Previously: "Why are you doing this?" She demanded, her voice stronger this time.

The Overlord's grin never wavered. "Because, my dear, you have something I want. And I always get what I want."

Lumina's mind raced, trying to piece together the fragments of her memory. The fear and confusion were overwhelming, but she couldn't afford to break down. She had to find a way out of this, to figure out who this Overlord was and why he had taken her.

Chapter 13: It's Because…

(These are all flashbacks)

Lumina doesn't hold Alastor to a high regard, she doesn't think he's nice nor does she think he'll change. He's in Hell for a reason. But she does remind herself that he was human once and would still have his human things, emotions, feelings. Despite her dislike for him and her fear of him, she tries to ignore her inner voice to make her mask. Mask to help her feel better about everything happening around her. Talking and hanging out with Alastor as if he was her friend, all for keeping herself safe.

The Radio Demon is an evil and conniving demon, that's always going to be true. But that doesn't stop him from having a soft spot for things. Or people.

As much as he hates to think about it.

We all wear masks.

A couple of weeks ago, Alastor found himself in an unusual state of frustration and confusion. His emotions were a tangled mess, a turmoil that he wasn't used to. He was grappling with his feelings for Lumina, trying to make sense of the unexpected softness he felt towards her. Today, he was secretly following her to Coney Island, a place she visited frequently. Watching her enjoy herself without him irked him more than he'd like to admit.

Hidden in the shadows, he watched her as she flitted from one attraction to another. Her excitement was palpable, her ADHD making her even more animated than usual. She was enjoying herself immensely, and he couldn't help but feel a sting of jealousy. It was as if she was hiding a part of herself from him, a carefree and joyous side that he rarely saw.

He lost track of her momentarily when she darted into a crowded gaming parlor. Irritated but determined, he ducked into a secluded corner to transform into his human disguise before heading inside. The place was bustling with noise and people, but he knew how to find her. Approaching an attendant, he put on his most charming smile.

"Excuse me, Sir," Alastor began smoothly. "I'm looking for my dear Fawn. She's a little excitable, and I seem to have lost track of her." He then described Lumina, his tone laced with a mix of impatience and fondness.

The attendant nodded knowingly. "Ah, yeah, she's a regular. Follow me."

The attendant led him to the skee ball area, where Lumina was enthusiastically engaged in a game. Alastor's heart did a little flip at the sight of her.

"Yo! Lumina! Ya boyfriend is looking for you!" The attendant called out.

Startled, Lumina flung the skee ball she was holding, causing a commotion as someone in the back yelped, "Ow!"

"What do you mean—" she began, her voice trailing off as she saw Alastor. Her demeanor shifted instantly, her carefree smile fading into a more guarded expression.

Alastor put on his most charming smile. "I was in the neighborhood and thought I'd join you. It seems I've lost my way, but now that I've found you, all is well." The attendant had gone back to work.

She rolled her eyes, clearly not buying his nonchalant demeanor. "In the neighborhood, huh? Sure."

He stepped closer, lowering his voice. "Why didn't you tell me you were coming here, Lumina? I could have accompanied you."

Lumina's mask slipped for a moment, her true feelings flashing in her eyes. "Maybe I wanted some time to myself," She replied softly but firmly. "Is that so hard to understand?"

Alastor felt a twinge of guilt but quickly masked it with his usual bravado. "Of course not, my Dear Fawn. But you must understand, you are my contract."

She huffed, turning back to her game. "Fine. Just... don't call me your 'Dear Fawn' in public. It's embarrassing."

He didn't know how to navigate these strange, human emotions that swirled within him whenever he was around her.

He decided to drop the subject for now, masking his disappointment with a smile. "Well then, would you like to show me how to play this game?"

Lumina's tension seemed to ease slightly, and she managed a more genuine smile. "Sure, why not? Let's see if the great Radio Demon can handle a game of skee ball."

In the back of his mind, a realization was beginning to form. He didn't just care about her because of their contract or because she was amusing. He genuinely cared for her, and seeing her so guarded around him hurt. He wanted her to be her true self with him, to see the same joy and excitement she showed when she thought he wasn't watching.

He found himself growing more and more frustrated. Not with Lumina, but with himself. He didn't understand why he felt this way, why it mattered so much. But deep down, he knew.

He was falling for her, and it terrified him.

As usual, when Lumina got into something she enjoys doing her previous gripes are momentarily forgotten about, Alastor noticed that right quick about her. The short brunette liked her fun no matter what, even if she was in the company of someone she hates.

Lumina dumped all the tickets she had won onto the prize counter, a satisfied grin on her face. The ticket taker, a young woman with brightly dyed hair and an equally colorful uniform, gave her a knowing smile.

"Want me to save these like the others?" The ticket taker asked.

Lumina nodded eagerly. "Yes, please!"

Alastor, standing beside her, raised an eyebrow. "What exactly are you saving these for?"

Lumina pointed up excitedly to a giant alpaca plush that was displayed like a trophy above the counter. It was an explosion of pastel colors, with a cheerful expression and an absurdly fluffy body.

"That! I've been trying to get that thing for so long now. It's so many tickets, and I'm glad every day that no one else has taken it." She only needed a good bunch more to get it, and usually the ticket taker shouldn't take your tickets and save them, but Lumina is an exception.

Unknown as to why.

Alastor admired her passion and excitement, feeling a twinge of something unfamiliar yet pleasant. He glanced at the alpaca and then back at Lumina, a small smile playing on his lips. He could see the challenge in her eyes, the thrill of working toward something she wanted. It was endearing.

He didn't have the "heart" to tell her that it was most likely a scam. Instead, an idea formed in his mind. "Well, it seems we need to speed up this process then."

Lumina blinked, surprised. "Wait, what do you mean?"

He gave her a confident grin. "Allow me to assist you. Two heads are better than one, after all."

Lumina was ecstatic but also skeptical. "You… you want to help me get tickets?"

"Indeed," Alastor replied, his smile widening. "It will be a delightful challenge."

That possible scam wasn't going to stop him now, he was going to make sure she got that damn alpaca.

Together, they moved through the arcade, playing various games. Alastor's knack for winning surprised Lumina. He was astonishingly good at everything he tried, from Skee Ball to the Hoop Shoots. Lumina couldn't help but laugh at his unexpected prowess.

"How are you so good at this?" She asked, shaking her head in disbelief as he won yet another prize.

He shrugged, feigning modesty. "I have a talent for many things."

By the time they finished, they had accumulated an impressive number of tickets. Lumina was practically bouncing with excitement as they returned to the prize counter. The ticket taker's eyes widened at the new pile of tickets.

"Wow, that's a lot." She sounded almost skeptical about it, accumulating this amount of tickets so fast was unheard of. But she shrugged and began counting, and Lumina held her breath, bouncing slightly on the balls of her feet. When the count was finally done, the ticket taker nodded. "Congratulations, Lumina. You've got enough for the alpaca."

Lumina let out a delighted squeal, turning to Alastor with a beaming smile. "We did it! Thank you so much!"

Alastor felt a warmth in his chest, seeing her so happy. "Anything for you, my dear Fawn."

As the ticket taker retrieved the giant alpaca and handed it to Lumina, she hugged it tightly, her face glowing with joy. The giddy laugh she made was almost evil sounding as she nuzzled her face into the fluffy fur of the plush.

Alastor watched her, a sense of satisfaction settling over him. Despite his usual nature, helping Lumina achieve her goal had been surprisingly fulfilling. And seeing her so genuinely happy made him feel...good.

"Well, it seems our day has been quite successful," He said, unable to hide the slight blush on his face.

"Yeah, it really has," Lumina agreed, her earlier skepticism completely replaced by gratitude. "Thanks again, Alastor. This means a lot to me."

"It was my pleasure," He replied, realizing with a start that he truly meant it.

A few weeks back, Lumina and her friends decided to have a leisurely brunch at their favorite café. Alastor, as usual, tagged along despite Lumina's half-hearted protests. He seemed to have become an integral part of their group, much to Lumina's chagrin.

The group sat around a large table on the outdoor patio, the sun casting a warm glow over their laughter-filled gathering. Lumina was in an especially playful and coy mood today, regaling her friends with a barrage of awful jokes and dad jokes that elicited groans from everyone—except Alastor, who couldn't get enough of them.

Apparently.

"Okay, okay, I've got one," Lumina announced, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Why don't skeletons fight each other?"

Her friends groaned in unison, already knowing it was going to be a cheesy punchline. "Why?" They chimed reluctantly.

"Because they don't have the guts!" Lumina delivered the punchline with a flourish, bursting into laughter at her own joke.

Alastor chuckled, genuinely amused by her antics. "Ah, a classic. But here's one for you: why don't seagulls fly over the bay?"

Lumina raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Why?"

"Because then they'd be called bagels!" Alastor grinned, clearly pleased with himself.

Lumina burst into laughter, doubling over with amusement. "That's terrible! I love it!"

Her friends, despite their initial reluctance, couldn't help but join in the laughter. Lonnie, in particular, was practically beaming with delight at the playful banter between Lumina and Alastor.

It's questionable to ship real people, but who cares.

She grinned mischievously, nudging Lumina with her elbow. "Looks like you two have some chemistry going on there."

Lumina rolled her eyes, shaking her head. "Oh, please. Don't start with that matchmaking nonsense again, Lonnie."

Lonnie shrugged with a mischievous grin. "I'm just saying, you two have great chemistry."

Alastor smirked, his red eyes twinkling. "I must say, I do enjoy our little exchanges, Lumina."

Lumina rolled her eyes but couldn't help the small smile that tugged at her lips. "You're so full of it, Alastor."

"Am I?" He teased, leaning in closer. "Or are you in denial, my dear Fawn?"

Micha, despite herself, found the interaction amusing. "Seriously, you two are insufferable."

Lumina shook her head, a laugh escaping her. "Insufferable or not, at least we're having fun."

Lonnie sighed dramatically. "One day, you'll thank me when you realize I'm right."

"Lonnie, seriously, stop it," Lumina said, half-laughing, half-exasperated. "I'm not interested in being paired off with anyone."

Lonnie shrugged, but her grin remained. "Fine, fine. But you can't deny you two have something special."

Lumina sighed, shaking her head, but she couldn't help the small smile that tugged at her lips. "Let's just enjoy brunch, okay?"

As the conversation shifted back to more mundane topics, Lumina found herself sneaking glances at Alastor. Despite the playful teasing and the groans from her friends, she couldn't deny that she enjoyed their banter. Alastor's presence had become a constant in her life, and while it was often frustrating and terrifying, it was also strangely comforting.

Alastor, meanwhile, was savoring every moment. He could feel the subtle shifts in Lumina's demeanor, the way her guard lowered ever so slightly when they were together. It was these small victories that made his pursuit all the more worthwhile.

As brunch came to an end and the group prepared to leave, Alastor found himself walking beside Lumina. He leaned in slightly, his voice low and conspiratorial. "You know, my dear Fawn, I do believe your friends have a point. We do make quite the pair."

Lumina glanced at him, her eyes twinkling with a mixture of amusement and something else—something deeper. "Maybe we do," She admitted softly. "But don't let it go to your head, Radio Demon."

Alastor chuckled, his heart feeling unexpectedly light. "I wouldn't dream of it."

The evening sun cast a warm glow through the kitchen window as Lumina hummed softly, her hands deftly chopping ingredients for her jambalaya. The rhythmic sound of the knife hitting the cutting board was soothing, and she found herself lost in the familiar motions.

Without warning, Alastor teleported into her apartment, appearing in his regular demon form. This time, however, Lumina didn't flinch or scream. She merely glanced at him and continued her work.

"Well, well, what do we have here?" Alastor's voice was laced with curiosity. "I must say, I didn't expect to see you making jambalaya." Most definitely knowing it from everything she has out to make it.

Lumina shrugged, not looking up from her task. "I told you my grandpa was a traveling chef, right? He learned a lot of recipes and passed them down to me. This one's one of my favorites, sooo-"

She pauses to do a trick with the knife before going back to chopping in a seamless fashion, it made him flush slightly from watching her do that trick.

She's good with knives, like really good with them.

Alastor's eyes lit up with genuine interest when he looked away from her hands. "It's a dish close to my heart. My mother had her own special recipe for it."

Lumina nodded with a faint smile. "It's a great meal. I love the way it brings everything together—the flavors, the spices. It's like a little bit of magic in a pot."

Alastor watched her as she continued to cook, admiring the passion and precision in her movements. Despite her usual disdain for him, she seemed genuinely happy while cooking, even with him there.

"So, why jambalaya tonight?" Alastor asked, leaning casually against the counter.

Lumina shrugged again, adding the chopped vegetables to the pot. "Sometimes I just feel like cooking something special. It's for Lonnie and Lawrence. They love this dish."

A silence settled between them, but it was a comfortable one. After a moment, Lumina surprised herself by turning to Alastor. "If you're sticking around for dinner, you could help out. You seem to know your way around the kitchen."

Alastor's eyes sparkled with amusement and a hint of surprise. "Why, I'd be delighted to assist."

They worked side by side, the kitchen filled with the fragrant aroma of spices and simmering ingredients. Alastor was impressed by Lumina's skills and her obvious passion for cooking. He found himself enjoying the experience more than he expected.

Lumina herself was surprised by how quick he got into cooking, even taking off his famed coat and hanging it on a coat hook, rolling up his shirt sleeves and diving into the kitchen. Safe to say she was impressed, she learns a little more details about him when he's not being an asshole.

Just as they were finishing up, Lumina received a message from Lonnie. She sighed, reading it aloud. "Lawrence came down with a fever, so they can't make it tonight."

A moment of awkwardness hung in the air, but then Lumina turned to Alastor with a resigned smile. "Looks like it's just you and me for dinner."

Alastor grinned, a genuine warmth in his eyes. "Well, then, I suppose we should enjoy the fruits of our labor."

They sat down at the small kitchen table, the jambalaya steaming invitingly in their bowls. The first few minutes were awkward, but as they began to eat, the tension eased. The rich, spicy flavors of the dish seemed to bridge the gap between them.

"This is delicious," Alastor remarked, savoring a bite. "Your grandfather's recipe does the dish justice."

Lumina smiled, a genuine warmth in her expression. "Thanks. I'm glad you like it."

As they continued to eat, they found themselves talking more easily, sharing stories and jokes. Lumina even laughed at some of Alastor's terrible puns, much to his delight.

For the first time, they weren't adversaries or reluctant companions. They were simply two people enjoying a meal together, finding common ground in the simple pleasure of good food and good company.

Lumina's performance was in full swing at the dinner theater, the lights casting a warm glow over the stage. The air was electric with excitement, the crowd's whoops and hollers growing louder with each sultry move she and her fellow performers made. Her friends watched from a table near the stage, cheering her on, while Alastor observed sitting with her friends as well, his eyes keenly following her every move.

Tonight's routine was particularly enticing, a burlesque number that combined playful teasing with elegant choreography. Lumina's confidence radiated from the stage, her every step filled with a captivating allure. Despite her usual dislike for Alastor, she couldn't deny the thrill of performing, and tonight was no different.

Lumina had to choose an audience member to tease—a tradition of sorts for this kind of performance. She scanned the crowd, her eyes landing on Alastor. A mischievous grin spread across her face as she made her way toward him, the audience's anticipation palpable.

With a sultry voice, she began to sing, sauntering up to Alastor with a confidence that sent waves of excitement through the crowd.

"Well, well, well, what do we have here?" Lumina sang, her tone playful and teasing. She tugged at Alastor's bowtie, her fingers brushing against his neck. The crowd erupted into cheers and laughter, loving every moment of the interaction.

Alastor's expression remained calm, though there was a flicker of amusement in his eyes. He didn't find the performance sexy, given his asexuality, but he couldn't help but be impressed by Lumina's determination and skill.

"You always know how to put on a show, don't you, my dear?" Alastor murmured, his voice low enough for only her to hear.

Lumina chuckled softly, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "You bet I do. Enjoying yourself?"

"Immensely," He replied, a smirk playing on his lips.

With a final playful tug on his bowtie, Lumina spun around and rejoined her fellow performers, the crowd roaring in approval. The song reached its crescendo, and the routine ended with a flourish, the performers striking a final pose as the audience applauded wildly.

As the lights dimmed and the performers took their bows, Lumina couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment. Even with he complexities of her relationship with Alastor, she had managed to put on a memorable show. She glanced over at her friends, who were clapping and cheering, and then at Alastor, who gave her a subtle nod of approval.

Backstage, as she caught her breath and wiped the sweat from her brow, she felt a strange sense of contentment. Despite everything, she had found a moment of triumph, and for now, that was enough.

Alastor, meanwhile, watched her with a newfound respect. Her determination and passion had left an impression on him, and he couldn't help but admire the way she commanded the stage. For the first time, he found himself truly appreciating her skills, beyond their usual interactions.

As the evening drew to a close and the crowd began to disperse, Lumina's friends gathered around her, showering her with praise. Alastor remained in the background, a silent observer, but the admiration in his eyes spoke volumes.

Alastor materialized into Lumina's apartment, the familiar surroundings welcoming him with a strange sense of comfort. It was quiet, indicating she wasn't home. He found himself drawn to her bedroom, a space that spoke volumes about who she was.

The first thing that caught his eye was the shelf filled with special plushies, arranged meticulously, yet with an empty spot as if one was missing. His gaze then shifted to a shelf of animal bones, a small deer skull with its antlers prominently displayed. It amused him that she had a piece of his own kind in her collection.

He continued his inspection, noting a shelf of special figurines themed after horror movie killers. Posters adorned her walls, showcasing her love for horror movies, cartoons, and anime. The variety in her interests was fascinating, painting a vivid picture of her eclectic tastes.

As he wandered further into the room, his attention was captured by her hobby desk. It was a chaotic masterpiece, splattered with paint and marked with various artistic tools. The giant alpaca plushie he had helped her win was sprawled across her bed, clearly a beloved bedtime companion. He couldn't help but smile at the memory of that day at Coney Island.

His curiosity led him to her drawing desk. He was intrigued by the sketches and doodles scattered across it, but what truly caught his eye were the drawings of him. They depicted his more vulnerable moments, like napping with her at the park. Surprisingly, she hadn't drawn him in his human form for any of these; it was his demon form she captured most. He was in his human disguise in all these moments yet she drew his demon form anyway.

"Interesting," He murmured to himself, studying a sketch where he was lying under a tree, eyes closed and seemingly at peace. "She sees me differently than the rest."

As he became engrossed in her artwork, a voice cut through the silence, startling him. "What the fuck do you think you're doing?" Lumina's tone was sharp, and Alastor jumped in surprise, turning to see her standing in the doorway, wearing a bathrobe, her hair damp from a recent shower.

"I was curious," He replied smoothly, gesturing to the room. "Your space tells quite a story about you, Lumina."

She bit her lip, walking over to her drawing desk and hastily gathering the sketches of him. "I know I'm your contract and all but you can't just snoop like that." She huffs, not like that would stop him anyway.

"Perhaps," He conceded, though he made no move to leave. "But I'm glad I came. Your drawings are... quite revealing."

Lumina's cheeks flushed. "They're just doodles."

"They're more than that," He insisted, stepping closer. "You see me in ways no one else does. It's... fascinating."

Lumina sighed, her anger giving way to a mix of frustration and resignation as she put everything back in place. "Just... don't touch anything." She met his gaze, her expression softening. "I draw what I see, Alastor. Sometimes, I see parts of you that you don't show anyone else."

She's usually not this calm when someone she doesn't know or dislike touches her things. She has a fear that they'll destroy them.

He raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "And what do you see now?"

Lumina paused, considering her answer. "I see someone who's curious, but also someone who's hiding. You put on a show, but underneath it all, there's more to you."

The short brunette found Alastor to be quite the subject, and that's really it. A fascination for a demon clearly hiding himself for the sake of others, he's inherently a bad guy. Through and through, but Alastor was a human and "has" a human soul still.

Alastor felt a strange warmth at her words, an unfamiliar sensation that both intrigued and unsettled him. "Perhaps you're right," He admitted quietly. "But don't think for a moment that I don't see you too, Lumina. You're not as hidden as you believe."

There was a moment of silence before Lumina spoke again, her voice softer. "Why are you really here, Alastor?"

He met her gaze, struggling with the answer. "I don't know," He said finally. "Perhaps I wanted to understand you better."

Lumina studied him for a moment, then shook her head. "Understanding me, huh? Good luck with that."

Alastor offered a small, genuine smile. "I'll take my chances, thanks."

As Lumina turned back to her dresser, and gestured for him to get out. Alastor couldn't help but feel a new level of respect for her. Despite their complicated relationship, there was something about her that drew him in, something he couldn't quite put into words. And for now, that was enough.

Alastor sat alone in his Radio Tower in Hell, surrounded by the eerie hum of his equipment. His eyes glowed with a strange mixture of emotions as he tuned into the frequency he had set to eavesdrop on Lumina. He had been distancing himself from her, trying to quell the confusing feelings she stirred within him. But tonight, he couldn't resist the urge to listen.

Through the crackling static, he heard her voice, strained and tense. She was arguing with someone—her partner, Sam.

"I've been with you through all of your stupid issues, even though your rehabilitation, the least you can do is give me something. Do you even love me?" Sam's voice was sharp, filled with frustration.

Alastor's fingers tightened around the dial. He had no idea Lumina was dating someone, and the jealousy burned within him.

"Well, yes, it's just on a more emotional level. I'm just not interested in what you want from me. I'm not having this conversation again," Lumina replied, her voice defensive but weary.

Sam wasn't letting it go. "Just be honest with me, okay? Do you not find me sexually attractive or something? Am I too ugly for Miss Shining Star here? Or is it a religious thing?"

"No!" Lumina exclaimed, throwing down her sketchbook. "No! For the last time, Sam, it's nothing like that. Can't we just be a couple? Why is it always a sex thing?!"

Lumina stood up, trying to end the conversation, but Sam's anger only grew. "Why'd you even want to date me if you weren't going to put out?"

Before Lumina could respond, Sam pushed her back onto the couch. "Do you want me to treat you like the other assholes and Pan? I'm a nice girl, Lumi! I don't want to harm you, but you're making me do it because it's what you want, right?!"

"Y-you have no right to say that, Sam! No right at all!"

Sam's aggression escalated, and Alastor's rage reached a boiling point. He had heard enough. With a surge of demonic power, he transported himself into Lumina's apartment.

The room darkened, transforming into a hellish bayou landscape. Alastor's enormous demonic form towered over Sam, his red eyes glowing with fury. Shadows and ethereal flames danced around him as he snarled.

"Get your filthy hands off her," He growled, his voice echoing with an otherworldly menace.

Sam's eyes widened in terror as Alastor's minions appeared, dragging her away. She screamed, but the sound was quickly swallowed by the dark bayou landscape.

Lumina watched in shock, her body frozen as the scene unfolded before her. She had never seen Alastor so enraged, nor had she ever witnessed the full extent of his demonic power. As the room slowly returned to normal, Alastor's form shifted back to his less demonic form. He stood there, his expression a mix of concern and something deeper.

"Lumina," he began, his voice softer but still carrying an edge. "Are you alright?"

She nodded, though her eyes were wide with lingering fear and confusion. "I...I didn't know you could do that," she whispered.

Alastor sighed, moving closer but careful to keep a respectful distance. "I'm sorry you had to see that. But I couldn't stand by and let her hurt you."

Lumina's eyes filled with tears, a mixture of relief and residual fear. "Why did you do that, Alastor? Why did you save me?"

He hesitated, struggling to find the right words. "Because...I care about you, Lumina. More than I should, perhaps."

She looked at him, the raw emotion in her gaze cutting through his usual defenses. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

Alastor nodded, his heart heavy with the weight of his own feelings. "I'll always protect you, Lumina. No matter what."

"It surprises me that none of the neighbors say anything even though they clearly hear it." Alastor questions. Lumina shrugs.

"It's New York, dude."