A Sinner's Forgiveness (Alastor x Reader)

Chapter 12: Rekindling Trust

| |Artist: 低浮上 (@re_Lv2000) | Original source: https://twitter.com/re_Lv2000/status/1203291990579806208/photo/1 | |

Your eyelids groggily raised open as you regained your senses. You couldn't help but notice something heavy weighing down on your chest. Strange... the covering didn't seem like a weighted one either. The blanket, along with whatever else was on top of you twitched as you shifted upwards.

Alastor lifted his head up to meet his lazy eyes with yours. It took a few seconds for you both to realize you were cuddled together. The two of you quickly separated and fixed your clothing in attempt to hide the embarrassment.

Your pupils shyly glanced back and forth towards Alastor, "...good morning."

He gave you an odd yet relived look, as if he were afraid you would be missing the next time he opened his eyes. "...good morning to you too."

Alastor helped fold the blanket as you both opened your mouths to speak, "want to cook breakfast-"

Your synchronized question was a little unnerving, but you both laughed it off and agreed it was a nice idea.

Closing the garden door behind your, the crew peaked around the corner walls with curiosity. They shakily greeted Alastor with a good morning, making the atmosphere somewhat tense. Alastor's eyebrows curled into a somber look by their reaction. He knew they felt different about him, but it was still disheartening.

You wrapped your claws gently around his forearms to avoid touching his hands. It was your gentle squeezes that remind him you were still here. "Don't worry guys, it's alright now. I'm sure you all have a lot of questions -Alastor does have some important things he'd like to say, but first let everyone gather their thoughts. The chat can be held at the dinner table."

Everyone nodded in agreement. Charlie and Vaggie were setting up the table while Husk and Angel were preparing drinks. Niffty was off doing some last-minute cleaning around the hotel in the meantime.

Alastor and you cooked dinner in a kinder silence. The air had a lighter and hopeful feel to it. You two worked together in a lovely rhythm despite not speaking much. At least that never changed.

Angel and Niffty carried out the plates of omelets and French toast while the others took their seats. No one budged to take a bite out of their food since they knew the dreaded discussion was about to begin. If everyone wanted to reestablish healthy bonds, this was a necessary step, even if it was extremely uncomfortable.

Vaggie was the first to speak. She hissed at him through her eerily calm tone with her finger pointed threateningly at Alastor. No demon has ever witnessed such a chilling fury from the short-tempered woman. "(Y/n) may have forgiven you, but don't even think for a second that any of us have."

Alastor wasn't intimidated by the glares of his companions, but it definitely didn't go unnoticed. His eyelids lowered along with the tone of his voice. "...I don't expect forgiveness nor trust to come easily, but please know that I regret my actions more than you could imagine. I truly am... sorry." Sincere apologies were hard to cough out -still unnatural to him- but he did mean well.

Charlie took a deep breath before speaking. "Thank you for the apology, Alastor. Though it seems you're already aware that won't be enough to repair all the damage you've done. You really are an unreadable demon, so make your intentions clear. If you really mean no harm, please speak truthfully... to all of us."

The static in his voice continued to vanish as he spoke. "As of late, I've grown tired of how things are, of how I am. I've come to understand how improper I've behaved, and I wish to change that." He paused, pondering his next words carefully.