"But... what if it's not meant to be...?" Alastor still smiled, yet it was a very solemn smile. "What if she doesn't even like me?"
Rosie looked down at her friend, "But what if she does?"
♡
"In the past three weeks, a total of 52 demons have appeared and disappeared knowingly. 38 people reported a demon to television demon Vox and since, those 38 demons that were reported have not been sighted again. You can report a demon to Vox by only switching channels to 666V.
We believe this is the solution to the demon infestation problem.
Though 52 have been sighted there is expected to be at least 20 that weren't seen, evidence for this can be found ......" The news reporter went on and on about the demons. I switched it off, her annoying voice finally getting to me.
I looked at my calendar, Astro's birthday is next week... I wonder what I should get them. I got up from the sofa and walked into the hallway, putting on my shoes by the door. I then made sure I had my phone before leaving and locking my house.
It was a little cooler today and the icy breeze ran through my hair as I made my way towards the town.
Rows of shops topped with flats lined the streets, the warm smell of fresh bread filled my nostrils as I walked past the local bakery.
I came to a halt when I saw something sitting on the bench a meter away from me. It wasn't a human, though its gaze was piercing and sharp.
There before me sat a silky black cat with eyes yellow as the summer sun. It's tail waved slightly in ripples on it's from paws, it looked well groomed and mannered.
I then realised that this cat was no stranger - I've seen it before, while walking home. It stared at me with large eyes and I couldn't resist moving closer to it and stroking its head.
The cat let out a content purr as I said beside it on the bench. It wasn't the most comfortable, but what can I say?
The cat curled up next to my leg as I stroked it some more, this lasted for about 5 minutes before I stood back up. I came here to get Astro a gift, not to pet a cat.
I walked into a small shop, a bell ringing as I entered. A soft, magical feeling music was quietly playing on the speakers as I looked at all the trinkets behind the window. There were many sculptures of animals, specifically cats.
On a shelf to my left was a set of 5 colourful elephants with their trunks held high and on the shelf underneath some antique teacups sat delicately.
The floor creaked as I slowly walked, admiring the products covering every surface, each so unique.
"Do you need any help?" An old lady croaked from behind me as I turned around. She had white hair in a low bun and the wrinkles that rippled her face were laced with memories from decades. She had a sweetness in her eyes yet a frail prison of which contained a plague of darkness, a strong dread that grows bigger and buffer every time the dusty grandfather clock lurking behind her ticked.
A sense of fear but a look of purity and fulfilment in the selflessness smile she wore with a mind though contaminated, grateful for everything and everyone who has even just smiled at her.
"Oh.. I'm just looking around, my best friend's birthday is soon." I looked at her and felt a surge of respect glaze my heart.
"Come here, tell me about this friend."
"Well, their name is Astro.... uhm" I had no idea what to say about them, a being so complex but so perfect, one I will be grateful for as long as I live and even longer.
"What things do they like, dear? Any favourite animals?"
"Oh! Their favourite animal is a bear, it has been the same for years..." I found myself bathing in childhood memories, some dusty but all so vibrant and set in a simpler time without any responsibilities or stress.
I snapped back to reality when the old lady spoke in her aged voice, "I have many bear sculptures over here..." she walked around the counter and to the back of the shop, where a tall cabinet stood. Each shelf in the cabinet was lined with Cherished Teddies.
I remembered Astro telling me how when they were a kid they'd go to their grandma's house every Monday. Their grandmother owned many Cherished Teddies - a collection that multiplied over many years.
They all got sold when their grandmother passed away, only being able to keep one by slipping in into their backpack the last day they were there.
The bear is still sat on her shelf and to this day it is the most precious thing Astro owns - I'm sure of it. Just one small bear on their shelf, one easy to go unnoticed in any normal person's eyes but one that holds such a significant place in Astro's own heart.
I gazed over the teddies, I should get one. It won't be as important as the one they have already but... I know they genuinely like it and not just the memories that come with it. I'll get some other trinkets as well, probably a keyring and some sweets or something.
♡
The bell chimed as I left the shop, fresh air filling my lungs in contrast to the pine smell of the seemingly vintage store I'd just been in. I held a small bag with the teddy bear and a small owl keyring, both wrapped in bubble wrap to protect them from damage.
I made my way down the street and into a convenience store, purchasing some of Astro's favourite sweets quickly before walking home through the chilly breeze.
♡
The warmth of my own home stung my icey cheeks as my body adjusted to the sudden temperature change. I walked into the kitchen and wrapped the gifts before putting them in a teal paper bag, one that matches the colour of Astro's hair.
I hadn't seen Alastor in 4 days. We've been 'meeting' twice a week, when I don't have work. Though it's fun and all, I think I've had enough. Sex is better with someone you know, not some stranger even if they fulfil your more kinkier side. The more you know them, the better it feels.
If Alastor doesn't want to get to know me better - and I don't resent him for that, given the fact we are different species - then I'll leave him alone. I won't try to summon him again.
However, If he does want to... and though it's highly unlikely he does, I'd love to get to know him as well... and have more wholesome moments.
As far as now we have shared some wholesome moments like when he gives me aftercare or stays with me until I fall asleep but... I want more, more than just sex.
In fact, I'll ask him right now.
