Phantom's Performance

Chapter 13

Y/n's Pov

After the chaos of the recent battle, Charlie insisted I take a room at the hotel. She led me down the quiet halls, away from the bustling main areas, and up to a secluded floor with only two rooms.

"This one's yours," Charlie said, opening the door to a cozy room. "I thought you'd appreciate some peace and quiet. And Alastor's room is right across the hall, so you won't be too far from him."

I smiled at her thoughtfulness. "Thanks, Charlie. This is perfect."

Charlie lingered in the doorway, looking a bit hesitant. "How are you holding up, Y/n?"

I sighed, running a hand through my hair. "It's been a lot. The fight... everything. I just need a moment to breathe."

She nodded; her eyes filled with understanding. "I get it. We've all been through a lot. But I'm glad you're here. It means a lot to have you with us."

"Thanks, Charlie. I'm glad to be here too. But... have you seen Alastor? I haven't seen him since the battle."

Charlie's expression shifted slightly, a hint of concern crossing her face. "He's probably in his room. He's been keeping to himself since the fight. You know how he is."

I nodded, my worry for him growing. "Yeah, I do. I think I'll go check on him."

Charlie smiled warmly. "I'm sure he'll appreciate that. If you need anything, I'll be around."

"Thanks, Charlie," I said again, grateful for her support.

After she left, I took a moment to settle into my room, but the nagging worry for Alastor wouldn't leave me. I decided to take Charlie's advice and check on him.

I walked across the hall and knocked on his door. There was no answer. I knocked again, a bit louder this time. Still nothing. My worry deepened, and I tried the handle, finding it unlocked.

The room was dark and silent as I entered. "Alastor?" I called softly, my voice echoing slightly in the quiet.

I found him in the corner, hunched over and clutching his chest. His usually pristine red suit was stained with blood, and his face was pale, though the ever-present smile remained.

"Alastor?" I repeated, rushing to his side. "What happened?"

He looked up at me, his red eyes dimmer than usual. "Ahh, the Morningstar," he greeted, his voice weak but still carrying that familiar tone. "What brings you to this quaint little corner of Hell?"

I knelt beside him, my worry turning to determination. "I was looking for you. You're hurt. Let me help."

He waved his hand dismissively, though the gesture was weak. "Nothing to worry about, my dear. It will heal. A minor inconvenience, really."

"Alastor, stop pretending everything is fine. I can see you're in pain," I insisted, gently pulling his hand away from his chest to reveal the deep wound.

His smile faltered briefly before returning. "Your concern is touching, but unnecessary."

I didn't buy it. "Let me see," I insisted, reaching for his hand again.

He stiffened at my touch but didn't pull away. I could feel the tension in his body, the way he was fighting to maintain his composure. Gently, I placed my hands over the wound, feeling the warmth of my healing power flow through me.

Alastor flinched slightly at the initial touch but then relaxed, his body leaning into my hands. It was rare to see him this vulnerable, and I felt a surge of protectiveness wash over me.

As the wound began to close, I could feel the tension in his body easing. He let out a small sigh, his eyes closing as he allowed himself to trust me. When I finished, I stepped back, watching as he straightened up, the wound now fully healed.

He looked at me, a mixture of gratitude and something else in his eyes. "Thank you, Y/n," he said quietly, the smile on his face now softer, more genuine.

"You don't always have to be so strong, Alastor," I said, my voice gentle. "It's okay to let someone help you."

He chuckled, though it lacked his usual mirth. "Old habits die hard, I suppose. But you, you helped me. When no one else would."

I smiled, feeling a warmth spread through me at his words. "I'm glad I could help. And if you ever need anything, you know where to find me. I will be right across the hall."

He nodded, his eyes holding mine for a moment longer before he looked away. "Indeed, my dear. Indeed."

As we stood there, the chaos of Hell seeming far away for just a moment, I felt a connection between us that was deeper than words. Alastor might have been the Radio Demon, but to me, he was also a friend, someone I cared for deeply. And I would do whatever it took to keep him safe.

I glanced at his radio cane, noticing the shoddy attempt he had made to fix it. The break was still evident, and I could see it wasn't holding up well. Instead of grabbing it, I snapped my fingers and said, "I properly fixed your cane. The magic is still the same. I just replaced it with an angelic cane. Which means it won't break. I hope you have a good night."

Alastor looked at me, surprise flickering in his eyes. I gave him a smile before turning and heading back to my room, leaving him alone to process everything.

Alastor's POV

As Y/n disappeared into her room, I stood there, staring at the cane she had magically fixed. The craftsmanship was flawless, the angelic energy radiating from it in a way that felt strangely comforting.

I walked back to my room, my mind swirling with confusion and a myriad of emotions I wasn't used to dealing with. Why had she helped me, not once, but twice? What did she gain from it?

I closed the door behind me, leaning against it for a moment. The room felt colder, emptier without her presence. My shadow, ever the observant one, finally spoke up. "If you don't set your pride aside and date her, I swear, someone will try and take her from you."

I shot my shadow a disgusted look, almost jealous at the thought. "No one will do that. I'll make sure of it."

My shadow chuckled, its voice a dark whisper in my mind. "You're a fool if you think you can keep her at arm's length forever. She cares for you, Alastor. More than you realize."

I turned away, refusing to acknowledge the truth in its words. Instead, I focused on the cane in my hands, the warmth of Y/n's magic still lingering on it. Maybe my shadow was right, but I wasn't ready to admit it. Not yet.

For now, I would keep her close, and protect her in my own way. One day, I vowed to myself, she would be mine. I would make sure of it. She was what I was missing.  The one missing piece to my world.