Interlude - Part 1

Question: Why does Isobel hate her nickname so much?

Answer: Isobel has always hated any nickname or pet name anyone has tried to give her. She also prefers to use others' full names unless they specifically ask for her to use something else. She will even choose to use someone's last name if it is unique and fun to say.

Isobel arrived back at the hotel after a performance at the club. Though it was rather late, she found both Alastor and Charlie in the parlor. They sat opposite each other, Charlie in the wingback chair and Alastor on the couch bourbon in hand.

On her lap Charlie held a thick notebook. Every time she got a new idea, notion, or flight of fancy concerning the hotel and her mission of sinner redemption, she would write it down in the notebook. It was chock full of schemes, notes upon notes all quickly scribbled down accompanied by a little drawing every now and then.

On this night she was going through it page by page and detailing all of her plans aloud. At first glance it appeared as if Alastor was listening attentively, but in truth he was simply amused at her unhinged ramblings as she slipped further into chaos and insanity.

"Good evening, Alastor," Isobel said as she kicked off her shoes and sank down next to him.

"And to you, Isobel." He wrapped an arm around her as she leaned back against his shoulder.

Charlie stopped ranting as she watched this exchange of pleasantries.

"You two are so formal with each other," she said. They both looked confused.

"What do you mean?" Isobel asked. She was literally laying on him with her hand on his knee, how could this be considered formal?

"Like how you talk to each other. You both always use each other's full names. I mean, even the rest of us call him Al sometimes."

Isobel shrugged, "but his name is Alastor, which is a great name. Why would I call him anything less?"

"Thank you, my deer," Alastor said, taking another drink.

"It's a nickname, you know, like how everyone calls me Charlie. You could call him Al and he could call you Izzy or Bell. It would be sweet."

Isobel glanced dubiously up at Alastor who gave her a reassuring smile.

"I will not be doing that," he said.

"Or better yet," Charlie continued without taking a breath, her hands flying through the air in her excitement. She was obviously in need of sleep. "You could make up pet names for each other. Names that only you guys use as a sign of affection. That would be totally cute."

They looked at each other darkly and back at Charlie, then said in unison a resounding, "no."