The Day We Met (Alastor x OC)

Chapter 5

Juliette

Alastor had taken me to three different shops, but didn't stop talking long enough to let me get a single word out.

Finally, I dug my heels into the sidewalk and made him stop, his yammering coming to a halt as well.

He looked at me and I gave him an exasperated scoff in return.

"As much as I enjoy your company, Alastor, would you care to explain why you swooped in and took over my outing?"

He blinked and then laughed, reaching down to pinch my cheek like I was an adorable toddler.

I swiped his hand away and felt a bit of annoyance bubble up inside myself. A frown set into my lips as I waited for his response.

"Why, I simply felt like you could use an escort! A young lady like yourself wondering the streets alone? Oho, no no, what if you were harmed? Or worse!"

He dramatically feigned as if he were going to faint at the thought, and I rolled my eyes. I knew he was eccentric, but it seems I've yet to see the extent.

"Well, daddy said I could, so-"

"Oh, did he? Well he must not care too much about you then!"

In an instant I yanked my arm away from his and white hot anger flooded my veins.

"Why would you say something like that? My daddy loves me!"

My hurt was clear in my wobbly voice, and the smile on his face finally relaxed a little bit. He actually seemed to be a little nervous.

After a tense moment of silence where I waited not so patiently for him to explain himself, he sighed.

Quietly, he offered me his arm again. Thankfully we were in a park, so no one was seeing this...disagreement.

After a moment of hesitation, I scoffed and loosely grabbed onto him. We continued to walk in silence.

I let the atmosphere and the sounds of nature calm my squirrelly nerves, so much so that I nearly jumped when Alastor started to speak again.

His voice was now much quieter and more authentic.

"I apologize for what I said earlier. It was uncalled for. What was a jest to me looked like it actually hurt you quite a lot, and I want you to know that wasn't my intention..."

I looked over at him, and he kept his eyes forward. He actually had a slight redness to his cheeks that hinted at his embarrassment.

Any anger I had left melted away, and I let out a soft sigh. How could I stay mad after such a sincere apology?

"I suppose you're forgiven... I'm just curious as to why you would make such a cruel joke..."

He tensed slightly and then regained his composure and opened his mouth, hesitating before he spoke.

"Well...to put it simply, my father wasn't the role model type. Let's leave it at that."

With that revelation I felt my heart break for him. The joke still wasn't funny, nor ok, but at least I knew now why he said it. I couldn't imagine my father not being the loving man that he is...

One subtle movement and I had returned to my previous place at his arm, properly linked with him. Anymore tension he had held prior left his body in that moment and the atmosphere between us was normal once more.

It was actually impressive how fast he went back to blabbing away to his hearts content.

~*~

Alastor and I ended up spending the entire day together. Time seemed to slip away from us, and I grew more comfortable at his side.

Every time he would make me laugh, this triumphant look came over his face and he would just keep throwing jokes at me until I couldn't breathe.

We even came across a farmer's market, and I was able to get a wonderful deal on turnips! They're mother's favorite vegetable, she'll be thrilled!

Though, the bad thing about having fun is it always ends too soon.

Before either of us knew it, the sky was starting to dim and shops were starting to close.

My heart dropped slightly. Daddy will be so upset if I walk home all alone in the dark!

"Oh biscuits, the sun is setting already?"

My exclamation made Alastor's gaze go towards the sun that was beginning to lull below the horizon.

"So it is... I suppose I should get you home then."

My eyes widened and I looked over at him.

"What? Oh, no, no Alastor I can't let you do that. I'm a big girl I-"

He turned to me and placed his hands on my shoulders, looking me in the eyes.

"Darling. It's no trouble. I promise, it's my pleasure to make sure you make in home safe and sound."

He gave a rather sincere smile and brushed his knuckle under my chin affectionately, which made me blush and look down to hide my face.

"Oh, alright fine... if you insist."

One calm walk through the woods later and we came out to an open clearing that revealed my humble little farm house.

Embarrassment washed through me and I glanced up at him to see if he was disgusted, but instead he looked almost as if he was at peace. A nostalgic look in his eyes as he took in his surroundings.

The tension left my shoulders and I blinked before relief washed through me. A sigh left my body in response to the fear of judgment subsiding.

This caused Alastor to look down at me with a crooked smile that reminded me of a puppy.

"Something wrong, dear?"

"Oh, not at all. Just happy to be home."

I gave him a gentle smile and we ascended up the old wooden stairs together. He turned to say goodnight to me, but before he could get the words out the front door opened to reveal daddy standing there with a glare directed towards Alastor.

My heart dropped and Alastor straightened up quickly.

"Who are you?"

My father's gruff voice was barely containing his protective anger.

Alastor did well in staying composed, and I was surprised that he didn't even seem intimidated. He put his hand out in greeting.

"Alastor, it's a pleasure to meet you, sir."

My father looked at his hand before he reached out and gave a firm shake.

"May I ask why you're with my daughter at this hour?"

The question was laced with a threat, and that's when I decided to speak up.

"Daddy, it's okay, he's good! I promise, he frequents the diner, and we just happened to run into each other while I was out. We lost track of time is all, I'm sorry..."

I lowered my head and looked up at my father, hoping he'd go easy on Alastor.

His expression remained stone cold for a few more seconds before it softened while he looked at me. He sighed.

"Alright... I suppose I should thank you for getting her home safely, then. Now, young lady, get in here and get your tail up to bed."

I quickly stepped forward and turned around, giving Alastor a grateful wave. My smile was so big, I was practically beaming.

"Goodnight, Alastor! I had a wonderful time... I'll see you at the diner! Please get home safely!"

With a wave I trotted inside and up the stairs, giddy and floating with joy.