The Demon's Gambit (Alastor x OC)

Bonus Chapter 1

Alastor and Vira strolled arm-in-arm through the winding, fiery paths of Hell, their steps oddly calm against the backdrop of chaos. Flames crackled and twisted in the distance, but neither seemed to notice—or perhaps they simply didn't care.

With their arms linked, they moved as if they were walking through a peaceful garden rather than the infernal depths. Alastor's ever-present grin curled at the corners of his lips, a slight chuckle escaping him every time a demon caught sight of them. Vira, by his side, smiled softly, her head sometimes brushing his shoulder.

As they walked, other demons crossed their path—some grotesque, others shadowy and intimidating. The moment their eyes landed on the pair, however, their reactions were instantaneous. Eyes wide with fear, claws clutching at their chests in shock, they stumbled backward or turned on their heels to flee, running off as though they'd seen something far more terrifying than Hell itself.

Vira chuckled softly as a particularly large demon—a hulking mass of teeth and claws—practically tripped over itself trying to escape their sight. "You know, Alastor," she said, her tone light with amusement, "I think we're causing a bit of a scene."

Alastor's grin grew wider, his eyes gleaming with delight. "Ah, let them run," he said, a playful lilt to his voice. "They've clearly recognized greatness when they've seen it.
Or perhaps they're just terrified of the power of our combined charm." He glanced down at her, his grin softening just slightly. "Can't say I blame them, my dear."

Vira smirked, gently squeezing his arm. "Powerful charm, huh? Well, I suppose it's only fair. We do make quite the pair."

Another demon, smaller and slinking, took one look at them and immediately darted off into the shadows, disappearing without a trace. Alastor chuckled, his voice rich with amusement. "It seems even the bravest of Hell's creatures can't handle seeing us together."

Vira shook her head, her laughter soft but genuine. "You're impossible, you know that?"

"Impossible?" Alastor echoed, his grin as sharp as ever. "Darling, I'm the Radio demon. I'm nothing but impossible!"

As they approached Rosie's place, the flames flickering in their wake, the two shared a quiet moment. The fear they left behind them seemed to amplify the warmth between them, their linked arms a small oasis of connection amidst Hell's chaos.

"Looks like our reputation precedes us," Vira mused, her tone playful.

Alastor chuckled, giving her arm a little squeeze. "Indeed. But I wouldn't have it any other way."

As Alastor and Vira strolled arm-in-arm into Rosie's store, the familiar chime of the doorbell rang through the cozy little shop, cutting through the usual crackle of Hell's chaos outside. Inside, the smell of Rosie's signature blend of tea was a welcome change from the acrid sulfur of the underworld. Alastor's ever-present staff clacked against the floor as they entered, but the warmth between them was unmistakable.

Rosie, behind the counter polishing one of her prized teacups, glanced up—and promptly froze. Her scarlet eyes widened as she took in the sight of the two of them, linked together as if it were the most natural thing in the world. For a moment, she stared, teacup still in hand.

"Do my eyes deceive me?" Rosie blinked, her voice full of disbelief. "Is this real? You two?" Her eyes flicked between Alastor's awkwardly restrained grin and Vira's content smile.

Alastor, for once, seemed almost caught off guard, his usual confident grin faltering for a brief second. He cleared his throat, gripping his staff a little tighter. "Rosie, darling, I expected more tact from you. After all, can't two people enjoy a walk without—"

"Oh, cut the act, Alastor." Rosie placed the teacup down and rested her chin in her hand, smirking. "You, the Alastor, Mr. Untouchable, who doesn't care for anyone—you courting someone?" She laughed, a teasing, almost musical sound. "Oh, you've got to be kidding me. You're practically blushing!"

Vira chuckled softly, leaning into Alastor's side just a bit more. "He's not used to all the attention, apparently."

Alastor shifted his weight, casting Vira a quick, almost bashful look. He turned his head slightly, as if trying to hide it, but Rosie was having none of it.

"Oh, this is precious!" Rosie leaned forward, grinning from ear to ear. "Alastor, the unflappable Radio demon, actually flustered? Oh, darling, you've worked some real magic here." She pointed her finger at Alastor, her smirk widening. "Admit it, you're smitten."

Alastor opened his mouth to retort, but found himself momentarily at a loss for words.
"I wouldn't say—" He adjusted his grip on his cane, his usual confidence faltering under Rosie's teasing gaze. "Rosie, really, there's no need for this theatrics."

"Theatrics?" Rosie laughed, resting her hands on her hips. "Alastor, you're the one always putting on a show. It's just fun to see you being the one in the spotlight for once. And this—" She gestured to their linked arms. "—this is a headline worth announcing!"

Alastor cleared his throat, clearly trying to regain some composure. "Well, perhaps it is a bit... surprising." His voice wavered just enough to make Rosie's grin widen.

"Surprising?" Rosie raised an eyebrow, eyes sparkling with mischief. "Alastor, dear, this isn't surprising. I knew this was going to happen. Took you two long enough, though."
She winked at Vira. "You had to break through all that frosty exterior of his, darling!"

Vira chuckled softly, glancing up at Alastor with fond amusement. "He wasn't that hard to crack."

Rosie threw her hands up. "Oh, don't be modest! I mean, look at him!" She pointed at Alastor, whose faint blush had only deepened, much to his annoyance. "This is adorable.
I never thought I'd see the day where the infamous Alastor would be looking all shy in my store!"

Alastor's eye twitched, his voice quieter than usual. "I'm not shy. Merely... composed."

Rosie's laughter filled the room again, her smile softening. "Oh, Alastor, it's fine. I'm happy for you both. Really. I knew it'd happen eventually, even if you were too stubborn to realize it at first."

Alastor finally let out a small chuckle, though it was clear he was still flustered.
"Yes, well... I suppose even I can't hide everything forever."

Rosie smiled warmly, stepping out from behind the counter. "It's not about hiding, darling.
It's about finding someone who sees through it." She looked between them, her expression softer now. "And I'm glad you two found each other. Two ace souls finding something special in this mess of a place? It's so lovely to see!"

Vira looked at Alastor, her smile softening as well. "We do make quite the team, don't we?"

Alastor, though still a little red, smiled down at her. "Indeed we do~"

Rosie crossed her arms, still grinning. "Just don't think this means I won't tease you about it. The others will hear about this~"

Alastor sighed dramatically, his deer-like ears flattening slightly in exasperation. 

Rosie's laughter rang out again as she gave them a wink. "Oh, don't worry, Alastor. You'll survive the embarrassment. After all, isn't it worth it for her?" She shot Vira a knowing smile.

Alastor sighed, his voice low but fond. "Perhaps... it is."

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