Mine~ {2022} | 🛑

VI

Surprise!

Day one.
It started out a day like any other.
In fact, that's exactly how Alastor wanted it to be.
He changed nothing about his habits or demeanor, keeping up his usual insufferable act to everyone but Charlie.

It was about noon when Charlie pulled him away to talk about something.
They got to talking, and at this point, Alastor made extra sure to pay attention to everything she said. He felt no urge to be rude to the belle on a normal day, but the Radio Demon certainly made himself as sweet as one of those candies Charlie couldn't get enough of.
They talked about the hotel, and she explained some of her philosophy with bright, wide eyes.
Perfect.
"Charlie, you're such a wonder," he breathed.
He watched her cheeks darken.

He glanced down, playing as though he might be shy. "Given who I am, I really don't understand why I'm worth your time, Demon Belle."
"Of course you are!"
She came up close, eyes sparkling. "I care a lot about you."

He pricked his ears up, pretending to be startled. He turned to her.
And leaned in as though he'd lost all impulse control.

Charlie froze as he kissed her very, very gently.

Let her process. He reminded himself.

Good. Step two.

He jerked back, making sure to widen his eyes.

"I-"
He mimicked Charlie when she got flustered. "I need to go. I apologize."

Charlie froze. "Al?! What?"

Pause at the door, he thought. Look back. Pin your ears back a bit.
Make her think you lost control and don't know what to do.

He shook his head.

"Don't worry about it, dear. Please ignore me- I don't wish to cause you any trouble."

He turned and walked away quickly, fighting an enormous grin.
                                                           ——————————-
Day two.
Charlie spent the entire night bewildered out of her mind.

Alastor.

Alastor had kissed her.
She could still feel his fingers on her chin, his lips lightly touching hers.

What the heck. As far as she knew, Alastor had never liked anyone. And to kiss her on impulse, as if he'd thought about it a hundred times?!

Did he have feelings for her?!

Maybe? Possibly?

No. She couldn't think about this. She had just gotten out of a relationship, and her second ever at that. She needed space and time- even if Alastor was the definition of "tall, dark, and handsome!"

Charlie rolled over and groaned into her pillow. She was just lucky he hadn't tried anything else. She knew how easily her heart- and lust- could override her brain.

That morning, Charlie resolved to pretend that the kiss had never happened.
Initially, it was difficult, considering they worked in the same office room, but once she was convinced Alastor wasn't going to say anything, she relaxed.

But then they needed to discuss something, so Alastor crossed into her side of the room.

He stood next to her, and Charlie could hardly focus. At one point, his hand very lightly rested on hers.
She wasn't even sure he noticed.

But he should have.

Because even though Alastor was fine with consciously invading other people's personal space, even accidental touch was unacceptable to him.

"...Al?" she began nervously.

"Hmm?" He seemed nonchalant.

"You're... on my hand," she continued.

He glanced down. "Ah! So I am. Apologies." He chuckled. "I didn't even notice!"

Charlie tilted her head. "What do you mean?"

He shrugged, "Ah, well... I don't mind your touch that much, is all."

She blinked. "What?"

He patted her head. "Don't worry about it."

                                                           ——————————-
Day three.