Drifting Grace [An Alastor Fanfiction] [PROOFREADING]

Chapter 10 [PR]

Emma Lovett

"Alvin, what are you doing?" I laughed at my son. He turns to me with the goofiest smile I've ever seen.

He jumps onto the stairs leading up to the porch one by one. As he reached the top, he flails his hands in the air and struck a winning pose. I giggle, holding onto my stomach with my picnic basket filled hand and covering my mouth with my free one.

Alastor watches us in amusement. He too laughed along at Alvin's silly little action. We both let out a sigh of happiness afterwards.

Alastor turns to me, his mouth opening and closing like a fish with the eyes of a worrywart. I turn to him with a raised eyebrow and a smile.

"Is something wrong, Alastor?" I asked him. He jumps and looks away, a tint of pink dusted on his cheeks. He shakes his head.

"It's nothing, dear," He smiles at me unconvincingly. I pursed my lips and tilt my head as he follows Alvin up to the porch.

With a sigh and a few unanswered questions, I walk up the porch and take out my keys, unlocking the front door to my house.

"Make yourself at home," I told Alastor while taking off my shoes. Alvin takes his shoes off and places them near the doorway, only to run up the stairs in a hurry.

"I'm gonna take a bath!" He yells from the second floor.

"Okay, hon! Your clothes are in my room!" I reply. A muffled 'okay' was heard and I went straight to the dining table.

Alastor walks behind me as he took in the place.

"I know I was here this morning, but I never told you how lovely your house is, Emma," Alastor complimented. "It's very...," He trails off.

I place the picnic basket on top of the dining table and turn to him with a warm smile. He was a bit fidgety and awkward looking. It wasn't often this confident and outspoken man to be so voiceless.

"Unique?" He shakes his head at my answer and smiles genuinely.

"Cozy," He finishes, his hands behind his back. I gave him another bright smile and a chuckle.

"Thank you, Alastor. Your compliment makes me happy," I thanked him and walked over to the kitchen.

He tails behind me awkwardly as I place the venison on top of one of the counters. Rolling up my sleeves to wash my hands, I went to get a few ingredients from the fridge. Alastor stands awkwardly near the island and I stifled a laugh.

"Would you like to help?" I asked him. He raises his head and stares at me.

"If... You don't mind?" He answers with a question. I smile warmly at him and ushered him to stand beside me.

I cut about half a quarter of the huge slice of venison and placed the rest in the fridge. Placing the meat on top of a cutting board, I handed Alastor a knife.

"Have you ever made meatballs before?" I asked him. He stares at the knife for a while before taking it ever so slowly. He shook his head.

With a small, wide-eyed smile, I put my hands out for him. He looks at me questionably.

"You didn't seem to like it when I touched you suddenly, I want to show you how to cut the meat properly so we can put it in the meat mincer without a problem," I answered, pushing my hands even further towards him.

He takes my hand and I stand in front of him, my hand on top of his. Arms encasing my body, I taught him with a voice I used only with my students.

"You cut them into small squares, it's a big slice so it's easier to handle when it's moderate sizes," I told him. He nods and watches me cut the venison. I pulled away and looked up at him. "Can you do it by yourself?" I asked him.