Surprise! Two days early! We're all super excited to get this out! Hope you enjoy <3
Charlie threw herself into the lush red loveseat that rested in the Hotel Lobby, tossing the papers in her hand with a long sigh. The Hotel was up and running —although slowly— gaining up to 5 new patrons this month. However, it seemed quieter than usual. A little too quiet.
Her dark eyes danced around the intricately decorated room, and she took note of the usual. Husk is downing a bottle of booze behind the bar. Niffty scurried around, wielding a clothes basket twice her size, humming to herself. Though unsuccessful, she seemed to be looking for something to do herself.
Angel Dust and Vaggie were conversing amongst themselves, Fat Nuggets sleeping soundly in the spider demon's arms. She smiled to herself, her bored expression melting.
Two months after her announcement of the Happy Hotel opening, it was finally ready to go into business. Everyone helped tremendously with the renovation- with Alastor as the lead remodeler. He made sure the walls were repainted with something more inviting to the guests and employees alike- a lighter, more easy-on-the-eyes crimson, keeping the aesthetic it originally had. The broken-down pillars and torn furniture were replaced with something new, something pricey. It was beautiful here; she was proud of what they had accomplished in such a short time. Her parents would be proud.
That too soon melted, a frown taking its place.
Her parents. She hasn't heard from them since she left the palace. Were they okay? Did they still care about her? Charlie let out another sigh. She thought they were probably just busy; they're still the Royal family, whether I'm there or not.
Maybe they didn't talk to her because she was finally making her dream come true. Or maybe it was because they knew about her deal with Alastor?
Alastor.
She shifted in the seat, crossed her legs, and bit her lip. She glanced around the lobby again for the demon in question.
Something seemed...different about him lately.
She'd catch the Radio Demon eyeing her, though she could never pinpoint the meaning of his expression given that he was always smiling; however, there was a strange glint in his eye when his attention was on her. And only on her. He seemed more interested in her life, offering assistance whenever he deemed fit. But something bothered her about this 'new' Alastor.
He seemed more...hostile towards her girlfriend, Vaggie.
Charlie could feel the death stare he'd burn on the back of Vaggie's head whenever the girls were together. He passively insulted her and meant every word, it seemed. Charlie furrowed her brows. Now that she thought about it, he was getting like that with everyone who spoke to her...
"Why the puzzled look, doll?" A gloved hand raked through her tousled blonde locks, making her jump. Charlie squeaked, making the Radio Demon tilt his head, giving her a puzzled grin of his own.
"You scared me, Al." Charlie put a hand to her chest, catching her breath.
Alastor raised an eyebrow, his grin becoming an amused smirk, "That much is apparent, Cherie." Charlie sat on the couch, eyes raking over him for a moment.
He was crouching, balancing on the ball of his feet to stay upright. With his staff propped against his shoulder as he held it, his arms now rested between his knees.
When she fell silent, she felt his free hand land on her leg, making her eyes snap back to his own.
"Tell me, what has you so jingle-brained?" He paused, before continuing, "Are you overwhelming yourself with the Hotel's bills again? I told you before, doll, that I will assure those are gone." She locked his eyes, and for a heartbeat, she swore she saw that same glint in his eye. She swallowed thickly.
She cleared her throat and picked up the documents, deciding to play along. "I guess, but there are so many. We don't even have the funds for it! Some of these are even-"
She clamped her mouth shut when Alastor raised a hand, effectively cutting her off. Despite the sternness in his voice, his eyes watched her softly, a small smile on his lips. "Nonsense, Charlotte. I told you I would handle it." He stood up, taking the papers from her. "You mustn't worry about the little things." He held her gaze a beat more before turning on his heel and waltzing into the kitchen.
The lobby fell silent again, locking eyes with a now confused Vaggie, who looked back to check on her. Angel was cooing at his pet, receiving excited oinks from the animal in return. Her eyes returned to the kitchen entrance to see Alastor walk out with his signature grin, papers replaced with two cups of coffee.
He sat beside her, handing her the mug. She looked down and smiled. Creamer and a shit ton of sugar. He got it right.
As she looked at his, she saw that it was as expected; he was drinking black coffee. It made her smile grow wider.
As Alastor sipped his dark abyss in a mug, he glanced around the lobby and concluded, as Charlie did earlier, "It's rather dull today, wouldn't you agree, darling?" His eyes fell on her again, now tilting his head. Charlie merely nodded in reply, looking into her own mug. As she took a sip, she hummed and raised the glass to her black lips. The coffee was perfect.
It was a minute before he spoke again, his grin excited now, "Say! How would you like to accompany me to my Radio Station? We could have your moll tend to the Hotel for a little while." He took another sip of his coffee before he continued, "I have a surprise for you."
Charlie scanned his face for any meaning but dropped her eyes when she couldn't find any. A surprise? At his Radio Station? Didn't he annihilate demons during the live broadcast? Was she the next victim? Despite her quick foundation of trust in him, there was always that sliver of doubt that his intentions weren't what he said they were.
A firm hand found her shoulder, making her tense. She looked down and found Alastor standing, peering at her curiously, "You're rather silent, darling. Do you not wish to accompany me?" His ears seemed to deflate slightly, his head at an angle. "If that is the case, do not fear to say so. It is rather...messy there." His eyes narrowed as if challenging her to come along.
Charlie narrowed her eyes, standing up, "I'll accompany you, Al." Charlie flashed the Radio Demon a smile, her eyes lighting up as she returned the smile.
"Shall we get going, dear?" He held out a hand, whirring his staff and slamming it down with a thud. Charlie nodded, taking his hand gingerly.
Charlie swore she heard him humming as they walked out, completely oblivious to the pink eye that watched the Princess, weary.
YOU ARE READING
Mine~ {2022} | 🛑
Fanfiction"Mine." Is all Charlie heard, the deep chuckle that followed giving her goosebumps, "All. Mine. Aren't you, doll?" The grin on his face made her gulp. She was. He had her wrapped around his finger. He knew it, too. "Yes", she managed to breathe...
