Tethered to You (Alastor X OC)

Ch 13

I looked over at Alastor who was at my bookshelves, browsing.

"Dear, I wish I could show you my library back home...you simply don't have any good reads," he said.

I scoffed, "I like my books!" I defended my collection, and he turned around, holding one of my erotic novels.

My cheeks flushed, and I froze.

"Do you?" He teased and opened it, "let's see what this literature has to offer..."

My cheeks slowly heated up, and he began to read aloud.

"He leans down and kisses me, his fingers still moving rhythmically inside me, his thumb circling and pressing. His other hand scoops my hair off my head and holds my head in place. His tongue mirrors the actions of his fingers, claiming me—"

I was off the bed, scrambling towards him, "shut up! Shut up shut up!" I frantically reached for the book, and he held it about three feet above my head.

He was chuckling, and gave me a cockeyed look, "someone likes a bit of naughty reading, hm?"

I covered my face, "oh my god I can't believe you just read that..." my words were muffled by my hands, and he chuckled again.

"Well I see plenty more, how about I read another," he teased and I grabbed his hands, holding them tightly.

"Nooooooo!" I whined and he smiled softly at me.

Then in an instant he had me against the wall, a sultry look in his eyes. My hands were above my head, restrained by his grip. He leaned close to my face, speaking sweetly, "maybe I could act it out instead...I was always one for theatre,"

His voice was low and the static had completely lifted.

I gasped softly and shrunk away from him. His smile widened, and he placed a quick kiss on my forehead before whispering,

"I'm only teasing~"

Then he released me, leaving me slightly out of breath.

"Y-you scared me..." I lied, covering up how I truly felt. I was trying to convince myself my quickened heartbeat was a result of fear.

His look softened, "apologies dear...you know I'd never hurt you, you mean far too much to—" he cut himself off, sucking on his bottom lip.

"Um...t-to...hey! How about you and I go out, out on the town?"

His voice had a higher pitch to it, and I tilted my head. Hearing him stutter was new, he never stuttered.

"Okay...are you ok?"

His cheeks were flushed...or at least I think they were. It's hard to tell with his strange skin color.

"I'm fine darling, now..." his form changed and that familiar feeling pulled at my chest, "let's go, we wouldn't want it getting too late," he said, and walked past me.

**

The city was quiet.

Alastor insisted on holding my hand. He's been doing that a lot lately, and I've noticed each time he does he holds me just a little bit tighter.

His thumb was casually brushing over my knuckles, and he was humming softly.

Looking up at him I felt captured by his appearance. How can I be so close to someone, yet still so far away.

He's a mystery...I barely know him at all.

But I could say with confidence he is my best friend. The best I've ever had.

I let go of a breath I didn't even know I was holding. Soft white clouds left my mouth, the chilled autumn air biting at my lips.

But I felt so warm.

My gaze shifted to the city around us.

The soft orange hue of the sky seemed to reflect off the buildings. Everything looked peaceful.

Yet the remnants of what is were strewn about. Trash. Needles. Homeless beggars.

This town was becoming more and more decrepit, and it was only a matter of time before even leaving the house would be dangerous.

With Alastor I felt safe.

"-iel..."

He makes me feel warm...

"-riel..."

He makes me feel lov—

"Ariel!"

I blinked and my attention snapped towards the voice. Alastor was looking at me with a concerned smile and upturned eyebrows.

"My darling, are you ok? I've been calling your name for a while now, you're not feeling feverish are you?"

I smiled, and shook my head.

How could a man so cold hearted...be so warm. Is he truly as bad...as he makes himself out to be?

"Yes, I'm fine. I was lost in thought," I replied, opting not to tell him my thoughts. I feel it's better I keep them close to my heart.

Keeping them inside will be better.

As long as he's here, I don't care.

Then my eyes caught something displayed in a shop window.

I stopped, and Alastor's hand tugged at me since he wasn't expecting my halt. My hand slipped away from his, my feet claiming two steps forward.

My eyes were rounded as I stared in the shop window.

A pink and white bassinet was on display.

My fingertips brushed the glass, and my other hand placed itself over my lower stomach.

Alastor's reflection appeared behind me in the shop window, the bassinet defocusing from my view as my eyes refocused on our reflection.

He was not smiling.

I turned around and was met with that same perfect smile, and he gently took my hand in his.

"Come, darling...let's walk a bit more..." his eyes glanced behind me at the shop window, briefly, then he turned and began to walk. He pulled me close to him.

"How about I spend the night tonight..." he said softly, and kept his eyes forward.

That's the first time he's informed me of his plans to stay over.

I tightened my grip on his hand.

"I'd love that."

We walked a bit more in a comfortable silence, when I noticed something come into view.

Rose Hill Cemetery.

My eyes lingered on the iron gates, the soft white flowers adorning the entrance sending my brain into vivid flashbacks.

I feel like it's time to share a bit more of myself with Alastor...

To show him his trust in me is reciprocated.

It's time to give him my music box.

"Hey...let's take a left," I said softly.

"To the cemetery?" He sounded perplexed.

"Yes."