Alastor needs to get rid of it. Immediately. Like yesterday. So he can stop making a fool of himself. Because the jitters and gnawing in his stomach make him behave like an idiot every time he sees her. His face has the tendency to redden each time she smiles at him. Afterwards fleeing the room as if set on fire. He stutters when she asks him something unordinary. The tendency to maim fellow residents when they claim a bit of her attention harder to ignore each passing day. He can't have this. Can't have such a distraction. Even if it feels like Aphrodite herself has fallen into his arms. So he needs to get rid of whatever he has caught for her so he can go back to being his confident non wavering charming self once more.
And there is only one person who can help him.
"Oh my~ Aren't you a pleasant surprise!" Rosie, fellow Overlord and head of Cannibal town greets Alastor with open arms as he walks into her store.
Ignoring the swooning and chatters of the other ladies present, Alastor smiles widely and embraces Rosie for a quick second. "It is a pleasure to see you again as well. Quite the pleasure. Though I am afraid my visit is not merely for the pleasures of it."
Rosie's toothy smile lessens a smidge. "Oh. Then let's go somewhere more private." She ushers him into the back room where she hosts her clients with more exclusive requests. "Now-" She sits down at the pittoresque table and motions Alastor to take a seat as well. "- tell me, what can I do for the all powerful Radio Demon Lord?"
Alastor crosses one leg over the other as he folds his hands in his lap. "I need you to get rid of something."
"Me? Who could possibly be out of your league to overpower?" Rosie asks, a bit taken back by the request.
"It's not someone. It's something. I have found myself in a… tedious situation. In which I-" His words come out slowly and his hands fidget, finding it actually quite difficult to put it into words even if he has known this woman for decades. "- have caught… something."
Rosie tilts her head to the side with a bit of a blank stare. "Sexual transmittable?" Alastor's neck reddens as he violently shakes his head. "Then you have to be more specific, honey."
Alastor grits his teeth. "There's this woman, my new assistant, fallen to Hell some time ago and I…"
He doesn't need to elaborate further, which he possibly can't as his whole posture got stiffer with each word and his hands started gripping his knees. But Rosie understands, her face a mix of surprise and a bit of awe. The Radio demon has caught feelings for a woman. A lady that has caught his attention must be an enthralling lethal being. "Alastor, what are you so fussy about?" She asks gleefully as she sips a cup of tea. "There is no weakness in admitting that you are smitten by a lady."
"I need you to help me get rid of it." Alastor hisses through clenched teeth.
Rosie raises one eyebrow. "Why would you want to? Being in love is a lovely-"
In a flash, Alastor is in front of Rosie, hovering over her and gripping, not too hard of course, her shoulders. "It is not love and it is making me look and feel like a retarded beaten low class demon. I need it to stop."
Rosie simply smiles kindly up at him. "I think you do need to stop. Stop fighting it." Alastor sweat drops, his eye twitches. "What are you so afraid of?"
"That this-" He motions at his own heart, his claws flexing as if he wants to squeeze it to a hold. "- will make me lose my sanity. Which I believe is already in motion. I can't make coherent sentences when she is around. I trip over my own feet when she is suddenly near me. When she laughs my whole body starts tingling. I get violent tendencies to a degree that even scare me when someone else is near her. I need it to stop."
Gently, she pats his hand. "Do you truly think that is it? I have known you long enough that if someone is bothering this much you would have had that person's head for lunch already! So, let's be honest to your friend Rosie. Romance is my specialty but honesty is the key to gaining my assistance."
Alastor drops back into his own chair, arms folded as he looks to the side. If you think the plastered smile away, one would assume him to be pouting.
Seeing Alastor would not likely spill things on his own, probably not knowing how, Rosie decides to probe. "For starters, tell me more about this most interesting lady! Who is the sinner who has captured your luring attention? She must be ruthless in her blood shedding behaviors."
Alastor's smile softens and he chuckles fondly. "No. Well, she knows her ways to shred and tear I suppose but she isn't like any other serial killer in Hell. Yes, she might be the most skillful out of the bunch though even if her hands are coated with the many reds of lives stolen, her heart is pure. Intentions not tainted. She doesn't rejoice in killing like we do. For her, it was all merely jobs she obediently finished."
"Oh~ A killer by hire. She must be very skilled then."
"She is. And she is disciplined, practicing her skill each single day still. I am not allowed in at all when she is training but I did see it once. The control she has over her body is thrilling."
"Were it just her skills that captured your fancy or is she breathtaking on the eyes as well?" Rosie asks with a soft smile.
Alastor's own smile widening as well. "An angelic eye sore in the blazing landscapes of hell. Her hair is a pure white. Pale skin with a light gray undertone. Blue bright eyes and a warm voice that sings like a siren. Not to forget of course the feathered wings she carries on her lower back. Even her blood tastes heavenly."
Rosie blinks twice. "Geez Alastor, one would think that you would marry the woman first before taking a bite out of her. Where has politeness gone these days."
"It was to warn her." Alastor's smile strains into a grimace. "That she should keep her guard up. She is so honest it might be her second death one day. It did not work though. She is fearless. Didn't even whine, gasp or blink. I first thought her facade of bravery was a foolish coping mechanism. Then in that moment I realized she is just… Not afraid." His grin softens again, thinking about all their moments together. "She never has been. She never faked not being terrified. It is just because she never was. And I don't think she ever will. She talks and speaks to me as if she sees me as an equal, which is delusional at its finest but it doesn't enrage me or will me with the need to correct her. I actually like the way we talk, the way she listens, the way she softly smiles and occasionally laughs. Her words razor sharp but silken smooth at the same time, it calms me down and puts me on edge. She enjoys my cooking, openly, making soft sounds she hopes no one hears and her head moves happily from side to side when she thinks no one is watching. She works hard, without question, without complaint. She can dance. Oh, she spins and twirls and keeps up with every step I take." He actually laughs fondly at the memory. "Me being a serial killer, me being a cannibal, me being the Radio demon Overlord, it is as if it all doesn't exist to her. As if she doesn't see only that but she sees… Me. As a whole. And it doesn't repulse her. And in return I want to see all of her. All that she hides. All that she is. Her light and her dark. I want her to be mine. Hold her. Letting her go for a minute already has my body aching to reclaim her touch. I want her to…" His frantic enthusiastic story telling dies down at the end. Words had been flitting over his tongue with ease till he got to the core of it. He runs a hand through his hair as his ears droop a bit back. A somewhat sad smile wavers on his lips.
A clang of the porcelain cup as Rosie puts it down on the table. "She sounds like an astounding woman. A man could easily become intimidated by trying to court a lady like that. Because what if she will never return his feelings? What if she doesn't want him the way he so desperately craves her? And what if he can never make her happy enough, care enough, love her enough?"
As her words hit bullseye, his words are slow and raw. "I have never done this before, Rosie."
"Do you think she doesn't want to be around you?" He shakes his head. No, she enjoys his company, she has said so. "Do you believe she is faking kindness around you?" Another shake of his head. "Then that's a start. Spend time with her. Talk to her. And in time, most of all, be honest with her about how you feel. It is a terrifying step to take as it literally feels like putting your heart out to be butchered. But no matter the result, either way, you will be able to move forward. With or without her." The thought of going on without her leaves an acid feel in his stomach, it makes him visibly grimace. "I wouldn't worry that much though, it sounds like someone that might be able to return your feelings. If what you told me is any indication."
Alastor allows himself one more moment of vulnerability. "Do you think I can love her enough?" An endearing smile is the only answer he gets from his fellow Overlord.
It is way past midnight when Alastor returns to the Hotel, having needed his space to think. Give his thoughts and feelings a place. It still feels foreign. Feelings. Well, other feelings that are the delightful psychopathic thrill of murdering, manipulating and everything that falls into those categories. Is he going to have to admit it to himself? That his forsaken heart has awoken. He might be facing the greatest challenge of his afterlife. How to make her truly his. And not just in the form of some stupid agreement. How is he going to make her want to be with him. He has never ever courted anyone before. There will be quite some more visits to Rosie he already predicts. For tonight though, his brain is overworked. A tired smile and a sigh as he arrives at the Hotel.
The lobby should have been vacant by now. But it wasn't. Instead, all residents present, awake. The room illuminated by the big picture box. Everyone wearing cozy pyjamas, sitting on the floor with blankets and pillows as they watch, what he could see, some sort of bloody murder action movie. For a moment he wonders where Cattaleya sits till he sees her peeking up from the couch. "Welcome home."
His heart lurches. Welcome home. Such simple domestic words make him want to smother her in his embrace. It sinks though as on the other side of the couch Angeldust's head peeks up as well. "We were already wondering where you had run off to, Smiles."
Alastor walks closer to stand behind the couch to see both of them laying under the same blanket. Not laying on each other though but more like each having claimed their own side. "Would you like to join us?" Cattaleya asks sweetly as she smiles up at him, having cozied back down with her head on a pillow.
"There is not a lot of space now, is there?" Alastor tries to say lightly but he has to clench his teeth hard in a grin not to make it sound too menacing.
"There is space on the floor." Angeldust counters which has Alastor's bloodlust rising up again.
"There is space on the couch." Cattaleya says with a slight mischievous gleam in her eyes as she slides a bit lower under the blankets. For a second Alastor wonders what she is doing till Angeldust yelps and does a flip off of the couch, catching himself with his arms on the floor so his legs are half still on the couch. Cattaleya expertly used her martial arts training to fling him by only having used her legs. "More than enough."
"Oiy, Feathers, I will get you back for- Argh!" Her foot places between his shoulder blades and pushes him down further, making him slide off of the couch more.
"Would you two be quiet, we can't hear the tv." Husker grumps out as he chomps on his popcorn.
"Tell her that." He tries to grab her foot with one of his hands but it only makes her push him down more. "Since when do you have such a mean streak?!"
"I don't. I just lost a gamble."
"What does that even mean?!"
Husker fakes an innocent look, pretending not to have gambled a few moments of Cattaleya using her kungfu shit to torment Angel from time to time.
"It means that for the rest of the movie-" She gives a final twist and push and he tumbles onto the ground. "- you are off the couch."
"Will you two knock it off and be silent. Or do I have to come there to correct you both." Vaggies asks agitated as Charlie merely giggles and snuggles closer to her girlfriend, making anger melt away.
"Psht, fine, I admit defeat only this once." Angels says as he grabs a different blanket and sticks out his tongue, which Cattaleya only raises an eyebrow to, and goes sit down elsewhere, very close to Husk to steal some popcorn.
Cattaleya sits upright and pats the spot next to her. "I made space."
With an amused grin, Alastor takes a seat, seeing now the comfortable soft pink sweater and pants with hearts she is wearing. It looks completely out of the ordinary for her. Probably one of the things Charlie had picked out for her on their first shopping trip.
To his utter surprise, and discomfort, Cattaleya wraps a bit of her blanket around him, sitting shoulder to shoulder with him. His whole posture becomes rigid as his hands brace themselves on his knees. She acts like it is the most normal thing to do as she simply relaxes back and focuses back on the movie. His eyes are glued on the screen as well but he is not watching. Not moving. Hells, it looks like he is not breathing. Is this when a gentleman wraps his arm around his lady? Is that what she had been implying when she wrapped that blanket around him? It could be. Or it could mean nothing.
Noticing his inner struggle, Cattaleya raises her eyebrow as she watches his eye twitch. "Alastor?" One would think she had screamed instead of barely whispered as he snaps his neck to face her. "Are you alright?"
"Splendid darling, just splendid." He keeps his voice low as well as he taps his nails anxiously against each other, eyes shooting everywhere except her.
"Okay?..." She doesn't believe it at all. Reading people is something she is an expert in and he is extremely painfully uncomfortable. Maybe she has crossed a boundary here. So to make him more comfortable she slides a bit away from him.
His fidgeting immediately stops and his eyes widen. Oh well. His ears droop slightly as his body tingles with the need to pull her back. And he can. He should. He is one of the most powerful Overlords in hell. He will not succumb to nerves. His arm moves up, hovering behind her, slowly descending to wrap around her shoulders and pull her where she belongs when-
He jerks his arm back and sits stiff and straight once more. Chickened out. His nails dig in his legs and an angry grimace aimed towards himself twitches on his lips.
It had not gone unnoticed by Cattaleya who in her surprise jerked a bit up. What had he been- She tilts her head a bit to the side as she looks at him. Was he going to put his arm around her? The thought had a smile creeping up and her cheeks pinken softly. That thought of him holding her while watching a movie… It makes her giddy. The woman she used to be would have corrected herself. These feelings are uncalled for. Unusable. Wants and desires should be non-existent. But she is not that woman anymore. Doesn't have to be anymore. She can do what she wants. And right now, she wants to know how it feels in his arms, watching a movie.
Softly, she puts her hand on his and moves closer, answering his alarmed questioning look with a reassuring smile. Helping him, she takes his arm and wraps it around her back and waist so she can take a comfortable position, leaning against him. Sailing along her bold move, Alastor moves his other arm as well, effectively wrapping them both in the blanket and her in his embrace. "This okay?" Her breath on his lips has him shiver, noses close to touching. He can only let out a content Hmn before their attention returns to the movie. Well, her attention. He can't help but steal glances from time to time at the woman in his arms, finding her far more enthralling to look at.
Not exactly knowing when or how, during the movie they had moved into an, in Alastor's opinion, even better position, this one abling him to have her even closer. His back is leaning against the pillow, halfway laying down, one leg bent up on the couch and the other dangling over the edge as Cattaleya practically lays on him, stomach to stomach, arms around his waist as her cheek lays on his chest. His nails softly caress through her hair, tickling her scalp in a pleasant way that makes her purr content noises every time he hits a particular nice spot.
Not long after, her heavy steady breathing tells him she has fallen asleep. He does not stop playing with her hair though.
As the movie ends, everyone moves to go to their own rooms. Only then seeing the position their angelic bird and Radio demon are entangled in. They had been so engrossed in the movie that no one had noticed.
"Holy fucking sh-" Angeldust's loud flabbergasted words pushed back into his throat by Husker as he clamps his hands over Angel's mouth to save his life.
Charlie actually squeals and sir Pentious actually supportively starts cooing "Awww, that's so swe-"
"I will rip anyone's tongue out who dares make a comment." Alastor threatens with a light tone, not moving his stare or his fond smile away from the woman in his arms.
Wisely, everyone decides on a silent retreat, leaving Alastor alone to enjoy the hours following. Selfishly, he decides not to move her. Way too satisfied and happy to ruin his own mood. He never gets the chance to move her though as deep sleep claims him as well. One thought dancing in his mind before he drifts off.
I want this for our eternal afterlife.
First early rays of light force Cattaleya's eyelids to flutter. She doesn't want to wake up or move though. She is too comfortable to even think about moving. Slowly she begins to piece together why her bed feels harder. Why it is moving up and down in a steady rhythm. Slowly, not trying to hurt nor wake him, she unwraps her arms and pushes herself a bit upward. Alastor's face is completely relaxed, mouth slightly agape as he is still in deep sleep. She can't help but stare, this being the first time she sees him without a smile. Completely unarmored. It feels… Precious seeing him like this. A rare opportunity not many will ever witness. She is certain he is not a man to let others ever find him in such a fragile position. Except for her. Memories of days ago fleet through her mind. Having played them over and over again since. This is one that will be added to that collection for certain. Daringly, she reaches out and runs the back of her fingers over his cheek, her breath hitches as a soft smile reforms on his lips, moving his head to coax more into her touch. Thinking it might be creepy if he wakes up to have her staring at him, she instead settles back down on his chest. Waiting for him to wake up, content to just listen to his breathing for a while. She feels him waking up as he begins to stir.
Alastor sleepingly creeks his eyes open, not having had such a restful sleep in a long while. And he immediately knows why. Looking down, his bird seems to still be asleep as her eyes are closed and breathing steady. Indulging himself shamelessly, he cuddles her tighter and moves one hand to her head, cradling her and nuzzling his nose in her hair. That is when he feels her shake. Giggling. He freezes caught in the action. "Good morning, Alastor."
Her non disgust filled voice relaxes him again. "Good morning, Cattaleya." His voice still raw from sleep. He reluctantly lets her go a bit as she pushes herself to lean up so she can look at him. Somehow, that image of her above him, hair all messy with a lazy but content soft smile on her face, has him feeling anxious but giddy. It's a strange combination. "Did you sleep well?"
"I did. I apologize for forcing you into becoming my pillow for the night."
Alastor immediately shakes his head as she smiles apologetically at him. "It was not a bother. Not at all." Definitely not at all, he doesn't want her thinking she had forced him or that he hadn't liked it. Not that he would voice that out loud. When she tries to move to get off of him, his hold doesn't lessen.
Cattaleya laughs lightly, amusement written on her face. "Could I possibly be released? Or is that an impossible thing to ask the Radio Demon?"
Alastor flashes her a toothy grin and delights in the yelp she gives as he suddenly pulls her back down on his chest. "You demand a lot from me, my dear. Perhaps being confined for a few minutes longer will teach you not to make such ridiculous requests." He feels her giggle again which makes his heart swell.
"What a hell." She mumbles, which has him chuckling as well.
"The worst!"
They lay for a while, enjoying the comfiness but then Cattaleya breaks the moment. "We really should get up now though. The others will be waking soon as well."
Alastor almost wants to argue he doesn't care about the others but she was probably right, with a defeated more than necessary dramatic sigh he opens his arms. "Very well, I'll see you soon for breakfast then." She gives him a final smile as she moves away to get properly dressed. Alastor misses how she looks back for a second to steal a final glance.
Alastor is happily humming away, slaving away in the kitchen as he has the urge to prepare an elaborate breakfast. Pancakes will do nicely! The afterglow of his wonderful night bright and obvious. His eye does twitch when he hears the door creak open. He glances back to see a chipper Charlie peeking through the crack. He decides to ignore it as he focusesses back on the pancakes. Apparently, she takes this as permission to come in as she skitters over. Her eyes are big and doe-eyed. Biting her lip as if words are battling to come out. With a defeated exasperated sigh, mentally preparing what is about to come, he asks. "What can I help you with, Charlotte?"
No one could have prepared him for this. "Oh my Hell! I never thought this would ever actually happen but I am so happy and excited and just suuuuuper ecstatic. I mean not to say that I don't think you would ever get a girlfriend but you hardly seem to have any friends and it looks like you prefer to scare people away with your creepy sinister big smiles. Of course you have us as friends! But I have not seen you be friendly with many others except for us but you are so sweet to Cattaleya and you two are so perfect! We have all been dying to see where this was going as you were so gentle and she has been so comfortable around you and the way you two linger and look at each other is just so adorable. And now finally you two are together, cuddling on the couch so openly was so endearing to see! Oh and not to forget those gifts you gave her, like so cute, and all the times you go get her tea and that she defends you when you do bad things to her. Actually you should stop doing mean things and don't try biting her again but I am certain now that you won't ever again because you know. But if she is okay with you biting her that is fine, I don't judge! I am just happy and-" She takes a disturbing deep breath to continue her running mouth.
Alastor desperately clasps his hand on Charlie's mouth, a wide uncomfortable smile on his face. "Charlie, Cattaleya is not my girlfriend." He moves his hand away.
Charlie visibly deflates. "Oh. Why not?"
"I haven't asked her yet." The loud squeal has his ears flattening and he immediately holds her mouth shut again. "Charlie, volume, please. Will you be nice and quiet if I release you?" She nods so hard that she might give herself a whiplash. Uncertain and a bit reluctantly he frees her mouth once more. "I haven't asked her and I am not certain if I will." Her smile droops more. "And I would like you to mind your own business instead of mine. Don't you have enough things to worry about? Like a failing project about redeeming souls with time running out?" He happily chirps.
"That's a bit harsh."
"Ah, but am I wrong though? I believe not." He plates a few pancakes before putting a new batch in.
"Alastor, you are one of those souls I am worrying about."
Alastor's laugh is loud and harsh as he shakes his head and pats Charlie like a silly child. "Oh Charlie, you do amuse me thoroughly with your ideals and dreams. Worrying for my soul is a moot point. There is no way for me to become even close to a smidge of redemption. If I were you I would focus on the drug addict."
Charlie swipes his hand away, a bit agitated now. "But I can wish for you to be happy and safe here. And I believe Cattaleya is just what you might need…" Alastor's hands slowly stop working. "You can't really deny that, can you? You light up near her. And that's okay…"
"Even so, I don't want you to mingle in any of my affairs that go beyond managing this Hotel." When he glances at her from the corner of his eye he sees Charlie completely deflated and actually saddened. With a sigh he says. "I am uncertain where it is going between me and Cattaleya and I am figuring things out. And I wish to have privacy as I do. I am certain Cattaleya would agree with that sentiment." He hopes that is enough to have Charlie drop the subject.
"I really wish you the best…"
Alastor gives her a softer smile, feeling the honest care which he normally would have mocked her for. "I know."
Charlie's own smile returns slightly. "So I will butt out now, so you can continue preparing breakfast. You know where to find me when you need me. Anytime. Really." She emphasizes before she leaves the kitchen.
Why does Alastor have the ominous feeling that Charlie was not going to let this drop easily.
Cattaleya straightens her deep burgundy blazer and slips on some heels. Liking her outfit for today as her skirt is knee length but comfortable and the white blouse underneath has some nice embroidery details. As she exits her room she is surprised to find Vaggie in the hallway, leaning against the wall with her arms folded. Has she been waiting for her? "Good morning Vaggie."
"Morning, hey Cat, can we talk?" Vaggie asks straight forward as she pushes herself from the wall.
Cattaleya bites back the urge to correct her name and instead says. "Sure, what can I help you with?"
"What's going on between you and Alastor?" Again, very straightforward. "I mean, you do realize who and what he is, right?" Oh there we go, Cattaleya fights the urge to roll her eyes. "He has actually harmed you before. Even if he acts kind to you he can't be completely trusted."
"I have a feeling you distrust everyone you see anyway." Vaggie narrows her eyes. "Why do people keep assuming I am turning a blind eye? I know what and who he is. He tells me. He shows me. But I am not going to be scrutinized for choosing to interact with him."
"You are more than just interacting with him. You were literally on top of him like some strange lap cat. He is trying to get you to lower your guard. To make you feel for him which we all know you do. It might look like affection he gives but there must be a sinister reason for-"
Suddenly, Cattaleya stops walking and whips around. "So what. For what reason do you think you have the right to tell me what to do, how to act, how to feel. I have been told all those things all my life and now I am choosing to listen to me. So what if I care for him. As long as it does not harm you, Charlie or the Hotel you should shut the fuck up." This might be the first time she has cussed and it shocks Vaggie. "And even if, in the end, you were right, that he has been playing me all along, toying with me, it is my heartbreak. Not yours. But honestly, right now, he is the only one here I can completely depend on. He makes me smile. And he protects me. That is enough. And honestly-" She stomps off and finishes with one final say. "- I don't think any of you truly know him at all behind his smile."
The green pancakes that Alastor happily puts in front of Cattaleya has the others sitting at breakfast frowning in worry and curiosity. But she knows exactly what he has done and it has her heart warm. And her taste buds giddy. When she picks up her utensils to dig in Angeldust speaks. "Uhm, shouldn't ya check your food for poisons, drugs or something, Feathers? Not sure if you notice it but your pancakes are green. Like green green."
"I know~" Cattaleya sing-says happily as she says her quick thank you and digs in. Moaning in delight because of the taste.
"I ain't saving her ass if she willingly poisons herself." Husker grumbles with a raised eyebrow.
Alastor laughs shortly as he places a napkin on his lap. "Don't be silly, old friend Husker. As if I would poison the most capable employee I have!" He then focuses on the woman munching away. That cute little moving she does with her head when she likes something makes his smile curl up. "I assume it is to your taste?"
"It's amazing. I never actually had matcha pancakes before." She says as she pops another bite in, not admitting out loud that she never had tasted any kind of pancakes in her time alive. He humms in approval as he sips his coffee. She then notices that, while everyone is enjoying pancakes with cream and syrup, Alastor has nothing. "Aren't you having any?"
He shakes his head. "I am not that fond of sweet things. So a cup of coffee will do."
"You can have some of mine if you want."
"A chivalrous offer but I decline. I made those especially for you so you enjoy them."
"Matcha pancakes are way less sweet though." She says, not really knowing if that is true though, as she slices off a piece and holds the fork up to his mouth, which has his eyes widen and recoil a bit. "Just try a bite. Only to try."
With a defeated smile, he leans both his arms on the table and humors her, taking the bite, neither truly understanding how it could be considered intimate to feed someone. He chews and makes a thoughtful sound before his smile widens slightly. "I have to admit that it is pleasantly tasteful." His smile turns into a wide grin as a playful mood rises up. "I'll gladly take those back for my own stomach to enjoy." He uses one nail to slide the plate towards him, not breaking eye contact to see how she would retaliate.
Cattaleya fake gasps, faking to be truly appalled. "Alastor, I truly believed you to be a gentleman but this might be unforgivable. But-" She puts her finger on the plate as well and slides it slightly back, as far as he would let her though. "-I suppose I can let it go if you return the stolen pancakes in question."
"Stolen? Darling, I made them."
"You gave them away. Which makes them mine. And if I do recall correctly you just said you made them for me."
"I might be willing to share if you ask sweetly."
"Like I said, they are mine and I don't wanna share anymore."
"Aren't you in a brazen mood today."
"Same goes for you."
His grin widens when suddenly, he uses a tendril made of shadow to wrap around the leg of her chair and pull her close to him. She yelps and holds onto the chair not knowing what just happened before narrowing her eyes at him. Playful mirth twinkles in both their eyes. "Like I said-" He holds up the fork with a piece of pancake on it. "- I am more than willing to share." She rolls her eyes and leans in for the bite but he holds up his finger in front of her mouth. "Nuh-uh. Ask sweetly."
"I will bite your finger."
"That is hardly nice!" Though he sounds bewilderedly amused.
"But it might be sweet."
"You wouldn't da-"
She dares. She bites. Softly and more to make a point but she still does it. She waits in anticipation seeing the mischief amplify makes her somehow anxious in a delightful way to see his response. A soft held back happy squeal, some muttering that they-should-get-a-room and a reply of how cute they look reminds them that they are not technically… Alone.
His grin shuts as his eyes widen. Both their cheeks flare up at the realization. Dear hells. Where had been their restraints?! They sit back, actually turning their back slightly to each other in mutual shared embarrassment. The menacing look Alastor gives the others though makes them go back rapidly to their own breakfasts.
Cattaleya is the first to recover though because… Why should she be embarrassed? It had been fun bantering. Both of them enjoyed it. And… She likes him. Nomatter how you look at it or what others might say or think, she likes the Radio Demon. She is not certain to what extent as this is all fairly new. But she knows for a fact that she likes the way he makes her laugh. Likes how he is considerate and caring to her possible wants. Likes their conversations. Likes this playfulness between them and his jests. Likes waking up next to him or in his arms…
She is not going to let herself be embarrassed.
Cattaleya takes the knife and fork and slices the stack of pancakes in two. She holds up the fork for him to take. "Share?" With that single word, she shows him and everyone present just that. She is not and will not be embarrassed.
Her confidence waves over to him as he accepts, sharing breakfast and ignoring the whispers around them. There is only one though that lingers in his mind.
Rosie, I think you might be right. This might be worth taking a frightening risk for.