All is Fair in Love and War (Alastor x Reader)

Chapter 63

"I'm nervous. Why am I nervous?"

Alastor walked swiftly next to you down the hall, looking down at his hands and clenching them periodically as they trembled. It had taken maybe another half an hour for him to calm back down, and you sat with him the whole time. Listening to everything that he said as he vocalized whatever popped into his head. Mostly lamenting his past, and vividly expressing how badly he wanted to dismember the man in question.

"Well, you haven't seen her in a very long time." You offered softly, placing your hand on his back and rubbing it reassuringly as you walked along side him. "Maybe when you haven't seen somebody after a while you get nervous because even though you know the person, it's almost like you're meeting them all over again. You've been apart for so long, you miss stories, important information, news about them. It feels weird. But it's okay."

"Time changes people... I'm troubled by the possibility that Hell and my father could have corrupted her. What if she's not the same? And what if she can't forgive me for all that I've done, and who I am now...?" He asked, looking over at you. His eyes displayed deep concern and worry as he tried to keep his anxiety at a minimum. The closer you both got back to the room they were in, the more his heart picked up in speed.

"I don't think she would've come here for you if that were the case." You said honestly. "She felt horrible about causing you grief. But, don't take my word for it. This is why you need to talk to her personally." You smiled sympathetically and held his hand, squeezing it gently as you gently tugged him forward toward the doorway. He swallowed hard and nodded at you before stepping into view. Everyone was still sitting with Viola as they all stared at the two of you with anticipation. Uncertainty hanging thickly in the air as they had no idea what you two had been up to; and what Alastor could possibly have to say at this moment.

"Anyone who's not related to the deer man, why don't you take a walk with me? I think these two have some catching up to do." You said softly but affirmatively.

"You're leaving me alone?" He whispered, his eyes darting back over at you.

"You'll be fine, I can feel it in my gut. Trust me." You whispered back, squeezing his hand one more time before letting go. Charlie, Vaggie, Molly and Angel all walking toward the doorway as you gently nudged Alastor inside. "Holler or send your shadow if you need me. Okay?"

He looked back at you one final time and nodded affirmatively. Repeating to himself in his mind that everything was okay, it was only his mother. You smiled gently at your lover before turning back and walking away with the others.

Alastor turned and faced Viola, who sat expectantly on the sofa anxiously twiddling her thumbs. "Pardon me for leaving so abruptly." He started, clearing his throat softly before walking over. Viola scooted over and made room for her son as she smiled empathetically at him.

"You've nothing to apologize for. I realize this was an incredible shock." She said.

"It's funny..." Al chuckled nervously as he sat down next to her. "All these years, I've held onto so many things that I wanted to say to you. And now I can't seem to piece together a single thing." He looked up from his lap and met her eyes. So different now, her once golden brown eyes that looked like honey he had inherited from her now glowed a soft red and pink. They held so much more wisdom than they used to, but they looked just as kind as he remembered.

"I know how you feel." she chuckled, a single tear falling down her cheek. How bittersweet this family reunion truly was. On one hand, each was delighted to finally talk again after so long. Their bond was such a close one, it was painful beyond measure when death separated them that fateful day. Yearning to talk to each other ever since, for comfort, for closure, even for things as simple as catching up. Unfortunately it meant having to acknowledge one another's sins (some more devious than others, especially in Alastor's case), but never the less they were happy to see each other.