The Angel Demon

Part IV

Alastor POV

I slid across the bed and patted beside me. Slowly, she made her way to my side and sat cautiously down. She feared me, and probably wasn't going to like what was about to come next. Even I didn't like it. I cleared my throat, and began. "In all of my existence, I never once cared how another may think. I wanted these loathsome sinners to see my power, how much carnage I could cause. Yet when I walked in this hotel's front door, you only showed subtle signs of fear...why?" I awaited an answer, she thought for a moment. "It's not that I don't think you're really powerful, it's just...you were such a gentleman, and I want you to feel welcome. Even if you don't think this will work." I nodded. "Charlie, my dear, what I am about to tell you is truth and nothing but. Two days ago, I asked Angel about a 'sickness' that I may have. He told me I wasn't sick at all, and that I needed to tell you about it." I gently took her hands and looked her dead in the eyes. "My face feels as if it is on fire, my palms become very sweaty, and my chest feels as though millions of moths are flying about. I said that the strange thing about it all is..." She was blushing a tiny bit. "The strange thing is that it only happens when I think about or see you." 

Her face turned red as an apple. She pulled her hands to herself, crossing them nervously. Looking away, she began to fumble with her collar. "He told me that I was in..." She looked back at me. "...love." She was silent for a moment, then she stood up and held out a hand. "I think I know how to make it better. Follow my lead." I stood as well, a feeling of confusion drifting through my mind. "Now, in order for this to work, you need to be comfortable. I will ask you before I do anything. We can stop at any time if you feel overwhelmed or uncomfortable." "What are you planning on doing, my dear?" She slowly came towards me. I stood my ground. "I am now going to wrap my arms around you. Is that okay?" She stood close, awaiting an answer. "Yes." She proceeded to do the before stated. It wasn't tight, but I felt warmer than ever. "Now, I would like you to wrap your arms around me." I did as she said. "I am now going to take my hands up to your shoulders. Okay?" I nodded. "I would like you to lean in closer." I did as asked. Slowly bringing herself to her tiptoes, our lips connected. My eyes shot out wide. Slowly, we pulled apart, her cheeks rosy pink. "Do you...feel any better?" I tried to speak, yet only radio static came out. I tried again, to no avail. "Al, are you okay?" I felt my eyes roll back, and fainted.

I awoke several hours later, again in my clothes. But this time I wasn't clutching a magazine. Charlie had fallen asleep on the floor beside me. I watched her chest rise and fall, her quiet snores barely audible. She was still blushing softly. A thought flashed through my mind: she had fallen asleep on the floor of my room. MY room. I cautiously sat up, sharp pain splitting through my back. There was a reason why I had a bed. Slipping out from under the covers, I stood above her. She was so small compared to me. Like a bird compared to a stag. I carefully picked her up, holding her close to me. I was going to take her to her room and it would be the end of this nonsense. I flinched when the door creaked open, Charlie shifted in my arms. I walked slowly down the hall to the stairwell. As I turned the corner, I came face-to-face with the girl in the white dress.

The last time I had seen her, she was barely any bigger than Nifty. Now, her figure had been stretched and distorted. Just as tall as me. Her white dress was now blood red, with black lace sewn in an elegant pattern. Her smile was even more cruel than mine, her teeth a blinding white. The eyes on the thing were what scared me most of all: jet black. No pupils, just blackness. She moved towards me, her feet barely touching the ground. Suddenly she snapped her fingers, and Charlie began to squirm in my arms. Her face contorted as though she was having a nightmare. "And what do you think you are doing?" The girl looked straight at me. "What do you think I'm doing, old man?" At the childish insult, I summoned some monsters. I could tell she wanted to pick a fight. "Bring it," she responded.