet. "Sounded very berries coming from you."

"Oui haha I mean yes. I am Part creole it was taught to me at a young age." He chirped. "I hope you don't mind it; I should have thought before I spoke. Some folks don't consider it well or pleasing..."

"I don't mind it at all." Heart answered sweetly. "I find it quite charming. Even though I don't know what you're saying, I like hearing it come from you." She told him with a small genuine smile.

"Perhaps we can take a small break to rest and I can happily explain the words and phrases I've been using to you?" He gestured to the plush couch nearby.

"Sure. I think it will be fun to learn something new." She answered excitedly and went over to the couch and sat down.

Alastor sat down next to her and began to explain, "Now then, you've noticed I've called you cher. That means dear, ma Cherie means my darling, ma Cher means my dear, and ma petite Cherie means my little darling." He booped her nose when he said little.

Heart blushed as he explained. When he booped her nose she gave a small chuckle. "You're so sweet Al. Plus I'm not used to such words directed towards me. You're a true gentleman."

"Not as sweet as you are. I'm not very fond of sweet things usually but you have become my only exception." Alastor admitted.

"I'm glad to think I'm so sweet." She then heard the grandfather clock go off and she looked at a small clock on the wall. "Oh my. I should get going home unfortunately. It's starting to get late and I have a lot of unpacking still to do." She says as she stood up from the couch.

"My apologies dear I didn't mean to keep you so late. Let's be on our way then my lady." The man said, standing up then helping her as well leading her to the coat rack.

"No no, it's ok. You know what they say, time flies when you're having a good time." She said with a laugh.

"You're absolutely right dear little lady. Now then let me make sure you arrive home properly." Alastor chuckled helping her with her coat then put his on opening the door after to leave.

"Thanks Al, you know you don't have to do this for me but I appreciate it a lot." Heart says as she steps out of his doorway.

"I know I don't, I just don't feel you're safe with the recent gang activity around, not to mention that serial killer. Not a good mix." Alastor said, closing the door behind them and locking it before making their way down the street.

Heart had looped her arm around his for safety as they walked. "I guess you are right. Better to be safe than sorry as they say." Heart said as they made their way down the street. "Thanks for dinner tonight, Al. It was very nice." She says as she smiles up at him.

"Thank you for patching me up Mona petite Cherie." He looked down sweetly at her, "and for the wonderful book."

"I was happy to help. Plus, I'll thank you for the dance. I very much enjoyed it." Heart thanked as she leans on him more.

The radio host secretly blushed when she leaned on him and they kept their pace. He got the same butterflies he did in the powder room earlier. "Oh, what in the blazes is causing this?" Alastor thought to himself, "Why is such a lady pulling at my cold and dead heart?"

Soon they arrived at Heart's home and she stood with him by the door. "Thanks for walking me home. I appreciate it. Will I see you tomorrow?" She asked him with a soft smile.

"You can plan on it sweetheart; it all depends on my work. If I don't stop by, we'll probably see each other at the train car stop." He smiled.

"Maybe. Even so I know where you live." She said in a joking tone while giving him a wink.

"Aha as do I for you dear. I hope you get some rest and I shall see you same time tomorrow, I promise you." Alastor planted a kiss on her knuckles.

"Sounds berries. Until then." Heart says as she blushes lightly with a smile and headed inside.

"Until then, ma petite Cherie~" He whispered before turning to go, giving her a wave farewell.

She watched him wave and walk away before closing the door and she gave a dreamy sigh. "What a guy." She whispered with a big smile. She then went further into her home and looked around at boxes still left.

"I should put some stuff away before heading to bed." She says and goes to a box and started to organize it

Alastor made his way home safe and sound, cleaning and locking up his front door before returning upstairs to his room, taking some water and the book heart checked out for him. He got ready for bed and sat down at the chair near his bed. It was red plush and comfy, his favorite reading chair by his window. He could look out and see the street since his room was right above his front door. He got comfortable and adjusted his glasses, opened the book, and picked up where he left off.


Aw it seems the two are getting closer together then they realize. Got to love when people are blind though. What will happen next?