Smoke and Mirrors (Alastor X Reader)

Chapter Eight

Repulsive... Repugnant... Abhorrent piece of sh-

"Darling?" Alastor's voice interrupted your thoughts. And grateful you were for it, feeling a small sense of relief as you looked up and saw his gentle expression peering back at you. Suddenly aware of the fact that your cold dead heart was racing a little from the hidden discontent.

He was currently drying off a pan with a dishcloth while his mother seemed to be readying leftovers for you both. She looked over her shoulder and flashed you a smile when she heard Al inadvertently announced your presence, before returning her focus onto what she was doing.

"Forgive me, I can't in good conscience just stand in the other room without offering my help." You said with a soft chuckle. Clasping your hands together in front of you in a polite resting stance while you stepped further into the kitchen. Away from the other room, away from him...

"Lyla you worked so hard to make all this," you then added warmly. "Is there anything I may do for you?"

"Oh cher you are too sweet," she beamed with a pleasant grin. "There may be a few dishes left in the sink to be washed. Alastor can help show you where to put them when they're dried. Thank you kindly!"

"Of course, I'm happy to assist."

Alastor could see it in your face that something wasn't quite right. Your expression was neutral, but the look in your eyes was somewhat frantic. Almost like that of a spooked animal.

He furrowed a brow when you looked back over at him.

"Are you alright?" He mouthed silently.

You looked over at the doorway behind you to make sure Calvin wasn't lurking somewhere within sight. Then over at Lyla to see to it that her back was still turned.

"We'll talk later." You mouthed back.

He nodded slowly and said nothing, somewhat concerned that his father had done something to set you off. He hoped that whatever it was you were okay. Knowing Calvin was a little unpredictable at times, lord only knows what happened just a few walls down. But you seemed relatively fine, well enough to not cause a scene or disrupt anything.

Indeed, you did seem fine. But actually your stomach was twisted in knots as you went over to the sink and began helping Al finish up cleaning. You didn't know whether or not to tell Lyla what just happened. That was her husband, you felt rather... icky. You liked her and didn't want to keep something from her, especially a secret like that. But how devastating would that be? Was it even your place, being practically a stranger in their home?

You decided you would discuss it with Alastor first, once the two of you leave. Also dreading that this would potentially anger him. To what extent, you weren't exactly sure.

You wanted to just leave it alone, but it would look so much worse if Calvin were the one to mention it first. Lord only knows the version he would try to tell. And you hiding it only makes you look even more guilty. So, best to not ignore it.

Cal stayed in the other room while you engaged in some more ice-breaking chit-chat and pleasant banter with Al and Lyla. Which was quite a nice breath of relief after being backed into a corner. While you were still on edge, you rested comfortably knowing you could still easily instill a healthy dose of fear into the man.

When it was time to for you and Alastor to leave you thanked his mother up and down for having you in her home. Complimenting her on all the food once again and expressing how grateful you felt and how welcome she made you feel. Which made Al extremely happy, he was heartened to see you two getting along so well; and hoped that it meant you all could get together again more often in the future.