My Shadow Remembers (MemoryLoss! Alastor x Reader - Short Story)

Chapter Nine: An expert in this field.

*Still Alastor's POV*

I haven't gotten any response from any of the men at the bar. Husk just keeps staring at me while cleaning a glass, Angel has been smirking at me this entire time, and Vox just seems lost for words. Someone say something!

"So, you like (y/n)?" Vox questions, still looking at me with confusion.

I roll my eyes. "Well considering I would like to take her on a nice date." I mumble, but I'm sure they heard. "It's not like I'm wanting to just put this offer out to anyone!" I argue.

"He's so flustered." Angel laughs. I narrow my eyes and look over at him.

"Are you going to be helpful to this conversation?" I ask Angel. "Aren't you, like, an expert in this field?" I question him.

Angel laughs harder. This is getting a bit annoying. "An expert in what field, Smiles?" Apparently, this is a nickname he's had for me for some time. "You're not ready for my expertise yet. Once the two of you go on a few dates, then come ask me for my expertise." Angel winks as he takes a sip of his drink.

I'm... so confused. I look over at Husk. "What did any of that mean?" I ask him.

Husk waves his hand in my direction. "Ignore him." He recommends, as he puts the glass he's been cleaning away. "What are you worried about?" Husk asks me. That's a good question.

I think about it for a little bit before answering. "I just want to be the gentleman she deserves." I explain. I'm not sure if that makes sense. They don't have the same standards I do.

"How about this?" Vox starts, grabbing my attention. "Start simple. Walk up to her, tell her you'd like to take her out on a proper date. Dinner, a walk in the park, the whole nine yards. Whatever she'd like to do. You'll be able to tell by her facial expression if she's excited by the ideal or not on board." Vox explains before continuing. "If she seems excited, tell her that if she'd do you the honors, you'd be delighted to take her out, say, this coming Saturday." He makes it seem so simple. "Just focus on that step for now. The rest can be figured out between now and then." He's right. Just this step.

"Yeah, that doesn't sound bad. I can do that." I say out loud. I really think I can.

"At'a boy Smiles! Down that last swig and go ask!" Angel encourages me with excitement. His excitement is infectious.

"Yeah!" I'm pumped! I pick up my glass, finish my rye, slam the glass back on the table and stand up. "I can do this." I say quietly.

"You've got this, boss." Husk says with a smile.

As my feet begin to move closer to Charlie, Vaggie, Niffty, and (y/n), I realize I can't remember the words of advice Vox gave me. Wait... what was I supposed to say?

*Your POV*

After catching the girls up to what happened at the V's tower, they felt a bit more at ease with Vox being in the building. We couldn't help but glance over occasionally, making sure Vox seemed like he had no ulterior motives. That's when we noticed the guys acting strange. Alastor basically shot his last drink and started walking over to us. He looked confident at first, but the closer he got, the more confused he looked.

Bringing us here...

Alastor finally stopped walking, standing in front of us, looking like a deer in headlights. No one has said anything. Someone say something!

"Alastor?" Charlie asks, snapping him out of whatever daze he seems to be in.

"Oh, um..." Alastor really seems like he's struggling with words. "They didn't say you'd all be here." He mutters as he puts his hands in his pockets. He looks so nervous. What's happening?

Charlie and Vaggie give each other this look I don't understand. It's like they just had a conversation with each other in their minds. They stand up together and look at Niffty.

"Niffty, can you help us clean up the Kitchen?" Vaggie asks, catching her attention.

"Oh yes!" Niffty says excitedly as she runs to catch up to them.

They just left me?! With a very nervous Alastor? What is happening?!

"Um... (y/n)...?" Alastor starts talking again, making my focus move back to him. He still seems so nervous.

"Yes?" I respond, the inflection of a question as I wait for him to continue.

"I was wondering... I like dinner." Alastor states before his eyes get really wide. "Wait, that's not right. Hang on." He looks deep in thought as he takes a deep breath. "What do you like?" He asks. This conversation is so confusing. Is he having a stroke?

"Um..." I try to think of how to respond. "I mean, I also like dinner?" I answer back, still answering like a question. The confusion on my face evident.

"Oh! That's great!" Alastor seems excited by my answer. He tilts his head and looks at my face closely. "Your face looks confused. I'm not sure what to do with that." He explains.

"Alastor, I'm so confused by what's happening." I explain, finally standing up and putting my hands on my hips. "Are you okay?" I ask him.

Alastor puts a finger up like he's shushing me. I narrow my eyes, a little frustrated by the gesture.

"I'm sorry, please, just... give me a minute." Alastor takes a slow breath as he puts his finger down. He looks like he's deep in thought. What is going on in his mind?

"If you'd do me the delight, I'd be dinner to take you to the honors this Saturday." Alastor says before again looking confused right after. "I think I mixed up some words there." I hear him mutter.

It's finally clicking. He's a nervous wreck because he's asking me out to dinner? I look over at the bar and watch Husk, Angel, and Vox quickly look away, acting like they were doing other things. I see exactly what's going on now.

I can't help but burst into laughter. Everything he tried so hard to say came out so backwards! I'm holding my gut because I'm laughing so hard. I need to catch my breath. I'm going to worry him more!

When I look up, I see it in his eyes. He thinks he screwed up. He's not sure what to say next. "(y/n), I'm-" I need to stop him before he gets the wrong idea.

I put my hands on the sides of his face, making him focus on me. My laughter dies down, but I know there's still tears forming in my eyes from how hard I was laughing. "Yes, Saturday sounds great. I can't wait." I can see his frantic thoughts easing up. His shoulders relax and his mind seems more at peace.

"I know they're just trying to help, but you don't need their advice." I motion over to the bar. "Just be yourself. I love who you are." I explain. Those words seem to finally make him melt in my hands. All his worries out the window.

"Sounds great, darling." Alastor says happily.