Well Aren't You A Charmer | Alastor x Reader

Chapter Fourteen

"Well if it isn't (Y/N)." I perk up at my name as I turn around and see Mrs. Hartfelt walking up to me with Alastor following close behind. I smile brightly at her. "Hello Mrs. Hartfelt, it's nice to see you again."

She returns the smile, her warm gaze meeting mine as she stops in front of me. "Hello, dear. It's good to see you too." she says with a nod as Alastor stands beside her as he watches the interaction with a polite smile. Alastor and I share a glance before I notice they're both holding the same book in their hands.

Mrs. Hartfelt notices where my gaze is directed and chuckles. "Ah, I'm a part of the book club at this library and Alastor always accompanies me."

He chuckles. "It's definitely an interesting portion of my week." He says with his usual smile. "Aww well isn't that sweet." I smile at her before looking towards him. "Any favorite books you have from this little excursion of yours?"

Alastor cocks his head to the side as he considers the question. "Hmm, I have a soft spot for the more... darker literature." He says, his smile widening slightly. "I do have a fondness for 'To Kill a Mockingbird', but I must say, I do prefer the grimmer stories."

I let out a small sigh of relief. He's conversing with me normally. Maybe he was just busy with work. That would explain his sudden disappearance the last few days.

Alastor catches my sigh and can't help but notice my reaction. He studies me for a moment, silently trying to figure out what's going through my mind.

He looks like he's about to say something, but Mrs. Hartfelt speaks up before he gets the chance. "You should join us. We're starting a new book today so don't you worry about not being up to speed." She suggests with a look of excitement.

I look over at Mrs. Hartfelt, surprise evident in my expression as she suggests I join them. I hesitated for a moment, not expecting the invitation. I glance back at Alastor, curious about his reaction.

As I glance over at Alastor, I notice his expression is mostly neutral, but there's a hint of something there. A spark of interest? Or is it just my imagination?

I look back at his mom with a slightly bigger smile. "I'd love to come along and join." Mrs. Hartfelt grins at my response, clearly pleased. "Excellent! It'll be wonderful to have you." She says, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

Alastor's expression remains mostly neutral, but I can almost swear I catch a gleam of satisfaction in his eyes. Mrs. Heartfelt then checks her watch before letting out a small gasp. "Oh we must be on our way so we don't get there late."

Alastor falls into step beside me as we begin walking. His steps are steady and purposeful, and there's a sense of ease in his manner. The silence between us is comfortable, but I can't help but feel aware of his presence beside me. I look towards him and his gaze meets mine.

As our gazes meet, Alastor holds my gaze for a moment before breaking into a smile. There's a subtle glint in his eye that I can't quite decipher. He then clears his throat, his smile widening slightly. "Sorry for my absence the past few days. Work has been quite busy." He says, his usual cheerful tone back.

I perk up at the fact he was just busy with work. I knew I was stressing myself over nothing. "It's alright." I say cheerfully. "I was going to call but didn't want to be a bother." I chuckle slightly.

Alastor chuckles in response, a hint of genuine amusement in his eyes as he looks at me. "You could never be a bother." he assures. "And I should've let you know that I would be busy instead of simply disappearing without a word."

"It's really alright." I say dismissively while waving my hands around. "I'm glad work is going well for you." Alastor's smile softens at my reply, and his expression seems almost thankful.

"Thank you." He says, his tone sincere. "But I will make sure to let you know if something like that happens again. I hate disappearing randomly on you like that."

A small smile finds its way on my lips. "Don't stress over it. I completely understand." Alastor's smile widens at my words, and he seems genuinely relieved by my understanding. "You really are one of kind." He says with a chuckle. "There's not many people who would be as understanding about this as you."

I blush slightly as his mother turns to face us with a grin as we get to the meeting spot. "Seems like you two have been getting to know each other." Mrs. Hartfelt observes us with a knowing smile, clearly entertained by our interaction.

Alastor and I look at her, both of us slightly caught off guard by her comment. "Well now you two look like deer in headlights." She shakes her head with a smile. Alastor laughs slightly, but there's a hint of embarrassment in his expression. I chuckle awkwardly, not really knowing how to respond.

Mrs. Hartfelt grins at our reactions. "I'm only teasing." She says, her eyes sparkling with amusement before opening the door. We both follow behind her and see that the majority of the club is already inside sitting down. There aren't many seats left so Mrs. Hartfelt takes a seat on a bench while Alastor and I sit together on the bench behind her.

As we settle into our seats, I can't help but feel a slight flutter in my chest at being seated so close to Alastor. He seems completely unfazed, his usual cheerful demeanor fully in place.

The room is lively with chatter as everyone is having their own conversations waiting for the meeting to start. I watch as Mrs. Hartfelt engages in a lively conversation with the ladies beside her. She laughs and smiles, clearly enjoying the company.

Alastor, meanwhile, leans back slightly in his seat, seemingly relaxed and carefree. His gaze wanders the room, taking in the various conversations. "It's nice of you to come to this with your mom. It looks like she really enjoys having this time to spend with you." I comment.

Alastor turns to me, a slight smile on his lips at my comment. "It is." He says, his eyes drifting over to his mother for a moment before returning to me. "She enjoys it, and it's a nice little break for me from my work."

As we talk, I find myself relaxing more and more. The conversation between us flows naturally, as if no time has passed since we last spoke. Alastor listens intently to everything I say, his eyes occasionally glinting with humor or intrigue. It's comfortable, casual, and just feels right.

Out of the corner of my eye, I notice some of the ladies glancing our way, whispering amongst themselves with smiles on their faces. It's somewhat amusing to see them talking about us, but I know they mean no harm.

Alastor seems to notice as well, a subtle smirk tugging at the corner of his lips as he glances around the room. "You seem to be quite popular mister radio host." I tease with a smile on my face.

Alastor chuckles softly, his smirk widening slightly at my remark. "I'm merely a humble radio host, darling." He says with a playful tone, feigning modesty.

He glances around the room, taking in the various pairs of eyes discreetly watching us. "It seems I have many avid listeners." He adds with a grin.

I laugh slightly as he matchs my energy. "Quite a loyal following if I do say so myself." Alastor grins in response, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Indeed." He says, still maintaining his lighthearted tone.

He leans in slightly, his voice lowering to a playful whisper. "Though I think I prefer having your attention, darling." I blush slightly as my smile grows. "Well you're in luck cause you have my undivided attention."

Alastor's smirk widens into a full-blown smile as he watches me blush. There's a twinkle in his eye as he leans in impossibly closer, his tone still playful. "Is that so?" he asks, his voice low and smooth. "Then I must be the luckiest man in this room."

"And the only man in the room." I laugh. Alastor chuckles along with me, his laughter light and cheerful. He leans back slightly in his seat, his smile still bright.

"Oh, you have a point there." he concedes, his tone slightly teasing. "I suppose that makes me doubly lucky then, hm?" I continue to laugh quietly. "I'd say so."

Eventually an older woman enters the room and begins the meeting. Everyone quiets down, preparing for the discussion. Alastor sits back in his seat, his expression relaxed. He glances over at his mom, who gives him a quick smile before turning her attention to the speaker.