Time for the festival to begin! Heart is ready to have some fun with Al and enjoy a wonderful time together. Even if there might be eyes watching them.
Ch 23: Fun and Games
They slept like that through the night. They were wrapped up in each other and just calmed as well as relaxed. It was just so wonderful. When morning broke they woke up at the same time and decided to take a shower together to get washed off and ready for the day. Of course, after another round in the shower, they made breakfast together and then cleaned up. The festival didn't open till one so they had some time to kill for their morning. They decided to get ready for the day and wanted to take a walk around the park for a little bit to kill time. So, Alastor got everything he would need and they could start to head out the door.
"Ready my dear? Let's have some quiet time in the fresh outdoors before we have some fun." He said grabbing his hat and coat.
"Ready as I can be." She said as she fixed her dress. "I think a nice quiet walk will be nice before all the screaming kids and loud noises." She chuckled and walked up beside him to the door and slipped on her shoes.
"Well, what if we do the same dear? Aren't we all grown children?" He smirked and patted her head.
Heart gave a laugh, "Ok I guess you have a point there."
"Yes of course, so please when the time comes I want nothing more for us than to feed our inner children! We can usually never do such things but this is the perfect excuse." He added as they went out the door and he locked it behind him.
"I can agree. We go out and have fun. Play some games and forget to be adults for a little while." She nodded and held his arm as they started to walk up the street to the train car stop.
"A wonderful day with you my darling, l just need to head a little early to the festival to make sure the radio equipment is ready for me to broadcast the opening. You can see me at work." he chuckled.
Heart's eyes lit up. "Oh, my goodness really!? That is honestly the bees' knees!"
Alastor smiled and chuckled at her excitement, "A terrific shindig indeed. After the initial broadcast to let everyone know the festivities have commenced I will be free to enjoy it with you my love."
"Oh, my this is going to be so exciting." She felt like a schoolgirl.
"I'm glad my darling. Remember today, if you'd like something, I'll be happy to get it for you. Consider it a date as we discussed yesterday." He smiles down at her as they wait at the stop.
"Thank you, my buck. You are too good to me." She says and kisses his cheek. Once the train car arrived they got on and sat down to ride all the way into town.
"I'm looking forward to our quiet time before the fun, I figured we could slow down for a spell to take in nature and talk about anything on your little mind." He kissed her forehead as they sat down.
"Of course, my dear and I love it. Just some slow time together. Maybe we can grab lunch or should we wait?" Heart suggested.
"We can grab something light to bring to the park!" He exclaimed with the idea, "A wonderful bakery is on the way that sells coffee as well. How does that sound?"
"That would be wonderful, I think. Something small to hold us over till the festival begins." She agreed and soon the train car arrived where they needed to be and they got off.
"Easy does it darling." Alastor said, helping her off. "Now the shop is just at the corner there and one more block is the park." He instructed as he led the way offering his arm to her.
She put her arm in his, linking them together, and the two walked on this lovely day. There wasn't a cloud in the sky and it wasn't too hot either. So, it was perfect for the festival's first day. They reached the shop in no time and Alastor let Heart pick what they should have. He ordered a black coffee with no cream or sugar. Heart ordered a coffee as well but asked for cream and sugar then ordered them both beignets. Once the order was paid for and the pair received it, they made their way to the park to find a lovely place to sit and talk.
Heart walked slowly with the radio host by her side as the park was calm. Few people around. They got to we're the path was by the tree line and spotted a bench. "How about here?"
"Couldn't have picked a better spot, my little wolf." The man beamed and led her over to the bench, sitting down. He placed the bag of beignets in between them and opened it. He took one and began to eat. "Ahh splendid these are. I'm not one for sweet things but I can't say no to these."
Heart sat down and grabbed hers. "That is why I got them; I knew you'd enjoy them." She says then takes a bite of hers.
"Smart little darling you are, well now that we are here, ask me what you wish." He replied, taking a sip of his coffee.
"I wish-" Heart took a pause to think. "For my life to be long and happy with you by my side." She said with a playful smile at the man beside her.
"Well in that case, I think it's already come true. I have no intention to live my life without you." Alastor booped her nose with a big smile and left a little powdered sugar from the beignet on it.
The Librarian giggled. "Al, you better get this sugar off." She says in a still playful mood, seeing what he would do.
"Oh, how foolish of me to dirty your complexion, allow me dear." He leaned down and kissed her nose to clean off the sugar.
She chuckled again happily. "Thank you, Al. I'm sorry it was a perfect opportunity."
"Hush little wolf don't be sorry, what if I told you... I did it on purpose?" He smirked.
A small dusting of pink flushed her cheeks and she turned her face away. "I might believe that." She said with a small huff but she enjoyed it and she loved it when he did small trivial things like this.
"So cute you are cher, being flustered der." The man pulled his accent out.
Her blush darkened, "Al." She whined.
"Ah come on der Cher don be so red now. I know ya like ma accent." He leaned in closer to her personal space being dramatic.
She whined again but she enjoyed it. "I do like it. I don't know why it makes me turn into a tomato on a sunny day, but I won't complain."
"You're a cute tomato though" he said with a chuckle, sipping more of his coffee.
She smiles and leans into him more. "I love you."
Alastor sighs happily, "I love you too mon petite loup. You're wonderful to me."
"As you to me." She looks up at him and leans up to kiss his cheek before taking a sip of her coffee and another bite of her pastry.
"Sneaky minx," He blushed, feeling her kiss. "So dearest, what do you look forward to most about today?"
"Well, I'm not sure that they'll have but I'm excited to see what games there are to play. I've always enjoyed them." Heart answered.
"Aha! Games are one of the best parts. I'm quite good at them myself. I do remember as a lad they had a shooting gallery with cork guns. Mama let me try it once and I hit the bullseye and won her a prize. She was so happy and I'll never forget her smile..." Alastor then started to fade off as he remembered the memory.
"Aw that is sweet. I'm sure mama loved it. I say that shooting is your specialty. Maybe they'll have one again. I can already see you winning." She smiled softly and rubbed his arm to reassure him.
"If they do, we'll have to have a competition. You do wish to shoot and become a hunter. It would be good practice!" He beamed.
"Oh, I guess you are right. Sounds like a fun deal to me." Heart said and then finished her beignet.
"I feel like such a lad, silly isn't it? I really never had friends to go with to the festival. Now that I have you, I feel... like something missing is being completed." Alastor said softly with a happy look.
Heart cleaned some sugar from her fingers and just smiled at the man. "Well, I am happy to help fill that void that was missing. To be honest I never had anyone to go with, my parents just let me go on my own."
"Irresponsible of them. You could've gotten hurt cher. I'll keep you safe." He holds her close.
"Thank you, my buck. I know I'll be ok with you around." She smiles and leans into his hold.
"Mmm let's see." He squeezed her arm softly in reassurance. "I still have an hour before they need me to assess the setup. I hope I'm not boring you dear... sitting with you here is so lovely."
"You're not boring at all my love. Far from it." She told him and then looked around the park with a sigh. "I think there is a trail that leads into the woods if we want to walk it a little bit?"
"Oh, such a fine idea. I sense my familiar would like to join us and it's perfectly secluded." Alastor stands up and cleans away the trash before helping her to her feet.
"I think that would be wonderful." Heart nodded and took his hand to help her up.
"Let's explore nature then my love, then the festivities will soon begin." He leads on down the path with her on his arm.
She follows him and they enjoy the quietness of the woods. The way that the sun was shining through the trees made the small patch of forest seem like a dreamland. It was calm and quiet and they didn't say a word as they just enjoyed the scenery. When they were far enough in shadow appeared and happily floated around keeping watch over them but also exploring too like a cute little cat. Heart watched the familiar wonder around the woods and laughed softly at his curiosity. She stayed quiet though as she was so relaxed as they continued their stroll. Soon their hour was almost up so they made their way out and soon were heading towards the festival.
The woman was excited as they got closer to it and it was soon in their sites. "Oh, wow it looks so amazing!" She was excited as she spotted the booths, could smell the food plus looked at all the different rides and attractions.
"Indeed, it is mon cher, you are my special guest to get a front row view of the opening broadcast too. I'm pleased as punch you finally get to see me in my best environment!" He boisterously said.
Heart bounced with excitement. "Yes, I am excited. I'll try to be on my best behavior while you are broadcasting."
"Tish tosh! No need, my love, it won't be long and I love to see your excitement." Alastor leads on to the front of the festival, through the archway and heads to the stage in front. Gentlemen were putting up more equipment and evaluating the sound.
Heart looked around as they walked through the area and spotted all the things she wanted to do already.
"I see you making notes in that brain of yours darling, don't worry, we will have time for all of it. If we for some reason cannot fit it all, we can return tomorrow for round two!" He winks at her.
Heart nodded. "Agreed! Whatever we don't get to, we do tomorrow."
"That my little wolf! Up for the adventure." The radio host smiled but turned his attention to his name being called. "Oh, looks like I've been spotted, come with me dear. They want me to test everything."
"O-Ok." She said a little nervous and held onto the sleeve of his shirt.
"Why so nervous? It's all right, you can be right in front of the stage keeping your eyes on me as I work. Remember just the opening ceremonies and I'll be yours again." He kissed her cheek.
"It's just something all new to me, so it's a little scary. That's all." Heart explained.
"New?" He asked, confused "Nothing new about my profession darling, I won't be far. Just a few feet in front and a few feet up." he reassures her.
She nodded. "I'm sorry. I don't mean to be so ridiculous." Heart chuckled softly. "You go do your work. I'll be waiting." She smiled.
"Remember no one is going to take me from you." Alastor kissed her with a smile.
He then made his way on the stage making small talk with the techs and his boss. A small crowd was starting to gather as it got closer to see their local radio star also drew a following from the women. To his annoying dismay. Heart stood there off to the side and tried to ignore all the cheers from the women in the crowd, plus the other things she heard. She just blocked all that out and just looked at the man while he prepared to get ready for the opening ceremonies of the festival.
Alastor could tell she was slightly uncomfortable and he hated she couldn't be with him... he would be sure to look her in the eyes, wink, and smile to assure her. Even sent his shadow to console her secretly. When she felt a presence near her she looked down to see shadow was there and that made her smile. She reached down to pet the familiar when no one was looking and it honestly did comfort her a bit.
Soon it was time, Alastor was fine-tuned and the mayor of New Orleans came up on the stage to open the fair. Alastor had started his broadcast to catch the opening bit.
Heart just smiled the whole time as she watched everything go on. It was honestly so exciting to be here for the opening of everything. She looked around the crowd just to see just how happy everyone else was and that brought her joy as well. To be part of something like this in her new town and life. It warmed her soul. On the other side of the crowd, across from her, there was a man that seemed to stick out from everyone. He had blond hair but wore a pink striped suit with a matching pink fedora on his head. He looked at the stage, mostly at Alastor with eyes that sent a small shiver of discomfort down her spine. She had never seen him around before but just from this quick look at him, she had a bad vibe about him.
The mayor then directed the attention to Alastor where he was going to broadcast to those at home the festival would start, "Ladies and Gentlemen boys and girls of New Orleans! It is my proud duty to announce that the yearly festival we celebrate close to our hearts is officially open for your enjoyment! All you folks listening at home hurry down to the square today and tomorrow you won't want to miss such festivities! This is your favorite host Alastor signing off for now!" With that everyone cheered and the crowd dispersed to the booths and entertainment. Some women lingered around to ogle over the host but he had his eyes set on his darling.
Heart looked up at Alastor when he was talking. A wide smile never left her face. She clapped with everyone else as he finished and watched as the crowd dispersed. She didn't see the man in the pink suit anymore but she shrugged it off.
"Don't worry mistress, those dumb doras have nothing on you. Master is helping clean up his parts for a moment but shouldn't be too long." Shadow told her so she would be reassured.
At Shadow's words she patted its head. "Then I'll wait for him to be done."
Moments later Alastor had arrived at his love, "There is my darling! How did you like the little performance, my love?" The host asked, embracing his beloved.
She hugged him back strongly, "I'm wonderful and so were you my love. So handsome and so much energy." She smiled and pecked his lips for a kiss.
"Thank you my dearest! I put on a show for you ! Now how about we enjoy ourselves since the work is over." He kissed her lips again.
"Yes please! Can we play a game first!?" Heart suggested.
"Of course, cher, let's make our way to the games and you can choose which one." He chirped and took her hand excitedly.
Heart was ecstatic and quickly went off into the crowd, accidentally pulling the radio host as she went. She was just so excited and wanted to look around. She soon spotted a small game with miniature horses and they raced across a board. "Oh Al, how about that?"
"Woah-! Ahaha! My darling is like a hound on the hunt!" He laughed as she pulled him along, to the horse game. "Ah this is a good one dear, let's see who's got the better skill" He smirks.
"You're on!" The woman says with determination and goes to dig through her small purse for a coin.
He stopped her and showed he already had one in his hand cheekily "I already mentioned my love this is my day to treat you. "
Heart smiled. "Thank you Al, you're too good to me sometimes. I hope I can make it up to you."
"None of that dear, you always do by being my love. I've had no one for so long... and then you arrived in my life. Like an angel. My little wolf..." he said lovingly.
The woman blushes and just looks at him lovingly in return at his words. "Thank you, my great buck." She takes the coin from him, "Now...how about we have some fun?" Her loving smile turned into a playful one.
"Oho you are on, my love." He joined in on her playfulness.
They played the game and it was close but it was Heart that pulled out on top.
"Ooh darling you left me in the dust on that one!" Alastor says dramatically, "Well done mon petite loup." He kissed her cheek.
She giggled and patted his arm. "You were close there my love."
"I'm proud my love, ah and it looks as though you've won something." He points to the operator handing her a little plaster wolf doll.
She smiles and takes the doll from him. "Thank you so much. He is adorable." She holds it close and then shows Alastor. "Look at him!"
The man running the game then told her, "Quite the skill you have there, little miss. Keep it up and your fella will have to hold all your spoils." He chuckled.
Heart laughed at the man's comment. "I'll keep that in mind sir. I'll definitely keep trying my best."
With that she and Alastor made their way about the festival. "So dear, what is next?" He asked. He felt a little odd being bested by her and the man's comment. He had memories back to his ass of a father calling him such insults. Calling him a sissy... not a real man. He wasn't going to let this ruin his time... his mama said it wasn't true ... remember what mama said... he thought.
"I'll let you pick the next game, Alastor. I think it's only fair. You lead the way." She says and she holds his hand in hers, putting the wolf in her purse for the time being.
"Alright then my dear, hmmm let's see.. oh they do have a shooting range too this year! Come I can't wait to show you my aim!" He said giddy taking her by the hand and scurrying over like a giddy schoolboy.
"Oh yes, I'd love to see those marksman skills you have." She chuckled and followed behind him.
Once reaching the stall he put a coin down for him and heart then picked up one of the cork guns. "Give it your best 'shot' my love."
Heart rolled her eyes playfully with a giggle and picked up one of the guns as well. She tried to do her best to aim, but she's honestly never shot a gun before so this was going to be interesting. She was holding it a little wrong though but she tried to copy the man in how he was holding his.
Alastor fired and got one bullseye, then a second, lastly the third out of three shots. The other people nearby cheered and women swooned. The game attendant gave Alastor 3 prizes since each bullseye was a win. Three little dolls, in which he gave two to little girls proudly and the other he saved for his love.
Heart watched Alastor first and when he was done she tried to copy him. Although her aim was not that great. She missed two shots but on the third she actually hit a bullseye. "Al I got one!" She said with excitement.
"Well done my love! Look at that, third time's the charm!" He kissed her forehead. The operator gave her a prize too for making the bullseye.
She was so excited to have done such an excellent job. Smiling, she took the prize with a thank you. "I honestly thought I was going to miss all three."
"Perhaps luck is on your side my dear, you did mention a desire to learn. You have the ability there." He gestured to the bullseye.
"Maybe with some more practice and guidance from the best I'll be better in no time." Heart said with a playful smile towards the radio host.
"I think that is going to be another date, my love" The man smiles and holds her close.
"I'll look forward to it." The librarian smiles and they go on their way to do a few more games around the festival.
After some games, Alastor took heart to the food section of the festival where all the best cooks and bakers would show off their signature eats for the public to enjoy and collect revenue to support their business during the slower months.
"Oh, my goodness there is so much. What should we try first?" Heart wonders as she looked around at all the stalls.
"Aha there is quite a lot dear, how about I let your nose decide for us." He suggested.
"Well ok." She shrugged and then sniffed the air. She walked along the small row of people and tried to decide. Letting all the smells register in her brain and it made her mouth water.
"These foods are all common to me dear, so no matter what you pick I will love it. Since you're not from here I want you to listen to your nose to see what it might want to try." Alastor commented as he walked behind her.
Heart spotted something interesting, these weird crispy looking brown balls. "Oh, look at those. What is that Al?"
"Ah wonderful choice, those are boudin balls. Boudin is a spicy pork sausage made with green onions and rice. To make a good thing even better, "boudin balls" are battered, deep-fried, and bite-sized pieces of sausage. I think you'd love them."
"Oh, my goodness they sound amazing already!" Heart said excitedly.
"Well allow me then." Alastor went up and ordered two servings along with drinks for both of them. "There's a seating area under that tent, my love. Come with me."
Heart watched as they gave the food and drinks to her man and then followed him to the sitting area. Her mouth watered at the thought of eating the boudin already.
Alastor was able to balance the food and drink with ease. He sets it down on a table in front of his dear and himself. "There now cher, perfect!"
Heart took one of the treats and it was still a little hot. "Oh shoot." She quickly put it back down and tried to get some cool air on her fingers. "Those are hot."
"Goodness dear, hold your horses, haha! Don't worry the food isn't going anywhere, at least with the temperature like that it is guaranteed fresh!" He chuckled.
"Sorry, I didn't realize how hot they would be." Heart said as she licked her finger a moment from it still stinging a bit.
"Oh darling... is that burned?" Alastor asked worried, taking her hand to examine the finger.
"No no sweetheart, I'm ok." She reassured him but let him hold her hand to examine it. "I'll be fine. It's not burned." He held her hand and focused. Murmuring under his breath something odd but then the pain went away instantly. He looked back up to her with a soft smile. She looked surprised and took at her finger to see it wasn't red anymore. "Heavens. Did you do that?" She wondered.
He winks at her with a cheeky smile, "was it me? Hmmm will anyone ever know?" He chuckled then kissed her hand and set it back down still laying his on top.
Heart chuckled and shook her head. "I guess no one will." She says and leans across to kiss his cheek.
He turned bright red from her gesture and hid his face quickly, "Blast you woman!" He whispered with a laugh.
Heart giggles. "I love you and making you look like a tomato."
"Oho you wait until tonight. You're going to be the red one when I'm done with you." He whispers leaning into her ear.
She then blushes. "Oh, Al stop." She giggled.
"Hmm... no." He smirked then kissed her cheek. "Ah they must be cooked down now love, dig in!" He chirped and started to eat his.
The woman smiled and then grabbed her boudin ball and noticed it didn't burn her fingers so she took a bite of it. Once she chewed those first few bites she was lost in so many flavors it was amazing. She hummed in delight. "My goodness this is so amazing." She said with her mouth still a little full.
"Aha I knew you'd like it. When in New Orleans, follow your nose my love. It knows best." he chuckled seeing her enthralled over the food.
She smiled happily then swallowed before taking another bite. Before she knew it, it was gone and she washed it down with her drink. "Oh man I could go for another but I'd like to try other things too."
"Hmmm. Tell you what, I'll fetch us two more things to try. I think you'll love it if you hold down the fort?" He bargained.
She saluted. "I'll be ready and waiting captain."
With that he went off to the booths scouting out two more food items to try for now. He spotted pineapple and coconut cake, then po boy sandwiches, "Perfect!" He beamed and waited respectively in each booth's line.
While Alastor was away, Heart just took in everything around her. All the sounds, smells, and sights; it was honestly beautiful. She was already having so much fun. She took out one of the prizes she received from her purse and it was the wolf. She smiled at it and started to casually play with it on the table. Once Alastor had received both dishes, a serving for each of them, he headed back to the table. There he saw his love playing with her wolf prize. She is so cute and watched her for a moment before coming back with the food.
Heart looked up when she sensed Alastor was back and she smiled before she sniffed and smelled the amazing food he had. "Oh wow, what did you get?"
"This is a po boy sandwich. Toasted French bread stuffed with shrimp, with tomatoes, romaine lettuce, pickles, mayonnaise, and a generous spread of hot sauce. And this is a pineapple coconut cake. Self-explanatory, my love, haha." He says setting the food down.
"Oh, my goodness I need these in my mouth now." She says as she takes her serving and then makes sure it was cooled off before taking a bite of the po boy. "Oh man this is good."
"You're adorable, little wolf. So feisty with your food." he chuckles.
She chuckles as well. She swallowed before saying, "Sorry, I know it's not very lady like of me."
"Pish posh That doesn't count today or any day really. Eat however you please. I know you have manners in the appropriate setting my love. This is not a five-star restaurant by a mile." He laughed and decided to be silly playing with his food. He took some lettuce and held it in front of his face like facial hair, "Lettuce see what we can do about it!"
Heart was taking a sip of her drink while he talked and she had a smile. She burst out laughing from his silly shenanigans and she almost snorted out her drink.
"Oh dear, it looks like you're in a pickle!" He said holding two up to mimic his glasses.
She continued to laugh and she was laughing hard. She almost got a headache so she tried to calm herself. "Oh my god I love you so much." She said between her fits.
Alastor settled down so he wouldn't cause her gut to bust. "And I love you mon amour~ your laughter is music to my ears." Alastor hummed happily looking at her.
Heart took a few breaths and was still giggling but soon calmed down. "I'm always reminded why I am happy I moved down here."
The man smiled happily, "And I'm thoroughly glad you did my beloved. My partner in silly crime"
"I would have never met my soulmate." The woman smiles wide and takes her hand to put it on top of his. "You are the stars that brighten up my dark sky."
"Such poetry my dearest. I couldn't have said it better myself." He sighs, taking her hand then plants a kiss on it.
Heart sighed happily and they managed to finish the Po Boy and she looked at the cake before taking a bite. "Oh, wow this is nice. I don't know if I like the coconut but it adds a nice flavor."
"Oh dear... I didn't think of that.. I'm so sorry my darling.. would you like me to get something else?" He frowned looking a little lost.
She quickly shook her head. "No no, it's ok. I'll be fine. It won't kill me." She giggled softly. "Don't worry Al."
"Mmm... I-I'll be back... shadow will be here if you need him." The host said nervously and then took off back to the food booths.
Heart watched him walk off and she felt her chest get heavy. "Oh jeez. I shouldn't have said anything." She muttered sadly and just started to poke at the cake now. She sighed.
Alastor couldn't bear to have her unhappy... she needed to enjoy herself... he needed to find her something she'll like... beignets... with chocolate sauce! He smelled them and went to wait to get an order for her. Meanwhile the shadow could sense her dismay and rose up under the table looking up from under the tablecloth in her lap.
The woman felt the chill of the shadow and looked down to see him. She smiled. "Hey there buddy. Sorry I didn't mean to make the mood down." She apologized softly. "I told him it was fine; I was going to eat it. He didn't need to react that way." She sighed again then took another bite of the cake. "This is still good. It will be ok. I just don't want him to do anything crazy just for me. I'm not worth the time."
"Oh mistress...he puts too much on himself, please don't be sad... he wants you to be happy and to be taken care of. Besides beignets, the master really likes this cake. It isn't too sweet and has some tartness. He felt bad because he didn't think you might not like it and wants you to enjoy yourself." Shadow explained.
"But I am enjoying myself." She says in response. "I want to share in the things he enjoys."
"He's never had a gal and feels bad if you don't like something... he feels if someone close to him doesn't like something, he needs to fix it to make them feel better. It isn't true and I tell him he is overthinking...but what do I know I'm only his inner feelings." Shadow curled its tail around her ankle.
Heart gave a soft sigh. "I'm sorry Shadow. I guess I was the one overthinking but when you put it like that I guess I can't be too hard on him...I really do appreciate everything he does for me."
"He knows that dear, he wants everything so perfect for you... his heart is on his sleeve for you. Give you everything you deserve." It kissed her hand.
The woman smiled. "I wouldn't want it any other way."
"I sense he returns... please go easy he just wants it perfect for you." Shadow said and hid again.
Alastor soon arrived at the table, "There you are dear right where I left you! Come come I have something I think you'd like even better." He chirped and set down the beignets with chocolate.
"Aw Al, thank you. I appreciate it. Tell you what. I'll share a little bit of those with you if you want. I'll give you the rest of my cake as well. Sounds fair?"
"Oho dear I wouldn't want to take your food... please I hadn't realized you disliked things.. must've slipped my mind.. I couldn't possibly. I'll eat the rest of your cake." He said taking the plate and passing the beignets closer to her.
"It's ok Al. You didn't do anything wrong, ok." She gave him a reassuring smile. "We're enjoying ourselves ok and I love you no matter what. I thank you for taking so much amazing care of me."
He paused then nodded, eating more of the coconut cake she didn't like. He felt...saddened? What's the word he's thinking... failure..? No, it can't be... why this way...? He needs to have everything perfect for her and he overlooked her tastes... God was he.. overthinking too much? It started to give him a headache whatever it was.
Heart happily ate the dessert that Alastor gave her. The man was silent and she noticed. She thought about making him laugh a little so she took a little chocolate and poked the tip of his nose. She giggled.
Alastor broke his train of thought when she did that and looked at his nose. "Oh, it seems I've been marked, whatever will I do?" He speaks.
The woman giggled, "Perhaps I can be of assistance." She says with a cheeky smile.
"What can you do to help, little wolf? I fear I'm in a predicament." He plays along. She looks at him playfully then leans over and kisses his nose while licking the chocolate off. "Ah! Oh my, it seems I've been saved from my dirty fate!" He chuckles at her gesture.
She pulls away and giggles. "I have saved the buck. I wanted to make sure he smiled."
"Goodness... I wasn't fully dressed was I..? Oh no my love saw me ... indecent!" He plays around dramatically.
Heart giggled from how he was acting. "Only for a short time my love."
"You're wonderful my darling." Alastor smiled at her and held her hands again.
"As are you." She leans over to give him another small kiss on the lips.
"Sneaky little wolf, just you wait until later." He blushed slightly from her kiss. "Hmm while my gears are turning, what would you like to explore after this dear?"
She hummed in thought and looked around. "I thought I saw some animals here. Do they usually have a show with them?"
The radio host nodded, "Yes! Oh, my I think if I remember there are some you might like. We can head there after we finish our treats."
"Sounds like a plan!" Heart agreed and went to take another bite of her desert.
"So cute you are." He hummed.
She blushed and smiled. They managed to finish their food and headed off towards the animals. Heart holding Alastor's hand and leaning against him.
"I hope you like what you see dearest, I am an animal lover myself. Mama would talk about her farm life... this makes me feel she's close again." He nuzzled her.
"I've always loved animals. They bring me joy and it's nice to have their company and to give them love." Heart says as they get closer.
"Agreed, I thought of getting a feline companion but I already have a shadow so." He laughed and shadow gave him a small tap on his ankle.
She giggles. "Shadow does make a good companion. Plus, he is a big scary and powerful shadow that would do so much to protect his master." She praised it to make it feel better.
The familiar scooted over on the ground and rubbed her ankle sweetly in return, then stuck its tongue out at him as they walked. "Oho you're going to get it later, you cheeky thing." Alastor told it as it snickered. They were playing after all.
Soon they arrived at the small area where they kept all the animals. They usually did a best in show during the festival, so all of the animals there were to be their best for the judges. They walked up and saw a few cows that were munching on some grass. There were even a few goats there and you could feed them if you wanted to. There was a round rink and she spotted someone showing off a horse as it trotted around. There were benches in a semi-circle around that with a bunch of people sitting there. She could hear a man talking fast and throwing out numbers.
The woman looked to Alastor, "Do they auction off animals here too?"
"Yes dear, the best in show and the ones with high marks are sometimes purely raised for profit. To prove they raised a proper animal, they compete and if they place others can bid on them to buy. There are other animals too that don't compete and they are raised for the same. Whether it be for working or competing purposes, that's how some folks make their living. They know how to raise and prepare a strong animal for such a life. Others of course are not sellable and personal animals to compete for prizes usually for money too." Alastor explained to her.
"Oh, wow that sounds amazing." She says as she has never seen anything like it before. "We can go see the horses?"
"Ahead of you there my love, come with me, they are this way." He said, taking her hand. Soon they came upon the horses, one section read, Competition for Sale and the other read, Working for Sale.
Heart looked at them all and had wide eyes. "Oh my gosh they are all so adorable." She says as she goes up to one with its head out of the door opening and she goes to pet it gently. The horse allows her to as it munches on some hay.
"I do like them as well, strong and powerful but graceful and gentle." Alastor says as he smiled from his darling enjoying herself.
Heart giggles happily as she walks down the barn full of stalls and horses in each of them. One stall even had a mama and its baby who was sleeping soundly on the floor of hay. Alastor had an idea, seeing her so happy and energetic. His gal really loved them and he did have a cabin with plenty of land... if she sees one...reasonably priced, he'll buy it for her. Of course only if they are willing to board it until he builds an appropriate enclosure... yes...that could work. He smiled with a glint in his eye as the gears turned.
The woman was in awe and soon got to a stall at the very end. She looked at the black stallion in the stall and saw his black swirling mane and tail with long black hair on all four of his hooves. "Oh, wow look at you." She says and gets closer to his stall. She saw a sign on his door the read, Black Fire. The horse was munching on some greens in a bucket and looked up at her. "Hey there big guy." She made a clicking noise and the horse walked up to her and nudged her hand. She giggled and started to pet the stallion. "Al, come look at this one. He is a handsome boy." She calls out to the man.
"My my little wolf, you've got an eye for such a creature." He smiled and went over to see her interact with the stallion.
"Seems like he likes me to." She giggles as the horse starts to sniff her hand then sniffs her hair as well and starts to try and eat it. "Hey hey mister, you can't eat that." She says with a chuckle.
"He would be a wonderful companion for you cher, although my home isn't very large to accommodate such a majestic animal." Alastor told her.
She smiles sadly. "Oh, I know. I can't ask for such a thing anyway." She pets the horse as he puts his nose in her hands. "I've always wanted a horse. Ever since I was a girl…but it will always stay a dream unfortunately. That's ok though, I don't mind just visiting them like this and seeing all of them."
Alastor gave her a reassuring pat on her shoulder. "Perhaps one day, I can make that dream a reality. Please don't fret my love "
"Oh, Al I couldn't ask that from you. That's a lot of money." She says with a worried chuckle. "This sweet boy will definitely go to someone who will love him." She says as she pats the neck of the black horse.
"I can promise you this my darling, I love seeing your happiness and love for these animals. One day, I will get you one." He says, kissing her forehead. He had to get her away for a bit to work his magic... trying to find a distraction... Aha! Some more food was nearby. "My love, could you do me a favor?"
She smiled at his gesture and looked up at him. "What is it you'd like from me my buck?"
He hands her some money, "There's a friend of mine here I need to discuss some hunting with for a moment. In the meantime, could you be a dear and grab some food from the booth over there for us? After that, find a seat in the area and I'll be over shortly."
"Sure thing Al. I'll let you do your business." She says happily while taking the money. She pets the horse one more time before giving Alastor a kiss and heading out of the barn.
"Thank you my love, I promise I won't be long!" He called after her. Believe it or not, he did know the person who had the horse up for sale. The owner was a hunter as well and a good buddy to Alastor. They only see each other a handful of times each year since he lives in the country and Al in the city.
Looking around the barn, he soon spotted a man that he recognized, "Hello there old chum! Long time no see!" Alastor approached the man jovially. The farmer stood up from his booth and laughed heartily then embraced the man. "Ahaha howdy slim! It's been some time huh?"
"Oh Lou, maybe a couple of months but it still feels like a year and a half! I hope you're doing well out there. You got a mighty fine horse here. Black Fire was his name. Was wondering how much you'd take for him?"
Lou gave a chuckle. "My golly Al I didn't know ya had a barn in your house!"
"Whacky nonsense Lou." Alastor laughed, "I do have the Hunting cabin with a lot of good land, just need to build a proper enclosure. I'm willing to buy him for my darling...and board him at your place until his needs are met on my end. I'd be paying you properly of course."
"Shoot Al! Why didn't ya say you had a gal! I'm so darn happy for ya!" He gave the radio host a big pat on the back, "Y'know I think I can work a deal with ya my good friend. I haven't forgotten I owed you for savin my life that one year hunting in the winter."
The two men continued their chatter meanwhile Heart was off doing what al requested. Heart went over to the stall and looked at what to get. She didn't want anything heavy but saw some strawberry pie that looked very appetizing. She thought it would be perfect for Alastor and her to share. She bought a big piece when it was her turn and then went over to the sitting area. There were a few picnic tables under a tent with few people under it. She sat on the far side, away from a group of kids and started to eat the pie, making sure to leave some for Al too.
As she sat there, she felt like someone had their eyes on her. She paused from putting another bite in her mouth and looked around. She saw no one. "Odd." When she looked back in front of her, a man had taken a seat there. It surprised her and made her jump from being startled while she gave out a squeak. "Oh goodness, you almost sent me to the big sleep there sir." She said to the man. As she looked at the blond-haired man in front of her, she noticed his pink suit and that is when it clicked, he was the man from the opening ceremonies she saw that had his eyes on Alastor...In a not so kind way.
"Sorry bout dat girly." The man said as he had a thick accent. Heart could tell he must have been from somewhere up north. Probably somewhere in New York she would guess.
"It's ok, but I'm afraid that seat is taken. My company will be here any minute." She told him.
"Oh yea, dat charmin radio host right? Actually, that's why I'm here. I wanted ta talk to ya bout him." The blond-haired person said.
"Talk to me?" Heart wandered aloud. "About Alastor? For what?"
"Ah so dats his name?" He chuckled. "Seems fittin for a guy like him." He soon pulled out a cigarette from his breast pocket and lit it. "Sorry bout my manners. Names Anthony. Anthony Bernardi." He said and held out his hand.
The librarian was so confused about this interaction right now but took his hand to shake it. "Names Ashlyn Wolfe, but my friends call me Heart."
"Heart eh? Well in dat case call me Angel." Anthony says as he takes his hand back.
"Angel? Ok. What do you want to know about Al?" Heart wondered.
The man took a drag of his cigarette. "Well, I want ta know if he has any hobbies. Things he likes ta do? You know da basic stuff."
"Shouldn't this be stuff you should ask him yourself?" Heart asked.
"Well yea, but I don't know em. So, I thought I'd ask ya since yous seem so close." Angel told her.
The woman blushed. "We are. I'm his girl. He loves me and I love him. He'd do anything for me." She tells him.
"Ah so dats why your glued onto em like a lost puppy in heat." Angel laughed. "Sorry sorry. I just wanted ta make sure I had da right person for dis job."
"Job? What job?" Heart wondered with confusion.
Angel took a pause and took another hit of his cigarette. "Playin damsel in distress of course."
Heart had no time to reply as she felt arms wrapped around her and a cloth placed over her mouth and nose. Heart tried to fight back from the unknown entity but it was too strong and she tried to claw at the arm but she was slowly losing that fight quickly. In the mists of trying to fight off the attacker, her necklace snapped off and fell to the ground below them.
Angel was calm about it all, watching it happen as he finished his cigarette and started to laugh softly to himself. "Nighty night, doll face." Was the last thing Heart heard before everything went black.
I know I know, it took me long enough to introduce the villain of the story, but better late than never right? Also sorry to leave you on a small cliff hanger.
