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HUMBLE chapter four

Summary: a fairly fluffy chapter of the blooming friendship between charlie and alastor. And we find out that Vox and Charlie have history....

“THAT FUCKER’S BACK!” Vox slammed the doors open to the large apartment he shared with the other Vees.

“Which fucker would this be?” Valentino asked without looking up from his phone.

“Who else?! The radio demon!”

“What? That grandpa’s back in town?!” Velvette’s jaw dropped.

“That’s not all. He’s teamed up with Charlie.”

Velvette and Valentino blinked at him. “Who?”

“Morningstar! Charlie Morningstar!” He was still met with blank stares. “LUCIFER’S DAUGHTER.”

“Oh, FUCK!” Velvette dropped her phone. “How’d you find this out?”

“Because he crashed our fucking date!”

His partners stared at him, and that’s when Vox remembered he’d withheld that little bit of information. “Yes, I went on a fucking date with her, ok?! Kind of.”

“Kind of?” Velvette asked.

“She thought it was a business meeting, even gave me a binder and a 45 minute presentation about her little hotel. But at the end of the date-“

“Meeting.” Valentino smirked.

“-she was totally into me. Things were progressing, I was making my move, and that red motherfucker shows up OUT OF NOWHERE and interrupts us. Charlie looked mortified, and then he’s got his grimy little claws all over her-“

“Is she fucking the radio demon?” Velvette asked.

“WOULD YOU LET ME FINISH?!” Vox’s screen flickered.

“Calm down before you fry your circuits again.”

“Sorry, he just pisses me off. Anyway, he’s got his claws all over her, and suddenly she’s calling him AL-“

“She’s totally fucking him.” Valentino smirked.

“NO! No, she’s not. She seemed upset that he was there. Anyway, turns out they’re business partners and running the hotel together. And then he just up and vanishes with her! FUCK!”

Velvette and Valentino exchanged glances. “I don’t get it.” Velvette finally said.

“Don’t get what?”

“Why you’re acting like a whiny little bitch right now over some girl!”

“She is NOT some girl.” He huffed and straightened his jacket. “It’s a long story.”

“Then give us the short one.” Valentino rolled his eyes.

“I fucked up the chance I had to go out with her a long time ago. And I’m not going to fuck it up again.”

“But WHY? What the fuck is so special about her?!”

“You wouldn’t understand! It doesn’t matter, my FRIENDS should be supportive of me!”

“We are, when you’re not acting fucking insane!” Velvette walked over to him and grabbed his shoulders. “We’re in the middle of a fucking turf war. We’ve got bigger things to focus on than your FEELINGS about some girl! Who, by the way, won’t want SHIT to do with you when she finds out about all your dirty little secrets. So I suggest you GET YOUR SHIT TOGETHER, put on your big boy pants, and get the fuck over it!” Velvette stomped off.

“She has a point. She’s too good for you. And I don’t mean she’s out of your league, you’re leagues above her in my opinion. I mean she’s too kind hearted.”

“You don’t get it. That’s what I like about her.” Vox sat down and looked defeated. “She’s not like anyone I’ve ever met. She’s good. ”

Valentino sighed and sat by his friend. “Personally, I think she seems like a pain in the ass. And where do you think this is gonna go? You’re gonna date the holier-than-thou princess who wants to rehabilitate sinners? And she’ll just be ok with how we run things? No. She won’t. She’ll get in the fucking way. I gotta ask- why did she think it was a business meeting?”

“Because…I mentioned that the Vees were interested in investing in the hotel.” Vox grimaced.

“Are you fucking kidding me? We’re not investing in that shit hole!”

“You don’t have to! I will!”

“Uh-uh. You’re not attaching the Vees to this. We have a reputation. And doing charity work for the little do gooder doesn’t fit our image. So if YOU want to give her YOUR money, fine. But you’re not attaching us to this.” Valentino groaned. “Can’t you just fuck one of the blonde whores from the club? Or any of them and we can put a wig on them?”

“It’s more than that. You wouldn’t understand.”

“I really don’t. Things are so much easier when you leave feelings out of them.” He left Vox alone with his thoughts, and they drifted to the first time he’d met Charlie.

-a long time ago-

Well this sucked. Why did all the other demons get things like animal heads? He had a FUCKING TV SCREEN. He could hear the others snickering at him and making fun of him. He wondered how long he was obligated to stay at the party.

“Hi there!” A cheerful voice said from behind him. He turned around and saw an angel smiling at him. She had to be an angel, with her golden hair and bright white skin. She was gorgeous.

“Hi.” He gave her what he hoped was a charming smile.

“Welcome to hell! It’s probably not what you expected, right?” She giggled. “I’m Charlie! Nice to meet you!” She stuck her hand out and he shook it.

“Victor. Victor Octavious Xavier.”

“Wow, that’s certainly a mouthful! I should tell you, if you do want to change your name, this is your last chance. Not that there’s anything wrong with your name! A lot of people just want to choose something else.”

“Is that what you did?”

“Me? Oh, no! I was born here.” She gave him a nervous smile. “I’m…Lucifer’s daughter. Charlotte Morningstar, princess of hell. I don’t really like to lead with that. It tends to make people nervous.”

He let out a nervous peal of laughter. “You’re joking, right?”

“Nope. And I know what you’re thinking, isn’t Lucifer the big ugly red guy? But everyone forgets, dad is a fallen angel. Anyway, I have to give the orientation speech, but I hope to talk to you more later! Enjoy the party.” She smiled and walked to the stage.

“Welcome to Hell! I know you probably have a lot of mixed feelings right now. Maybe you don’t know why you’re here. Ooor maybe you know exactly why you’re here. Anyway, it can be scary to start over, which is why I host this welcoming event! I’m here to help you get your feet on the ground. To your left, you’ll find pamphlets of information about hell, as well as information about the overlords and districts, and some of the opportunities available to you. To your right, you’ll find answers to frequently asked questions! Also, counseling is available to you! Maybe you need to talk it out or just need a hug, but I’m here for you.”

“HOW BOUT A BLOW JOB, BABY?” A voice in the back shouted. Charlie let out a nervous laugh.

“Aaaanyway, you don’t have to go through this alone. I’m confident that if we all work together and try to make this place better, tomorrow will be a happy day in hell.”

She was met with a roar of laughter. “Is this bitch for real?!”

“Yep, that’s pretty much what I expected.” Charlie sighed and walked off the stage. He found himself following her to the bar as she got a drink and downed it.

“I really liked your speech. I think it’s admirable what you’re doing.” He smiled at her.

“You’d be about the only one.” She rubbed her temples. “It’s like this every week.”

“You do this every week?!”

“Yeeeeah. But I don’t mind! Even if I can make things better for one sinner, I’ll know that I made a difference.” She smiled.

“I’m sorry, I just…how are you here? You seem so-“

“Nice?” She smiled. “I’m the devil’s daughter. I can’t change that. But I can try to use my power and my knowledge to make things a little better. Dad thinks it’s a waste of time, but I don’t care.”

“I think it’s really great. You’ve certainly made me feel better.”

Charlie’s eyes welled up. “Really?”

“You have. And I think I am going to change my name.”

“Oh yeah? What did you have in mind?”

He gave her a small smile and took a drink. “Vox.”

-the present-

Alastor wasn’t sure if Charlie would be in the kitchen for breakfast or if she’d be avoiding him. He opened the door and saw her holding an egg. She tapped it lightly on the countertop and nothing happened. She tried again, a bit harder and frowned. CRACK! She’d pretty much blown up the egg.

“Fuuuuck!” She grumbled.

“I always use my thumb to puncture the middle, then pull it apart.”

She didn’t even jump this time when he spoke. “Shall I take over?”

“Thank you, but no. I need to cook an egg.”

“If this is about what I said yesterday-“

“Of course it is. And you’re right. I am HUNDREDS of years old and I can’t cook an egg? So I will!” She gave him a determined smile.

“Charlotte, I really don’t mind.”

“I need to do this.” She picked up another egg and whacked it on the counter, splattering herself with egg. “Why are they SO FRAGILE?!”

“Charlie dear, look.” He picked up an egg and put it in her hand. He placed his hand over hers and guided it, lightly tapping it on the edge of the pan. “Then you use your thumb to break the rest of the shell and pull it apart.” The egg plopped down into the pan.

“Nice! Thanks Al.” She began pushing the egg around in the pan, scrambling it. He watched briefly with amusement before pouring a cup of coffee. He fixed Charlie a cup too with a god awful amount of sugar and set it beside her. They were off to a good start.

“Delivery for Charlotte Morningstar.”

Charlie looked up in surprise. “Oh! That’s me.”

“Sign here.” A delivery demon shoved a clipboard at her.

“I wasn’t expecting a package. Vaggie, did you order anything?”

“Nope.”

The delivery demon headed out to a van and unloaded an embarrassingly large bouquet of roses. “Oooooh god.” Charlie watched with wide eyes. The demon brought them in and dropped them in the middle of the floor and left. Vaggie and Charlie gaped at it.

“Uh…that’s…wow.” Vaggie cleared her throat.

Charlie walked over to it and plucked the card off, though she knew who it was from.

“ Charlotte,

Please forgive me for my behavior last night. I hope you’d be willing to give me another chance. I must admit my interest in you isn’t entirely professional, but you should know that in no way affects my investment in your hotel. Voxtech will be investing regardless.

Give me a call sometime if you’d like to go out again. If you prefer to keep things professional, I can always send Valentino or Velvette to meet with you.

I hope you have a great day and that these flowers made you smile.

-Vox”

Charlie grinned at the note. “YES! Voxtech wants to invest!”

“And that required an elaborate bouquet of roses?” Vaggie asked skeptically.

“Oh, um, there was some other stuff too.” Charlie blushed.

“Charlie. You can NOT be considering going out with this guy.”

“I don’t know, he seems sincere! And this is a really sweet note.”

“I’m sure it is, because he’s playing you.”

“Is it so hard to believe someone would actually want to go out with me and not want something?!”

“When they’re a demon overlord? Yes, it is!”

Charlie was shocked. “Vaggie, why are you acting like this?”

“Because I’m sick of seeing you letting the wrong people in! You only end up getting hurt. You trust EVERYONE.”

“I’d rather trust everyone and be wrong than trusting no one.”

Vaggie was silent. She had an expression on her face Charlie couldn’t read, then walked quickly out of the room.

Charlie ran her hands through her hair in frustration. What was Vaggie’s problem lately?!

“Weeeell! Someone’s trying to make a good impression.” Alastor said, coming to stand beside her and look at the flowers.

“It’s…kind of a lot. I don’t really like things like this.”

“Flowers?”

“No, big showy displays like this. It’s basically saying ‘look at all this money I have to blow!”

“Roses ARE a classic symbol of romance, though.”

“I know, but…no, it’s sweet. I shouldn’t complain. Oh! The good news is thaaaaaaat:” she paused for dramatic effect. “THE VEES ARE INVESTING!” She handed the card to him with a grin.

Alastor read the note and his smile grew tighter. What was this asshole’s game? “Wonderful. Though it’s not my area, I believe this place could benefit from some new technology. It would draw people in.” He handed the card back to Charlie with a smile.

“Listen, now that I know your feelings on the matter, I won’t call him and we can work with the other Vee’s.”

“Nonsense! I can behave myself. Now, in what sense are you returning the call?”

“What do you mean?”

“Are you calling the Vee’s, or calling Vox?”

Charlie looked conflicted. “Um… is it weird that I kind of want to call him? You know what, it’s weird. Never mind.”

“You should call him if you want to, Charlie.”

“But you-“

“There’s no reason for your personal life to affect our partnership. My problems with Vox are my own.”

“I mean it, Al. You’re more important to me. Your feelings matter.”

There was a loud crackle of static. “Oh Charlotte, don’t worry your pretty little head. Go out with him! Let him spend some of his excessive wealth on you!” He patted her on the head and left, leaving Charlie feeling confused.

A few days passed and everything was fairly smooth. Alastor and Charlie had breakfast every morning and worked together through the day. It was a perfectly normal platonic partnership. Until that evening…

“Hey Al, have you seen Angel?” Charlie asked.

“He left about an hour ago for work. Is there something I can assist you with?”

“Thanks, but this is really more of Angel’s area. It’s ok, I’ll figure it out.”

“Come on now, doll! What do you need?”

Charlie looked embarrassed. “…my date is tonight. And I don’t know what to wear.”

“Ah, fashion! I’m not entirely incompetent about it, I’d say I’m a pretty sharp dresser myself.” He gestured at his well tailored suit. “I’d be happy to lend a hand.”

“I’d really appreciate it. I’m not very good at this sort of thing.” They went up the stairs and Charlie walked in her room, while Alastor stood in the doorway. “Al?”

“Forgetting something, doll?” He held up his hand and it was as if there were an invisible wall.

“Oh! Sorry. Alastor, enter freely and of your own will!” Charlie grinned.

“Thanks, sweetheart, now I feel like Dracula.”

Charlie’s brows raised in surprise. “You know Dracula?”

“Of course! Excellent book by Bram Stoker. A delightful read!”

Charlie walked over to her bookshelf and waved him over. “It’s my favorite book. I have eight editions! I’m a sucker for a pretty cover.”

“You know, there’s a whole thing about not judging books by them.”

“That’s true. I just like collecting different versions. I like to see the different designs. This one is my favorite. It looks the fanciest.” She plucked a black book off the shelf with elaborate gold detailing.

Alastor let out an appreciative whistle. “My, my, that IS a sharp looking cover!”

Charlie put the book back on the shelf and opened her closet doors. He was taken aback by the enormous amounts of bright colored fabrics. “Oh my. Hurts the eyes a bit, doesn’t it?”

“I know, I really need to get rid of some of it, but who has the time?!” She began shoving mountains of fabric aside.

“And yet, I’ve never seen you wear anything besides that red suit.”

“I know, I just feel like it’s the most professional. This closet is full of stuff I’d like to wear. But that’s a separate issue. Ok, here’s what I’ve narrowed it down to.” She grabbed an armload of dresses and brought them over to her bed. “I’ve got a little black dress, a red dress, a pink dress, and another blue dress.”

“It’s difficult to choose without seeing them on you, doll.”

“Right! I just didn’t want to take up too much of your time. I’m sure you’ve got better things to do.”

“Such as?” He smiled.

Charlie blinked. “I actually have no idea what you do in your free time. I feel like I probably don’t want to know.”

“HA! You crack me up, Charlie girl! If you’d like to have our appointment tomorrow, I’ll show you.”

Charlie laughed. “That’s a funny way to say hanging out.”

“Hanging out?”

Charlie took her dresses into the bathroom to try them on. “Spending time together as friends! Which we don’t have to have an appointment for. Just ask!”

Alastor was perplexed. Were they friends? He supposed they were. “I was referring to our deal.”

“Ok! What time?”

“How’s 7 PM?”

“Sure! Ok, here’s option one.” Charlie came out of the bathroom in a little black dress. It was fitted and flared at the waist, giving her a cute silhouette, but it was short.

“Alright, very lovely. Though a bit short, don’t you think?”

“That’s what happens when you’re six feet tall.” Charlie smirked and headed back into the bathroom.

While he was waiting, he was DEFINITELY going to snoop around. He walked back over to her bookshelf and saw a picture of Charlie with a green demon. She had her arms around him and was grinning widely. The green demon just looked smug.

“Here’s the red one.”

He turned around and let out an involuntary crackle of static.

“Uuuuum, I don’t really know how to interpret that.” Charlie smiled.

“It’s a lovely dress. If you’re a STREET WALKER.” The dress was short, tight, and had cutouts on the sides.

“You don’t like it? Angel gave it to me.” She walked up to him and smiled widely. She did a slow turn to show him all angles. When she turned back around he was looking at anything but her.

“I don’t think wearing something out of Angel’s wardrobe really suits you.”

“What’s the matter, Al? Are you alright?” Charlie moved even closer and smiled sweetly up at him, but he saw the mischievous glint in her eye.

“Just fine, dear. Just worried about your modesty.”

Charlie couldn’t contain her laugh any longer. “I’m only teasing, Al. I just wanted to see your reaction. There’s no way I’d wear this ANYWHERE.”

“Then why do you have it?”

“Angel gave it to me. He said I needed a clubbing outfit.” She shrugged. “Onto the next!”

He continued to poke around her room, examining the different photographs. He stopped in front of a family photo and was surprised that she looked more like her father than her mother. She and Lucifer shared the same big eyes and smile.

“I feel like a cupcake.”

Alastor turned around and laughed. “You LOOK like a cupcake, doll.” It was a ballerina style dress and enormously puffy. She turned around and headed back into the bathroom. A moment later, the dress came flying out of the bathroom. “Just burn it, it’s awful!”

Alastor chuckled and picked up the dress. “What’s the story here?”

“A stuffy wedding.” She replied. He realized she’d left the door cracked open and he could see her. She was beautiful. He quickly turned away.

There was a knock on her door. “Want me to get that, doll?”

“Would you?”

Alastor walked over and opened the door. “Hello, Vagatha! How can we help you?”

Vaggie was stunned. “What are you doing here?!”

“Assisting. Did you need something?” He smiled widely.

“Yeah, to talk to Charlie. Is she here?”

“Yes, she’s getting dressed. Charlotte! Vagatha is here, should I let her in?”

“Sure! Out in a sec, Vaggie!” Charlie’s voice called out.

Alastor opened the door wider with a shit eating grin. The little moth girl was pissed. “Make yourself comfortable. Charlotte, may I make a suggestion? I don’t think we’ve had any winners so far.”

“Go for it!”

He walked over to her closet and began going through the clothes and humming.

“What the FUCK are you doing?” Vaggie glared at him with her arms crossed.

“Helping Charlotte select her outfit. She asked for my assistance.”

“I find that hard to believe. Outfit for what?”

“Why, for her date tonight!”

Vaggie’s face fell. “Date?”

“Ok, this one is pretty but kind of a pain in the ass.” Charlie walked over to them. It was a blue cocktail dress, but with a corseted bust that had to be laced up.

“Hmmm.” Alastor examined her and circled her like a shark. “I guess it depends on whether or not you’d like to breathe.”

Charlie laughed. “Well then you’d better find something better or it’s the black one! Hi Vaggie, what’s up?”

Vaggie looked stunned. “Oh, uh, I was going to ask if you wanted to do something tonight, but apparently you’ve got plans.”

“Yeah, my redo date with Vox is tonight. Didn’t I tell you?”

“No. I feel like we’ve barely seen each other.”

“You’re right, I’m sorry! I’ve been so preoccupied with the hotel. How about tomorrow night: you, me, pjs, and entirely too much junk food?”

“I’d like that.” Vaggie smiled.

“Don’t forget, I have you from 7-8, doll!” Alastor added with a smile.

“Yeah, it’ll have to be after 8. But that still leaves us plenty of time!”

“Are you sure you can work me into your busy schedule, or are you too busy hanging out with any other overlords?” Vaggie glared.

“Vaggie…”

“I’m sorry, I just…can we talk privately?”

“Sure. Be right back, Al!”

Alastor continued sorting through the racks of clothes and sent his shadow to eavesdrop.

“What are you doing, Charlie?!”

“What do you mean?”

“Why is the radio demon answering your door and going through your closet?”

“Because we’re friends, and I asked for his help.”

“You could’ve asked for MY help.”

“You hate this sort of thing. Vaggie, what’s going on with you lately?”

“I just…I’m worried that you’re letting the wrong people in. You’re so kind and I know you want to see the best in everyone, but you have to be careful.”

“I don’t really know what you’re worried about. Al hasn’t once tried to murder me or overthrow me. He’s been really kind.”

“EXACTLY! He’s NOT kind. Do you have any idea how many people he’s killed? How many souls he owns? He’s known for causing chaos and terror, so it doesn’t strike you as odd that he’s picking out your outfit like you’re girlfriends?!”

Charlie sighed. “He’s given me no reason not to trust him. And yes, I’m aware of the things he’s done, and I don’t expect him to change overnight and suddenly be a saint. But he’s here. He’s helping with the hotel. And I think it’s really unfair to keep treating him like this. I know you’re worried about me, and I’m lucky to have a best friend like you looking out for me. But I also need you to trust me a little bit. Alright?”

“Alright. I will. Just be careful, Charlie.”

Charlie hugged Vaggie tightly. “Thanks for being such a good friend. Think about what movie you wanna watch tomorrow night, ok?”

“Sure. Have fun on your date.” Vaggie gave her a weak smile.

Charlie returned to her closet and found Alastor holding up a light blue dress. “Give this one a try, doll.”

“Oh, that’s pretty! I don’t remember this one.”

“How would you know, with everything you have stuffed in here?”

“It seems a little…dated.”

“Just give it a shot!”

“Alright…” she took the dress into the bathroom.

Alastor wasn’t entirely sure WHY he’d created a dress for her. He just didn’t like the idea of her going out in any of those other so-called dresses. Charlie was elegant. Those dresses were not.

“It’s not my usual style, but… I think I like it!” Charlie came out of the bathroom and did a little twirl. The puffy blue dress flared out around her. He’d modeled it after a 1950s style dress, which was fitted up top but full at the bottom. Since it was a formal occasion, the neckline was off the shoulder.

“You look FANTASTIC! Just a few finishing touches…” he pointed his microphone at her and placed a delicate pearl necklace around her neck and fashioned her hair into a more vintage style.

“Al, you’re AMAZING! I might have to have you take over as my stylist instead of Angel.” She giggled and looked at herself in the mirror.

“Angel should not be giving fashion advice to anyone. I’d recommend not taking ANY advice from him.” Alastor came up and stood behind her in the mirror. “See here? Beautiful and elegant, without being provocative.”

Charlie started to move, then stopped and bit her lip. “Something wrong, doll?”

“I wanted to hug you, but I figured you wouldn’t-OOF!” He’d crushed her against his chest. Charlie grinned at her victory. He finally let her go and she smiled up at him. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome, sweetheart!” His grin was genuine. “Though between you and me, this is all going to waste with that squawk box.”

“Speaking of…what are you NOT going to do?” She crossed her arms and raised an eyebrow.

“Hmmm, I don’t know what you’re referring to.” He smiled.

“ Alastor.”

“I wouldn’t DREAM of ruining your little date, dear.” He tweaked her nose. “Why, I thought you were going to burn the hotel to the ground last time!”

“I just…I don’t get to do this much.”

“Do what, doll?”

“Go on dates. People aren’t exactly lining up to go out with the princess of hell. Most people think I’m a joke.”

“Those people, darling, are imbeciles. Total, utter idiots.”

“I mean, I get it. I’m different. And my dad is literally the king of hell, so the idea of having to meet him one day…he’s scared off quite a few boyfriends. A few girlfriends too. And friends in general…”

“Would this happen to be one of those boyfriends?” He summoned the picture of her with the green demon.

“Oh. No, dad didn’t scare him off. He was just an asshole.”

“Then why do you keep his picture displayed?”

Charlie took the picture and chewed on her lip. “He was important to me. And this night was important to me. Dad FINALLY let me go to a dance. I was so excited. I made sure I had the perfect dress…but it wasn’t a great night. I mean, it started out that way. This picture was taken early in the evening.”

She jumped when she felt Alastor’s thumb on her lip. “Stop that. You’ll chew your lip right off, young lady!”

“Nervous habit. Anyway, it was over after that night. But I kept the picture because, at the time, I was ridiculously happy. I’m not sure anything has made me feel like that since then. Being young and in love…it’s a powerful feeling.”

“I wouldn’t know.” He plucked a stray hair off her shoulder.

“Really? You’ve never been in love?” She looked at him with big eyes.

“Sweetheart, I never even LIKED anybody.” He grinned.

“No one? There wasn’t a SINGLE PERSON you liked? Tolerated, maybe?”

“I loved my mother. That was all.”

“I find it hard to believe there was not one single person you remotely tolerated.”

“Nope. Just me and my audience!”

“So radio was your thing even when you were alive.”

“Of course! That’s how I became the radio demon.”

“But Vox is a television demon and he has a tv as a head. You have fluffy ears.”

“FLUFFY EARS?” He scoffed.

“Or is that your hair?” Charlie got a wicked smile on her face and stepped closer.

“Careful, Charlotte.” He gave her a matching grin.

“If you’d juuuust let me touch-“ she reached her hand out and he grabbed it.

“You’ll have to try harder than thaaaat!”

Husk and Niftty looked up at the sound of a scuffle, which was coming down the stairs. There was a red blur as Alastor came streaking into the lobby with a blue blur after him. “Give up, dear!”

“NEVER!”

“What the HELL is going on?!” Husk shouted as the pair crashed through the lobby.

Alastor paused long enough for Charlie to leap onto his back. “HAHAAAA!” She shouted triumphantly. She rubbed his ears and smirked. “I win.”

“Holy fuuuuuuck….” Angel walked in the front door with wide eyes. “I’m gone for two hours and she’s jumpin’ strawberry in the lobby?”

Alastor and Charlie froze. Charlie was on his back with her legs wrapped around him, which he was holding to support her, and she had one arm around his neck and the other on his ear.

“Oh! Hi guys! This…is not what it looks like.” She let go of Alastor, but he hadn’t let her go yet. “ Al!” She hissed. He dropped her legs and she fell to the floor with a thump.

“It LOOKS like you’ve got a death wish.” Husk was still gaping at them.

Charlie stood up and cleared her throat. “Sorry, Alastor. I got a little carried away.”

“Quite alright.” He appeared to still be frozen in place.

“I, uh, better go straighten up before my date. Thanks for your help, Al!” She smiled brightly and headed up the stairs.

The lobby was silent. Alastor was still frozen in place, trying to process what had just happened.

“I SHIP IT!” Nifty screeched.

“You what?” Husk asked.

“It means to want two people to be a romantic thing, even if they ain’t.” Angel answered.

“I ship you and Angel!” Nifty said to Husk.

“The FUCK you do!” Husk glared.

“Relax, she also ships me and the strawberry pimp.” Angel gestured to Alastor, but he was gone.

“She say she had a date?” Angel asked as he sat at the bar.

“Yeah. She’s going out with that dumbass tv demon.” Husk answered as he slid Angel a drink.

Angel’s face paled (as much as it could, he was covered in white fur.) “WHY?”

“Fuck if I know.”

“I gotta talk to her.” Angel ran up the stairs to Charlie’s room and began knocking.

“Go away, Al! I’m busy!”

“It’s Angel, toots.”

The door opened a minute later. “Oh! Hi Angel. I thought you went to work?”

“I did, but Val sent me home early, which is why I need to talk to you.”

“Oh! Ok. Come on in.”

Angel began anxiously pacing. “Look, I don’t like to stick my nose where it don’t belong, but I’m worried. Vox is NOT a good guy. You’d be horrified if you knew some of the stuff he did. But I also know you’re gonna say everyone deserves a second chance or some bullshit like that, so forget it. But what I’m worried about is Val.”

“Really? Why?”

“Cuz I went to work like I always do, and Val tells me I’m gonna be working all night. Big surprise. But anyway, I’m there like two hours, we ain’t even really gotten started yet, when he gets a phone call. I could tell it was Velvette cuz that bitch is loud. She was yelling at him about needing to take care of something. Then suddenly Val has to go and sends everybody home.”

“I don’t understand.”

“Do you think Val, my pimp and owner of my soul, is gonna be happy about his business partner going after you? You’re like the anti-Val!”

Charlie absorbed the information. “But…why would he be so upset? I know we have our differences-“

“Because if you knew the things he did to me and the way the Vees treat people, you’d wanna take them down. Business comes first for Val. And if you’re a threat to it…”

“You’re talking like he’s gonna try to kill me.” Charlie snorted.

“He might.”

“Look, I know he wants to protect his business, but attacking the princess of hell would be incredibly stupid.”

“So he might not attack you. He might take it out on someone you care about.” Angel looked at her and she read between the lines.

“No. Angel, no. I would NEVER let something like that happen because of me.”

“Look, this could just be me being fuckin’ paranoid. Go on your date. Maybe he’s a charmer and I’m wrong about everything. And Valentino wouldn’t do anything right then. He’d just threaten you. But be. Careful. Why don’t you ask strawberry to play guard?”

“Because that would only make things worse. They have…issues. I’ll be ok. And I’m not completely helpless. Especially when it comes to my friends.” She hugged Angel tightly and he rested his head on hers.

“Look, I know I give you a lotta shit, but you’re one of the only people that gives a shit about me. And I don’t want anything to happen to you.”

“I promise I’ll be safe. Thank you for telling me.”

“You’re welcome. Now what the hell are you wearing? You look like you’re from the 50s!”

Charlie was puzzled. Alastor had said his problem with Vox was that he’d hurt someone he cared for. So there WAS someone! She’d have to think about that later.

Alastor had been in his room trying to process everything that had just happened. The thing that confounded him most of all was the sheer JOY he had, running from Charlie and acting like an idiot. He hadn’t even minded when she caught him and touched his ears. It felt pretty nice actually. This was all dangerous, unfamiliar territory. He meant what he’d said. He didn’t even LIKE anyone. But somehow, Charlie had wormed her way in and planted a seed.

He was FOND of her. He LIKED being around her. It was weird. He didn’t like not having control over everything, and that included his feelings (or usually lack thereof) so having FONDNESS for another person was incredibly frustrating.

He felt like he should apologize if he’d made her uncomfortable. With what, he wasn’t sure exactly, but he saw the horror on everyone’s faces. He headed out into the hallway and was about to knock on her door when he heard her conversation with Angel. He stood there and listened, feeling anger begin to boil inside him. That disgusting, low life pimp had better not lay a FINGER on his Charlie-

Woah. HIS Charlie? Where did THAT come from? He didn’t have time to question it because the conversation was ending and Angel was about to leave. He knew one thing for certain:

There was no way in HELL she was going alone.

#hazbin hotel #hazbin hotel fandom #hazbin hotel fanfiction #charlastor #charlastor fanfiction #charlie x alastor

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fanartandfanfiction · 2 months

Text

HUMBLE Chapter three

A Charlastor fic. Find it on AO3 here: https://archiveofourown.org/works/54165058/chapters/137156539#workskin

Summary: Charlie and Alastor spend some time together and Charlie's dinner companion causes a stir...

Alastor didn’t sleep much, so he was up with the sun. He dressed for the day and headed to the kitchen to put on some coffee. He saw the light on under the door as he approached. Of COURSE she’d be up already. Some sort of obnoxious song was playing and she was singing along.

“ The best thing about beeein a woman

Is the prerogative to have a little fun!

WOAH OH OH!”

He silently appeared in the kitchen, not wanting to risk her seeing the door open. He leaned against the breakfast bar, resting his chin on his hands and smiling. She was preparing a bowl of something and had no idea he was there.

“ Man! I feel like a wo- “ she turned around and shrieked. “FUCK! You’ve gotta wear a bell or something!”

“But then I wouldn’t get the joy of seeing that expression!” He grinned.

“Jeez, thanks for the heart attack, Al. How’d you sleep?”

“Wonderfully! I got a full two hours.”

“Somehow that doesn’t surprise me.” She sat her bowl down and sat across from him.

“Charlie, dear. WHAT are you eating?”

“Um, cereal? They’re hell-o’s.”

“They’re garbage.” He snapped his finger and made her bowl disappear.

“HEY!”

“I cannot sit idly by while you ingest that sugary sludge. I’m going to fix you a proper breakfast.”

“I LIKE that sugary sludge.” Charlie grumbled as she poured a large cup of coffee. He watched in horror as she added more and more scoops of sugar. Her eyes flicked up towards him. “Don’t you DARE take my coffee.”

“Fine, I’ll just watch you ruin perfectly good coffee.” He grimaced when she added creamer. “Charlotte, you’re killing me.”

“So get your own cup of coffee and don’t judge mine.” She smirked and sipped it. She closed her eyes and let out a contented sigh.

He took the time to really examine the princess of hell. Her massive amount of hair was piled on top of her head and resembled a bird’s nest. She seemed to be bright eyed and bushy tailed with no trace of the downtrodden girl he’d glimpsed last night. She seemed to be wearing an oversized shirt with no pants, a fact she either wasn’t aware of or didn’t care about. The shirt went down to her thighs. His eyes widened when she turned around and reached for something off the top shelf and he saw a glimpse of bright pink underwear. She turned back around and saw his shell shocked expression. “What?”

“I don’t know about you, but i was raised to wear pants to the table.” He smirked.

“Oh!” Her cheeks flushed even brighter. “Oh god, I’m sorry. I’m always here by myself. Angel and Vaggie won’t be up for hours. I didn’t even think about…” she blushed and sipped her coffee.

“Quite alright, dear. I thought perhaps you had a rather strange policy and I’d be forced to abandon mine as well.”

Charlie choked on her coffee and laughed. “No! Oh god, I’m sorry. This is mortifying. I’m not making a very good impression.”

“No, but you’re making an interesting one.” He smiled. “What ARE you doing up at this hour?”

“I’ve always been an early riser. This is just a part of my routine. I come down here and have a quick breakfast and go over my plans for the day.” She gestured towards a bulky planner beside her.

Alastor grimaced. “What is that thing? You’ve stuffed it to the gills!”

“Oh! That book basically contains my life. It’s my planner, diary, scrapbook…proooobably shouldn’t have told you all that.”

“Don’t worry, darling, I have no desire to read your innermost thoughts. I imagine it to be quite frightening.” He rolled up his sleeves and began getting ingredients out of the fridge. “How do you take your eggs?”

She blinked at him in confusion. “Um…cooked?”

“I mean scrambled, sunny side up, fried…”

“Oh! Um…I don’t really know.”

Alastor banged his head against the refrigerator. “You dear, sweet child. I don’t know whether to pity you or throttle you.”

“Excuse me?!”

“How do you not even know how to cook an egg?!”

“Because I never had to! I grew up in a freaking palace! And that’s where I lived until I bought this place and moved in a couple years ago. No one ever taught me anything because they just assumed I’d have it brought to me on a silver platter. Do you know how embarrassing it was to not even know how to wash clothing?! So forgive me for not knowing how to cook a fucking egg!”

Alastor grinned widely at her. The little demon Belle’s horns had begun to sprout and her eyes glowed red. “Oh my! I’m tempted to continue riling you up to see what happens.”

Charlotte’s eyes widened and she immediately shifted back. “I’m sorry, I have to go.” She grabbed her book and bolted for the door. He managed to get to it with his shadow before her and keep her from leaving. “Alastor, let me go.”

“Forgive me, Charlotte. We’ve gotten off on the wrong foot this morning. I didn’t intend to upset you. Can we start fresh and have a civilized breakfast?”

Charlie’s arms were crossed and her face was scrunched up in the most adorable way. “Are you going to stop being a dick?”

“I make no promises.” He grinned.

“Fine. But only because you stole my breakfast and I’m hungry.” She sat back down at the counter and huffed.

“If you’re good, I’ll make you a special treat I just know you’ll love!”

“Can we stop with the condescension? I’m not a child. I’m MUCH older than you. I’m not a silly little girl or a puppy to pat on the head. Got it?!”

A red swirl of magic had surrounded him, coiling like a snake. He grinned widely at Charlie. “Didn’t think you’d be into tying people up, doll!”

She rolled her eyes and waved her hand, vanishing the magic. “God, you sound like angel dust.”

“Only teasing, sugar. It was an impressive little display.”

He turned his attention to cooking, which Charlie was grateful for. GOD could he be obnoxious! She had not had enough coffee to deal with him this morning. She downed her cup and turned to grab the pot. When she turned back around to refill her cup, it was already sitting there waiting for her. She blinked at it and glanced at Alastor, who was still working away at the stove. She smiled and sipped her coffee. It was exactly how she took it. A peace offering.

Charlie was completely absorbed in her planner when a plate was set down in front of her. She jumped and looked up in surprise, having completely forgotten that Alastor was there. “Oh! Thank you.”

“What’s on your busy schedule today?” He sipped his coffee and smiled.

“Weeeeell I was hoping you’d have some time this morning to go over some of the business stuff with me, as well as plans for the hotel. After that I’ve blocked off a few hours to finish cleaning out the attic, and then I have a dinner meeting with a potential investor!”

“Oh? And who would that be?”

“His name is Vox, the demon with the tv head?”

Alastor’s head snapped up and loud crackling and static filled the room. “ No.”

“No what?”

“We do not need to associate with that grandstanding buffoon!”

Charlie raised her eyebrows. “Sounds like someone has some beef with Vox.”

“He’s an arrogant narcissistic asshole who is only interested in boosting his reputation and fortune.”

“Sure, sure, you don’t seem personally invested at all. Well, you don’t have to join us for dinner.”

“Absolutely not, Charlotte. We cannot trust that overlord!”

“Do you REALLY wanna lecture me about trusting overlords, Alastor? Because your reputation is far worse than his.”

“Surely you could find someone else to be an investor! Let me use my connections and set up a meeting.”

Charlie sighed. “Alastor, we can’t afford to make an enemy of the Vee’s. I’m not going to agree to anything, sign any contracts, or make any deals. We are simply having dinner to discuss the hotel.”

Alastor was silent. “I suppose I can’t stop you from going. But I think this is a bad idea.”

What could Vox possibly want to do with the hotel? What would he gain from investing? What would he be getting out of this? He got his answer when Charlie came down the stairs that evening. She was talking to Angel as she fastened her earring. “I should be back in a couple of hours. Are you sure I’m dressed alright?”

“Are you kidding?! You look smokin’ baby!”

“Thank you, but that’s not what I meant. I want to look professional and classy. Of course he picked a fancy restaurant.”

“Let’s get strawberry’s opinion. Well? Is she a classy looking lady or what?”

Charlie was dressed in a deep blue cocktail dress that hit just above the knee, with sapphire earrings and tall heels. Her makeup was soft and her hair was curled neatly.

“You look lovely, doll. Do you require an escort to your destination?”

“No, thanks though! He’s sending a car.”

“Remember, Toots. Confidence. So put on a smile, push up your tits, and win him over. Seriously, do those go any higher? Maybe you got a wonder bra or somethin’?”

“Angel!” Charlie hissed.

“C’mere, let me help.” He yanked her into the tiny office behind the counter.

“ANGEL!” Charlie shouted.

“It looks better!”

Charlie came rushing out of the back, cheeks burning brightly. Angel just looked smug.

“I’m tellin’ ya, Charlie. You’ve got a hot body. Use it! What good is it to look like that and not use it to your advantage? Take it from me, my tits have gotten me plenty of advantages. Actually, this is just chest fluff, but if I make it look like tits, I’ve got idiots drooling all over me.”

“Charlotte does not need to use her body to succeed!” Alastor’s voice crackled.

“Calm down, grandpa, I ain’t tellin’ her to sleep with him! Though it would help…” they both jumped as the static increased. “Jeez you’re uptight! I was kidding. Cool your jets. I’m just saying, I know Charlie can give a fantastic pitch, it just doesn’t hurt to put it in pretty packaging. Your car’s here, toots. Where ya havin’ dinner?”

“Chez Mal. Oh boy. Wish me luck!” Charlie walked out the front door of the hotel.

“What’s the problem, strawberry? Feelin’ jealous?” Angel batted his eyes at him. “Because if you’re lookin’ for some company-“ Angel was stopped in his tracks by a shadow wrapping around him.

“Let’s get one thing straight, my effeminate fellow. Charlie may put up with your crass behavior, but I will not. You will speak to me with respect and I shall extend the same courtesy to you. Do you understand?”

“Ooh, harder, deer daddy!” Angel grinned.

“What's going on here?!” Vaggie said as she entered the hotel.

“Just having a conversation, doll.” Alastor smiled.

“Let. Him. Go.”

“Calm down, Vagatha.” He released Angel.

“That’s not my name. Where’s Charlie? I’ve been out all day passing out flyers for the hotel and doing the weekly shopping.”

“She left for her meeting.” Angel replied, examining his nails and looking bored.

“What meeting?”

“The dinner meeting with Vox.”

“WHAT?!”

Angel blinked in surprise. “She didn’t tell you?”

“No she didn’t fucking tell me! Because she knows I wouldn’t have let her go!”

“Sorry toots, but you don’t own her and you can’t control her. No matter how much you want to.” Angel smirked.

“And you! You know Vox is an asshole! You let her go?!” She snarled at Alastor.

“To echo the spider, I don’t own her. I can’t control her. I did try to talk her out of it.”

“Fuck! I don’t trust any of the Vee’s.”

Alastor had an idea. “I coooould send my shadow to keep an eye on her. For a price.”

“I’m not selling you my fucking soul.”

“And I’m not interested in possessing it.”

“Forget it. I’m not making any deals with you. I’ll just go find her myself.”

“And do what, exactly? Drag her out of there? Scold her like a child?”

“Fuck you! I can’t believe you two.” She headed upstairs and began calling Charlie.

“Ignore her. She’s just bitter cuz she can’t get Charlie on her team.” Angel snorted.

“I’m afraid I don’t follow?”

“Vaggie is a taco eater. Charlie, while eating the occasional taco, prefers the sausage.”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“She’s a lesbian! And Charlie ain’t!” Husk raised his head from the bar where he’d been passed out.

“Oooooh. I see. Now I understand her behavior.” This was an interesting bit of information to have. “And does Charlotte know?”

Angel laughed loudly. “Charlie wouldn’t know someone was hittin’ on her if her life depended on it. She just thinks everyone wants to be her friend.”

Oh dear. That could be a problem. Because someone like Vox would absolutely use that to his advantage. Angel finished his drink, and when he turned around, Alastor was gone.

“Charlotte! You look breathtaking this evening.” Vox helped her out of the car and kissed her cheek.

“Thank you! I wasn’t sure what to wear, I don’t go to places like this a lot.”

“That, my dear, is a shame. A woman like you should be spoiled! Come, we’ve got a reservation for the finest table in the place.” He offered his elbow and Charlie took it, feeling a bit self conscious. He led her inside and pulled out her chair for her. She thanked him and tried to remember the pitch she’d prepared.

A waiter appeared and poured them each a glass of wine. Charlie looked around and felt confused. It seemed to be an awfully romantic place for a meeting.

“Something on your mind, darling?” He smiled at her.

“I was just admiring the view. It’s lovely, you can see the whole city from here.” She smiled as she looked out the large picture window.

“Yes, the view IS stunning. I could stare at it all day.” Vox was smiling at her and laying on the charm.

My god, Charlie WAS oblivious. Alastor slapped his palm against his face. He’d gone to the restaurant in case he needed to make a quick rescue, but for now he was outside and letting his shadow do the spy work.

“I bet you can see the hotel from here!” Charlie grinned. Vox’s face (screen?) fell as he realized his flirting had gone right over her head. “I’m super excited to tell you about everything we have to offer! I even brought a binder you can take with you full of information about the project.” She snapped her fingers and a hot pink binder appeared.

Alastor laughed hysterically upon seeing Vox’s expression, making the other demons on the street scatter. Clearly he’d thought they’d put business aside and it would be a romantic evening. He’d underestimated Charlie.

They all did.

45 minutes later, Charlie reached the end of her presentation and smiled widely. “Well?”

“That was…thorough.” He smiled.

“You can take the binder with you to show the other Vees. I highlighted the important parts!” She shoved the binder at him.

He flipped it open and frowned. “It’s all highlighted.”

“Yep!”

He shut the binder and gave her a tight smile. “Thank you for this. I’ll have to give it some thought.”

“That’s all I’m asking for!”

“Perhaps we can put business aside for the evening?”

“Oh, of course! I’m sorry, once I get turned on it’s hard to turn me back off!” She giggled. Vox choked on his wine. Alastor laughed hysterically.

“Are you alright?!”

“Yes, sorry about that.” He gave her a charming smile. “I have to say, Charlotte, that I find you quite enchanting.”

“Oh you can just call me Charlie!” She smiled.

“Charlie…you have a beautiful smile.”

“Aw, thank you! I think the fangs take away from it.” She giggled.

“Not at all. You’re a vision, Charlie.”

“You’re so sweet!”

“And it’s not just your looks, though they are stunning. It’s your personality, your drive. Your…passion.” He reached across the table and took Charlie’s hand.

Surely to GOD Charlie would pick up on it now. No one could be that oblivious.

He was wrong.

Charlie smiled brightly and put her hand on top of his. “It means so much to hear you say that. I’ve felt pretty discouraged lately. A lot of people hate my guts. Sometimes it builds up and takes a toll on me.”

“How could anyone hate an angel like you?” He leaned closer.

“Oh believe me, plenty of people do. Either because of my personality or my dad.”

“They’d be a fool not to see how wonderful you are.”

Ugh. Alastor hated Vox even more now.

“You’re sweet. Thank you for tonight, this was great! I needed to get out. I live and work at the hotel so there’s days I never leave it.”

“Well then, I suppose we’ll have to do this again.”

The bill came and Charlie reached for it, but Vox handed over his card. “I’m happy to have made you smile this evening.”

“Fine, but the next one is on me!”

They headed outside and Alastor was right behind them. “Could I interest you in a nightcap?” Vox asked, his hand on her lower back. Alastor quietly steamed.

“Oh, thank you, but I should really get back to the hotel.”

“Surely they can manage without you for a bit longer.”

“It’s just, we have some new residents, and I feel bad for taking off on them.”

“Your devotion to your guests is wonderful, Charlotte. But is anyone devoted to you?”

“I mean, I know I can count on my best friend Vaggie. We’ve been through soooo much together.”

“But does anyone hold your heart?” Vox stepped closer, placing a hand on her waist.

“Whaaaat’s happening?” Charlie asked, completely confused.

“Someone should be devoted to you, Charlotte. Worship and adore you.” He brushed a finger across her cheek. Charlie was frozen in place with wide eyes.

“I’m not…really the worshiping type…” she really wasn’t sure how to respond.

“Men should be falling at your feet just to earn one of your smiles.”

“That’s kind of dramatic.” She whispered it since he was moving closer. Uh, what the FUCK?

“Charlotte…” he cupped her cheek and leaned forward. Charlie was in full panic mode.

“THERE you are, doll! I’ve been looking all over for you!” Alastor’s voice made them both jump.

“What the fuck are you doing here?! Stay back, Charlie.” He stood in front of her.

“Weeeell! Aren’t you noble! But that’s unnecessary. Charlie and I are partners.” He grinned.

“Partners?!” Vox looked stunned.

“Right…I mentioned that I just took on a new business partner…” Charlie was anxious. This could be very, VERY bad.

“You’re working with the RADIO demon?!” Blue lights flickered across his screen.

“Sooort oooof?”

“Sort of? Why, we signed the papers this morning, didn’t we, doll?” Alastor slung an arm around her.

“Charlie, you shouldn’t be working with him. You have no idea what he’s capable of.”

“I’d be HAPPY to demonstrate!” Alastor grinned.

“NO!” Charlie stood in front of him. “Al, we talked about this.”

“AL?” Vox gaped at the pair.

Charlie turned around with a bright forced smile. “Thank you for a LOVELY evening-“ she shoved Alastor’s hand off her shoulder. “And I’d love to continue this conversation another TIME-“ she removed his other hand. “And I hope that my association with ALASTOR-“ another smack. “Won’t influence how you feel about me or the hotel.” She closed her eyes and gritted her teeth as Alastor placed both hands back on her shoulders.

“Of course, Charlie. Let’s talk about this again. ALONE.”

“Thank you, Vox.” She removed herself from Alastor. She leaned forward and kissed Vox’s cheek (or where a cheek would be) causing his screen to flicker. “Goodn-“ was all she got out before Alastor grabbed her hand and took her back to the hotel.

“WHAT THE FUCK, ALASTOR?!” Charlie screamed at him, her horns growing and her eyes blazing red as they stood before the hotel.

“It was a rescue, doll! I could tell you didn’t want that waste of electricity to kiss you!”

“What were you even DOING there?!”

“Keeping an eye on things.”

“Alastor, we have to have boundaries! That was not ok!”

“So I should’ve let him force himself on you?”

“He wasn’t going to force himself on me!” Their shouting had drawn the others out of the hotel.

“Really? Would you have stopped him on your own? You looked like a deer in the headlights!”

“I WOULD HAVE HANDLED IT!”

“CHARLIE! What the hell were you thinking?!” Vaggie stomped over.

“I cannot deal with both of you right now, Vaggie.”

“But-“

“PLEASE.” Charlie pleaded. Vaggie nodded and retreated. “Alastor, you’ve potentially ruined a HUGE opportunity! And over what?! And I swear to GOD if you say entertainment, I will kick your ass so hard that you’ll have to search all nine circles TO FIND IT!”

Alastor was stunned. And pleasantly surprised. But he was the one in control here. He stepped closer to her and looked down on her with a smile. “The only opportunity I ruined, sweetheart, was the opportunity for him to get in your pants. He had no interest in your hotel. He wanted to fuck you. And if you cannot see that, you are even more gullible and naive than I thought.”

“Ooooooh shit.” Angel whispered, watching the pair with wide eyes. This was either gonna get really good or really bad.

Alastor prided himself on always having the upper hand. He was always in control, and always prepared for anything. But what he wasn’t prepared for was Charlotte’s fist slamming into his face, knocking him to the ground.

“YOU DON’T THINK I KNOW THAT?!” She sobbed. “That’s how it ALWAYS is, Alastor! No one will ever take me seriously because of the way I look! You and everyone else believe that I’m a naive little girl, but guess what? I’ve been around longer than all your lifetimes combined. This is nothing new to me. There will ALWAYS be people who just want to use me, but it is up to ME to handle it! You have NO IDEA about ANY of the shit I have dealt with! And I’m still here. So I don’t need a fucking knight in shining armor. I don’t need a guard dog. And I don’t need you.” Charlie turned and pushed past the other residents and went inside.

There was tense silence. “We’re all gonna fucking die, aren’t we?” Angel finally said.

Alastor was still on the ground, a large grin on his face. He was absolutely stunned. He was enraged. He was…

Aroused?

He teleported back into his room. He touched his cheek where Charlie had punched him and smiled wider, causing an ache in his jaw. For the first time in DECADES, someone was able to touch him. To keep him on his toes. To potentially kill him.

FANTASTIC!

That was the first time he’d truly felt ALIVE in years. And if he wanted to keep this feeling, he needed to fix this. He knew exactly how.

Charlie was furious. How DARE he show up and act like a jackass?! She would’ve handled it. She would’ve politely told Vox she was only interested in a business partnership. It would’ve been awkward, sure, but at least diplomatic. The Vees would never consider working with them now.

The part she was the most upset about was that she had been a bit naive. She’d truly hoped it was a business meeting. But as soon as she saw the romantic setting and the way his eyes were glued to her, she knew it wasn’t. She’d hoped by being seemingly oblivious that he’d take the hint. He took that as being too subtle.

What a terrible problem to have, right? Being TOO pretty? Well it fucking sucked. It had been this way her whole life. She remembered the first time she’d been told she was just a pretty face. She was still a child.

“Charlotte? Come here a moment.” Her mother had called her. Charlie was about ten at the time, and reaching puberty for demons. Her body was already beginning to change.

“Yes, mommy?”

“Come here and sit beside me.” Her mother patted the spot on the bench next to her in front of the lighted vanity mirror. Her mother smiled at her in the mirror. “Tell me what you see.”

“Um…us?”

“Yes, of course. But do you know what else you’re looking at?”

“What?”

Lilith held her face between her hands. “Your most powerful weapon.”

“I don’t understand?”

“We have a gift, Charlie. We have the gift of beauty. And men are such fools for beauty. They’ll wage wars and bow before you just for a scrap of your attention. This is a very powerful tool, Charlotte. With a pretty face, you can get whatever you want.”

“I still don’t get it.”

Lilith sighed. “Men will desire you, Charlotte. And if they think they have a chance to bed you, they’ll do anything you ask. You just have to give them a smile and a little bit of hope that you might pity them enough to sleep with them.”

The next “lesson” she had was in high school. She sucked at math and needed help. She’d gone to her teacher and asked for assistance. He said he’d offer it, for a price. She saw the lust in his eyes. The way his gaze flickered across her chest. She thought of what her mother had said. She could probably just ask for a passing grade.

But that’s not who she was.

Her high school was scrambling to find a replacement after their math teacher suddenly left with no warning or explanation. How odd!

She could think of hundreds of times she’d experienced things like that. And she thought about her first love, the one she’d given her virginity to.

Seviathan.

She’d loved him so much. He made a lot of empty promises and always said the right things to string her along until he got what he wanted. Then he was gone. He told her that there really wasn’t anything between them. She was just a pretty face and a nice piece of ass.

Charlie sat in front of that same vanity she’d sat at with her mother and cried. She’d changed into her pajamas, intending to go to bed, but if she didn’t brush out her hair, birds would be nesting in it by morning.

There was a quiet knock on her door. “Go away, Vaggie.”

“It’s not Vaggie, dear.” She heard Alastor reply.

“Oh. Fuck off, Alastor.”

“I’d like to apologize.”

“I repeat, fuck off, Alastor.” It was quiet and she thought he’d given up. She should’ve known better than that. He appeared behind her in the mirror and she wheeled on him. “Jesus fucking CHRIST, Alastor! Do you have ANY boundaries?!”

“Not typically, no.” He smiled.

“I will ask you politely one time to get out of my room. After that, I will not be polite. Do you understand me?”

“I brought a peace offering.” He held up a plate of something.

“I don’t want your peace offering. I want you to leave.” She returned to her seat and began brushing her hair again.

“It’s a sugary baked good…”

“Leave.”

“Charlotte, please.”

“Alastor, I am NOT in the mood to deal with you right now.” She put her face in her hands and groaned. She froze when she felt her hair being brushed. She looked up at him in the mirror and for once he wasn’t smiling. “Uuuuuh what the fuck are you doing?”

“Attempting to undo the tangled mess on the back of your head. I don’t know how you deal with so much hair.”

The radio demon was brushing her hair. BRUSHING HER HAIR. This was super weird. “Alastor…you know it’s weird to just start brushing somebody’s hair, right?”

“Mhm.” He replied while continuing to work. “You may find this hard to believe, but I don’t typically interact with people. I work alone, and I have no need for companions. That’s the way I’ve always been, even when I was alive. So I realize now that, in my efforts to be helpful, I have overstepped and pushed your boundaries.”

She stared at him in the mirror in thought. “Sorry, I don’t buy it. You were intentionally riling Vox up, admit it.”

“Sharp as a tack, my dear. I was a fool to underestimate you.”

“Why? And don’t you dare say entertainment.”

Alastor sighed. “We have a personal history. He was once very cruel to someone I cared for very much, and that’s all I’ll say on the matter.”

“Fair enough.” She watched the surprisingly gentle radio demon in the mirror. “Honesty works best with me, Al. And if we’re going to work together, I need you to be honest with me. I’m not asking you to tell me your secrets or bare your soul. I’m just asking you to communicate. You could’ve said ‘hey, I have a very personal problem with this guy. I’d rather not work with him.”

Alastor’s eyes flickered to hers. “You have no idea how difficult that is for me to do. How difficult THIS is.” He gestured between them. “I don’t DO this.”

“Brushing people’s hair? I’d hope not.” She smiled.

“Talk about personal things. It’s not my style, doll.”

Charlie was thoughtful for a moment. “You can, you know. You don’t have to be the radio demon all the time. Sometimes I get tired of being cheerful Charlie. It’s a lot of pressure wearing a mask all the time. Sometimes you need to be able to drop that mask and rest. So even though I’m still mad at you…you can always talk to me.”

Alastor froze mid stroke with the brush. He was silent for several moments. “Thank you, Charlotte.”

“I think my hair is fine now, Al. Thank you.” She stood and smiled, taking the brush from him. He was still frozen in place. “Uuuuh Al? This is creepier than you smiling all the time.”

He seemed to wake up and put his bright smile back on. “Sorry, sweetheart, lost my head for a minute. I brought you a peace offering, I think you’ll be very pleased with it.” He picked up the dish he’d brought and removed the cover. “They’re beignets. Sort of like a French donut covered in powdered sugar.”

Charlie’s eyes lit up. “Oooooh!” She picked up a beignet and bit it. She closed her eyes and made an absolutely SINFUL noise. “Alright, I accept.” She smiled.

“Good. I’ll get out of your hair now.”

“Not so fast. I’d like to make a deal.”

He turned around quickly. “What?”

“Make a deal with me. No more coming into my room unannounced and uninvited. In return, I will not punch you in the face again, because I still feel really bad about that even though you totally deserved it.” She smiled.

“Hmmm. No dice, doll. I might need a good punch every now and then and you’re the only one that can throw it.”

“Alright. What do YOU want?”

Alastor drummed his fingers on his chin in thought. What could he ask for? He smiled as it came to him. “One hour of your time each week. An uninterrupted hour of your company.”

Charlie looked surprised. “Really? Why?”

Time to try the honesty thing again. “Because clearly I need to work on my people skills and spending time with a blonde chatterbox should be helpful.”

“Does it matter what day or time? And do I get to choose or do you just snap your fingers?”

“I know which one I’D prefer, but I’ll let you choose.”

Charlie gave him a small smile. “You will stop popping up in my room unannounced and uninvited like a jack in the box. I will give you one hour of my time each week, which will be mutually decided on by both parties.”

“Do we have a deal?” His grin grew as his palm glowed green.

Charlie took it with a smile. “Deal. Now can I get some sleep?”

“Of course. Goodnight, Charlotte.”

“Goodnight, Alastor.” She shut the door in his face once again.

He was beginning to like that.

He turned around and saw the little moth girl gaping at him. “Goodnight, Vagatha!”

“What were you doing in Charlie’s room?”

“That, my dear, is between me and Charlie. I’d suggest you leave her be for now, she was going to bed.” He hummed as he walked down the hall to his room, leaving Vaggie in stunned silence.

Once he got to his room and shut the door tightly behind him, he fell apart. What the fuck was THAT?! What was wrong with him?! He didn’t TALK to people, and he CERTAINLY didn’t brush their hair. Even he knew that had been weird. But he was overwhelmed with the desire to touch it, and it might buy him an opportunity to talk. It did, mostly because she was too confused to be mad at him. He was mesmerized by the golden waterfall that was her hair. He enjoyed the silky feeling between his fingertips.

And then he just COULDN’T SHUT UP. He told her way more than he meant to. He’d intended to go there and say something along the lines of “sorry I ruined your date but Vox is a jackass so I made the executive decision to end it!” Not ramble about not knowing how to interact with people.

It was true though. Even as a child, he didn’t know how to play with the other kids. He didn’t know how to engage with them. And that never improved. And then in his afterlife, he was a feared overlord so it’s not like anyone was lining up for a chat (he would’ve killed them if they did)

He enjoyed the look of fear in their eyes. He loved making them scatter just by showing up. It made him feel untouchable.

Until tonight.

Yes, that must’ve been the problem. She’d socked him in the jaw so hard she’d knocked a screw loose, and that’s why he acted like an idiot. Now it made sense!

#hazbin hotel #fanfic #hazbin hotel fandom #hazbin hotel fanfiction #charlastor #charlastor fanfic #charlie x alastor

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fanartandfanfiction · 2 months

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HUMBLE

A charlastor fic

Chapter two: Elephant in the room

Alastor’s reception is…mixed. No one quite knows how to interact with him. The princess, however, doesn’t seem to give a shit.

————— -

Alastor was standing in the kitchen preparing the jambalaya and could sense the little moth girl hovering. “It’s impolite to stare.”

Vaggie came into the kitchen with her arms crossed. “I don’t know what your game is, but I don’t trust you.”

“A wise decision, really.” He hummed as he chopped ingredients.

“Charlie may have decided to let you stay, but just know I’ll be keeping my eye on you.”

“You only have one, dear, I’m sure you can find something MUCH more interesting to watch.”

The girl muttered something in Spanish and left. Good.

Apparently he couldn’t be left alone in the kitchen, which was ironic, since he was literally holding a knife. “Yes, dear?”

“Oh! Hi!” Charlie waved and looked embarrassed. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to interrupt, I was just coming to see what smelled so good. I kind of thought you were joking when you said you were going to make jambalaya.”

“Oh I’d NEVER joke about jambalaya, doll.” He winked at her.

“What…exactly is it?”

He gave her a surprised smile. “You’ve never had it?”

“No, I mean, I was born here. I’ve never really gotten to try different foods.”

“My dear, you are truly missing out! I’ll have to prepare some other dishes for you to sample sometime.” He waved her closer and she stepped forward, looking unsure. “The main ingredient is rice. Then you throw all sorts of tasty things in there, sausage and chicken, all sorts of spices…everybody makes it differently. My mother liked an extra kick, so she’d add a splash of tobasco.”

“I suck at cooking. Vaggie said I can burn water.” He was surprised when she hopped up onto the counter and sat. She looked at him with a small smile. “Can you keep a secret?”

“I’m excellent at them!”

“This is my emergency cookie stash. I have to hide them or Angel eats all my Oreos.” She reached up under the cabinet and pressed a hidden button, dropping down a compartment. “Vaggie does too. As my new business partner, you are entitled to secret emergency cookies, so long as you keep them a secret.” She opened a bag and popped a cookie into her mouth.

Alastor’s smile was genuine. What an odd girl. “You don’t have to worry about me, I don’t have much of a sweet tooth.” He stirred the jambalaya and looked back at her. “What constitutes a cookie emergency?”

“Well…getting into a fight with a news anchor on live tv, for starters.” She popped another cookie into her mouth.

“Do that sort of thing often, doll?”

“No. And I hate that I did. I’m usually more in control of my anger. I have to be.”

“Why’s that?” Now he could begin to pry.

“I know I don’t look like it, but when I go into full demon or even partial demon mode…I can’t control it. I’m super strong and shoot fire and it’s just a reeeeally bad time.”

“On the contrary! I think that sounds like a DELIGHTFUL time!” He grinned.

“You would.” She chuckled. “Don’t think I haven’t heard the stories.”

“I should hope so! I have a reputation to uphold.” He abandoned the pot and came to stand in front of her, closer than necessary and with an unnerving smile. How he LOVED making other people squirm. The princess, however, was unbothered. She looked up at him in surprise as she ate another cookie. “Do you fear me, Charlotte?” He asked with a crackle in his voice.

He was completely unprepared for her response. She SHRUGGED. “Like you said, if you were going to hurt us, you would’ve done it by now. And if you DO decide to kill us, it won’t really be my problem anymore.”

“Then why’d you slam the door in my face?” He smirked.

“Because you were literally the last person I would ever expect to be at my doorstep. Also I was very confused, so I opened the door again to make sure. And I couldn’t think of a single reason you’d be here other than to kill me or wreck the hotel.”

“Nonsense! I have no desire to kill you, dear! Why would I?”

She shrugged again. “A power move. Happens pretty often, actually.”

“People trying to kill you?”

“Kill me, kidnap me, plenty of other things…” she looked utterly bored as she rattled off the list. “But I can take care of myself.”

“And what, dear Charlotte, do you do to your foes?” He was still standing in front of her. He liked to rattle people by invading their personal space. She was unbothered.

“Wouldn’t you like to know.” She smirked.

Alastor’s ears twitched. “Hide your cookies, doll.”

Charlotte shoved the cookies behind her just as the kitchen door opened. Angel walked in and looked surprised to see the pair. “Am I interrupting ?”

Charlie was suddenly very aware of how close Alastor was.

Charlie laughed uncomfortably. “No, not at all! I was just pestering Al with cooking questions.”

Angel looked genuinely frightened. “Oh no. Tell me you ain’t trying to cook again.”

“I might! I should really learn.”

“That you’re a hazard in the kitchen? Because I agree.”

“Don’t try to distract me. I’m still mad at you.” Charlie glared. Well, Charlie’s equivalent of a glare.

“Whaaaat? Come on, I was just lettin’ off a little steam!”

“By participating in a turf war?!”

“You won’t let me do drugs! And besides, I ain’t the only one that fucked up today.”

Alastor saw the flash of hurt across her face. “I know. I probably ruined everything. Who’d want to come to the hotel after that?” She jumped as Alastor’s hand waved right in front of her.

“Forget about me already, sweetheart? Your fiasco on the picture show is WHY I came here.” He pinched her cheek and smiled.

“Yeah, I don’t think you’re her target audience. Call me when dinner is ready.” He left the kitchen and Charlie looked upset with herself. She was startled as he shoved a cookie in her mouth, then patted her head before returning to the jambalaya.

The dinner table was silent. Vaggie glared at Alastor, who simply smiled in return. Charlie glared at Angel, who was absorbed in his phone. And Husk glared at everyone. Nifty had declined to join them for dinner.

“Soooooo. We gonna talk about the elephant in the room?” Angel asked, finally looking away from his phone. “Charlie kickin’ that news bitch’s ass and setting that Tom guy on fire?”

“I lost my temper.” Charlie focused on her food.

“THAT’S an understatement.”

“If you hadn’t been literally in the middle of a fucking turf war while she was talking about your rehabilitation, it wouldn’t have gotten so out of hand!” Vaggie snapped.

“Certainly we can find something better to talk about over dinner! Tell me about your grand plans for the hotel, Charlotte.” Alastor gave her a winning smile.

Charlie launched into a long winded speech while the moth girl continued to stare him down. He sent his shadow behind her and made it flick her in the head. “Hey!” She glared. Alastor just smirked.

When they finished eating, Charlie smiled brightly. “Let’s all thank Alastor for preparing such a delicious meal for everyone! And I know that with all of your help, tomorrow will be a happy day in hell!”

“Whatever. I’m going to my room.” Angel left and Vaggie approached Charlie.

“Do you want to do something tonight? Take your mind off what happened?”

“Thank you, Vaggie, but I’m going to wash these dishes and go to bed.”

“Nifty can wash those for you, dear!” Alastor appeared beside her. “The princess of hell shouldn’t be washing dishes.”

“I do a lot of things a princess shouldn’t be doing. And I like washing the dishes.”

“At least allow me to take them to the kitchen for you.” He summoned all the dishes and held the door open for Charlie. She thanked him and headed to the sink. He smiled brightly at Vaggie, who scowled as the door closed.

Charlie liked washing dishes, it was kind of relaxing. She turned her mind off and focused on the warm water and the bubbles. She was in her own little world when Alastor popped up beside her.

“Penny for your thoughts?”

“FUCK!” She dropped the dish she’d been holding and it shattered in the sink.

“Apologies.” He snapped his fingers and repaired the dish.

“No, it’s alright, I was in my own little world.”

“I know, I watched you wash the same dish three times. I figured someone oughta wake you up.” He stood beside her and picked up a dish towel and began drying. “You need an ear, sweetheart?”

Charlie wasn’t sure she could trust him. She’d JUST met him, she wasn’t about to bare her heart. She decided to just keep it vague. “Sometimes it’s hard knowing even the people I care about don’t believe in me.”

“Well of course they don’t! Your dream is ridiculous!” He grinned and Charlie glared at him. “Luckily, it doesn’t matter one bit if anyone else believes in it. Do you believe in your dream, Charlie girl?”

“Of course I do.”

“Then what’s the problem?” He noticed she was nearly out of dishes and would use the opportunity to dodge the talk. He silently added a few of the clean dishes back into the water with his magic.

“It’s just discouraging. Knowing that no one takes you seriously and is just waiting for you to fail. It makes my dream seem even more distant, because I’m alone.” She’d said the words out loud she did not intend to say. Her eyes were as wide as the plates she was washing and she was frozen in place. Alastor simply plucked the dish she’d been holding and began to dry.

“That’s where you’re wrong, sweetheart. You’re not alone. I intend to stay here beside you whether this place succeeds or fails! Personally I’m hoping for the latter, as it’s MUCH more entertaining.”

Charlie stared up at him with an expression he couldn’t read.

“I still don’t know why you’re here.”

“I told you, doll! Boredom!”

“And you could entertain yourself in any of the nine circles you pleased. There’s much more entertainment than running a little hotel.” Her ruby eyes were fixed on his. Impressive! Most avoided eye contact with the radio demon.

Perhaps she wasn’t as naive as he thought. He was just going to change tactics and put all his cards on the table. “You want a straight answer? I’m here because of you, Charlie Morningstar. Because I’m somewhat FASCINATED by you. You are the daughter of the KING of hell, you have to be incredibly powerful. Yet I watched you on the news getting your blonde patootie kicked. You could’ve destroyed that woman with a snap of your fingers. Why didn’t you?” He cocked his head in the way that made people cringe.

“Because I didn’t want to.” Charlie shrugged.

“But WHY?”

“I didn’t actually want to hurt her.”

“That still doesn’t answer my question.”

Charlie huffed and looked up at him. He could see a spark in her eyes.

“Because everyone here has been hurt enough. I won’t contribute to it. I don’t enjoy hurting other people. I want to help them. I was born here, I’ll be here my entire life, and I guess I’ll eventually die here. But these people, MY people are human souls. People that laughed and danced and had families, watched the sunset…They messed up when they were alive. But does that mean their souls should be tormented for all of their afterlife? Who HASN’T fucked up and wished they could change it? And sure, I know some of them wouldn’t change a thing, because they don’t regret the things they did one bit. But there are others, people like Angel, who had a shitty life and did some things he’s not proud of. Why should he suffer for all of eternity? So no, I won’t hurt people. I don’t want to own any souls. I want to give people hope, and that’s something they don’t have here.”

Alastor just stared at her. He wasn’t sure how to respond. Instead, he just patted her head and went back to drying.

“I’m not a puppy.” She scowled.

“But look at those big puppy dog eyes of yours!” He grinned. She had now picked up the same dish for the fourth time. He wondered how many times he could get away with it.

“You don’t have to dry, you know. You and I both could clean this up in an instant.”

“Yep!” He put the dish back for the fifth time, his grin growing wider.

“So tell me- ALASTOR!” She finally caught on and glared at him while he cackled. “You think you’re funny, don’t you?” The little demon belle glared up at him, hands on her hips.

“Oh I’m hilarious, doll! I was curious to see how many times I could get you to wash the same dish. That was number five, by the way.”

“You’re such an ass.” She rolled her eyes but he saw the hint of a smile on her face. “What I was GOING to say, was to tell me if you needed anything or had any questions. I’ll give you my cell number, it’s-“ she jumped at the loud crackling that came from him.

“I don’t fool with those ridiculous contraptions.”

“What, a phone? Did you not have a phone when you were alive? Were they not invented yet?”

“I’m not THAT old, dear. I’ve used a telephone. But that THING is a soulless machine that sucks the life out of those that fall victim to them, staring at their little screens for hours and hours, rotting their minds and feeding the INSATIABLE MACHINE!.”

His antlers had grown and his eyes glowed red.

Charlie laughed. She LAUGHED at him. He was so stunned that he immediately shifted back into his regular form. “Why are you laughing?”

“Because I thought I was the only one around here with a flair for the dramatics!” She giggled.

“I wasn’t being dramatic!”

“Oh you were DEFINITELY being dramatic. It’s a cellphone, a little rectangle. If I touch you with it, will you burn like a vampire?” She grinned and moved to touch him with the phone when his hand shot out and held her wrist in place.

“ I don’t like to be touched.” He gave her a grin that he knew was particularly frightening.

“Why?” She asked with a smile.

“Because I don’t!”

“That still doesn’t answer my questiiiion!” She repeated his own words back to him.

A genuine grin took over his face then. It had been a long time since he’d had witty banter with anyone. Most were either too scared to be around him (good) or too stupid to hold his attention.

“Touché, Charlotte.”

“You wanna let me go now?”

He realized with a shock that he was still holding her wrist. He dropped it like it burnt him and stepped back. “Apologies. I think I’ll retire for the night. See you in the morning!” And then he was gone. He appeared in his room and sat on the edge of his bed. Perhaps this would be more challenging than he thought. He’d assumed she was a little blonde airhead like everyone else. But he should know better than to underestimate the devil’s daughter.

Charlie sat at her vanity table and brushed out her ridiculous amount of hair. It was always such a chore, but she didn’t mind. What an awful day. She hoped she’d made the right choice in partnering with the radio demon. He didn’t seem to be anything like he’d been described. In the kitchen he’d been almost playful. It was weird. She sighed and checked her phone, on the off chance she’d missed a call from her mother.

She hadn’t.

She always felt a little better when she sang, so as she brushed her hair she sang one of her favorite songs. She didn’t want to disturb the other residents, so she sang softly to herself.

“ The sun'll come out

Tomorrow

Bet your bottom dollar

That tomorrow there'll be sun

Just thinkin' about

Tomorrow

Clears away the cobwebs

And the sorrow 'til there's none!”

Alastor’s ears twitched. What was that? Was someone singing? He opened his door and the song was louder.

“When I'm stuck with a day

That's gray and lonely

I just stick out my chin

And grin and say, oh

The sun'll come out

Tomorrow

So ya gotta hang on

'Til tomorrow come what may.”

For such cheerful lyrics, it was a hauntingly beautiful song when she sang it. It was slow and sad and so…unusual for her. The princess was quite talented indeed. He stood in his doorway and kept listening. His curiosity was killing him, so he sent his shadow to see what she was up to. He pictured her standing in the middle of the room singing with a smile on her face. He was shocked with what he was actually met with.

The princess was in a black silky nightgown and was sitting at a lighted table. She was brushing her ridiculous amount of hair and singing. He was about to call his shadow back until he noticed something else.

She had tears running freely down her cheeks as she sang in her delicate voice.

“ Tomorrow, tomorrow

I love ya tomorrow

You're always, a day away

The sun'll come out

Tomorrow

So ya gotta hang on

'Til tomorrow come what may

Tomorrow, tomorrow

I love ya tomorrow

You’re always a day away!”

Charlie looked at herself in the mirror and sniffed. She looked pathetic. Her eyes widened as she swore she saw something move behind her in the mirror, but when she looked again she didn’t see anything. She figured she was just tired. It had been a long day.

Well that was just downright depressing! Charlie was known for her obnoxiously happy persona, always a ball of energy and sunshine. That was a stark difference from the Charlie he’d just seen.

But he felt like he saw the real one.

#fanfic #hazbin hotel #charlie hazbin hotel #alastor x charlie #alastor hazbin hotel #alastor fanfiction

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fanartandfanfiction · 2 months

Text

HUMBLE

Charlastor fic, charliexalastor

Alastor greatly underestimates Charlie and he’s gonna get HUMBLED.

A bit more of a realistic take on the characters, with Charlie dealing with more issues than she lets on. A slow burn, with Alastor absolutely not handling and comprehending his feelings. AND I KNOW canonically Al is aroace but it’s fanfiction so he’s charliesexual. Also in this universe, Charlie and vaggie haven’t dated, and Charlie doesn’t know vaggie’s true feelings for her.

Chapter one: Picture Show Fiasco (basically the pilot from Al’s perspective, you can skip if you want)

Alastor was walking down the street and humming to himself when he noticed a crowd gathered in front of a window. As he got closer, he saw it was TELEVISION they were ogling at. He was about to keep walking when he saw what was happening. Princess Charlotte Morningstar was on the news and making an absolute fool of herself. This he had to see.

The bubbly blonde was dancing and singing about demons and rainbows, and it was absolutely hysterical! She finished her performance and was met with resounding laughter. The crowd in front of him was laughing too hard for him to properly hear, but the princess looked downhearted as that vicious harpie Katie Killjoy spoke. The crowd settled down enough just in time for him to see the princess glare and stand up in front of Katie.

“I have your PEN, BITCH!”

Alastor couldn’t contain his laughter. His menacing cackle sent the crowd scrambling. It was absolutely hysterical seeing the sweet little princess try to stand up to the news woman. Then the fight started.

He was puzzled as he watched it. She was Lucifer’s daughter, this shouldn’t be much of a fight at all! But she hardly used any of the power she possessed. Untapped potential…

As he continued his stroll, he overheard people talking about the news. “Can you believe it? That stupid bitch thinks we can actually be redeemed! At some stupid place called the happy hotel.”

“She’s so desperate to redeem people that she’s letting that porn star live there. Angel Dust ain’t ever gonna change. But she’s gullible.”

Alastor was struck with an idea. Yes, an EXCELLENT idea. He’d show up, offer his assistance, and gain her trust. Then he’d have a very powerful pawn.

As he approached the hotel, he saw the girl sitting outside with a mobile phone. He stayed hidden and listened in.

“Hey, mom. I know I keep calling and you must be busy... Really busy... But, um, the interview didn't go well, and... I don't know if I'm ever going to make a difference. I don't know what I'm doing. I could really use some advice, mom. I... I think dad was right about me... Ahah, oof. Eh, anyway... I'll stop talking before this gets long. Love you, bye…” She wiped tears from her face and went inside.

Daddy issues AND an absent mother? Why, the girl would be desperate for anyone to lean on! Might as well strike while the iron’s hot. He put on his most charming smile and knocked on the door.

The door opened slowly and he saw her eyes widen as she saw him. “Hel-“ SLAM! He blinked in confusion. The door opened again. “Lo-“ SLAM. That was rather rude. He could hear voices arguing inside, then the door opened slowly again. The poor girl was terrified. Clearly his reputation preceded him. “May I speak now?”

“Um…you may.” She squeaked out. Showtime!

“Alastor! Pleasure to be meeting you, sweetheart! Quite a pleasure! He shook her hand and pulled her close, then let himself in.

“Excuse my sudden visit, but I saw your fiasco on the picture show, and I just couldn't resist! What a performance! Why, I haven't been that entertained since the stock market crash of 1929! Sooo many orphans…” he chuckled to himself.

Some freaky looking one-eyed girl shoved a spear towards him. “Stop right there, cabrón hijo de perra! I know your game and I'm not gonna let you hurt anyone here, you pompous cheesy talk show shitlord!”

How hilarious! She thought she could threaten him. He smirked and pushed her spear away. “My dear, if I wanted to hurt anyone here, I already would have.” He revealed more of his demonic form, intending to intimidate her. Unfortunately this was also scaring the girl he needed to win over. He returned to his regular form and smiled. “No, I’m here because I want to help!”

“Uuuh…what?” Charlie asked.

“Hello? Testing! Is this thing on?” He tapped his microphone.

“You want to help with what?”

“This ridiculous thing you’re trying to do! This hotel! I’d like to help you run it!”

“But…why?”

“Why does anyone do anything, dear? Boredom!”

Charlie looked at him suspiciously. “So does this mean you think demons can be redeemed?”

“Of course not! That's wacky nonsense! Redemption, oh the non-existent humanity! No, no, no, no. I don't think there's anything left that could save such loathsome sinners. The chance given was the life they lived before, the punishment is this! There is no undoing what is done!”

“So then why do you want to help me if you don’t believe in my cause?” She asked with wide eyes.

Time to crank up the charm. “Consider it an investment in ongoing entertainment for myself!” He grabbed her arm and pulled her close, twirling her around. “I want to watch the scum of the world struggle to climb up the hill of betterment only to repeatedly trip and tumble down to the fiery pit of failure!”

“Riiiiiight…” clearly she needed more convincing.

“Yes indeedy! I see big things coming your way, sweetheart! And who better to help you than I?” He put an arm around her waist and led her away from the angry looking moth girl. She seemed to be the rational one, and he couldn’t have that.

“Think of what I’m offering here, sweetheart. I’ve got connections, I’ve got cash, and I’ve got powerful magic! You and me, working together? Why, we could FILL this place with sinners!”

She still looked unsure. Unfortunately the moth girl realized he’d gotten her alone and dragged her away. “Charlie, we need to talk.”

The pair was having a heated discussion. He heard the grating sound of a straw sucking loudly. He looked for the source and found a lanky spider demon lounging on the couch. “So what’s your deal?”

“I’m sorry?” He asked.

“The reason you’re here. It sure as hell ain’t boredom. What are you gettin’ out of this? And don’t worry, I don’t actually give a shit about this place. I just live here for free.”

“Entertainment, pure and simple! I’m between projects and terribly bored.”

There was another loud slurping noise. “Why are you dressed like a strawberry pimp?”

Before he could answer, the little blonde stomped up to him with a determined look. “Ok, so Al. You’re sketchy as fuck and you clearly see what I’m trying to do here as a joke. But, I don't. I think everyone deserves a chance to prove they can be better. So, I'm taking your offer to help. On the condition that there be no...tricks or voodoo strings attached.”

Excellent. “Do we have a deal?” He grinned and twirled his microphone, and a green glow surrounded them.

“Nope! No shaking! No deals! I... hmm... As princess of Hell and heir to the throne, I, uh, hereby order that you help with this hotel. For as long as you desire. Um, does that sound fair?”

This was absolutely pathetic. He’d be able to play her like a piano. “Fair enough! So, where’s your staff?”

“Uuuuh…it’s just me and Vaggie…”

“Ohohoho, you’re gonna need more than that!” He walked over to the demon lounging on the couch. “And what can you do, my effeminate fellow?”

“I can suck your dick.” He smirked.

Alastor abhorred crass talk like that. “Ha! No. This won’t do. I suppose I can cash in on a couple of favors, liven this place up a little bit…”

He pulled Nifty, his chaotic little maid out of the fireplace. Sure, she was odd, but she was excellent at her job. Time to wrangle up a bartender! Husk was angry and aggressive, as per usual, but all it took was a bottle of cheap booze to turn his head.

“Uh-uh! No bars! No alcohol!” The moth girl shouted.

“SHUT UP! SHUT UP!” The spider demon ran to the bar. “We are KEEPING THIS!”

Charlie still looked unconvinced. Time to bring it home! Luckily, he also had a flare for theatrics. He distracted her long enough to shove the moth girl out of the way. He began singing.

“ You have a dream! You wish to tell!” He dressed her up in 1920s fashion and twirled her around. “ And it's just laughable! But, hey, kid, what the hell?” He tossed her into the air and caught her with ease, taking her hand. He was going to use his magic to make her dance, but it was unnecessary as she quickly caught up with him.

“ 'Cause you're one-of-a-kind! A charming demon belle! Now, let's give these burning fools a place to dwell! Take it, boys! ”

Shadow demons appeared from the floorboards and begin playing their instruments. The moth girl was trying in vain to get Charlie’s attention, but he had the girl wrapped around his finger with his song and dance. Truth be told, it was a nice change of pace to have a competent dance partner.

“Haha! Inside of every demon is a lost cause! But we'll dress 'em up for now, with just a smile! And we'll chlorinate this cesspool with some old redemption flair! And show these simpletons some proper class and style!”

He twirled Charlie in until they were nearly chest to chest and pinched her cheek. “Oh! Here below the ground, I'm sure your plan is sound! They'll spend a little time, down at this Hazbin Ho-“”

A loud crash shattered one of the walls of the hotel. There was a large warship floating outside with a snake demon at the helm. “Hah! Well, well, well. Look who it is harboring the striped freak! We meet yet again, Alastor!”

Who the hell was this? “Do I know you?”

“Yes! You do! And this time I have the element of SURPRISE!”

He didn’t have time to deal with incompetent wannabe overlords. He quickly summoned his tentacles and attacked the ship, destroying it and returning to normal in 15 seconds. He was quite proud of himself, but a quick glance to the side showed that the others were staring at him with shock and horror. “Well, I’m starved! Who wants some jambalaya? My mother taught me a WONDERFUL recipe!” He ushered the group back inside. He glanced up at the hideous sign for the happy hotel. No, that wouldn’t do. With a point of his microphone, the sign changed to Hazbin Hotel. Perfect!

#fanfic #hazbin hotel #hazbin hotel fanfiction #charlastor fanfiction #charlastor #charlie hazbin hotel #alastor fanfiction #alastor x charlie #Alastor is charliesexual #slow burn

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fanartandfanfiction · 2 months

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Vaggie V Lute!

Prints coming sooooon

#hazbin hotel fanart #hazbin hotel #hazbin hotel art #fanart #vaggie hazbin hotel #hazbin hotel vaggie #hazbin hotel lute #hazbin lute #lute #hazbin exorcists

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fanartandfanfiction · 2 months

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HUSKERDUST IS NOW AVAILABLE AS A PRINT

#hazbin hotel fanart #fanart #hazbin hotel #hazbin hotel art #huskerdust art #huskerdust #angel hazbin hotel #angel dust hazbin hotel #huskerdust fanart #hazbin hotel husk

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fanartandfanfiction · 2 months

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We all know Lucifer would be over the top. Quick lil doodle for chapter 12 of my charlastor fic “Must I do everything myself?”

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fanartandfanfiction · 2 months

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🎶 I’m gonna make you wish that I’d stayed gone! 🎶

Alastor and Vox, 8x10 Alcohol markers on Bristol paper! $20, US only.

#hazbin hotel fanart #hazbin hotel art #hazbin hotel vox #hazbin vox #vox hazbin hotel #alastor hazbin hotel #alastor #radio demon #alastor fanart #alastor and vox #hazbin hotel

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fanartandfanfiction · 2 months

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Vaggie and Lute! 8x10 alcohol markers on Bristol paper. $20, US only! You know, I hadn’t realized the similarities in their clothing until I literally put them side by side. CLEVER!

#vaggie #vaggie hazbin hotel #hazbin hotel vagatha #hazbin hotel fandom #hazbin hotel art #hazbin hotel fanart #hazbin hotel lute #hazbin hotel exorcists

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fanartandfanfiction · 2 months

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The Etsy link for my huskerdusk illustration:

#huskerdust fanart #huskerdust art #huskerdust #husk #angel dust hazbin hotel #angel hazbin hotel #hazbin hotel #hazbin hotel fandom #hazbin hotel art #hazbin hotel fanart

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fanartandfanfiction · 2 months

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Huskerdust, 8x10 alcohol marker on Bristol paper!

Selling the original on Etsy ($20 US only) but you can DM me here. Also taking commissions!

#husk #hazbin hotel husk #huskerdust #angel dust hazbin hotel #angel dust #angel hazbin hotel #huskerdust art #huskerdust fanart #hazbin hotel #hazbin hotel fandom #hazbin hotel art #hazbin hotel fanart

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fanartandfanfiction · 2 months

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EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

Leander x f!mc meeting later in life where they’ve both grown up a bit and kindle an unexpected and passionate romance?

Anon!! I am truly sorry for how long it took me to write this one, but I wanted to do our man Leander justice and give him a love story <3

in a world of boys, he's a gentleman

AO3 Link

Word Count: 9,237

Rating: E (Smut, Oral Sex (M and F receiving), Vaginal Sex, NSFW, MDNI)

Summary: You never think much about your friends' roommate, Leander. Until you start crashing in his room.

You open your eyes, blinking rapidly at the sunlight streaming in through the crack in the drapes. Your head feels like its been clobbered by one of those giant pumpkins Mr. Moon used to grow in the fields next to Hogwarts, heartbeat blaring in your ears. Groaning as you flip over in bed, you rub at your bleary eyes.

That’s the last straw–you are never letting Garreth talk you into drinking his experimental potions ever again. Last night’s brew was a combination of his now famous fizzing whizzbeer with absinthe mixed in. The involuntary gag you let out from thinking about the beverage tells you everything you need to know about the night prior.

You sit up, pulling the unfamiliar sheets to cover your surprisingly naked breasts, blinking at the room around you. It’s cozy, a patchwork quilt folded at the end of the bed, and an old frayed Gryffindor pennant hanging on the wall. Merlin, Sebastian will never let you hear the end of it if he finds out you’ve spent the night in Garreth Weasley’s room.

But the room is too tidy to be Garreth’s, you think. The notebooks on the desk are stacked neatly, quills stowed in a little jar. The clothes are in the laundry bin where they should be, and there’s a ministry appointed blazer hanging on the coat rack. You know the budding potioneer is a bit of a slob, and there is no way he’d be caught dead with a Chudley Cannons poster on his wall. They’re dreadful, but Cannon fans remain loyal.

You freeze as the door knob turns, gasping at the face that emerges behind it.

“Bloody hell, Leander,” you gasp, pulling the covers up to your chin.

The tall redhead in front of you laughs, setting down a tray. “Don’t you worry–nothing untoward happened last night, I promise.” he assures you. “I slept on the couch across from Garreth.”

You blush at the sight of Leander Prewett; you’d been acquaintances at best during your school years. Post graduation, you’re polite with him, considering he lives with your friends and you frequently see each other at your ministry jobs. When you see him in the hallways of the office, he’s always wearing a three piece suit, prim and proper. He’ll always tip his head to you, or kindly ask how your day is faring. That’s the extent of your interactions–his door is always shut when you’re visiting. Natty says he’s always working, the soft hum of music coming out from the door.

Now, you’re inside his sacred space. Leander is wearing a well worn cardigan over a Chudley Cannons tee shirt, paired with striped flannel pajama pants. “I made breakfast. Oatmeal.”

You perk up in the bed, sniffing at the meal sitting a few feet away from you. “Do you…do you know where my clothes are?” you ask awkwardly.

“Puked on them.” Leander says simply. “Drank too much of Garreth’s new brew, I think. Natty took care of you, I told her she could tuck you into my bed.” He walks over to his dresser, pulling out a maroon sweater. “Here, take this.” He hands it to you, turning around so you might be able to dress in peace.

You tug the wool sweater over your head; it’s so large, it comes down past your thighs. Leander kindly brings the tray over to you in bed, settling it over your blanket covered legs.

“Eat, you need it.” Leander smiles softly.

You let out an obscene noise as you dig into the breakfast Leander has brought you. He leans against his desk, sipping a mug of coffee as you tuck into a savory bowl of oatmeal. There’s even a little bit of apples mixed in, just the way you like to eat it.

“I love putting apples in oatmeal.” you say, licking the spoon. “Used to do it all the time–” You asked, holding a hand to your mouth as you swallow.

“When we were in school,” Leander finishes your sentence. He bites down on his plush lips. “I remember. Used to steal the cinnamon off our table.”

You give him a curious look while you dangle the spoon from your mouth. It’s been ages since you’ve been in school–at least five years. The fact that Leander Prewett remembers something as mundane as your school breakfast order piques your interest.

“Leander Prewett, did you have a crush on me in school?” You tease.

“Who didn’t?” Leander teases back, tilting his head.

You’re disarmed by his reaction. The Leander Prewett you knew in school would have been reduced to a bumbling mess by your teasing, yet the man in front of you is cool and collected, giving you a suggestive look over his coffee mug. His red hair is tousled, a faint flush forming over his freckles. Your eyes rove down to his waist; his pajamas are slung so low, you can see the visible lines tracing down his hips to his groin. Amongst the smattering of freckles on his lower abdomen, you can see a faint trace of ginger hair trailing past where you can see.

When did Leander Prewett become… hot?

This morning has already been strange, so the addition of your heart thumping at the sight of Prewett is just another surprise in the bucket.

“What’s on your mind?” Leander asks, a hint of a smirk on his lips.

Your eyes dip back down to the bowl of oatmeal in front of you, swirling your spoon. “Just wondering when you became so confident,” you maintain eye contact with him as you lick the spoon; his eyes are glued to your mouth.

Leander lets out a sparkling laugh, saying your name as he shakes his head. “You were just never paying attention.” He smirks, turning on his heel to leave the room. “You can stay as long as you’d like. Natty said your clean clothes are in her room.”

You frown. You were hoping for a more of a reaction, but Leander seems completely unphased by your charm. Breakfast cast aside, you slip out from Leander’s bed, tiptoeing out into the living room. Professor Onai would only let Natty live in London if she shared an apartment with other Gryffindors, which is how your best girlfriend ended up living with Leander Prewett and Garreth Weasley. Her room was at the other end of the apartment; you pass Garreth, who is face down on the couch, while Leander sits at the dining table, reading the Daily Prophet. Again, to your frustration, he pays you no mind.

Natty has already left for work, leaving a note chastising you for drinking too much on your now clean clothes. You pull on your trousers and lace up your boots, waffling at the tight corset and cotton shirt you’d been wearing underneath it. It looks uncomfortable compared to the sweater Leander has offered you, so you merely stuff your clothes into your bag, waltzing back out in the living room wearing the maroon sweater proudly.

Leander is looking at you curiously, a chuffed smile on his face when he sees you drowning in his sweater.

“I think I’ll keep this,” you announce, biting down on your lip. “If you don’t mind, that is.”

Leander shakes his head. “I don’t. It looks rather good on you.”

“I’m going to go now,” you say, hoping Leander protests.

“See you around.” Leander shrugs, looking down at the newspaper again.

Your eyebrows furrow. “I just have one question.” You rock back and forth on your heels, hoping to capture his attention again.

Leander gives you a tentative look, sliding out of the chair. He pads over to you, looking down through sleepy ginger lashes. “What is it?”

“You could have easily let me sleep on the couch. Why did you let me sleep in your bed?” You ask, cocking your head.

Leander smiles down at you, his hand brushing something off the shoulder of his sweater. You shiver at the contact.

“Because I’m a gentleman.”

He’s taller than you remember. You look up at him with a sly grin.

“Well, next time, slide in. I wouldn’t mind a cuddle.”

Leander laughs, and the sound has you buckling at the knees. “Duly noted.”

“What’s got your wand in a knot?” Natty asks, sipping on her drink. The three Gryffindors were throwing another party in the apartment–Garreth had said it would be intimate and fun, yet bodies were crammed into their three bedroom flat, drinks flowing freely. The two of you were perched in the kitchen, watching your friends interact.

“Nothing,” you insist, tapping your finger against the glass of wine in your hand. So far, you’ve stayed far away from any of Garreth’s experimental concoctions, so you’re in a much better state of mind than last weekend. “Say, who is that woman with Leander?”

Natty turns her head rather obviously, snorting as she spots her lanky roommate. Leander is standing over by the window, chatting animatedly with a petite woman. “Oh–Amelia, some girl who works with him in the regulations office.” She turns back to you, a glimmer in her eye. “She has a crush on him. Why?”

You shrug. “Just wondering.”

Natty smirks at you. “Does this have anything to do with Leander letting you crash in his bed last weekend?”

You snort. “No…” your voice doesn’t sound all that convincing. “I just wonder why I haven’t paid much attention to him, that’s all.”

“This is rich ,” Natty crosses her arms. “You had your pick of the litter all throughout school, and now you’re finally eyeing Leander.”

You scowl at her. “I am not eyeing Leander.”

(You are, but Natty doesn’t need to know that.)

“He’s very sweet, you know. All the ladies in the office positively swoon over him,” Natty points out. “And he’s my favorite roommate.”

“You only have two,” you remind her. “And it’s not that hard to be a better roommate than Garreth, I’d imagine.” Your eyes rove the room, catching Garreth dancing a jig atop the coffee table. Sebastian is sitting on the couch with his arm around Poppy, clutching his stomach in laughter.

“He’s still my favorite.” Natty announces. “Actually cleans up around the house, and he’s very thoughtful.”

“When did he become fit?” You ask, eyeing him again as you raise your glass to your lips.

Natty rolled her eyes. “He was never bad looking. He just didn’t quite know his assets.” she chuckles. “Things started to look up for him when he stopped wearing his brother’s hand-me down robes, and finally figured out his hair.”

You look back across the room; Leander is still talking to the girl, but his eyes have met yours a few times. Your mind flashes back to the stiff Gryffindor who taught you how to harvest chomping cabbages in your first ever herbology class. He’d stumbled over his words then, trying to find common ground with you. But now, your eyes are glued to a comely man, one who has grown into his lankiness, standing quite tall and confident. He raises a perfectly arched eyebrow at your continued stare.

“Excuse me,” you announce to Natty, setting your glass of wine down on the counter. You barely hear her words back to you, your heartbeat pounding in your ears as you maintain eye contact with Leander. You tilt your head as you walk down the dark hallway towards his bedroom, hands folded behind your back.

Leander’s room is still tidy. Folders from his job in the ministry regulations office sit on his desk, his fine ministry-appointed coat hanging on a rack by the door. There are a few picture frames; one of his family, another with Garreth and Lucan. His pajamas are laid out on the bed, folded perfectly.

Perhaps a tad too inebriated, you decide to perch yourself on his bed.

It felt like hours had passed before the door clicked open. You lift your head, leaning up on your elbows, to see Leander smiling smugly with his back pressed against the door. The sound of the lively party behind the door is muffled, and Leander waves his wand to silence it.

“It took you long enough,” you huff.

“Now, now.” Leander tuts. “How was I supposed to know you were going to my room?” He tilts his head, a knowing look on his face.

“I gave you a look.” You pout, batting eyelashes.

Leander laughs, almost a bit regretfully. “You’re drunk, darling.”

“Not as drunk as last weekend,” you offer, but that’s no consolation to the man in front of you.

“Up,” he commands, tugging you from the bed. For a moment, you’re afraid he’s going to kick you out of his room and embarrass you, but he instead moves to his dresser, pulling out another jumper. “Let’s get you to bed, so you can sleep it off.”

You can’t help but shiver at the timbre of his voice. Leander passes the sweater over to you, turning to face the door like a gentleman while you undress. You make a point to kick your trousers off and leave them on the floor of his spotless room, as if your discarded pants are a claim on him. Slipping the sweater over your chemise, you hop back into the bed.

“All done,” you announce, sliding under the sheets. “Your turn.”

Leander gives you a burning look as he unbuttons his shirt. Your eyes are glued to him as you see his shapely figure–he was always thin, but with him standing directly in front of you, you can see his well defined muscles for the first time. You almost protest when he slips his pajama shirt over his head, but the smug look on his face makes it entirely obvious that he knows he’s putting on a show.

“Look away,” Leander orders, and you do so obediently, covering your eyes with your hands. You can hear the metallic clink of his belt, pants shucked to the floor, and the fumbling of flannel fabric. You finally uncover your eyes when you feel the mattress dip next to you, and feel Leander’s hot breath on your shoulder.

“A quick cuddle, and then off to bed with you.” Leander says lazily. He flicks his wand at the door, casting a locking and silencing charm.

Perhaps you’re a bit too drunk, but you don’t argue. Leander is warm, and his freckled arms tuck you in tight against his chest. It’s like having your own personal space heater; within minutes of his soft whispers against your ear, you fall asleep.

The next morning, you wake up in bed alone. Running your eyes, you see Leander sitting at his desk. He has a pair of wire rimmed glasses on, his messy hair tumbling over his forehead as he studies a folder. It’s almost embarrassing the way your heart thumps when he looks up at you, a smile stretched across his face.

“Good morning,” he murmurs. “How did you sleep?”

“Very well,” you admit. “Sorry to have stolen your bed again.”

Leander sets the folder down, sitting on the edge of the bed. He’s nervous, you notice. He’s playing with the edge of his frayed sweater.

“You did offer a cuddle last time. Thought I’d take you up on the offer–I liked it.” He murmurs. “That, and that you wanted to sleep in my bed. You’re welcome to do it more often.”

Now it’s your turn to play with the edges of the sweater Leander loaned to you. Your fingers curl into the cuffs, chin dipping into the stretched out neckline.

“Only if you want.” Leander says quickly. “I know the parties can be so overwhelming, and if you ever need a moment of reprieve, we can come in here and just talk.”

“Just talk?” You ask, tilting your head to the side. You’re not used to boys just wanting to talk with you; if you didn’t know Leander from your youth, you’d think it was a trap.

“If that’s alright with you.” Leander sits back down at the foot of the bed. He looks up at you through his long lashes, smiling sheepishly. “We didn’t get a chance to properly know each other in school, did we? I rather enjoy your company.”

His honesty stirs something in you, causing a blush to form on your cheeks. It’s been a while since a guy (besides Sebastian and Ominis, who are firmly brother figures in your mind) has expressed interest in just being in your presence, no strings attached. Despite the flirtation, Leander Prewett just wants to get to know you, and it’s refreshing.

“Same time next week?” you ask teasingly, crossing your legs under the duvet.

Leander gives you a shy but hopefully smile.

“You’re sleeping with Leander.” Natty accuses.

“I am not,” you gasp.

A technicality—you are sleeping with him, but not in the way you’d thought.

It’s become a routine of yours, one you oddly enjoy. The jolly Gryffindors host their weekend parties per usual, with you and Leander slinking off to his room in the wee hours of the night. He’d offer you pajamas, and then the two of you would slip into bed, whispering to one another until you fell asleep.

You wonder why you haven’t talked to Leander Prewett more, especially when you were in school. Perhaps it was your friendship with Sebastian that made you balk at the redhead, or the fact that he was a staunch rule follower. Makes sense he’d be working in the regulations office, making quite a name for himself in the ministry. You’d never paid much attention to him, merely referring to him as your friend’s roommate in the years that followed graduation.

But now, you know him. It’s oddly more intimate than any romantic act you’ve experienced before–Leander just likes to talk with you. Once the two of you have tired from the social duties of being party guests, you’d slip into his bed, chatting about his week. He’d ask you about your job in the auror office, how friends are (Sebastian and Ominis are conveniently forgotten when he brings up this topic). One night, Leander had brought up his family, and how they were coming to visit London soon. You didn’t know much about the Prewetts, but after a few weeks of your post-party routine, you now know that Leander is the youngest of the bunch, with two successful older brothers. He has a baby niece named Muriel, who he hasn’t quite gotten along with yet, but he otherwise loves children.

You probably know more about Leander Prewett now than your last three boyfriends combined.

“Then what are the two of you doing every Saturday?” Natty demands answers, breaking you out of your thoughts.

You shrug. “We just talk–I like talking to him.”

Natty raises an eyebrow in return. “Didn’t take you for one to do much talking with boys.”

You scowl; you know she’s right, but Natty’s struck a nerve.

“I didn’t mean it like that,” Natty corrects herself. “I just meant–”

You shift uncomfortably in your chair. “I like snogging, you mean.” you try to sound light, but the words can’t match your tone.

“I’m just saying we all process heartbreak differently,” Natty reaches across the cafe table to hold your hand. “But Leander is a nice guy, and I just worry you’re going to break his heart once you…”

“Tire of him, you mean to say.” It comes out snippy; you don’t want to be mad at your best friend, truly, you know she’s just trying to keep the peace and look out for her friend and roommate. “Leander is a big boy; he’ll be able to handle it.”

The words come out of your mouth, but you’re not sure if that’s true.

It’s another Saturday night, another party, and you’re sitting in Leander’s room, flipping through one of his many books on wizarding policy. You’re so engrossed in the subject, you hardly hear the door open.

“You look quite entertained.” Leander says, leaning against the door. “Sorry I don’t have anything more interesting on hand.”

“It’s actually fairly interesting–y’know, I’ve never actually known why we have regulations on broomstick speed, you might want to start inspecting Albie Weekes.” You joke, closing the book.

Leander lets out a deep laugh, blushing. “Pretty and interested in public policy–I’ve hit the jackpot.”

You grin, crossing your legs on his tartan bedspread. “I know, I’m a catch.” you say dramatically.

Leander proceeds with the usual routine–tossing you a sweater and pajamas pants, turning to a corner as he too changes into his night wear. The two of you slip underneath the down feather comforter, gossiping between each other about the party.

“Speaking of hot gossip, Sebastian has been putting his arm around Poppy for weeks now.” you point out.

“I noticed,” Leander chuckles. “Do you think she’s caught on yet?”

“Oh, I’m sure she has,” you snort. “I can’t believe he’s still too anxious to make a move.”

“I’ve never taken Sallow to be nervous about anything.” Leander muses. "Big head, and all."

You roll your eyes. “Still on about this school boy rivalry?” you tease.

It’s Leander’s turn to roll his eyes. “I am not jealous of Sebastian Sallow.” he nearly spits. “Maybe I was in year six, but that’s about it.”

“And why were you jealous of him then?”

Leander flushes. “You two were dating then.”

The roaring laugh coming out of your mouth nearly shakes the bed, and Leander lifts the covers for air. You sit up in the bed, hair slightly mussed.

“Leander, I’ve never dated Sebastian. Not even close.” you snort. “That would be like dating my brother.” you feign a gag.

Leander blinks at you. “Then who was it?” he blurts. The way his hand hovers behind his neck tells you he knows he’s misspoken.

“Who was what?” You demand in return, a bite in your tone.

“I only ask–I thought it was Sallow who–” Leander starts to stutter, blushing even more. “Forget I said anything.”

You give Leander a cool look, feeling the brick wall of your emotions building back up swiftly. “The person who broke my heart?” you ask mockingly. “Is that what people say about me?”

Leander looks slightly panicked, trying to resolve the situation. “Can we rewind?” he asks. “Forget I asked?”

Too late, you think. The wall is built, concrete dry. “I can’t believe you’d buy into all of that gossip, Leander.” you snarl, turning to climb out of the bed. He stops you, grabbing your wrist, and you shut your eyes, willing the tears not to fall.

“I’m sorry,” Leander whispers. “I was just self conscious for a second there, I didn’t mean to bring up any of it.”

Squeezing your eyes shut, you let the redhead pull you back into his bed. Sliding under the comforter again, you open your glassy eyes, looking at Leander. His face is full of concern, his hands ghosting over your cheeks. It’s terrifyingly intimate–more intimate than kissing, than the weeks of cuddling next to one another.

Merlin forbid you show a hint of emotion in front of a man.

“I was just self conscious because you were so cool when we were teenagers.” Leander admits, a ghost of a laugh on his lips. “Too cool to spend time with a dork like me.”

“Leander,” you scold. “Don’t say that. You’re not a dork. I like you.”

His brown eyes are soft and welcoming. “And I like you. Why do you think I’ve been cuddling you for months now?”

Your smile falters, but only for a second. You hadn’t realized it had been that long already. This is the longest you’ve spent with a man in…well, ages. And you haven’t even kissed him.

Leander doesn’t notice your frostiness, thank Merlin.

“And here I thought you wanted to spend time with me for my riveting conversation and commentary on wizarding policy,” you joke.

Leander gives a sleepy laugh, tugging you into his chest.

“Can we just go back to talking?” he asks softly. “I was going to tell you, Garreth has this absolutely daft idea for a new cocktail–he wants to spike the punch with veritaserum. Natty and I have warned him; it’s not technically illegal, but making everyone spout their secrets seems to be a breach of trust.”

“Oh really?” You say quietly. Your mind is no longer in the bed.

“Yeah, I promise I’ll warn you when it happens.” Leander says, wrapping his arm around your waist. He never roves upwards, always keeping his hand respectfully over your stomach. Leander’s speech is starting to slur, the sleepiness overtaking his voice. Before long, he’s snoring against your hair.

You’re going to hurt him , you think. Natty was right.

The next morning, you wake while it’s still dark outside. When you and Leander have your sleepovers, you’re used to him being the one to wake you, normally with breakfast in bed and more conversation. Instead, you slip the sweater he’s loaned you over your head, leaving it neatly folded on the edge of the bed. If you look at him before you leave, you’ll be tempted to crawl back in.

Instead, you quietly slip out the door. Better now than when it’s too late and you’ll really hurt him. Leander doesn’t deserve that.

You and Sebastian are sitting in the ministry canteen; your breaks have lined up, and you can finally share a pot of tea with your oldest friend. It’s been weeks since you’ve attended one of the Gryffindor parties; Natty has sent owls, asking if she’s hurt your feelings. Garreth sends letters telling you all about the new brews he’s trying.

Your inbox is lacking any letters from Leander.

“Been a while since I’ve seen you slink off with Prewett,” Sebastian observes, leaning over his cup. “Anything you want to tell me? Do I have to duel him for your honor?”

“It’s nothing.” You feign. “It was nothing.”

“Y’know, you’ve always had terrible taste in boys.” Sebastian offers.

You scoff in return. “You included.”

Sebastian rolls his eyes. “It was one kiss, and it felt like I was kissing my sister.”

You laugh. It’s true; despite what people think about the two of you, it’s never been romantic between you and Sebastian. There was one fraught-laden kiss between your fifth and sixth year, with such little desire it was almost embarrassing for the two of you afterwards. Now, it’s your favorite punchline.

“Why is everyone and their mother trying to sell me on Leander?” You ask, crossing your arms.

“Because,” Sebastian says carefully, “I’m tired of watching you date horrible men. And while he was a prat in school, I quite like him now. And I’ve heard he very much likes you.”

There is a loaded silence between the two of you, the voices of the other canteen patrons filling the void until Sebastian clears his throat.

“I know why you’re hesitant to lock things down with Prewett,” he swallows thickly. “You deserve to be happy–”

“Well, yes, I know that.” you say impatiently.

Sebastian puts a hand on top of yours. “He’s not going to hurt you.”

You visibly recoil. “No one hurts me,” you say coolly.

Isn’t that the truth? You were the hero of Hogwarts, the most eligible bachelorette of your year. You had your pick of the boys at school, settling on the famed Isaac Cooper as your match. He’d been your first boyfriend, your first everything, and in your girlish naivety, had dreamt of your life together post-school. He was off to be the youngest starting seeker ever for the Montrose Magpies, and you’d join him as soon as you graduated school.

That was until your devastating break up. Since then, you’d vowed to never get hurt by a man again–nor get close enough to one who could have the same power over your emotions. You’d had boyfriends here and there, nothing longer than a month or two, most men showcasing their faults within the first few weeks of courtship.

“I only ask you to give him a chance,” Sebastian purses his lips. “You can’t keep running from your feelings.”

“The same way you run from Poppy Sweeting every time she tries to hold your hand?”

Sebastian furrows his eyebrows. “Have I ever told you you’re an arse? Because you are a pain in mine.” he mumbles.

You laugh, turning your head to scan the canteen. Your breath hitches when you see him.

Leander Prewett, in the flesh. He’s standing next to the coffee cart, talking with the girl you saw him with at one of their parties, long ago. He looks unbearably handsome in his dress pants, an oxford shirt rolled up to expose his forearms. He’s got his jacket slung over his shoulder, holding a coffee cup in the other. His copper hair has fallen in front of his eyes, and you so badly want to push it out of his face.

Leander’s eyes briefly flit over to you; his gaze lingers for a moment before shifting back to the petite witch standing in front of him.

He looks hurt, and it hurts you in return.

“Natty said they’re having a party again this weekend.” Sebastian muses.

“Do you ever wonder how they manage to host so many parties on ministry salaries?” You ask, stirring your tea.

Sebastian chuckles. “Don’t try to change the subject. You’re going this weekend–and you’re going to talk to Leander.”

“What if he doesn’t want to talk to me?” you mumble, tearing into a sugar packet.

“He’s going to want to, trust me.” Sebastian assures you. “He likes you. He’s always fancied you.”

You turn back to look at Leander, quite obviously this time. He’s still talking to her, and she’s putting out all of the moves, placing a small hand on his elbow. Leander is maintaining a polite distance from her, and it makes you think about how seamlessly the two of you melted your bodies into one another. There’s a shameful pit of jealousy brewing within you when you try to imagine him cuddled up to a stranger.

“Come with me on Saturday,” Sebastian begs. “If you come, I promise I’ll finally ask Poppy out.”

Sebastian Sallow is a lot of things; tenacious being one of those. But he hardly has to push you; just glancing over at Leander has you craving the way his lithe hands stretch across your torso, pulling you against his chest. You miss the way his aquiline nose brushes against your neck, nuzzling into your hair. And most of all, you miss the way you’d wake up, feeling completely safe next to him in his full sized bed.

“Fine. I’ll go.”

“That’s the spirit,” Sebastian cheers.

It’s Saturday night, and you’re grinning at the center of the room. Sebastian has made good on his end of the deal–he’s currently standing in the living room, dumbfounded as Poppy Sweeting kisses him in return. Everyone is hooting and hollering for them; Garreth is about to conjure a cowbell, but Natty is tugging him down from the coffee table.

You clap alongside the rest of the revelers, laughing as Sebastian walks back over to you, pink in the face. Poppy is trailing behind him, holding a hand to her lips as she giggles.

“Well done,” you tease, lifting your cup to your lips. Garreth’s brew tonight tastes different–sweet, minty, and altogether too intoxicating. He’s taped a sign to the punch bowl–this one is called liquid courage (a predictable name, but still a good drink).

“Well, a little bit of Garreth’s liquid courage helped.” Sebastian chuckles, brushing his hair. “Poppy wants to leave–do you mind?” he throws his head back, smiling at the petite brunette.

“Get out of here, you animals.” you wave him off.

“Have you seen Leander yet?”

Your smile fades. “I haven’t,” you admit. The tall redhead is nowhere to be found, despite how many times you’ve circled the apartment. You feel slightly nauseous, worrying that he’s spending some alone time with a perky little witch from the office.

“Promise me you’ll find him,” Sebastian calls out as Poppy tugs him out the door. “Or else!”

The door shuts behind them, and now you’re alone at the party. Things are still a bit weird with Natty, and you don’t feel like socializing with anyone who isn’t a six foot two ginger man with a killer smile. Your eyes scan the room again, but nothing. There are too many people shoved into the small apartment for your liking, so you start to meander off to the most comfortable place you know (praying the door isn’t locked).

It isn’t; the knob turns easily in your hand.

You slip past Leander’s door; shutting it quickly and resting your head against the wood. Perhaps you shouldn’t have indulged too much in Garreth’s new drink–your head is positively spinning.

“I didn’t think you’d come back here.” A stony voice rings out.

Eyes widening, you flip, pressing your back against the door. Leander is sitting at his desk, thumbing through folders. He’s already in his pajamas, a pair of thin wire glasses perched on his nose as he works. His hair is falling right in front of his forehead, and you want nothing more than to step forward and push it out of his eyes.

“The door was unlocked.” you mutter, clasping your hands in front of you.

“And?” he asks icily.

“And I missed you.” the words tumble out of your mouth–well, you wish you would’ve said it with more finesse, but it's the truth.

Leander gives you a hurt look. “You left,” he says accusingly. “You just up and left, no word, and stopped talking to me. You stopped coming around, stopped responding to our friends.”

“I know,” you admit. “I didn’t know how to deal with it.”

“With what?” Leander narrows his eyes, and all you want to do is tell him how handsome he looks in his glasses.

“All the… feelings ,” you wave your hands wildly in front of your face. “I’m not used to it…I’m not used to boys being nice to me.” you admit, face reddening, a hand covering your mouth. That’s not exactly how you wanted to phrase it, but you couldn’t keep the words from coming out.

Leander frowns. “Did you drink some of the potion tonight?”

“I did.” you frown in return. “Why?”

Leander sighs, standing up and stretching. “Garreth spiked it with veritaserum. You should sit–I’m sure I have some common antidote around here somewhere,” he trails off, digging through his desk drawers.

“No–don’t.” you stammer, putting a hand on his forearm. “I want you to know then, if I’m going to be forced to share the truth, I might as well tell you mine.”

Leander stops, shuddering at the feeling of your touch. “I’m not mad at you,” he mutters. “I understand if you didn’t feel completely the same–”

“That’s not it,” you wheeze, tugging his arm. “Leander, I like you. A lot, quite a bit. You’re all I’ve been thinking of lately.” You confess.

“Then why leave?”

“Because I’m going to hurt you,” you blurt out. “I hurt everyone, don’t I? Everyone knows it, Sebastian and Natty have even said it.” you start to ramble.

Leander’s face softens, and he takes his glasses off. You almost want to protest, ask him to keep them on–but you hold your tongue so you don’t ruin the tender moment.

“You’re not going to hurt me,” Leander says gently, stepping towards you with his hands in his pockets.

“It was Isaac Cooper.” you disclose. Damn, the potion is strong. “You asked who hurt me–it was Isaac.” you admit, biting down on your lower lip. “I really thought we’d stick it out, end up together, but the first time I visited him at training camp, I found out he’d cheated on me.”

“I’m sorry.” Leander offers, sitting on the bed as you stand in front of him.

“And ever since then, it’s just been easier to…to not get close to anyone.” you whisper. “It just became a bit of a bad habit, not getting to know anyone I’m snogging. Hurts less when they inevitably go away.”

“I’m not going away.” Leander mutters.

“But you don’t know that.” You sheepishly step towards him. “What if you think I’m ghastly?”

Leander lets out a laugh. “I’ve gotten to know you over the last few months. We’ve talked our ears off next to each other, I think I’d know if you were ghastly already.”

“But you haven’t even kissed me yet,” you gripe, wringing your hands together. “What if you think I’m rubbish–”

Leander tugs your hand towards him, lacing his long fingers in yours. “I’ve dreamt about kissing you since I was sixteen,” he laughs. “I don’t think it’ll be rubbish.”

“Well, now I’m afraid I won’t live up to the hype,” you stutter, turning red in the face.

Leander lifts your hand up to his lips, brushing your fingertips against his plush lips. “We won’t know until we try,” he murmurs. Merlin’s beard, it feels like your knees are going to give out from underneath you as his chocolate brown eyes darken, boring deeply into yours.

“Kiss me then,” you say breathlessly. You’re not sure if it’s the truth potion or your blatant desire speaking.

Leander does.

You expect it to be hard, passionate, and frenzied–instead, it’s the very opposite. Leander gives you a kiss that is so tender and sweet, it catches you off guard. It’s the very essence of his personality, the gentleman that has swept you off your feet by merely listening and talking to you. You wrap your arms around his neck, and his hands instinctively fly to your waist.

Pulling away, the two of you grin at each other like teenagers again.

“Ghastly?” Leander asks.

“Completely up to the hype.” you joke, and Leander buries his face into your shoulder, snorting with laughter.

Leander refuses to take it any further–you’ve been drinking, he argues, and he wants you to sleep it off. Despite your protestations, you inevitably give in, agreeing to bring up the subject of your desires in the morning once you have a clear head.

Leander sifts through his dresser, pulling out a large tee shirt for you to wear.

“Chudley Cannons again.” you roll your eyes. “Worst in the league.”

“You wound me,” Leander put his hand over his heart, handing the shirt your way. “We’ll have to add that to the list for our discussion. No disparaging my home team.” he scolds, sitting in his desk chair.

That’s one difference, you think. Leander would always politely turn away while you undressed, but now he’s sitting in his chair, eyes glued to your form. He shoots you a cheeky grin as you start unbuttoning your blouse, letting it float to the floor. You kick off your pants, leaving them next to your shirt. Quite boldly, you decide to unhook your bra as well, maintaining eye contact with Leander as you drop the undergarment onto your pile of clothes. He’s biting his lip rather hard as you slip the large shirt over your body, scampering into the bed.

“Dammit,” Leander moans, hands balling into fists.

“I think it’s your turn.” You suggest, crossing legs under the covers.

Leander lets out a puff of air, standing up to undress himself. His eyes remain glued to yours as his shirt joins your pile on the floor. His chest is toned, freckles dusting his shoulder tops. You watch as his hands slowly undo his belt, and he carefully steps out of his trousers. You blush as you see the bulge in his boxers; he’s half hard from just seeing your breasts.

The view is obstructed when he slips his pajamas on, and you nearly protest. Leander gives you a haughty look as he slides into the bed next to you.

“I don’t want you to do anything you might regret,” he whispers against your hair. “Tomorrow, we’ll talk about it. But for now, I just want to be closer to you.”

You flip over in bed, pressing your nose against his. “Can I kiss you then?” you ask, embarrassed at how desperate your voice sounds.

Leanders laughs, and its music to your ears. “Of course you can.”

The two of you spend the rest of your night kissing one another breathless, giggling under the blankets as you catch up on everything you’d missed in the last few weeks. Comforted by the sound of Leander’s deep voice, your eyes start to droop, eventually falling asleep against his chest while he talks you to sleep.

Sunlight streams through the threadbare curtains, and you blink your sleepy eyes. You’re nestled in Leander’s bed, only this time, there’s a hand on your breast. Somehow in the night, Leander has raked his hand under the hem of the t-shirt, ghosting over your bare skin. His hand rests between your breasts, thumb sleepily resting on top of your nipple.

The sensation alone has you rubbing your thighs together; you arch your back, eyes widening at the feeling of Leander pressed against you.

He’s fully erect, his hard cock nestled against the small of your back. You push yourself back against him, wiggling your bottom. That alone has him jolting awake, startled at the feeling of you. “Shit,” Leander mumbles, fumbling with the covers. “M’sorry.”

You flip around in bed to face him, eyes as wide as saucers at the sight of him. Leander gives you a sheepish face as you stare. He’s so hard, the tip of his cock is poking out over the top of his pajamas. It's positively obscene, but your mouth waters at the sight.

“Good morning.” Leander says sleepily. “I normally wake up before you to make breakfast...and take care of other things.” “You’re always this hard?” You swallow thickly, fingertips ghosting his flat abdomen.

Leander shivers at your touch. “Always,” he groans. “Fuck–always have to touch myself after I wake up next to you.” he shudders.

“Can I?” You ask quietly, fingers curling at the edge of his pajamas.

Leander snakes a hand up to your cheek, examining your face. “Sober?” he asks. When you nod, he raises an eyebrow. “Has the truth potion worn off too?”

You nod, teeth catching on your bottom lip. “Do we really need to talk about it?”

Leander shudders as your hand slips into his pants. “I guess not,” he stutters. “If you really want to–”

“I really, really want to.” You assure him, pushing down his pants and firmly grasping his length. It’s slender, but long, the thick pink tip glistening with precum. You wiggle around on the bed to straddle him, blankets splayed at the foot of the bed. Giving him three, maybe four strokes, you can’t resist the urge to kiss him. Leander’s blush is spreading from his neck down to his chest, copper hair falling in front of his face as he watches your lips envelope the tip, wrapping your mouth around him.

“Bloody hell,” he groans, his hands hitting his forehead in disbelief as you swirl your tongue around his cock, head bobbing up and down. When you open your eyes, looking up at him from between his legs, Leander looks like he’s about to explode. You’re barely able to get in another lick before he’s pushing you off, panting.

“I don’t want to–I don’t want to finish yet.” he gasps, propping himself up on his elbows.

You open your mouth to say something cheeky, but you’re promptly rolled over in the bed. Leander has caught you off guard, flipping you underneath him and pinning you to the mattress. His hair falls against your forehead, licking his lips before he presses them against yours.

Unlike the sweet kiss from last night, this one is ravenous. His lips positively devour you, spreading wide mouth kisses from your lips down to your neck as he hovers above your body. He flips the edge of the shirt he gave you above your breasts, sighing as he laves his tongue against your nipple. You’re choking on your own breaths as he moves down from stomach, settling between your legs.

“I’ve been dreaming about this since I was sixteen.” Leander gulps, pressing a kiss to your ankle, peppering kisses up your leg before positioning it on his shoulder. “You have no idea how hard it’s been to be a gentleman.”

“No need,” you say breathlessly as his eyes burn into yours. “Don’t stop.”

Leander gives you a devilish grin as he leans forward. He licks at your entrance slowly and deliberately, taking his time to fully enjoy the moment. Your hands fist the sheets beneath you as your back arches, unable to stop the little moans that spill from your lips as he circles the tip of his tongue around your clit.

“Don’t tease,” you sigh. “Not this early in the morning.”

Leander easily presses two long fingers into you, drawing out another sweet cry. He gives you a haughty grin, cheeks rosy with satisfaction as he elicits such sounds from you. “I want to see you fall apart,” he growls. He dips his head back down, pushing his red hair out of his face. When he closes his mouth around your clit and sucks, you grab his messy locks, whining beneath him.

You muster up enough strength to push him off of you. The mattress and bed frame creaks as you wrestle Leander. You’ve pinned him down at his wrists, legs tangling as you straddle him. He looks up at you in awe, chin glistening with your release. You lean down to kiss him; something about his eager, begging face dripping with your slick is so filthy, but it makes you want to feel him absolutely fill you with his own.

“I’m going to ride you,” you purr as you nuzzle your nose against his chin. “If that’s okay.”

Leander nods, his Adam’s apple bobbing as you position yourself over his cock. His eyes are burning into you as you sink onto him, slowly enveloping him in your heat. Leander chokes when you bottom out, hands gripping your waist.

“Take the shirt off,” he pleads. “I want to see you–all of you.”

You smile, lifting Leander’s worn out shirt over your head, tossing it off the bed. Fully exposed and bare, you gently lay your palms out on his stomach, tentatively rolling your hips.

“Does that feel good?” You whisper.

His head tips back onto the pillow, brown eyes glazed over with pleasure.

“You just want to hear me say so,” Leander murmurs, his sentence ending with a groan slipping through his lips. “You know you feel fucking amazing, darling.”

You lazily roll your hips against him again. “Suppose I do,” you chuckle, your hand snaking up your body to grasp your breast. Leander’s eyes widen as you twist your nipple, moaning atop him.

“You’re exquisite,” Leander sighs, lifting his hand to pay attention to your neglected breast. “A fucking dream come true.”

Your heart is hammering in your chest–partly from the physical action of rutting on top of Leander, and from the emotions threatening to spill over. This isn’t meaningless sex, a romp in the sheets–this is making love, you realize. The glow on Leander’s face, staring adoringly up at you, says all the words that have gone unsaid over your months-long pattern of sharing a bed.

You can’t help yourself, leaning forward to press a searing hot kiss against his lips. Your chest crashes against his, and Leander takes the opportunity to wrap his arms around your waist, tugging you close. Your mouth falls open, jaw dropping against his collarbone. Leander runs his tongue up and down the curve of your neck, while he positively drills into you from below.

“Fuck– fuck , Leander,” you whine, wriggling against him. The swell of your breasts pushed against his chest only encourages him to thrust upwards faster. He plants his feet against the mattress, completely overpowering you as he drills his cock into you.

“Leander,” you whimper against his chest. “It’s too–” you croak, sentence broken by the gasp he draws out of you from sucking your neck. It’s too good, too much.

“You can take it,” he reassures you, pressing his forehead against yours. “I know you can.”

You can. For every snap of his hips into you, you’re meeting him halfway. The sounds of the bed creaking, his stuttered breathing, and the skin on skin contact is utterly obscene, but it only turns you on more. You can feel the heat pooling within you as the two of you chase your climaxes together.

Leander sinks his teeth into your shoulder blade. “Fuck, I’m so close, I want to feel you come on me so bad. Can you come for me, sweet girl? Please,” he pants.

How could you refuse?

Face buried into his chest, you feel yourself tip over the edge as Leander’s hips start to stutter. His release is not far behind–the way your walls flutter around his cock has him groaning into your hair, holding you close as he spills his release inside of you.

Both breathing heavily, you lift your head, propping your chin on his chest. Leander gives you a toothy grin, stroking your hair.

“Barely got my pants off,” he admits.

You lift yourself to turn around; his boxers and pajama pants are pooled at his ankles. Looking back at him, you can’t help giggling, and he laughs too, tugging you back down to rest on his chest.

You think about how you could have been having mind blowing sex with Leander Prewett this whole time, but that’s not true–the sex was made all the better because you know him now. You might be in love with him. No, you know. Leander hasn’t said it either, but the way he tightens his arms and nuzzles into you tells you that he’ll be saying it soon enough.

You roll off of him, blushing as his release drips out of you. Leander his boxers and pajamas off his feet, turning to look at you with adoring eyes.

“Should we stay in for a little while longer?” he murmurs. “Before breakfast?”

You nod, scooting closer to him.

It’s probably lunchtime by the time you and Leander untangle from the bedsheets, smiling stupidly at one another as you dress. Leander tugs another shirt over your head (again, Chudley Cannons merchandise) and lets out a deep belly laugh at the way his sweatpants pool at your ankles. He throws an offhand comment about buying you a pair of proper pajamas to keep at his place, cheeks turning pink as he realizes the implication in his words.

Leander pushes the door open, holding your hand as you stroll down the hallway and into the main living space. Garreth, per usual, is laying on the couch, tossing a miniature quaffle in the air. Natty is sitting at the kitchen table, reading the Prophet over her tea.

“It’s about time you two came up for air,” Garreth teases, sitting up on the creaky sofa. “Finally mustered up the courage, eh?”

“Excuse me,” Leander raises an eyebrow, squeezing your hand tighter. “I’m not sure I know what you’re implying.”

Garreth snorts. “Not you, silly. Her,” he points at you accusingly. “She’s been besotted with you for months. I’m shocked it took her this long. Sallow and I almost set a bet on how long it would take for you to shag him.”

“Really, Gar, have some decorum.” Leander complains, guiding you to the table. He pulls the chair out for you without any thought, pushing you into the table. You can’t avoid Natty’s gaze; she’s smirking at you, and you sheepishly shrug your shoulders.

“I can’t believe I’m the only roommate not getting any,” Garreth grumbles. “Honestly, I’m hotter than both of you.”

You raise an eyebrow at Natty, who chokes on her tea. She refuses to make eye contact with you as Leander sets down a coffee and some cream in front of you.

A subject to talk about later, you think. The only thing you want to brew on right now is the smell of oatmeal on the stove, Leander chopping up apples to stir in. Garreth eventually changes subjects, talking about how successful his truth brew was; Natty starts arguing with him on the ethics of truth potions in a publicly shared punchbowl.

Leander sits down next to you, sliding over a bowl of creamy oatmeal. His ginger hair is still mussed from your morning activities, chocolate brown eyes going from your mouth to your spoon as you make a show of eating your meal. He leans back into the chair, appraising you as you lick the spoon clean.

“Honestly, you two.” Natty grumbles. “It’s disgusting–we eat at this table, you know.”

“Shut it,” Leander rolls his eyes, laying his arm across the back of your chair. It seems like he wants to say more, but instead he leans into you, enjoying the domesticity of it all. You smile back at him, squeezing his thigh under the table as you happily dig into the oatmeal.

After a bit more teasing, the two of you decide to retire back to Leander’s room. At this point, you’re already planning on spending the night, and he’s musing on what he should prepare for dinner. Once the door shuts behind you, Leander absentmindedly walks over to his desk, pulling out a fresh toothbrush, still in its packaging.

“Here,” he says firmly, pressing it into your hand. “Just in case you wanted to freshen up, brush your teeth.”

“Leander,” you laugh. “Are you saying my breath stinks?”

“No,” he sputters. His cheeks turn pink, rubbing the back of his neck. “I, uh, got that for you a few weeks ago.” he admits. “Before we–well, before you stopped coming over for a bit. And I kept it just in case. You can put it next to mine on the sink.”

You fondle the toothbrush between your fingers, eyes softening as you look up at him.

“Too much?” Leander whispers, putting his hand on your elbow.

You shake your head, crashing into his chest to hug him. He wraps his arms around you, rocking you back and forth as you clutch the toothbrush against his chest. No, it wasn’t too much. It was just right.

You quietly slip from Leander’s arms, out to the bathroom in the hallway. You can tell he begrudgingly shares it with Garreth; his towels are neatly hung while Garreth’s are sopping wet on the floor. Your fingers run over what is clearly Leander’s side of the sink. Shaving cream, cologne, and a slightly pressed tube of toothpaste. Your eyes flit up to the toothbrush holder; Leander’s red brush, with an empty space next to it.

He’s made a space for you.

You brush your teeth, fighting the silly smile on your face as you stare into the mirror. You can hear Leander humming in the distance, and your heart hammers in your chest. You’ve been apart for all of five minutes, but you can’t wait to get back to him.

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