Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

It all started because of that exercise. Charlie had decided that the best way for people to get along was to have everyone room with another person. Shepherd and Alastor just so happened to draw each other's names. It had been a few weeks into said exercise and according to Angel Dust, Alastors behavior around her had changed. Which, led to the following conversation.

Angel had snatched her up one day, dragging her to his room. Once she was unceremoniously thrown onto his bed, Angel began talking.

“Do you realize that Alastor has a crush on you?” Angel demanded, his pink eyes trained on her.

Shepherd gave him a look, sitting up and smoothing out her dress. “Alastor doesn’t have a crush on me, Angel.” She said calmly.

Angel scoffed, “Honestly toots, you're blind if you can’t see it. He once said that you were ‘intriguing.’” Angel stated, his hands lifting to put air quotes around the word intriguing. “That doesn’t mean anything,” Shepherd replied in amusement, she said as she looked up at Angel.

“Sheph, come on!” Angel whined, he flopped down onto his bed next to her the movement causing the lamb demon to bounce slightly. “Do you not see how he watches you? The moment he steps into the room his eyes follow you the entire time!” Angel insisted.

“No, I haven’t noticed. Besides, Alastors not exactly known for being….normal.” Shepherd laughed.

“He goes out of his way to touch you!” Angel exclaimed, his eyes lighting up as he listed another thing he did around Shepherd.

“So? Alastor is known to have no respect for anyone’s personal space but his own.” Shepherd sighed. Angel pouted, crossing his arms. “You're in denial. Smiles don’t touch people the way he touches you. He may do things to piss off Vaggie or Husk but you? It’s always respectful.” Angel reasoned.

“Angel, he’s a man from the early 1900’s. It was just probably how he was raised. He always speaks very highly of his mother after all. It is all easily explained."

Angel was becoming frustrated with Shephard's logical responses, his accent becoming thicker. “ Not the way he acts with you! Honestly, if I didn’t see the way he looks at you I would have thought he was asexual.”

Shephard nodded in agreement to this assessment. “I wouldn’t be surprised. He never seems particularly interested when those female residents from cannibal town who try and get his attention. Or when the men do for that matter.” Shepherd hummed.

“Exactly! That’s why the way he acts with you is so odd! Just watch! The next time you walk in the room, wait and see how he reacts. I guarantee that not only will his eyes be on you but he’ll find a way to get in your space or even touch you!” Angel declared, flashing a confident smile at her.

Shepherd squinted her muted pink eyes at him, pursing dark pink lips. “Fine. We’ll see.” She said flippantly. She internally rolled her eyes, there was no way Angel was right.

Angel dust smirked, clearly hearing the dismissive tone in her voice. “How about a bet then? If we find out he does have a crush, then you have to do one favor of my choosing.” Shepherd perked up at the word, ‘bet’. Her smile turned wide, her white pupils expanding in interest. “Oh? And what do I get?”

Angel grinned confidently. “Same thing. I’ll do one favor of your choosing. So? Do we have a deal?” Shephard's eyes flashed, her small pink hand reaching out and black fingers curling around Angel dusts white furry hand. She shook it firmly. “Deal.” Shepherd said, a small burst of pink particles floating in the air at her agreement. Angel Dusts' eyes widened in surprise at the display, his own pink eyes going to Shephards and the excited look on her face.

Angel Dust shook it off, standing up and looking down at Shephard. “Okay. Let’s go and prove I’m right!” He smirked. Shepherd smiled and nodded as she stood up, flipping her long white and pink hair over her shoulder in a cocky manner. “I can’t wait to claim my prize.” She teased.

Angel Dust just rolled his eyes.”My prize you mean?” he quipped, He guided the two of them out the door of his room and down to the elevator, his long legs moving quickly. Shephard huffed, her much shorter legs working to keep up with his pace. “You're too tall. Most of us can’t keep up with your pace.” Shephard huffed as they got into the elevator. Angel Dust cracked a smile, his face going into a mock pity. “Poor little lamb! Can’t keep up with me?” Shepherd just giggled at his tease as the doors to the lobby opened.

As soon as they stepped off the elevator Shephard noticed that everyone had decided to congregate in the lobby today. Charlie and Vaggie were off to the side with Charlie’s whiteboard, trying to come up with new theories and ways to redeem sinners. Husk was sitting behind the bar, per usual. Nifty was running across the floor, attempting to add another cockroach to her ever-growing collection. Sir Pentious was seated on the far end of the couch in the sitting area, playing with his egg bois. And finally, Alastor was seated in his usual chair across from the couch, his legs crossed casually as he read the newspaper.

Angel looked down at Shephard, smirking and gesturing for her to go on. “Go on, toots. Let’s see who’s right.”

Chapter Text

As soon as they walked in the room Alastor noticed them. His eyes flickering to Angel dust and Shephard. His gaze lingering on the lamb demon for a moment longer than necessary, before his gaze went back to his newspaper. He casually flipped a page, his ears turned subtly in an attempt to pick up Shepherds and Angel Dust's conversation.

Angel Dust grinned at Alastors action, gesturing vaguely. "See?" 

Shephard scoffed and actually rolled her eyes this time. "Angel, he just looked up to see who walked in. Everyone does that." 

Angel let out a breath. "Yeah but his eyes lingered on you not me. And look at his ears." Angel whispered, leaning down to talk into her ear. Shephard had to strain slightly on her tippy toes due to his height. Her gaze on Alastor who was quietly reading his newspaper, his permanent smile present though not as wide as it could be.

"Okay, what about them?" Shepherd asked, her eyes flickering to his ears. "They’re pointed in our direction. You know why? Because he wants to listen to what you say." Ange smirked. Shephard snored. "Angel, Alastor is an overlord and a nosy one at that. Of course he's potentially listening into our conversation."

"Yeah, but why us specifically? Why not Charlie? Or Husk and Nifty? It's because you're here!" Angel whispered excitedly. "Right." Shephard said blandly. Angel's shoulders sagged as he gave her a look. "Look at how he's sitting. Before he was all relaxed, but now? His back is straight and his legs are crossed perfectly. Look how tense he is!" Shephards eyes moved over to Alastors face and body.

He sat leaned back in the chair, his eyes calmly scanning the newspaper page he was reading.His face was relaxed and so was his smile. His legs were crossed, and back perfectly straight. The only indication that he may be tense were the ever so subtle twitch of his ears, only seen because Shephard was looking.

"Angel...."

Angel whined softly at her tone. "Go on! Go talk to him and see how he acts!" He insisted. Shephard straightened her white mini jacket and flattened any stray away hairs on her head. "Okay. Let's find out then!" She declared. She walked towards where Alastor and Sir Pentious were sitting. She sat down on the opposite side of the couch from Sir Pentious, the side where Alastor sat directly across from her in his chair.

The moment she sat down Alastor's eye flickered over to her, taking in her appearance for a moment before greeting her. 

"Good afternoon, dear."

Shephard leaned back against the couch, settling her arm on the armrest and crossing her legs. "Good afternoon, Alastor." 

Angel Dust makes his way to the bar, sitting on one of the stools and angling himself so he could watch their interaction discreetly. Husk dropped his usual drink in front of him and Angel Dust sipped it absentmindedly as he observed Shephard and Alastors interaction, excited to prove his theory correct.

Alastor's eyes went to Angel Dust, who casually looked away and began his usual flirting with Husker. "And what were you and Angel discussing that was so important?" His red eyes flicked back to hold her gaze. Shephard just smiled, and waved her hand. "You know the usual." She dismissed it easily.

Alastors eyes narrowed at the casual dismissal of her interaction with Angel Dust. "I see." He folded his newspaper neatly, shifting to lean his elbow on the armrest of his chair. His eyes purposely held her gaze. "Tell me dear, how has your week been so far?" He asked casually, his other hand curling around the chairs other armrest in a leisurely fashion.

"It's been quiet. This exercise Charlie has us all doing is interesting, isn't it?" Shephard asked. She was curious to see how he felt about the situation they found themselves in.

Alastor nodded, leaning forward slightly. "It truly is. I must admit that I find the uncomfortable atmosphere between everyone to be quite amusing." He chuckled, his grin turning up at the edges in dark amusement.

Shephard snorted at his admission, of course he found the situation fun. Her eyes flicked away from his, towards Husk and then Vaggie.

"Of course you are. Though I must admit it is amusing watching Vaggie and Husk live in the same room together."

Alastors eyes lit up. "Oh yes, watching those react to having to live with each other for the foreseeable future was quite entertaining." He grinned.

"I can't help but wonder who will snap first." Alastor hummed thoughtfully, his eyes moving back and forth between the two demons. Shephard smiled at this, her muted pink eyes glittering at the thought. "Oh, It's bet gonna be Vaggie." Her eyes moving to look at the short woman next to Charlie.

Alastors grin turned sinister. "And I bet on Husker." His eyes moving to the cat demon behind the bar, watching as he scowled at whatever Angel Dust said.

"Okay, why do you say that?" Shephard asked.

"Husker has always had quite the temper. And a mouth on top of it. It will take one little remark from Vaggie to get him to snap." Alastor grinned, holding his pointer finger and thumb up to demonstrate how close Husk was to breaking. Shephard smiled at his reasoning, it was of course, completely plausible.

"I say that one morning Vaggie will make a scathing remark or demand and it will finally push Husker into a spiral."

"I could totally see that happening." Shephard said, looking over to Husk. She watched as one of his eyes twitched, causing her to snicker quietly. She turned back to Alastor who was grinning in amusement as well, clearly having seen the same thing.

"Vaggie is very bossy. But, consider this. Husk is far more laid back and casual about things. Vaggie is very up tight and well, to put it mildly...doesn't really seem to care for men. I wouldn't be surprised that something as simple as Husk forgetting to put his clothes away would send her into a free fall of rage." Shephard countered.

Alastor let out a sharp laugh. "HA! Yes, that would be very possible. And quite the sight."

Shepahrd smiled at his agreement, her gaze now falling on Angel Dust who was doing his best to get Husk to interact with him and Niffty who seemed to have caught the cockroach and was now beheading it. 

"Now...Angel Dust or Niffty? Who snaps first?" 

Alastor observes the two for a moment before he speaks. "Angel Dust and Niffty are two different people with differing personalities. Angel Dust is a party animal who enjoys drinking and drugs. Niffty is a neat freak and perfectionist. She enjoys having things clean and tidy, much different to Angel Dust." 

Shephard nodded, her mind going to where she was no more than an hour ago. Sitting in Angel Dusts and Niffty's room, Angel's side is messy with clothes, makeup and some trash on his bedside table. Compared to Niffty's that had not a spec out of place.

"That being said, I believe it will be Nifft that snaps first." Alastor finished, his eyes going back to Shephards. Shephard paused, shocked at his answer. 

"Really? I thought it would be Angel dust." Alastor raised an eyebrow at her clear shock, leaning his head on his hand as he watched her.

"Despite Niffty's happy and carefree attitude, she can be quite prickly when her space is disturbed. She will be consistently cleaning not only her side but his as well, which will cause her to eventually snap."

Shephard hummed. "Well, that's why I thought Angel would snap first. I figured he would get so pissed off about Niffty's manic and creepy behavior that he'd demand to switch rooms or bow out of the exercise completely." Shephard explained her reasoning.

Alastor lifted his head, tapping his red claw on his chin in thought. "Yes, you do have a point there. Perhaps they will both drive each other crazy and snap at the same time?" Alastor suggested. Shephard laughed at the idea of Angel Dust and Niffty going at it. The image of the much taller spider demon throwing down with Niffty who was at least three times smaller than him is an amusing thought.

"Oh, that would be a sight!" Shephard giggled. Alastor chuckled himself, his eyes never straying from Shephard.

"Okay! Charlie and Sir Pentious! Who do you think?" Shephard hummed as she calmed herself.

"Charlie and Sir Pentious are an interesting combination. Sir Pentious is quite a mess most of the time, poor Charlie will be left cleaning up after him."

"But Charlie is so kind and optimistic. I bet she'll say something to Sir Pentious with good intentions and he'll misinterpret it as something negative because of his insecurity and self image issues. Which will cause him to have an emotional breakdown."

Alastor smirked at this though, his eyes moving to Sir Pentious and Charlie for a brief moment before returning to Shephard.

“Yes, you do have a point. Charlie being so energetic, I believe that the snake will have a very irritating time. That meltdown will happen sooner than later.”

“You also have to consider that Pen craves acceptance. Out of everyone here, Charlie is the only one who seems to actually genuinely care for him. I bet you he’ll take a while to snap, due to wanting to stay on her good side.”

Alastor chuckled, closing his eyes for a moment as he began to speak. “Yes. That is true, he is always seeking the acceptance of others and always fails miserably. With Charlie who is the only one to possibly show him genuine kindness and living in such an enclosed space I bet he will do anything to try and impress her, so perhaps it will take some time for him to snap.”

Shepherd hummed in agreement, a smirk coming onto her face as she met Alastors eyes once he opened them once more.

“And…out of the two of us? Who snaps first? Me?...or you?”

Alastor immediately straightened at this question with a sly grin on his face as he held her gaze, his red claws curling into the armrest of the chair he was sitting in at the slight challenge in her gaze.

“Hm,” Alastor hummed, feigning thought. “Such an interesting question you’ve posed, dear. I  believe out of the two of us the obvious answer is you.”

Shepherd leaned in, her eyes filled with mirth. “Oh? Care to elaborate?”

Alastor leaned forward as well, his eyes on her as his smile widened. “You are far more emotional than I am. You are more expressive in how you feel which means you are more likely to express your frustration and irritation at a situation. While I am able to keep my emotions in check and not allow them cloud my judgment.” His smug tone just made Shephards own smile curl into a mocking one.

“Sure, you have a point. But Alator, you have an ego.” Shepherd murmured, her eyes lidded.

Alastor’s ears perked up in interest, his smile widening in excitement. “An ego is a normal thing to have, my dear. It helps with confidence, which is necessary for success.” His own gaze went lidded.

“No one said confidence isn’t good. But I'm not talking confidence, I'm talking cockiness. And you, my deer are cocky and that is why you will snap first.”

Alastor threw his head back in a mocking laugh, amused by her assumption and the ‘pet name’. “Me? Cocky?” He shook his head. “No, dear. You are mistaken. I am simply confident in my abilities. A different thing entirely.” His eyes filled with a playful spark.

“Your overconfidence is what will end you. I will make sure of that.”

Alastor’s grin went feral, his eyes wide with mischief. “Overconfidence? My dear, I have every reason to be confident. I am an overlord after all.”

He leaned in closer than, his voice low as he fixed his eyes on her once more. “And I doubt that you will be the one who brings me down.”

“Let’s make a bet.” Shepherd stated, not backing down.

Alastor cocked an eyebrow, his eyes glittering with interest. He’d always loved bets.

“A bet? And what are we betting on?”

“On who snaps first. Me or you, the winner decides on the reward.” Shepherd hashed out the terms quickly, her gaze intense.

Alastor smirked, clearly confident that he’d win the bet easily. “I must admit this proposition is quite intriguing.” He paused for a moment, leaving Shephard in suspense.

“Alright, dear. You have yourself a deal.”

Alastor offered his hand for a handshake to seal the deal. His eyes glowing red, his smile taking a terrifying edge. Shepherd reached out and curled her black fingers around Alastors hand, his red claws curling around the pink skin of her hand.

His grasp was firm as they shook their hands. A small burst of green and pink magic flying around them.

“Well then my dear, it seems we have ourselves a deal. Whichever one of us snaps first loses, and the winner decides on the reward.”

Angel Dust watched in horror at the interaction, the only one in the lobby to have noticed the subtle exchange. His eyes wide with panic at the implication of them shaking hands.

Shepherd just grinned, clearly excited. Her hand was still held in Alastors grip. Alastor smiled triumphantly, clearly confident in his ability to win the bet. He was determined not to snap, regardless of what the woman threw at him.

“I’m quite impressed by your eagerness to bet against me, you do know of the Huskers situation, correct?”

“Oh, I know.” Alastor raised an eyebrow, eyeing the nonchalant way she was acting.

“On top of that you leave the reward up to my discretion. You are much braver than most, my dear.”

Shepherd squeezed his hand for a moment before loosening her grip, Alastor holding for a moment longer before releasing her hand.

“You underestimate me Alastor.” Shepherd began, her hand falling to her lap. “I’m not an overlord, but even I have some tricks up my sleeve.”

Alastor grinned, squinting at her. “Please enlighten me of those tricks you speak of. What could you possibly be able to do against me?”

Shepherd stood up, bending over and getting close to his face. Alastor met her gaze head on, not bothering to lean back.

“You’ll see.” Shepherd purred. With that she abruptly turned away making her way over to Angel’s side and sliding into the bar stool next to him, his face gobsmacked.

Alastor watched her leave with an amused look, he’d enjoyed such a bold move. He couldn’t help but feel slightly impressed by her confidence and determination, interested to see what she planned to do. His eyes never straying from her as she made her way to Angel’s side.

Chapter Text

Shepherd strolled up to Angel casually, sitting on the bar stool next to him. Once settled she leaned over, her voice low. “Is he watching me?” She murmured. “Don’t be obvious.”

Angel Dust peaked over his shoulder to look at Alastor and sure enough his gaze was on Shephard. He turned his head back to the lamb demon whispering, “Oh yeah toots, he’s watching ya real hard.”

“Good. I’m going to ruin him.”

Angel Dust raised an eyebrow at the bold claim, a smirk forming on his lips as he leaned into her.

“How the hell do ya plan to do that?” He questioned, eyeing her.

“You say he’s got a crush right?”

Angel nodded, his smirk growing. “You bet, dollface. I’d bet my right set of arms that he’s got a thing for ya.”

Shepherd hummed. “And since Charlie has us doing this little exercise with us sharing rooms…and Alastor and I paired together…” Shepherd gave Angel a meaningful look

A laugh escaped his lips, his face lighting up in excitement at her implication. “Oh, you evil little lamb. You're gonna seduce him?”

“Oh, I'm gonna make him lose his absolute mind” Shepherd hissed.

Angel dust gave her an impressed look, letting out a low whistle at her determination. He leans in a bit closer, “You sure you’ve got the guts to pull that sorta thing off? You know, Alastor. He doesn’t play fair.”

“I know who and what he is. At this point he hasn’t done anything even vaguely threatening. If I feel like I might be in danger I’ll bow out.”

“But if you do that don’t you automatically lose?”

Shephard gave a sly smile. “Nowhere in our deal did it say we couldn’t bow out, it said whoever snapped first. Nothing about an automatic loss if one of us decided to end it.”

Angel seemed shocked, and slightly impressed by her quick thinking. “You used his overconfidence to set up a situation so that you’d be safe regardless of the outcome.”

Shephard nodded, leaning her elbows on the bar and threading her fingers together to rest her head on them. “I told him his overconfidence would be his downfall.”

Angel dust smirked as well. “Damn. Remind me not to make deals with you.”

Shephard wiggled her eyebrows. “By the way, I bow out of our deal.” Angel blanched. “What!? No! That is so unfair! You just admitted that Alastor had a crush on you!”

“I admitted to nothing. I asked if you thought he did. You said yes, and I’m just…testing out the theory. But, I still bow out.”

Angel Dust crossed his arms, pouting. “You're horrible. I should have seen this comin’.”

“So, based on your theory of him having a crush…how would one go about teasing a man with one?” Shephard asked innocently, fluttering her eyelashes at him.

Angel dust smirked and raised an eyebrow. “Oh? You think I’ll help you after what you just pulled?”

“I’ll give you the satisfaction of holding the fact that Alastor has a crush on me, if proven correct, for eternity. I won’t even complain about it.” Shephard offered.

Angel paused, squinting his eyes at her. “....and I’ll buy you your favorite drugs and booze.” Angel lit up, excited at the prospect of free drugs and booze. “Fine. I’ll help you since I'm such a nice person.” Angel hummed, causing Shephard to roll her eyes at his swift change in attitude.

“Okay, so the first thing ya need to do is start initiating more physical contact.” Angel began. He reached out and gave her shoulder a squeeze. “Simple things like this. Nothing to forward, we can’t have him getting suspicious.” He then imitated a few ways that Shephard could casually make physical contact with the man. Like squeezing his arms when he said something funny, or patting him on the back. If she sat next to him, press her knees into his just enough to make him conscious of it.

Shephard nodded, listening intently.

“Eye contact is important. Make sure you always hold it, Alastor seems like the type of guy who’d want the person he likes to always be watching him. Always laugh at his jokes, and compliment him. Not just on his appearance but on what he does. If he busts out his Radio Demon powers ‘oh’ and ‘aw’ over how cool it is. Men with ego’s like Alastor eat that shit up.”

Shephard hummed at this. “Okay, that sounds easy. What else?”

“Dress in his favorite color and take interest in what he likes. He clearly likes red, so wear a red dress or even put on red lipstick. He likes radio, obviously,” Angel rolled his eyes, smiling. “So, ask him about it, have him explain to you how it works. Men love explaining things and feeling like the smartest in the room.”

Angel crossed one long leg over the other, leaning against the bar as he swirled his drink around in one of his hands. “You could always try making him jealous.”

“Jealous?” Shephard asked, the thought of making someone like Alastor jealous seemed…difficult.

Angel Dust nodded, taking a sip of his drink before answering. “Yeah, while a man likes being praised and adored by the person he likes, you can’t have him thinkin you’re wrapped around his finger. You gotta make him think you got options. And honey, you have got options” Angel smirked, taking in Shepahrds appearance.

Shephard smiled at the way Angel Dust looked her up and down, fluttering her white and pink eyelashes at him in mock seduction.

“Careful Angel, you're gonna get yourself in trouble.” She grinned. Angel barked out a laugh, leaning forward slightly. “Oh trust me baby, you ain’t my type.”

“Yeah, no shit.” Shephard snorted her eyes moving towards Husk. Angel flushed slightly, gulping down his drink and clearing his throat.

“Anyway, you could always try flirtin a little with other men in front of him.” Angel Dust replied, deliberately ignoring Shephards implication.

“Okay, so touch him as much as you can but not anything forward to keep an air of mystery. Compliment him, laugh at his jokes and take an interest in what he likes. But, not too much, again to keep the mystery up and to do that I should…flirt with some men in front of him?” Shephard recapped.

“Exactly. Honestly, you're so soft lookin that all you’d have to do is stand there and they’ll come up to you.” Angel replied. Shephard nodded at this, it was true unfortunately. Because of her soft and innocent appearance many men and women have propositioned her in the middle of the street.

“Alright, I’ll try and remember all of this…” Shephard muttered, trying to figure out where she was going to start.

“Just make sure you keep a casual tone throughout and you’ll have no probs, babe.” Angel reassured her.

Chapter Text

Later that evening Alastor entered their shared space, the room was split with a bed on either side of the room. A fireplace and two chairs with a little table on Alastor’s side of the room. Meanwhile Shephard had a small couch with a TV, much to Alastors chagrin.

He took off his jacket, hanging it on the coat hanger next to the door as he entered. His eyes drifted over to Shephards side of the room. The color difference was obvious with her white and pink versus his red and black. He moved over to his bed and sat down, observing her space when the door creaked open. 

Shepherd walked in, calmly unbuttoning the collar of her white mini jack. The bell looped around the collar jingling softly. She hung her jacket next to Alastors red coat on the coat hanger. She then moved over to her vanity, settling in the seat and reaching for her makeup wipes. As she finished removing her makeup she tossed the wipes in the trash can, her hand reaching back to her hair piece and letting the strands that were braided back fall over her shoulders and down the straps of her floor length pink dress. 

Alastor sat in his bed across the room from her, watching as she began to unwind for the day. His gaze half--lidded as he admired her. She stood from the seat of her vanity and walked into the walk-in closet her and Alastor shared. Emerging a minute later with a long white nightgown, before disappearing into the bathroom. The soft click of the bathroom door closing was followed by the sound of the shower running.

Less than twenty minutes later the sound of the running water of the shower stopped abruptly, signaling that Shephard was done. Alastor took this time to stand from his bed and move to the closet. He changed in there, not willing to risk Shephard walking out in the middle of his changing. His pjs were simple red matching shirts and pants. 

He was settling himself in bed when the bathroom door opened, steam wafting out as Shephard stepped out. Her long white and pink hair was put into two braids. The nightgown she picked out, fluttering around her as she walked. As she began to walk over to the hamper to discard her dirty clothes and towel she met Alastors gaze.

She stopped for a moment, making direct eye contact. She then dropped her towel, her eyes fluttering in surprise.

“Whoops!” She giggled, bending over. This move caused the neckline of her nightgown to dip down revealing the soft roundness of her breasts.

His gaze dropped to her neckline as the nightgown dropped open, the movement catching his attention. 

Alastor froze. His eyes widening a fraction, his smile taut. The soft pink skin and her dark pink nipples are visible at this angle.

Alastor looked away, eyes going to the fireplace.

Shephard hummed to herself as she picked up the towel, wandering over to the hamper and dumping the dirty laundry in before making her way back to her bed and settling under the covers.

He let out a sigh, his eyes closing for a moment as his ears twitched at the sound of Shephards bed creaking as she made herself comfortable. After a few silent moments, he spoke.

“You should be more careful from now on, dear.” His eyes opened and slid over to look at Shephard who laid on her side under her covers.

Shepherd gave him a curious look, before she finally started speaking. “What do you mean?” Her voice the perfect sound of innocence.

Alastor’s lids lowered slightly, his face the perfect picture of calm and nonchalance. “One false move like that and you could be showing someone who’d be willing to take advantage.”

“Take advantage of what?”

Alastor’s gaze was steady, seeing through her innocent act.

“Take advantage of a…vulnerability.”

Shepherd rolled on to her stomach, propping herself up onto her elbows and placing her head in her hands. “Vulnerability?”

His eyes darted to the neckline of her nightgown for a brief moment, before going back to her eyes. A smile curling into a smirk.

“Yes. An unintentional mistake on your part that could result in…unfortunate exposure…”

“Ah!” Shephard gasped, her eyes widening. “Sorry! I didn’t realize!” She giggled.

Alastors eye twitched at her reaction, despite her apology it was obvious that she wasn’t sorry at all. However, Alastor decided to play along with her charade.

“Perhaps you should pay more attention to what you’re wearing, dear. Especially since it’s just us.” He murmured, his gaze drifting over her.

Shephard nodded in agreement. “Okay! I can do that! I usually just wear nightgowns since I get hot. But, I'll wear shirts from now on!” Shephard promised, as she turned over.

Alastor hummed. “Thank you for your consideration. Hopefully, you’ll think of such details in the future.” Alastor responded, turning over as he too, fell asleep.

The next morning, Alastor was already up and getting ready for the day by the time Shephard roused from her sleep.

Alastor watched as Shephard sat up in bed, shoving the sheets off her body and swinging her legs over onto the floor. Her hair messy, a scowl on her face as she grumbled. She trudged over to the bathroom and closed the door behind her.

Alastor couldn’t help the small twitch in his smile at her behavior. Clearly someone wasn’t a morning person.

Shepherd came out minutes later, with her hair brushed and pink skin refreshed. She sat down at her vanity and began applying her makeup for the day. The only sound in the room was the soft clicking and clacking of Shephard picking up and putting down her makeup products and Alastor’s clothes moving as he adjusted his suit in the mirror.

Once finished with her makeup, Shephard got up and walked over to the closet, disappearing inside. After a few minutes Alastor became curious as to why she hadn’t emerged yet. He walked over to the closet knocking as he called out to her. “Everything alright in there, dear?”

“Uh….I think I need a little help.” Shephards voice called back. Alastor raised an eyebrow, a smirk tugging on his face. “Help with what exactly?”

The door opened, Shepherd standing there in a pink dress that ended just above her knees. The dress had long bell shaped sleeves and the collar of the dress were made of the same light pink see through material. Her signature bell, hanging from her neck.

She gave Alastor a sheepish smile. “Can you zip me up? I can’t reach…”

Alastor’s eyes widened slightly at the sight of Shepherd's bareback. He admired the bell-shaped sleeves of her dress and the way the length of the dress accented her figure.

He gave a curt nod and stepped up behind her form, his usual smile in place as his red eyes bore into her.

“Yes, of course.”

He grasped the zipper in between his fingers, his long red claws ghosting over the pink skin of her back causing goosebumps to rise on Shephards skin as he slowly zipped up her dress. His fingers lingered at the top of her neck for a brief second after he fully zipped up her dress before pulling away.

After a few moments of silence he spoke, his voice low. “There…all done, darling.”

Shepherd let out a slow breath as her heart raced in her chest. “Thanks!” Shepherd cheered, smoothing down her dress to settle her nerves.

She turned around and brushed past him towards her vanity. She settled down grabbing a few pieces of her long white and pink hair and braiding it back and locking it into place with her usual hair piece. She twisted the stems of it up to peak over her head, curling them slightly to resemble horns.

She stood up and took a step back to admire her form in her mirror. Alastor watched Shephard calmly as she did all this, his expression neutral. His mind was still processing the brief look of her bare back and the feel of smooth, soft skin on his fingertips. He couldn’t help the way his smile widened at the sight of her hair piece horns peaking over the top of her head, a crude imitation of the real thing. 

Shephard grabbed her purse that she’d tossed onto the bed earlier and slung it over her shoulder. She turned around to smile at Alastor. “Alright, breakfast time!”

Alastor hummed as he breezed past her and opened the door for her, gesturing to her to go first. As she passed Shephard gave Alastor a gentle squeeze of his arm, “Thanks, Al!”

Alastor nodded in response, his smile widening at the touch. Once the two of them were out the door they made their way to the elevator.

The ride was quiet, Shephard contentedly humming to herself as Alastor watched her from the corner of his eye.

The elevator dinged signaling they’d made it to the lobby, Alastor followed after Shephard as they made their way down the stairs. As Shephard made her way to the stairs she hesitated briefly, remembering that she was wearing heels a tad too tall for walking down stairs safely, her hand instinctively reaching for the banister to hold on too.

Alastor followed closely behind her, his mind wandering to the show of skin he’d seen in the last 24 hours and the fleeting touch of her hand on his forearm. His eyes followed the movement of her hand as she reached for the banister, his own reaching out to grab hers and taking the opportunity to explore this feeling he’d been encountering with Shephards presence and touch.

Shephard froze when Alastors hand clasped hers, peering over her shoulder at the much taller demon curiously. His other hand coming to the small of her back to help support her, his voice coming from right behind her.

“Easy now, dear.”

Shephards eyes went to the floor as she flushed slightly, thankful that Alastor was behind her and unable to see her shy expression knowing that the demon would tease her. Her voice came out soft and meek at the gesture, “Thank you…”

Alastor smirked at the quietness of her voice as he helped her down the stairs. They slowly but surely walked down the stairs, Alastor hand firmly gripping hers while his other hand hovered behind her. Shephard pretend to not be flustered by the warmth on her back and not to notice Alastors intense gaze on her face opting to focus her pink eyes on the stairs.

Once she was firmly planted on the lobby floor she let go of Alastor’s hand and stepped away from him to create some space, giving him a quiet thank you as she headed for the kitchen. Alastor’s grin just widened at her shy behavior but opted not to say anything as he followed silently behind her, twirling his microphone in his hand as he hummed a little tune.

Once Alastor and Shephard made their way through the door to the kitchen they saw Vaggie and Charlie making breakfast, Angel Dust attempting to flirt with Husk who was chugging his black coffee, Niffty was cleaning as Charlie and Vaggie cooked and Sir Pentious was attempting to set the table as this was all happening.

Alastor glanced around the kitchen, his eyes swiftly taking in the other hotel residents and the subtle chaos that was occurring. He watched as Vaggie gave Angel an annoyed look at his relentless and suggestive remarks to Husk. His eyes then went to Niffty, the small cyclops running in between people’s legs as she cleaned gleefully and then to Sir Pentius who was stumbling around everyone to get the plates and silverware set up. 

He let out a low chuckle, amused by the chaos in the room. Shephard who stood beside him sighed softly, “Chaotic as always.” Her heels clicked on the floor as she made her way to the table settling into her usual seat next to Angel Dust.

Angel Dust paused his attempts at flirting with Husk to look at Shephard as she sat down, a playful grin on his face.

“Well, if it isn’t Shephard.” He leaned into her space slightly, resting an elbow on the table with his chin in one of his hands.

“Lookin’ real pretty this morning, toots. That dress really suits you. Makes you look very… sophisticated.” he flirted, wriggling his eyebrows as his mismatched eyes glanced at Alastor.

Shephard smirked slightly at Angel Dust's words, catching onto what he was doing. Shephard beamed at the spider, “Thank you, Angel!”

Angel Dust grinned, leaning closer. “You’re welcome, sweetheart. Though, I shouldn’t be surprised. You always look good no matter what you wear.” He complimented, his eyes taking in her form appreciatively.

Angel’s eyes darted to Alastor once more. Alastor had settled down in a seat across from Shephard, sitting next to Niffty. He was calmly drinking his usual morning coffee from his red ‘Oh Deer’ coffee mug. Angel made eye contact with Alastor who watched silently. Angel dust just grinned at this.

Alastor’s fingers tightened around his mug slightly at Angel's smug look, it was very obvious that the spider was complimenting Shephard specifically to get under his skin. Unfortunately for Angel, Alastor had always been pretty good at keeping a poker face and simply stared at him passively.

Shephard turned her head to watch as Charlie and Vaggie came over with breakfast, setting the plates in the middle of the table so that it was easier for people to grab what they pleased. She took in a deep breath the aroma of the food filling her senses, she reached out and filled her plate with some bacon, sausage and pancakes. She watched as everyone did the same, quiet conversation breaking out.

Alastor also watched the others take the food, his own plate remaining empty. Shephard noticed the lack of food on his plate as she poured some orange juice into her cup, her pink eyes going to his face.

“Not gonna eat?” She asked casually.

Alastor’s eyes immediately went to hers, focusing his attention on her. “I’m not one for…this sort of food, dear. I prefer to drink coffee in the mornings.” Alastor said as he lifted his mug slightly, showing off the half empty mug.

Shephard took a bite of her bacon as she took in his answer. “Ah, that’s right. You're a cannibal. I always seem to forget that.”

Alastor raised an eyebrow at the casual remark, slightly surprised at her nonchalance.  A small smirk played on his lips at the comment.

“You don’t seem to be disgusted by that fact.” Alastor commented, stating it as more of a fact than a question.

Shephard simply shrugged at this, cutting into her pancakes. “It’s hell, there are all kinds of people down here.” 

The smirk on Alastors lips grew wider, his eyes glinting with something that could be described as amusement. He couldn’t help the intrigue he felt at her casual attitude for his darker appetite. After all, it was rare to see a soul so unfazed by the macabre.

“And I assume you’re not put off by my other…habits?”

Shephard raised an eyebrow, “You mean you being an overlord who likes to broadcast his carnage?” She asked, chewing on her bacon.

Alastor continued grinning at her, his eyes still gleaming with amusement.

“Indeed, that is what I mean.” He leaned forward slightly, lowering his voice.

“So, that doesn’t bother you? The fact that I’m an overlord that thrives on chaos, that I broadcast my carnage and indulge in the fear that it brings?”

Shephard continued to eat and gave him an unimpressed look. “No. Again, it’s hell.”

Alastor  leaned back into his seat, taking a sip of his coffee as he maintained eye contact. His eyes searched for Shephards for a sign of hypocrisy or lying.

“And you’re not disgusted or… repelled by my actions, by my…unique tastes?”

Shephard let out a small breath through her nose, clearly amused by his line of questioning.

“No.” Her smile turned teasing. “Promise not to make me your next guest on your radio show?”

Alastor chuckled at her teasing, “Oh, I would never dare. You’re far more entertaining to be one of my…prized guests.It would truly be a waste.”

Shephard pretended to wipe off sweat from her forehead. “Whew!” She sighed in an exaggerated fashion, her smile still in place.

Alastor’s smile widened at her dramatics.

“You can rest easy, dear. I have more sense than to discard someone like you in such an unglamorous way.”

Shephard perked up at his words, taking note of the way he phrased his sentence. “Oh? So, you have thought about discarding me?” Shephard asked, morbid curiosity taking over.

Alastor’s grin grew almost sinister at her question, his eyes gleaming with mischief. He chuckled darkly, finding it amusing that Shepahrd had so boldly asked him such a question. He leaned forward, placing his elbows on the table and his head in his hands as he stared at her with lidded eyes, his tone quieter and almost conspiratorial. 

“Let’s just say, I’ve hypothetically thought about it.” Alastor said, pausing briefly as he stared at Shephard. “Purely as a hypothetical consideration of course.”

Shephard’s lips twitched at the emphasis being placed on the word hypothetical. She leaned forward as well, her eyes narrowing slightly. “Okay. So, Hypothetically speaking, if you were to discard me, how would you do it?”

Now Shephard knew she was playing a dangerous game. Asking an overlord how they’d go about killing you is never a smart idea. But, asking an overlord like Alastor how he’d do it? Completely insane, out of the question, should never do so.

Alastor’s eyes lit up at her question. He paused briefly, as if he had to carefully consider how he’d discard her in this hypothetical scenario.

“Well, Hypothetically, I would start with a bit of a chase. After all, hunting is the most fun way to get rid of someone and I’d imagine hunting someone like you would be most entertaining. I would make it thrilling for the both of us, giving you a chance to escape the false hope of freedom, just to keep it interesting. Then when you're caught…”

Shephard’s eyes darkened, her lips twitching. “When?”

 Alastor grinned, his eyes gleaming with a sadistic fire. “Yes, when.” He said firmly, his eyes never leaving hers. The tension between the two was palpable.

“When I catch you,” He began again, clearing his throat. “I would make it slow, you would get front-row seats to my most magnificent performance. No quick demise would suit you. No, that wouldn’t do at all.” He muttered, his eyes dark, his claws clicking loudly at the table.

“Instead, I would make it a thrilling spectacle for all to witness. You would be my prized catch, and I will demonstrate to everyone just how glorious a hunt can truly be.”

Shephard leaned back into her chair, tilting her head as she observed him. “Most prized? How flattering.” She commented.

Alastor’s smile widened. “Oh, but it’s only the truth, my dear. You are rather extraordinary prey, and as such, you deserve to be hunted in an equally extraordinary manner. What better way to demonstrate my skills than by hunting down and capturing a prize such as yourself.”

Shephard crossed her legs, placing a hand on her chin in interest. “So, you wouldn’t dispose of my body after? You’d keep me like a trophy?” She asked, her pink eyes darkening with interest as she contemplated his words. 

“Oh, absolutely. You’d be a fine, rare trophy, a testament to my skills as a hunter.”

Alastor leaned forward slightly, his eyes glinting with dark amusement. “Just a hypothetical prize, of course.” he laminated, his eyes on her.

“Of course.*” Shephard responded as she grinned at him and held eye contact.

The rest of the tale watched in muted horror at the spectacle. Charlie looked absolutely terrified for Shephards safety, realizing that Alastor had actually considered hunting the lamb demon down. Her brain raced, realizing she would need to reassess the exercise and put Shpehard in a different room for her safety. Vaggie looked livid, like she was about to fly across the room and attack Alastor for his implications. Sir Pentious looked nervously between Alastor and Vaggie clearly sensing the tension between the two and then at Shephard in concern. Nifty was grinning maniacally enjoying the dark conversation Alastor and Shephard were having. Husks entire body was tense, his eyes narrowed into slits as he stared at Shephard, knowing that every word out of Alstors mouth wasn’t only a threat but a promise. Angel Dust looked positively mortified. After all, it was his bet that placed Shephard in this situation. He watched the two, picking up on the odd tension they had. It was coming off as both threatening and like they were….flirting?

Alastor’s expression was the perfect picture of calm. He was keenly aware of the horrified expressions on everyone's face at the table. If anything it only fueled his amusement at the entire situation. Alastor couldn’t help but be pleased with the attention, particularly Shephards. Having the lamb demons undivided attention and interest made him sit up a little straighter.

He always did enjoy their conversations. Out of everyone in the hotel, she was one of the only ones to treat him normally despite his abnormal behavior and vaguely threatening comments.

Alastor took a sip of coffee allowing the tension to build, his red eyes watching the others squirm uncomfortably in their seats. Oh, how he did enjoy the suffering of others.

Finally he set his mug down, fixing Shephard with his stare once more. “Tell me, dear. How would you feel about…hypothetically being caught by me?”

Shephard shrugged, a smile tugging on her lips as she sipped on her orange juice. “It would be…interesting.” She replied vaguely

Alastor tilted his head at her response, squinting his eyes at her. “Interesting, you say? Care to elaborate?”

Shephard calmly ate her pancakes, undisturbed by the question. “Thrilling. Adrenaline-inducing.” Shephard hummed as she chewed on her pancakes. 

Alastor’s neck straightened with a crack causing the others at the table to flinch at the sudden movement. Alastor’s grin widened.

“Trilling and adrenaline-inducing? Oh, I like the sound of that. It would make the experience so much more..exhilarating, for the both of us.”

Shephard felt goosebumps rise on her skin, the hair at the back of her neck standing on end at his voice. Her heart pumped in her chest, anxious to see where this conversation was going to lead her.

“And the thought of being seen as a prize. Well, I’ve always thought that I was…quite the catch.” Shephard teased.

Angel gave Shephard an incredulous look. He couldn’t believe this was happening. She was really flirting with Alastor. Sure, he flirted with Alastor too but this was different. She wasn’t just flirting, she was egging on a demon known for playing the long game, a demon known for hunting and killing powerful demons and overlord.

Husker was also just as stunned. It was disturbing to watch Shephard be so amused and unbothered by the clear threat that Alastor posed to her life. Like she didn’t understand the danger she was putting herself in.

Alastor’s face was one of pure amusement, his eyes fixed onto Shephard with an unsettling intensity. He couldn’t deny that the notion of SHephard being “quite the catch” had sparked something in him. Though, he remained composed, showing nothing.

“Oh, you are, my dear. You’re a prize that I would delight in hunting down and keeping as a trophy.”

Shephard nodded at this, brushing her hair behind her ears as she watched him. “Where would you keep me? On a shelf?” She asked.

Alastor leaned back in his seat again, crossing his legs as he considered her question.

“Oh, no, my dear. I would find a far more … impressive place to keep you. Perhaps, in a display case, for all to see, or even a pedestal, a tribute to my remarkable skill and your remarkable appearance. Or maybe…in my room.” He leaned forward as he said that, his grin turning sinister once more.

“You would be a very special and remarkable prize, dear. I would have you in a very special place, a place where I could… display you.”

Shephard leaned forward, her voice dropping low. “Where?”

Alastor took a few moments before answering, his mind quickly considering different possibilities. He looked down at the table for a moment before looking back up at Shephard.

He leaned forward a little more, his voice dropping low like hers. “A special and very privileged place in my personal quarters.Perhaps hung on the wall over my bed..or on it. Where I can admire the prize I have worked so hard on capturing.”

Then he leaned back, his expression going back to something more neutral. His eyes though, never left Shpehards, his eyes betraying the excitement he was feeling.

“Of course, this is just a hypothetical…but it is interesting to consider, don’t you agree?” He laughed casually as if he hadn’t been talking about hunting, killing and then displaying her body in his personal room or in a display case for others to see.

Shephard stared at him for a moment before leaning back in her own chair as well, her own smile turning innocent. “Yes, of course!”

Everyone watched in shock and terror at the way Shephard causally laughed off the morbid conversation she was just having with Alastor.

Shephard went back to eating her food, ignoring the concerned looks. Alastor watched as she went back to her food, once he was satisfied that Shephard was no longer paying attention to him he took a moment to gather everyone else's reaction to the situation.

It was no surprise that everyone had varying degrees of anger, disgust and fear on their faces. Alastor chuckled quietly, proud of himself for causing them all such distress. His lips curled smugly as he took a sip of his coffee.

Angel looked at Shephard nervously. Now not so sure about the bet the woman had going on with Alstor. Charlie having thoughts of changing Shephards partner in this exercise.

Alastor noticed Angel’s and Charlie’s nervous and anxious stares at Shephard. He could practically feel the tension and discomfort in the air, and it only served to amuse him further.

This was going to be a very interesting day.

Chapter Text

Later after breakfast, Angel Dust dragged Shephard to the side, Charlie following after the two nervously. Alastor watched the three demons disappear out of the kitchen. Curious, Alastor quietly disappeared into the shadows, intent on finding out what the three were going to discuss.

Alastor watched from the shadows as Angel Dust dragged Shephard into a secluded corner with Charlie. The spider took a moment to check that no one was around. Once satisfied that they were alone he turned on Shephard, his face a mix of anger and concern.

“Are you crazy!?” He snapped, and Charlie flinched at the rapid change in his demeanor. Shephard on the other hand just smiled innocently.

“What?”

Charlie fiddled with her hands, wringing them nervously beside Angel Dust. Angel Dust’s eyes narrowed as he sneered down at her. “Don’t you ‘what’ me! You just flirted with Alastor! The Radio Demon by asking him how he would ‘ hypothetically’ plan to discard you and what he’d do with you after! Also, not to mention, YOUR ROOMING WITH HIM!” Angel yelled, one set of arms coming up to grasp the lamb's shoulders.

Alastor smirked at the sound of Angel's voice. He couldn’t help but be amused by Angel's unneeded concern. Thought, a flicker of annoyance crossed him at the implication that he would do anything to harm her. After all, Shephard was his prize.

Shephard continued smiling and rolled her eyes at Angel Dust's concern. “It’s just a hypothetical! It was just a harmless conversation!” Shephard defended. Charlie cleared her throat, gaining the attention of the two arguing demons.

“Shephard…are you sure? If you want, I can have you swap with someone else. If you don’t want to room with him in this exercise anymore, I won’t force you.” She said softly, her red eyes and frown expressing her genuine concern.

Alastor raised an eyebrow at Charlie’s offer, his amusement mixing with possessiveness. He couldn’t help that spark of irritation in his chest at the thought of Shephard rooming with someone other than him. You had agreed to the bet, and he wasn’t going to let it go to waste so easily.

Shephard sighed, her defensiveness dropping at Charlie's concern. “I’m not switching rooms because of a hypothetical conversation guys. It was just harmless fun.” Shepherd replied. 

Alastor felt some relief wash over him, his smile growing at Shephard's refusal to move rooms. Good, he still had time to be the one to break her first. He could still keep her close and under his watchful eye. She was his prize and he wouldn’t let anyone else take that from him.

“But Shephard…he said he’d hunt you and keep your body as a prize…” Charlie said worriedly, Angel crossed his arms and nodded along with Charlie’s words. “She’s right. It was fun and games when he wasn’t practically threatening you.” Angel stated.

Alastor listened intently, his eyes narrowing ever so slightly. They imply that he was a threat to Shephard person annoying him. Of course, he’d hunt her, she was his prize. The notion of keeping her body as a prize? He had no plans of doing such a thing, at least not in the way they were implying.

Shephard just sighed again, leaning back against the wall she crossed her arms. “I don’t think that’s how he meant it.”

Alastor couldn’t help but feel flattered by her coming to his defense. But also felt…annoyed. How dare she assume what he meant, to take his words so lightly. He’d meant every word he said. Shephard would be his most prized possession, kept safely in his room one day. His smile widened at the thought, his ears twitching as he continued to listen to their conversation, his mind already running through potential future activities and ideas.

Angel threw his multiple arms up in frustration, his face showing his annoyance at her instance that Alastor was harmless. “He said he would keep you in his room!”

Angel’s words sent a jolt through Alastor’s core. He had to physically restrain himself from interjecting during their conversation, his annoyance growing at the implication that he might harm Shephard. He wouldn’t dare. Shephard was special. However, his remark about his room did cause a wave of possessiveness to wash over him. The idea of having her there alone in his room, where he could keep you safe and his, forever, was a temptation that he was struggling to resist.

“Okay, listen, if Alastor does or says something that makes me feel unsafe or even the slightest bit uncomfortable, I will agree to switch partners in this exercise. Okay?” Shephard said finally, deciding that giving some leeway to this situation would calm Charlie and Angel Dust’s nerves.

Alastor smiled at her words. It amused him to no end that Shephard was trusting him not to do anything to her. To trust him, to be alone with him after such a morbid conversation. He was curious to see what she’d do if he just… pushed a little bit.

Angel and Charlie shared a look at Shephard's compromise, clearly still not happy about the situation but trusting that Shephard would come to them if she felt threatened by Alastors behavior.




Later that day, Shephard was back in her and Alastors shared room. She was straightening her side of the room. Making her bed, washing up her vanity, etc…

Alastor watched from his side of their room, he was casually sitting near the fireplace at the table he’d placed there eating the deer carcass he’d painstakingly fought for. Upon seeing the dead deer Shephard froze, her pink eyes going wide. For a moment Alastor had thought he’d gotten her, then she’d just frowned and turned away from him, continuing to clean half of the shared space.

Alastor couldn’t help but smile as he remembered her face when she’d walked through the door and saw him eating the food before going to clean. Despite the conversation with Charlie and Angel, Shephard seemed to be at ease, bustling around their room. It was truly a peculiar sight, especially after the conversation about the hypothetical hunt.

After a few more moments of watching Alastor decided to break the silence, wanting to test Shephards resolve.

“You seem quite…at ease, dear.”

At Alastors voice, Shephard turned to look at him, putting a fallen shirt on a hanger. “Of course I am, it’s my room, just as much as it’s yours.” She replied casually, continuing to do her laundry.

Alastor’s eyes narrowed slightly, amusement in his expression. “Even after a conversation like we had at breakfast? Knowing I could hypothetically hunt you down at any moment?”

Shephard looked back over to him, her smile turning into a grimace as she watched Alastor cut into the deer he was eating and taking a bite. “Can’t hunt something that’s sitting in front of you and is aware of your presence.”

Alastors grin widened at her expression. “Fair point, I suppose. But what about if you were taking a shower? Changing your clothes? Or even sleeping ?” He questioned her looking to get a reaction.

“Then you're a bad hunter. Because I did all those things and yet here I sit. Uncaptured .” Shephard replied with a smirk, peering over her shoulder at him.

Alastors eyes widened slightly before narrowing. Of course, she just had done all of those things and he’d been well aware. Yet, she still seemed completely at ease in his presence. It was rather impressive. He found himself appreciating her lack of concern, the implied trust she had in him, though he would never show it.

Alastor just chuckled, smiling slyly. “Touche.”

Shephard hummed, standing up and walking with her freshly laundered clothes toward their closet. “All hypothetical, of course.”

Alastor watched her turn her back towards him, his eyes trailing her as she walked. What a unique and funny soul. He wanted to push on her, just a bit more.“Of course hypothetically. However, I find it interesting that you’re still so calm after our conversation. It’s almost as if you believe I wouldn't hurt you.”

Shephard walked out of the closet, “You said you’d hunt me down and keep me as a prize. Nothing about killing me, there are multiple ways to keep somebody as a prize after all…”

Alastor grinned widely at her assessment. He hadn’t clarified that particular aspect of their conversation. He couldn’t help but be impressed by the fact that Shephard had picked up on that subtle detail. She was right after all, there were multiple ways to keep her as a prize and only some of them required hurting her.

“Very observant of you, dear.” Alastor praised. His eyes twinkled as he looked at her. She hadn’t assumed that he would kill her, instead considered more… pleasurable methods of keeping her as a prize. It is mildly amusing, her nonchalance at the concept of being kept. He crossed his arms over his chest, snapping away his food for the time being in favor of the conversation he was having. His eyes narrowed at Shephard.

“So, what methods do you think I would use to keep you as my prize ?”

“Normally, as an overlord, the first guess was that you’d attempt to make a deal with me that would tie me to you for eternity,” Shephard responded as she walked over to his side of the room and took a seat in the other chair in front of the fireplace.

Alastor let out a loud laugh at her words, genuine amusement flashing across his face as his laughter filled the room. He took a moment to collect himself, pretending to wipe a tear from his eye before speaking. “A deal! Oh, my dear, a deal would be so cliche. While I am fond of a good deal, keeping you as my prize would call for a far more entertaining way.”

Shephard raised an eyebrow at his outburst, surprised that he’d casually dismissed the notion of a deal. “Well, I thought it would be good because then I’d be chained. You know Like a leash.”

Alastor’s smirk widened at the word leash. Truly a delightful and alluring thought. “I do enjoy that imagery of leashing you. That’s something very thrilling about the idea. However, I’m not sure it’s the most exciting way to keep you.”

“But it is the most permanent. You could keep me in a cage or physically chained. But a soul deal? That’s a surefire way to keep me at your side no matter how much I run. All you’d have to do is just…” Shephard raised her hand, snapping her fingers, “...And I’d be right back at your side just like that. Perhaps it’s the most boring but it would be the most efficient.”

Alastor’s grin turned manic when she snapped her fingers, the image of her, popping back to his side after she so desperately tried to escape amused him.  He admired her forethought and insight. A soul deal would be the most efficient way of keeping her. But where was the fun in that?

“I must admit, you are correct. A soul deal would guarantee that you would never escape me. Even if you did manage to run away, as you said I could snap my fingers,” He did as she had done moments ago, his fingers snapping loudly in the room, his shadow dancing behind him in excitement. “..And you’d instantly appear. So very efficient, so very predictable.”

Shephard nodded in agreement, “It would also be easier to parade me around. I would be on your arm in an instant just for you to show me off, like a proper trophy.”

A wide smile crossed Alastor’s face. He hadn’t given too much thought on the logistics of having her by his side, of..parading her around. But now that she's mentioned it…

…the thought was oh-so-tempting. He could already see it, Shephard standing by his side, her hand in his while he showed her off to others. He could hear the envious gasps, the murmurs, the stares. Just thinking about it filled him with a twisted desire.

A desire that swelled within him, an urge he couldn’t quite identify. But one thing was clear: He wanted her. He wanted her by his side, on his arm, where he could watch her, where he could show her off. The thought made him feel powerful.

Shephard watched Alastor’s face grow dark at his suggestion, she tilted her head as her pink eyes studied him and smiled innocently. “What a fun hypothetical!”

Alastor’s grin just widened. “Truly it is." Alastor rested his hand on his chair, his nails tapping on the fabric. “Though, I have a different hypothetical for you.”

“Oh? I’m listening.” Shephard replied as she leaned in. Alastor mimicked her, his red eyes glowing in the firelight.

“Let’s say I do decide not to make a soul deal with you, and that I decide to keep you as a prize via other means. How would you react?”

“Depends on the means.”

Alastor tapped on his chair, considering her words. He could feel the excitement and anticipation rising in his chest as he thought about how to phrase the next part of the hypothetical.

“Hmm, there are many options… but let’s take a few..extreme examples first.” Alastor watched her, looking for any discomfort. “One of the options could be that I capture you, physically, and keep you in my room. Locked up and with only me allowed in and out.”

Shephard hummed softly, at the suggestion. “Mmm. but I’d get so bored. Give me another.”

Alastor continued to smirk at her, moving on to the next option. “Option two - What if I decided to keep you with me always? Never leaving my side, even when sleeping or during meetings? What if you were to be my shadow so to speak?”

Shephard nodded, liking this option better. “This one is more preferable. I’m a trophy, after all, I would want to be admired.” She stated firmly.

Alastor smirk widened, enjoying the direction the conversation was going. “You would indeed be adored and perhaps I would choose to adorn you. With jewelry, clothes, anything that would make you shine.” He leaned back in his chair, “How would you feel about being adorned like that?

“That’s to be expected. As your prize, I would have to look my best.” Shephard responded, folding her hands on her lap as she looked at him.

Alastor chuckled, looking at her curiously. “That is true, as my trophy you would have to be the best. But, what if I decide to take things further?”

“How so?” Shephard asked, her pink eyes running up and down him as she tried to get a read on what he was thinking.

“What if I decide that I wanted to brand you? To mark you as mine, something that would show who you belong to.”

Shephard considered this for a moment before questioning him on what kind of mark he had in mind.

“Nothing too harmful. Perhaps a tattoo. Maybe even something a little more hidden.”

Shephard raised an eyebrow at this. “You mean something subtle?”

Alastor nodded in agreement. “Yes, something subtle. Something classy, elegant that wouldn’t necessarily be eye-catching but would be recognizable regardless.”

Shephard grinned wickedly, seeing an opportunity. Shephard held up her left hand, flashing her ringless hand. 

“ Like a ring ?”

Alastor froze, his jaw tensing at the suggestion before he relaxed back into his seat. He leaned his body on his elbow, resting his chin on his hand as he considered her. “A ring, hm?” Alastor teased, pretending to consider the option. He leaned in slightly tapping his finger on the armrest absentmindedly.

“Are you proposing a hypothetical marriage, my dear?” He sounded amused at the thought.

“What better trophy than a trophy wife?” Shephard retorted. 

Alastor chuckled at the response. “Indeed, nothing is better than a trophy wife.” He leaned back into his chair, his eyes locking with Shepherds.“But marriage is rather permanent, isn’t it? Do you think you could handle eternity beside me? As my hypothetical trophy wife?”

“You think you could handle me?” came Shephards' quick response, her eyebrows rising.

Alastor laughed at that. “I believe I could, my dear. Hypothetically, of course.” He leaned forward as a sly smile formed on his lips.

“I can handle anything after all. Especially special individuals such as yourself.”

“And I know I could handle you. Hypothetically.” Alastor chuckled at her confidence. The hint of a challenge hung in the air between them, making their conversation more interesting. Alastor straightened slightly, rising to her challenge.

“You certainly have confidence in your hypothetical abilities, darling. But I must ask, what makes you believe you could handle me, even hypothetically?”

Shephard flashed him her smirk, “I’m handling you now, aren’t I?”

Alastor let out a soft, amused chuckle. She was handling him quite well, even now during this very interesting conversation. “Touche. I suppose you are indeed handling me…for the moment that is.”

“If you're concerned about the long term, we’ll just have to see where this little exercise Charlie has us all doing leads to.”

Alastor raised an eyebrow, his smile turning slightly devious. “A fair point, my dear. Perhaps this exercise will show us whether you can handle me for the long term.” He then paused for just a moment, his eyes trailing over Shephard. “I must admit, our hypothetical discussions have been quite entertaining. Far more than what I would have expected.”

Shepherd smiled at this. “I enjoy our conversations. Especially the hypothetical ones.”

Alastor’s eyes sparkled in amusement. “Hmm, I must agree. Your willingness to indulge in the more twisted hypothetical ideas is quite delightful.” He chuckled, his grin turning into a smirk as he rested his cheek against his hand. “I find you to be rather entertaining, my dear. It has truly been a pleasure.”

Shephard smiled sweetly at his compliment. “Aw, thanks! I think you're entertaining as well!” 

Alastors eyes gleamed at Shephard's enthusiasm, and for the briefest moment, he was tempted to reach out to her. However, he decided against it not wanting to ruin this delicate situation between the two of them.

“Well, I am the Radio Demon. Entertainment is my natural calling, darling.”

Shephard nodded as she relaxed in her chair, her eyes drifting to the microphone Alastor rested against his chair. “Mm, I'm aware. But why radio?”

Alastor’s eyes flashed with a hint of excitement at her question. “Why, good question, my dear.” He leaned forward, his eyes glimmering with a hint of pride. “I’ve always had a fascination with radio. In the age of new modern media that came after my time, radio seemed the most unique. The Art of storytelling through the radio, with merely just sound and the audience's imagination filling in the rest. I found it rather…fun.”

Shephard let out a small laugh as he boasted about his favorite medium. “I wouldn’t know. I don’t listen to your broadcasts, unless it’s the one with, you know, the screams .” Shephard replied. Suddenly an idea came to her mind, another way to mess with Alastor coming together.

“ I prefer TV. ”

Alastor’s relaxed expression went tense, his smirk looking more like a sneer. She hadn’t listened to his broadcasts? Only the ones where he was wreaking havoc and forcing others to bear witness to his spectacle? And she preferred TV!? Oh no, that wouldn’t do at all. He stared at Shephard for a moment, a mixture of confusion, amusement, and irritation flashing through his eyes. He tilted his head slightly, his tone serious.

“You prefer…TV? I must ask, why is that?”

Truthfully, Shephard didn’t give a single shit about TV. But she knew Alastor hated Vox, his technology-obsessed rival and fellow overlord. She preferred to read, but Alastor didn’t need to know that!

“Oh, it’s just so…entertaining! I love watching and admiring the actors!” Shephard sighed dreamily.

Alastor’s eyes twitched, his expression darkening. Of course, how could she possibly know about his hatred for Vox? But that didn’t stop the wave of annoyance at her words. Preferring TV? Over radio? It felt like a punch to his ego and pride. It also felt like…she was mocking him.

Alastor took a second to compose himself, his smile coming back full force. His claws dug into the chair he sat in, his voice slightly strained as he spoke. “ Do you now ?”

Shephard clocked the twitch in Alastors eye, she couldn’t stop the bright smile that she gave him as she nodded. “Mm-hm!”

Alastors eyes narrowed at the look on her face. The effortless way she got under his skin was both admiring as it was annoying. He took a few moments to regain his composure.

“Quite the interesting taste. I must ask… who is your favorite actor? Who entertains you the most?”

This was it. The moment Shephard was waiting for. She sat up straight in her chair, there was a 50-50 chance this would go sideways.

“ Vox.”

The effect was immediate, Alastor’s entire body tensed. His smile twists up into a snarl, revealing his black gums. His red eyes glowed with murderous intent as he snapped at her.

“ What ?” The usual charming tone turned dark and threatening. The room seemed to darken with Alastors mood.

Shephard let out a breath to steady her heartbeat, trying to keep her nerve as Alastor stared at her.

“Yes, Vox is quite entertaining. He’s rather good at acting.” Shephard explained.

Her statement was only partly true, Vox was a decent actor. He was able to play any part he was in flawlessly. But there was always this…unsettling feeling Shephard felt when she saw his face, making her unable to connect with any character he played. Alastor glowered at her as his anger spiked, his claws digging further into the leather of his seat and making small indents. His voice dropped lower, a hint of threat in his voice.

“Is that so? You think Vox, of all people, is the best actor?”

“I didn’t say that. I just mean off the top of my head, out of all the shows and movies I’ve seen in hell, he’s the most decent.” Shephard replied, trying to keep her tone casual.

Alastor’s eyes narrowed further, his patience wearing thin. “What makes you think such a thing?”

Shephard shrugged. “I hear he’s pretty popular with the ladies.”

Alastors eyes glowed as his anger peaked. Vox? Popular with the ladies? A surge of jealousy raged within him at her casual compliment. “Oh? Vox? Popular with the ladies? I could charm, bed, and ensnare anyone I’ve set my eyes on. It would be child’s play for me, my dear.”

Shephard blinked in surprise, her cheeks going pink at his dark words and tone of voice. The shadows danced behind them as Alastor seethed, his eyes flickering briefly to the oh-so-familiar radio dials.

She’d messed up. She fucked up. Okay, time for damage control. “O-oh, well, that’s not surprising. Vox is just a TV with a body after all.” Shephard replied shakily.

Alastor watched as Shephard’s cheeks went pink, his anger cooling slightly as he realized his effect on her. It was adorable that he could have her flushing and stuttering like that with a few simple words. He leaned closer slightly, his eyes dark as he stared at her.

“Just a TV with a body? My dear, Vox has nothing on the things I could do… and he certainly has no audience that rivals mine.”

Shephard nodded slowly as she considered his words, remembering the way he’d managed to gain the attention of all of hell within a day after Vox broadcasted their fight all over Pride.

Alastor smirked at her reaction to his words, clearly remembering the way Vox had attacked his character after he returned from his small hiatus. “Nothing to say about my talent and skill? Not even a little praise?”

“You know how to play the long game. Like a wolf on the hunt. It’s in the way you talk and hold yourself. If you weren’t a deer I’d mistaken you for a wolf in sheep's clothing.” Shephard blurted out her thoughts on Alastor’s character.

Alastor paused for a moment as his brow furrowed. He was not expecting such a compliment. He felt his ego swell at her words, a sense of pride at her approval. He leaned back into his chair as his anger cooled... Though he still felt slightly annoyed at Vox being brought up.

“Hmm, that's quite the observation. I’ll take that as a compliment. Though it doesn’t excuse the Vox talk.”

Shephard hesitated, debating on admitting more of her thoughts on Alastor and Vox. “You're a great actor as well. The difference between you and Vox is that I don’t feel uneasy in your presence unlike how I feel when I see Vox.”

Alastor felt his ego grow even further, his annoyance for Vox fading for the moment. Hearing compliments about his performance and how you felt in his presence was quite an ego boost. He stared at her for a moment before asking in a softer tone, looking at Shephard curiously.

“Uneasy? Around Vox?”

Shephard hesitated again as she considered telling him her thoughts on his rival.

“He makes me feel gross. Everything about him just screams something off about him. Like he’s pretending to be something he’s not.”

Alastor raised an eyebrow at her as his expression changed. “Oh? So Vox makes you feel gross? Go on, my dear. I am curious, what do you mean when you say he’s trying to be something he’s not?”

Alastor was becoming more and more interested in Shephard's thoughts on his rival. Perhaps she’ll reveal something that he’d miss that he could potentially use against Vox?

“It’s similar to how you present yourself. You present yourself as a gentleman with good manners and a showman attitude. But you don’t hide your carnage, you broadcast it. You are open and honest about your darker desires even when you are pretending, you don’t hide your thoughts on things. But Vox…he actively tries to hide his bad side.”

Shephard murmured uncomfortably, feeling anxious at the mere thought of the man.

Alastor listened carefully as she explained her reasoning for her discomfort with Vox. There was something satisfying about how she compared them. Especially, with the implication that she preferred him over Vox.

“Hm, I see. So, you dislike his lack of honesty? His fake aura of a kind man? Do you prefer my more honest approach?”

“I appreciate your honesty, despite what you do. It’s not that I hate Vox but more that he scares me, I suppose. Like if he did something to me and I tried to come out about it no one would believe me.” Shephard said quietly.

The thought that Vox made her so uneasy… “Why do you believe nobody would believe you? Vox isn’t more powerful than I am, so what makes you believe that he would do something to you and no one would believe you?”

Shephard frowned at his question. “That’s…not what I mean.” Shephard paused for a moment as she tried to figure out how to explain to Alastor her concerns.

“You know how Valentino treats Angel Dust?” Shephard asked softly.

Alastor tilted his head, his brow furrowing as she brought up the moth overlord. “What about that lowlife?”

Shephard fidgeted nervously, concerned about how Alastor would react to her words. “You know how he…treats Angel, right?”

Alastor nodded. Of course, he knew about Valentino’s abuse. The whole city knew about it. Shephard swallowed, her pink eyes flickering to his face down to her hands.

“I think,” Shephard began, her voice timid. “That if Vox did something in the same way Valenino does to Angel no one in hell would believe me,” Shephard said finally, the room growing eerily silent at her confession.

Alastor was silent, his expression calm at first. As the silence dragged, however, there was clearly an anger rising within him at the mere thought. The very idea infuriated him and he didn’t know why.

“ Excuse me ?” he growled slowly, his voice tinted with rage, the room darkening with his mood.

Shephard tensed at his tone, her pink eyes widening. Her heart leaped into her throat. “I-I mean- I just!” Shephard stuttered, feeling humiliated, clearly misunderstanding Alastors anger.

No one would believe you? That thought pissed him off, the idea that someone would ignore that abuse because of another person's status was…nauseating!  Alastor stood from his seat, his eyes glowing with anger. He stepped around the table, his shadowing growing behind him and taking a more distorted form behind him.

“ Explain. Now .”

Shephard leaned back into her chair as Alastor advanced. It was clear she was no longer in control of the situation.

“Vox is popular and well-liked and on top of that, he pretty much dominates all technology and ad space in hell. It wouldn’t be hard for him to slander me and make people believe that he was innocent if he did do something like that.” Shephard rushed out, her voice breathless.

Alastor continued to stare at her, his eyes flickering between his normal eyes and his radio dials as the static frequency in the air increased. He took a few steps forward, slowly making his way in front of Shephard. His shadow towered over her. The air around him crackled as he stared down at her.

“I see…you believe he would slander you and that nobody would believe you because of his fame and influence,” Alastor stated as he narrowed his eyes, his finger clenching around his microphone.

Shephard shrunk back into her seat, uncomfortable feeling trapped under his gaze. “Exactly.” She said meekly.

Alastor clenched his fists tightly he could feel his claws digging into his gloves. Shephard's nervous behavior and the way she shrunk away from him just made him more furious. He took another step closer and leaned over her.

“Do you fear Vox?”

Shephard pressed further back into her chair as Alastor moved into her space, the shadows in the room swirled around them.

“Yes.” She squeaked.

Hearing her confirm such a thing made his blood boil. The thought of Shephard being afraid of such a low life… There was something within him that couldn’t remain calm about that. He leaned closer, his hand shooting forward to grasp her chin to force her to hold his gaze.

“Look at me.”

Shephard flinched and squeezed her eyes shut as his claws wrapped around her chin, the grip gentle but the sharp points of his claws a stark reminder of who was now in control of the situation. It took Shephard a moment to process his demand, her eyes opening to peer up at him anxiously.

Alastor held her chin gently as his red eyes searched her face. His shadow hovering over them and shrouding them in darkness.

“Do you honestly think I wouldn’t believe you?”

Shephard inhaled sharply at his question. Her mind processes the real reason behind his anger. She said no one would believe her, implying that Alastor wouldn’t either.

“No,” She gasped. “No, I think you would be the first to believe me.” She answered honestly.

Alastor listened as she spoke, his expression unreadable. He tilted her chin up slightly as he regarded her. “That’s right, I would.” He fell silent for a moment before continuing.

“Are you afraid of me?”

Shephard tilted her head up as his fingers pressed into her skin, allowing him to hold more intense eye contact. When he questioned her about her trust in him she blinked out of shock not responding immediately. She’d never been afraid of Alastor, not even now. She’d been afraid he’d dismiss her fear and perhaps mock her but never physically harm her.

“No.”

Alastor nodded at her soft reply, continuing to watch her face. Knowing that even now with him in her space, his hands on her skin and the clear anger in his being, the fact that she still didn’t fear him…

His expression smoothed out, the sinister smile on his face going to a more relaxed one. After another few moments, he released his grip on her chin and gave her a gentle pat on the cheek before stepping out of her space. He looked down at his hand in silence.

Shephard's eyes fluttered as he patted her cheek and moved away from her. She hadn’t expected Alastor to drop the subject so easily.

Alastor stared at his hand for a moment before sighing. His anger is simmering for now. He leaned against his microphone. “Well, that’s interesting.” He muttered to himself, his eyes still on his hand. Alastor had never really reacted in such a way before. Of course, he’d always be protective of the people he cared for but the violent way he felt at the mere thought of Vox touching Shephard in such a way…that was something to think about later.

Instead, he looked back over to the woman who was watching him quietly, he dropped his hand back down onto his microphone.

“If a situation like that were ever to arise, would you seek my help?” Alastor asked.

Shepherd nodded silently. Alastor seemed surprised by that answer as he raised an eyebrow at her. He felt a flicker of satisfaction rise within him at the thought that he’d be the first one Shephard would seek out for help. He tilted his head to the side as he spoke again.

“Even if the alternative meant my wrath?”

Shephard gave him a confused look. “Your wrath?”

Alastor nodded, his gaze still on her. “Yes, if someone is foolish enough to mess with me, they often face the full brunt of my wrath.” He watched her expression to his words before he continued. “Would you still be willing to seek me out if it meant that you’d have to face that?”

Shephard stared at him, unsure of where he was going with this. “I would. Even if you were angry with me.” Shephard admitted, trusting that even on bad terms Alastor would be there when she needed him most.

Alastor’s eyes widened slightly. He hadn’t expected that answer at all. He studied Shephard's face, trying to figure out if she was lying to him. His tone was cautious as he spoke again.

“Even in the face of my anger?” He repeated.

“Yes,” Shephard said again. Even if she did have to face an angry Alastor, her chances of living were higher with him than anyone else.

Alastor felt a swelling of satisfaction at her answer, feeling quite pleased. “Interesting, you are either incredibly brave or simply incredibly foolish, my dear.”

Shephard smiled in amusement at his words. “In my defense, it would be one of those last-resort situations.”

Alastor chuckled. “I see. Perhaps you're not completely foolish.” He thought about her words for a moment.

“You say I’d be one of your last resorts. What other option would you consider, if I wasn’t available? I assume you have multiple backup plans.”

Of course, she’d thought about this. She was a lamb sinner in hell. It was more surprising that she hadn’t had to go too far during her life here. Naturally, as a prideful person, she’d go the most drastic route, if only to preserve her honor.

“I mean, I would probably kill myself.”

The moment those words left her lips the room's temperature seemed to drop. Alastor’s smile froze in place.

“ What did you just say ?”

Chapter Text

“You say I’d be one of your last resorts. What other option would you consider, if I wasn’t available? I as sume you have multiple back-up plans.” Of course she’d thought about this. She was a lamb sinner in hell. It was more surprising that she hadn’t had to go too far during her life here. Naturally, as a prideful person she’d go the most drastic route, if only to preserve her honor.

“I mean, I would probably kill myself.”

The moment those words left her lips the room's temperature seemed to drop. Alastor’s smile froze in place.

“ What did you just say ?”

“I said I’d off myself.” Shephard responded casually, unaware of the storm she was about to face.

The look on Alastor's face was nothing short of pure rage. He stepped back into Shephard's space again, his hand finding her chin as he brought her face up slightly to make eye contact with him. His eyes blazed in the firelight. “Repeat it.” He hissed, his voice dropping. Static buzzed in the air around them. Shephard froze when he grabbed her chin, becoming aware of the situation. She avoided his gaze.

“No.”

Alastor’s eyes narrowed, his grip tightening until his nails were digging into her skin. “I said, repeat it .” His eyes darkened with fury. “Tell me what you would do if Vox attacked you.”

“If Vox attacked me and there was no way for me to escape, if you wouldn’t or couldn’t save me I'd kill myself.” Shephard blurted out, attempting to lean away from Alastors grasp on her face.

Alastor’s eyes narrowed as she confirmed what she would do if Vox attacked her. The thought that he wouldn’t come to her assistance, a wave of anger rushed through him. Another strange feeling he couldn’t quite explain. He let out a growl and his grip tight.

“ And why would I not save you ?” He snapped.

Shephard winced as his claws dug into her face, yanking back at the pain. “Alastor, I don’t know! It’s just a hypothetical situation. A what if! Now stop! You're hurting me!" A flicker of guilt churned in his chest at her cry. He felt surprised by his own feelings and the look on Shephard’s face. He didn’t release his grip and instead tugged her face closer. He couldn’t understand why this conversation made him so furious.

“Why aren’t I saving you?”

Shephard gritted her teeth, her hand coming to grasp his wrist. “I told you! I don’t know! It’s just a what if situation, one reason or another you're not coming for me, ‘what do I do?'" Alastor stared into Shephard's eyes, conflicting emotions rising. He didn’t understand why he was acting like this. He was furious with himself, the thought of Vox…

“And your first solution to that scenario is to kill yourself!?”

“ Yes! Alastor, you don’t get it! You're an overlord, you could take Vox and the other V’s and live another day! But I wouldn’t! I don’t have any special powers or abilities that could get me out of there! I couldn’t survive them.” Shephard snapped as her temper flared, her hand squeezing his wrist.

Alastor was quiet for a few moments as he considered her words. He clenched his jaw. “You don’t know that.” His grip tightening at the thought. "So, just because you don’t have special powers you think you’d be instantly useless. Just because you can’t take on Vox or the other overlords you’d give up. Have you no faith in yourself?”

“Ugh! You aren’t listening to me! I never said I wouldn’t try! Just that if I had no other options that I would!” Shephard cried; she pushed forward forcing Alastor back slightly so that she could stand. When she pushed on him, his grip on her chin fell. His hand came to rest on his microphone as he took a step back. He was quiet once more before speaking.

“You don’t deny your lack of faith in yourself.” He stated. His annoyed gaze never leaves Shephard. He couldn’t understand the dread that filled him with her words.

“Faith in myself!? Alastor, I am not going to just sit there and let them do whatever they please with me! I won’t-I wouldn’t be able to handle it.”

He supposed he understood, somewhat. Though, the idea that she would simply give up instead of waiting for him bugged him more than he’d care to admit. “Then why are you telling me that you’d give up? Why aren’t you saying you’d fight back? That you’d do everything in your power to live?”  Shephard scowled, clearly, he didn’t understand what danger she’d face if she was at the mercy of Vox, Valentino and Velvette. 

“Fine. Let’s say I chose not to kill myself and to wait for you to come for me. What do you think will happen in the meantime?”

Alastor stared at her, his chest burning. “What is that supposed to mean?” He asked cautiously. He tilted his head to the side, his ears folding back slightly.

“Vox is friends with Velvette and Valentino. You do the math.” Shephard snapped.

Alastor’s eyes darkened, he could already tell where this was heading. But he asked anyway, to be sure of her meaning. “What are you implying?” He growled.

“Vox isn’t going to just torture me mentally and emotionally. He’s going to do it physically as well. In fact, I bet he’d let Valentino do whatever he wants with me. And top of that? He’d probably broadcast it .”

Alastor could practically see red at the last two words. His vision tinged with blood.

Broadcast it.

His eyes flickered to radio dials as his eyes went black. 

“Why?”

Shephard gave him a look. “Why? To scare people. To taunt you and everyone in the hotel.” Shephard stated. She let out a sigh, tired of the conversation. Alastor ground his teeth together, he could feel his body vibrating with anger. He could just imagine it. The mere thought was absolutely repulsive. His eyes went back to Shephard's face for a moment. He hated this. He hated that she was right and hated the entire conversation.

Shephard ran her fingers through her hair as they sat in silence. To her it seemed like Alastor was beginning to understand why she’d take such a drastic course of action.

“Is that...” He paused, trying to be more level-headed. “Is that all you would do if you were faced with such a situation? Really? You would give up that easily?”

Shephard looked up at him slowly, her face tired. “I would rather die than let Vox or Valentino rape me.” Alastor went eerily quiet. He remained like that for a few seconds, but it felt like an eternity. He broke that silence, his tone quiet but clearly still on edge. “You’d give Vox exactly what he wanted? You’d let him break you that easily?” Clearly Alastor had a different view of her actions. It made sense considering his personality. 

“That’s not how I see it. For me it’s more about taking the option from them. If they kidnapped me, it would be to use me against you and the hotel. But if I killed myself before they could do anything. Then I'd win.”

“Win?” He questioned, his lips rising into a snarl. He couldn’t believe what he was hearing. “And what exactly would you have won? A quick death? That is not winning.”

“I’ve lived my life my way and I’ll die my way.” Shephard stated firmly. Alastor laughed bitterly as he stepped forward.

“You think I’d let that happen?”

Shephard frowned at his words. “It doesn’t matter what you want. If the odds are stacked against me, I’ll be the one deciding what to do with my life.”

Alastor remained quiet at this. His chest twisting. “How cowardly.”

“Having a healthy sense of fear is what keeps us alive.” Shephard responded. Alastor chuckled dryly. “Healthy fear?” He mocked. “Healthy fear prevents us from dying prematurely, but excessive fear…keeps us from living to the fullest. You are not living, you are just surviving.”

“I disagree. I’m living quite well. Despite my fear of Vox, I don’t stop the things I'm doing. You keep forgetting that I would only kill myself as a last resort.”

“You seem to forget something.” He responded as he took a step forward. His voice dripped in annoyance. “You forget that your so-called ‘last resort’ may come sooner than you realize.” He took another step closer, finally within grabbing range though he didn’t reach out to touch her.

“You forget how easy it would be to break you because of that fear.” Shephard paused as he moved closer, her face showing her confusion. “What? What do you mean?”

Alastor’s voice was mocking as he spoke a sense of amusement at her obliviousness. “You are afraid that Vox will break you.” Shephard stared at him, not quite understanding why he was saying this to her, Alastor grinned at her face. He stepped even closer, his hands moving to rest behind his back as he looked down at Shephard.

“Don’t you think it’s silly? You're only planning for what could happen if Vox got a hold of you…but you're forgetting the worst possibility.”

“The...worst possibility?” Shephard repeated quietly, tilting her head up to look at him. Alastor chuckled, his smile turning cruel. He didn’t so much as blink as he stared down at her. “That’s right…” He paused for a moment. “The worst possibility…is being taken by me.”  Shepherd inhaled sharply at his words. Alastor being the one to hurt her…she’d never even considered it.

“Taken?”

Alastor enjoyed the way she reacted to his words, his eyes flickering with cruel amusement. “Taken. In…” He paused for a moment, his gaze dropping to her shoulders and then to her hands.

“More ways than one.”

He leaned closer as he said this, his voice dropping to a near whisper. Shephard moved her lips wordlessly, the implications clear. Her face flushed in embarrassment as he stared at her down. Alastor’s smile grew predatory. His eyes glowing in the darkness as the shadows around them grew darker, the air growing heavy with danger.

“You’re clever. But not clever enough.” He paused for a moment, his eyes flashing. “You never considered that I could be the one to take you, did you?”

Shephard recoiled at his stare, her eyes going to the floor. She shuffled backwards in an attempt to make space between them, her calves hitting the back of the chair she’d been sitting in not too long ago. The chill of the room caused goosebumps to rise on her pink skin.  Alastor watched her back away; he didn’t move for a moment simply tilting his head at her. After a moment he followed after her, pressing into her space and trapping her.

“ Careful, you wouldn't want to fall, would you ?”

Shephard faltered as he moved closer, she attempted to lean away but over corrected herself causing her to fall back into her seat. She looked up at Alastor with a panicked expression, her hands curling into fists.

“ Stop !”

Alastor grinned at her reaction and leaned into her. His body buzzed with energy. “Stop?” He asked. “Why? Am I making you nervous, dear?” When he leaned closer his knees bumped into her own, forcing them apart slightly as his feet nudged hers. His head hovered over hers as his red eyes scrutinized her reaction. He was close enough that She could feel his breath fanning her cheek, his head tilted as he spoke with a cruel tone.

“You’ve never considered that it could be me. You didn’t think I'd be the one to break you, did you, dear?”

Shephard shrunk away, her hands coming up to her chest. “ Stop, stop, stop .” She whispered frantically, her eyes squeezing shut and her cheeks flushing. Alastor chuckled at her repeated begging. He felt joy from her reaction to his advance. “Stop?” He mocked, his voice low as his arms boxed her in, his arms resting on the back of the chair and trapping her in between his arms. “You want me to stop?”

Shephard could feel the heat from her blushing. She trembled anxiously beneath Alastor, his arms brushing her head. She could hear his claws digging into the fabric of her chair. His breath ghosted her ear.

Shephard had never felt so flustered in her life. “Yes!”

Alastor leaned in closer, his lips brushing her ear. “No, I don’t think I will.” He said, his voice dropping low. The feeling of his lips against her ear caused her to shiver. Shephard couldn’t help the way her body reacted and the fact that she’d done this just made it even more humiliating.

She whimpered.

Alastor’s body flushed with heat at the sound. The fact that he’d managed to coax such a pretty sound from her…he wanted to hear it again. He pressed closer, his lips moving against her ear as one of his hands fell to her thigh and carrassed the skin there.

“What was that?” He murmured.

Shephard flinched when she felt his gloved hands on her skin. She immediately brought her legs up onto the chair she sat in and tucked them close to her chest. Her face buried into her knees. This was humiliating, embarrassing! She could feel tears beginning to sting her eyes. Alastor felt a rush of excitement, fueling his amusement as he saw how embarrassed and cowardly she was acting. He never expected Shephard to be so easy to fluster, it was absolutely adorable. He chuckled, his hand moving up to her knees and gently tracing the skin with his fingers as he attempted to get a look at her face. Shephard tensed even more when his hands came to her knees. She could feel his stare burning into her. She curled her shoulders forward and pressed her face further into her knees in response to his touch.

Alastor needed to see her face.

He needed to see the embarrassment, the flush on her cheeks. He gripped her knees, his finger grasping tightly as he swayed back and forth from side to side in an attempt to get a glimpse at her face. “Are you hiding from me?” Shephard could hear the rustle of his clothes as he moved. It took her a second before she realized what he was doing. The image of him moving back and forth like that, his ears swaying with that stupid smile on his face… Alastor paused when she felt her shaking, for a brief moment he thought she was crying. His ears twitched when instead of small sobs he heard giggles. He watched for a moment before it clicked.

“Are you…laughing at me?”

Shephard let out a loud squeal when in response to hearing her giggle his hands pressed into her knees attempting to pry them open to look at her face. Shephard simply wrapped her arms around her legs to prevent that from happening.

“Don’t resist.”

Alastor hissed under his breath as she did this. He wanted to see her face. He wanted to see the flush and embarrassed look in her eyes…he wanted more. Shephard let out a loud laugh at Alastor's serious tone. She threw her head back as she cackled her arms falling to her sides allowing Alastor to force open her legs. Alastor froze when he saw her face. Shephard's entire face lit up; her cheeks red from laughing so hard. Her body shaking with amusement and eyes a little bloodshot from her earlier tears. Alastor just stared, his grip on her knees neither loosening nor tightening. His red eyes stayed fixed on her face as he watched her laugh, the sound of her laughter bouncing around in his head. A strange feeling bubbled in his chest and stomach. His ears flicking back and forth as Shephard's laughter died down.

Shephard leaned back in her chair breathless from her laughing fit. She smiled widely at Alastor. Alastor felt breathless at her smile, his chest tight and a fluttering in his stomach. He didn't understand what these strange sensations were. The burning he felt on his skin rising the longer he stared at her. Shephard sighed happily as she calmed down. Her eyes are focusing on Alastor now. He hadn’t so much as blinked since she started laughing. She frowned slightly at his strained smile. Alastor’s mind raced, to focused on his own thoughts to notice Shephard's watchful gaze. His heartbeat in his ears, his mind spinning, his thoughts jumbled.

Shephard tilted her head curiously; his silence made her wonder what he was thinking. 

“Alastor?”

“Hm?” He murmured, still lost in his thoughts. He didn’t understand why his heart was racing so fast.

Shephard hesitated for a second before reaching out, her hand cupping his cheek gently. She wasn’t sure how he’d react. He’d never been the type to particularly like being touched.

“Alastor? Are you okay?”

Alastor stiffened the moment she touched him. His heart pounded in his ears. Her hand was warm, too warm. Alastor held his breath, his gaze on Shephard. Alastor began to take her hand away when she felt his jaw clenched. 

“I’m sorry.”

“No.” Alastor hand shot out and grabbed hers, bringing it back to his face. I was warm but it felt good. He supposed he didn’t mind this feeling. Shephard let Alastor guide her hand back to his face, her pink eyes scanning his face. His eyes still seemed distant, like he wasn’t actually focused on the situation. Alastor took a breath and closed his eyes, trying to gain control of his thoughts. After a few moments he spoke, his voice uncharacteristically soft, “Yes, I'm fine."

Shephard smiled slightly, sighing in relief. “That’s good.” He watched her smile at him, the fluttering feeling blooming again. He let his mouth run before his mind could catch up, the words slipping out like it was natural, a simple truth.

“You have a pretty laugh.”

Shephard’s eyes widened, her breath hitching as she flushed brightly at his sincere words. Alastor seemed to snap back to reality at her reaction, realizing what he’d just said. His entire body tensed. He simply stared at her with an unreadable expression, his fingers still wrapped around her hand.

When Shephard blinked the warmth of his hand was gone and Alastor was nowhere to be found.

Chapter Text

After Alastor vanished without a trace Shephard decided to change into her pajamas for the night. It was odd, Alastor’s reaction to everything. At this point, she was confident that Alastor had a crush on her but the way he ran from her made her second guess herself. He’d been so confident, flirting with her and getting into her space. Then she’d laughed and his smile softened, and his eyes took on an almost dreamy quality. 

Then he complimented her laugh. That moment of shock immediately after. She could still see the way his ears folded back, his eyes widening and his smile becoming strained. She didn’t know what to make of it.

Alastor was not okay.

He couldn’t think straight, that was why he’d left Shephard sitting there. The feeling in his chest, his head, it was…intoxicating. He hated it. But…he also didn’t want it to stop, didn’t want it all to end Alastor had disappeared back into his own room, he was currently pacing around the bayou he’d created for his own personal amusement. 

He couldn’t stop thinking about her. His mind raced with images of her face. The sensations in his chest, the feeling of her skin on his lips, the sound of her laughter. Her laugh… it made his head spin. Alastor breathed heavily, the warm feeling in chest growing.  Ever since meeting Shephard he’d been drawn to her. At first due to her nonchalant attitude with him. She treated him without a care in the world, uninterested and unafraid.

It was fascinating.

Then as he began making efforts to interact with her, he began to notice how she was with others. The gentleness and kindness in her everyday actions. A stark difference to their hellish landscape.

Assisting Nifty with Cleaning, letting Charlie babble on about another way to redeem sinners, listening to Angel complain about his job, the way she would subtly steer Angel away from Husk when the bartender was beginning to lose his patience, how she included Sir Pentious in everything she did, and finally helping Vaggie keep everything in check.

Finally, there was how she treated him. The casual conversations and inside jokes they share. The looks she’d give him when someone did or said something she disproved of. The way she entertained his morbid conversations without feeling uncomfortable. The one thing he did notice was how unlike everyone else, she seldom touched him. Despite him constantly initiating contact the woman never did the same. Which he appreciated at first but became slightly annoyed within time. Then this morning she’d touched his forearm and then after their argument, his face.

It was strange. It was almost like he was craving her touch. 

Alastor had always found being touched Dis pleasurable. He preferred being the one doing the touching, disliking the invasion of his personal space. But now, he wanted her to touch him. To reach out for him in the casual way she did with the others. Alastor thought back to their argument. How upset he’d been at the thought that Vox or Valentino could hurt her, and he’d be unable to do anything about it. How he wouldn’t be able to stop her from taking her life if things became so drastic.

The look on her face when he’d advanced on her. At first, he’d misunderstood it as fear. The way she’d avoided eye contact, her body trembling and shrinking away from him when he crowded her. It was all things other sinners did when he’d been attempting to scare them. And Alastor thought that he liked it. That he was scaring her, intimidating her. Then she just had to make that noise.

That damn whimper.

The heat that pooled in his gut when he heard that sound was unbearable. The way adrenaline shot through his veins. The need to push and pull at Shephard to see what other sounds she could make. Then she laughed.

Laughed.

T he sound had been loud and filled the room. It lit up her entire face, making her cheeks flush in her amusement. The fluttering he felt in his stomach at her laugh, the heat that flowed through his body when she’d whimpered. It wasn’t the satisfaction or pride of scaring another. No Not even close.

It was a desire.

Alastor froze in place, his frantic pacing halting. His eyes shrunk at the realization. He had felt a rush, excitement. The burning desire for more. He wasn’t angry at her.

It was an attraction.

It was obvious. All signs pointed to it. Alastor found himself dumbstruck at the revelation. He’d never felt like this before. He’d lived his entire human afterlife disinterested in any and everyone. After the shock had passed, Alastor felt a lot of things. Excitement, desire, fear. It was all so intense.

He had a crush.

While Alastor was dealing with the realization of his feelings for Shephard, the woman in question went to Angel dust's room to discuss with him Alastor's behavior. Angel was in his room, sitting in front of a vanity mirror, seemingly putting on eye shadow or something. He turned around as soon as he heard the door open, raising a brow.

"What's up, toots?"

"You're never going to believe what just happened with Alastor." Shephard said as she walked into his and Niffty's shared room. The other demon was not there currently.

Shephard sat down on his bed and began to recount the interaction she'd had with Alastor. His anger with the hypothetical situation involving Vox, the way he'd teased her and got into her space, how he acted when she'd laughed and abruptly disappeared. Angel Dust's expression was filled with curiosity as he listened to you recount the events of the evening. He seemed to go through a series of emotions, before his eyes widened when you mentioned Alastor going so far as to corner you.

"Woah, he got so mad he cornered you in a chair?!"

Shephard nodded. "Yes! Then he started to tease me, getting into my face. I got embarrassed and tried to hide my face on my knees, but he was so insistent. He started-he started to sway back and forth to get a look at my face and I couldn't help myself. I started laughing."

Shephard paused as she thought back to the look on his face. "He looked so...shocked. Dazed. When I touched his cheek, he flinched away so I tried to pull my hand away, right? But he just grabbed my wrist and pressed my hand against his cheek and then told me I had a pretty laugh..." Shephard explained, flushing at the last part.

Angel's expression slowly shifted from shock, to suspicion, then to a wide grin that seemed to be on the verge between amusement and teasing. He chuckled, leaning in slightly as he spoke, seemingly very impressed. "Pshh, did he really? And then he called your laugh...pretty?"

"Yes! Then when he realized what he said he just-disappeared! Like I blinked and he was gone!" Shephard complained.

Angel Dust's smile grew even wider, his eyes practically sparkling as he listened. His grin only widening after she finished. " Daaaaamn . Al' is really getting to you, ain't he? He's just so whipped."

Shephard blushed. "When you told me he had a crush on me I didn't believe you but now..." Shephard looked at her hands.

Angel Dust's expression seemed to soften, a hint of curiosity in his eyes. He leaned in slightly, before speaking softly, sounding genuinely sincere. "How are you feeling about it? About the whole...Al' thing? I... know you're pretty reserved so I'm wondering...what the hell you're thinking, ya know?"

Shephard bit her lip as she hesitated. She honestly hadn't thought about it. Alastor was attractive. Not only physically but his personality as well. He was fun to be around, and Shephard always enjoyed talking to him. "I think...I may like him too." Shephard admitted shyly, her cheeks going pink.

"Oh ho ho ho." Angel Dust laughed, flashing her a wide grin, before speaking teasingly and in a sing-song tone, like he always sounded when teasing people like Al. He clapped his hands together and practically beamed. "I was right! Hehe!" He laughed, seeming satisfied, before quickly switching back to his serious expression.

"So, what are you gonna do about it? You gonna ask him out on a... date? Or just sit and stew around, like you always do?"

Shephard shrugged. "I don't know. Especially since Alastor ran from me. I'm not sure how he's reacting to all of this. What if he avoids me? Plus, we still have that bet..."

"Well yeah, the whole bet is pretty weird...but I don't think that really matters, you know? Also, I don't think Al will avoid you. He seemed so desperate to keep flirting with you. If you ask me, he's gonna go for it and try to...woo ya."

"Yeah, but Alastor seemed pretty excited about this whole bet thing. I don't know how he'll feel if I call it off. I'm pretty sure he was intending to make some sort of deal with me if he won." Shephard explained

"Hm, yeah, probably. I know Al is obsessed with the whole deal thing. He's like a ...junkie for it. Do you have any idea what he's trying to get you to... accept? He's probably trying to get you to make some huge deal...you know how he gets about the whole winning thing." Angel Dust chuckled slightly, the image of Alastor not wanting to lose and pouting about it like a toddler in the back of his mind.

"I don't really know. There aren't really any stipulations on what he can and can't ask for. " Shephard explained, her eyes widening as she realized she hadn't set any ground rules about what Alastor could ask from her if he won.

"Oh no..."

"Haha, yeah that's kinda...not good...especially if Alastor's is involved...he can get pretty twisted in his wording..." Angel Dust said, a look of concern on his face. He felt worried, especially knowing Alastor. He probably had some malicious thing in mind for the reward, and it probably wasn't just some stupid...harmless things like a hug, or something.

Shephard held her head in her hands. "The bet is that whoever asks to switch rooms or opt out of Charlie's little exercise with everyone sharing rooms first loses. The winner gets whatever they want." Shephard replied, her body filling with dread

"Tch. Oh, shit..." Angel Dust sighed, rubbing his face with his hand as he grimaced. "Please tell me you put at least some limits on what he could win? Like no killing anybody or something? Or...not asking for your soul?"

Shephard looked at him sheepishly.

Angel Dust groaned in frustration, dropping his face into his hands for a moment, before looking back up. "Toots, you can't be friggin serious. You really didn't put any limits on what he could ask for? What the hell is wrong with you? Didn't anyone ever teach you how to take a bet like that?! Have you ever taken a bet before this?!"

"I forgot! You know how competitive I am!" Shephard whined.

"You're gonna get screwed over! Alastor is like a master at this crap! He's probably gonna make you do something you are not gonna like, I can just feel it!" Angel groaned, rubbing his face with frustration, his brain already thinking of all the possibilities of what Alastor could ask for.

Shephard groaned, falling back onto Angel's bed. "I'm so screwed!"

Angel Dust sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "You really are. Ugh...do you even have any idea what he might ask for? Cause he could legit request anything. He could ask you to wear a clown costume and be his little personal entertainment."

Shephard just stared at the ceiling. "Who knows." Shephard paused, sitting up. "Do you think I could make a different offer? You know, give him something else in exchange for being able to opt out of our bet?"

Angel raised a brow, a skeptical expression, but still curious to listen. "Yeah, probably...but what could you possibly offer him that he wouldn't already have? You could probably bribe your way out of the bet, honestly...but what the hell are you gonna offer him?"

"Do you think he'll go for having me? Like-as his girlfriend or whatever as long as it doesn't involve me giving him my soul?" Shephard inquired. "You know since we established that he has a crush on me?"

"O-..." Angel Dust started, only to go silent, as if deep in thought. "Well, it could work but that's if Al isn't petty...which, who are we kidding here, he probably is. I think he probably would go for that, since he isn't gonna be able to actually ask you to do any...crazy stuff. You know, like killing people for him. Plus, he'd probably...love the idea of you like being his girlfriend or whatever and bragging about it."

Shephard hummed. "I'm just hoping his feelings are stronger than wanting to win."

"Yeah...same..." Angel Dust said softly, taking a deep breath before continuing. "But you'd...actually go through with it? Like...you're actually gonna do it? Become his actual girlfriend?"

"I mean, yeah? I wouldn't mind otherwise I wouldn't have suggested it."

At that, Angel Dust smirked and looked Shephard up and down. “Damn, you're really going for it. Are you sure about this?” Angel asked, concerned about leaking into his tone. Shephard nodded. “I think I can manage. I’ll figure it out.”

After their conversation Shephard headed back to her room. Intending to speak with Alastor when he came back.

He didn’t show up that night.

He didn’t show up that night or the next one. On the third day of no signs of where he could be, Shephard had enough. Nothing was going to get resolved if she didn’t make the first move. So, she went to the one person she was confident would know where Alastor is.

Shephard’s heels clicked on the cobblestone street as she made her way through Cannibal Town. It had been a while since she’d be here. She could see the way the town residents watched her. Her off the shoulder pink shirt, white jacket and blue jeans made her stick out like a sore thumb.

Usually, she was with Alastor when walking through Cannibal Town. And she couldn’t exactly have anyone else walk with her, wanting to keep what was happening relatively private. Shephard let out a small sigh and continued on ignoring the stares.

Once she made it to Rosie’s emporium, she felt a little more at ease. As usual a crowd of cannibals were inside all seeking Rosie’s assistance. Shephard peered around the sea of bodies hoping to spot the elegant overlord in the crowd. She just hoped Rosie remembered her.

The crowd was whispering about something, their voices muffled. But it was clear from the tone and the looks on their faces that they were arguing, the atmosphere tense. Then she heard Rosie’s voice loud and clear over the whispering cannibals.

“That’s quite enough.”

The room went silent at her tone. Shephard watched as Rosie moved through the crowd and began talking with the arguing sides. After a few minutes a general consensus was established, the earlier arguing parties walking out with satisfied looks on their faces.

Shephard sighed in relief as she walked up behind the overlord, her nerves rising. She just hoped Rosie could help her in some way.

Rosie turned her head when she saw someone step up beside her from the corner of her eye. Her pure black eyes widened at the sight of Shephard. Her mouth lifting up into a wide toothy grin.

“Shephard! Dear, it has been far too long! How are you, darling?” Rosie exclaimed as she walked over to the shorter woman. Her voice seemed to instantly brighten the room up. The other patrons looked between Shephard and Rosie curiously.

Shephard smiled and met the demoness halfway. “Rosie, I've been well. How are you?” She replied politely. As Shephard met with Rosie, the woman leaned down slightly and took Shepphards hands in hers. “I’m doing quite well.” She said,

As Shephard met the demoness midway, Rosie was still just as gentle as she seemed as she leaned down, taking both of your hands in her own, holding them gently, as she spoke. "I'm doing quite well." She spoke smoothly, her voice smooth as silk, giving her hands a soft squeeze. "How are you, dear? It has been quite a bit since our last meeting, isn't that, right?"

"It has been a while; we need to get together more often." Shephard replied serenely. She squeezed Rosie's hands when she grabbed them.

Rosie chuckled, the sound gentle and light, like music. "Yes indeed, we should." She purred, before continuing on. "I... can't help but wonder what brings you to my emporium. I take it you didn't come just for a visit, dear?”

"Unfortunately, no. I've got something to ask you..." Shephard explained, her pink eyes darting to the watchful eyes of the crowd of cannibals. 

Rosie ushered you away from the crowd, into a backroom, before sitting the other woman down. Rosie set the bowl of... fingers... down in front of you, letting the silence sit for a few moments, before speaking.

"Go ahead...Darling. Ask me whatever is on your mind." She cooed, her voice soft as a breeze an airy quality to it. Shephard politely declined the fingers, setting her hands in her lap as she looked at the older woman. "I came to you because I figured you'd know...Alastor has been missing. Have you seen him?"

Shephard sighed as she continued. "We had a....interesting discussion the other day. Um, he and I said and did things, and he disappeared right after, before I could even address the situation. It's been two days and neither I nor the others at the hotel have heard from him since..."

Shephard looked down at her hands and decided to keep the situation between her and Alastor vague. Not wanting to give too much information due to not knowing how Alastor would react.

Rosie listened quietly, her expression unreadable, but it felt like she was...watching... listening closely, before speaking up. "Hmm...interesting. You had a discussion and disappeared after?" Rosie asked, her black eyes studying Shepphards demeaner. The lamb demon nodded before continuing. 

"The discussion got a little...heated. I got embarrassed and he did something that made me laugh and he disappeared right after. He looked a little...dazed." Shephard said, giving her a little more detail of what happened, so she'd get an idea of what caused Alastor to disappear.

"...Dazed?" Rosie repeated softly, before chuckling. "You were able to make Alastor...dazed?" The amusement in her voice was clear in the way she spoke the next line. "You surely have not gotten on his bad side?"

"Well, I'm still alive so I don't think so?" Shephard jokes. Her smile fell as she stared at Rosie.

"You haven't seen him, have you?"

Rosie set her tea down, placing her hands on the table, clasped together.  "I have seen him." She admitted, her expression somewhat mysterious. Her gaze was calculating as she watched Shephard, her eyes staring deep into hers.

Shephard perked up at this. "Okay...." She noticed the way Rosie didn't elaborate. "I'm assuming he doesn't want to see me and that's fine...just, if you see him tell him I'm not upset with him or anything.  Please?" Shephard knew that Alastor and Rosie had a close friendship. And she knew even if Rosie did want to help that she wouldn't out of respect for Alastor.

Rosie seemed to look satisfied, even pleased, at Shepphards reaction. "Oh, I am certain I can arrange that, my darling..." She assured her with a smile, the slight sharpness present within. Though she paused for a moment, and her expression seemed to soften a little, holding a softer tone. "You truly are not upset with him then?"

Shephard shook her head. "I'm not. I just want to talk with him. That's it." Shephard explained

Rosie hummed in response. "Hmm." Her expression seemed to soften a bit. "I'll see what I can do." She finally stated after the silence, a... softer... look in her eyes.

Shephard thanked Rosie for her help and politely excused herself.

Once the door shut behind Shephard, Rosie glanced back at the shadowy corner of the room.

"What are you going to do now, Alastor?" She asked.

Chapter Text

Shephard thanked Rosie for her help and politely excused herself.

Once the door shut behind Shephard, Rosie glanced back at the shadowy corner of the room.

"What are you going to do now, Alastor?" She asked.

The shadows on the wall seemed to darken, and the temperature in the room grew slightly colder. Then came the answer, an old and all too recognizable voice.

"I'm...debating."

Alastor stepped out of the shadows, his hands still in his pockets. The sound of his footsteps was silent as he walked over to the chair that he had been listening from. He pulled out the chair and sat down, letting out a soft sigh.

Rosie smirked. "Now, Alastor. What is an overlord like you doing runnin' from a cute little lamb like that?" She teased as she stared at him. Rosie was good at reading people. She already had a guess as to what was happening.

Alastor's eyes widened slightly, slightly taken back by the blunt question. He took a moment to collect himself, his expression remaining neutral. "Run ? I am not running from that lamb." He said defensively, his tone clearly expressing his displeasure and slight humiliation with the idea of him running.

Rosie raised an eyebrow, her smirk still on her face. "Is that so? Well then. Why don't you tell me what exactly you're considering?"

Alastor took a deep breath, composing himself further, before speaking. "Considering..." he repeated, thinking the question over carefully, before he sighed. "I am simply...considering our whole bet as well as the whole situation in general."

"Bet?" Rosie questioned, pausing to listen as Alastor explained that Shephard and he had agreed to a bet that whoever broke first while doing Charlie's little exercise involving sharing rooms that the winner could ask the loser for anything. Rosie simply hummed at his begrudging explanation. "And... the interesting discussion you two had?" Rosie pressed.

Alastor paused for a moment, his expression showing clear embarrassment. ".... I may have gotten a bit more flustered in that conversation then I would have preferred.” He admitted reluctantly.

"Oh my, flustered?" Rosie gasped, now fully invested in what happened between Shephard and Alastor. "She did mention it had something to do with her laughing?" Rosie hummed, watching Alastor's reaction

"Indeed...but not just her laughter..." Alastor sighed. "There was...another aspect as well." The radio demon admitted, his eyes darting away from Rosie's gaze for a moment.

Rosie leaned in excitedly. "Well? What else did she do to have you so...flustered?" Alastor hesitated, refusing to meet Rosie's stare. His body was heating up as he thought about it.

"She...whimpered."

Rosie sat up straight, her eyes widening, before looking at Alastor with a mischievous grin. She laughed, not in a mocking manner, more in a teasing sort of way. "Oh, really now?" She cooed, clearly loving Alastor's reactions thus far. Alastor gritted his teeth. "Yes. As she said our...discussion became heated and I... may have crossed some lines to get those reactions from her..." Alastor admitted.

Rosie's expression looked like the cat that caught the canary. Her grin grew, her eyes glimmering with amusement. "Oh my, Al... what exactly did you cross, hm?" She questioned in a sweet tone, knowing Alastor was already humiliated enough, she was just having fun by this point.

If Alastor was able to scowl he would. But he couldn't so he opted to smile displeasurably at her.

"I fail to see why you need to know such details."

Rosie hummed in amusement, her smirk growing, her eyes narrowing a bit. She knew that she was getting to Alastor by now, which was only amusing her more. "Come now, Al. I'm simply just curious." She assured in a sweet tone, though her expression clearly indicated otherwise. "And I might be able to help. It's not like you aren't in a dilemma right now."

Alastor just growled but caved. He began from the beginning, then rooming together because of Charlie's silly little exercise, the bet, the hypothetical discussion they had, then the argument that led to him disappearing for two days. He explained that Shephard brought up her fear for Vox and when pressed more about it admitted that if Vox tried something and she was unable to escape her situation or Alastor was unable to help her she'd kill herself. How that thought had served to piss him off. How he couldn't understand why she wouldn't fight back or wait for him. How mad he'd been to the point that he essentially told her that she'd forgotten one thing. Him. That Alastor was the worst possibility. That he'd backed her into a chair and gotten into her space. Whispering about how he was far more dangerous.

Rosie listened, clearly loving the whole tale. She hummed at certain points, clearly having already guessed some things.

Alastor continued as he ran his fingers through his hair. That as his lips touched her ear she whimpered. That an indescribable heat filled his veins and when he'd pressed closer the lamb demon had curled into a ball with her head in her knees. He admitted to trying to get her to reveal her face, thinking that he was enjoying her fear. Then she started laughing. That her laugh filled with a different kind of heat, one that caused fluttering in his stomach and then she touched him.... the feeling of her hand on his cheek making him blurt out how he liked her laugh. That he'd felt humiliated for blurting out such a thing that he'd shadow warped himself away and hadn't returned since. That he was beginning to realize that he didn't enjoy her fear or intimidating her. That he liked watching her blush and fluster at his advances. That he...

Liked her

Rosie clearly wasn't expecting all of that. She took it all in, listening carefully, her expression changing as he told his side of the story. And when he spoke the last line, Rosie was silent for a few moments. Taking a moment to process Alastor's admission, before speaking. "You like the Shephard?” She spoke in a soft, pondering manner. Rosie seemed to think for a brief moment, before humming thoughtfully, her fingers tapping on the table slightly. "And what are you planning on doing about that?" She asked, tilting her head. "Are you going to continue to hide like a scared doe after one misstep? Or perhaps...actually confront your feelings?"

Alastor bristled at the insinuation that he was running scared.

Rosie clearly noticed his reaction and chuckled softly, shaking her head. "That's what you are doing, Al. You are running scared. "She said softly, a more serious tone underneath. Her tone indicated that she wasn't teasing anymore. That she was serious. The two sat in silence for a moment, before Rosie resumed speaking.” Why aren't you doing anything to try and sort through your feelings?”

Alastor glared at Rosie. "I'm very well aware of my feelings, thank you. Despite my inexperience I am more than capable of identifying what I'm feeling." Alastor replied haughtily. "And I am not running." He growled. "I'm simply considering my next step."

Rosie raised a brow at the response. Her lips curled into a sly smile. "Oh, I'm sure you are." She said with a hint of sarcasm. "Oh, but darling. What is your next step, hm?" Rosie questioned teasingly, resting her head on the palm of her hand. Her eyes gleaming with amusement, clearly expecting an answer.

Alastor snapped his mouth shut as she asked him what he planned to do. His ears are folding back. "I am... unsure whether to pursue these feelings."

Rosie hummed softly, watching Alastor with a curious yet amused expression. "Unsure?" She cooed. "Oh, come now Alastor...really?" She spoke with a raised brow. "What is there to be 'unsure' about?" She inquired. "Why do you not know the answer? What is holding you back?"

Alastor huffed in frustration. "I do believe that I just told you that she was frightened of me, didn't I? Despite our previous good relationship, I highly doubt she'll agree to entertain my feelings after how I treated her." Alastor replied.

"You think," Rosie countered. "Perhaps talk to her. Don't you dare assume that she doesn't feel the same. You don't know how she feels if you don't talk to her." Her expression shifted into a smile. Amusement glittering in her eyes.

"She might like you the same after all, dear."

Rosie smiled softly, "Let's not forget that she came all the way into Cannibal town risking being eaten by my cannibals to ask me where you are." She paused for a second. "And she did say that she wasn't mad at you, or did you miss that part?"

"Did she now?” Rosie smiled at his response, before humming. A smug expression on her face as amusement was present in her expression. She leaned in towards Alastor slightly. "She isn't afraid of risking her life in Cannibal Town to ask about your whereabouts.” She repeated, a knowing look in her eyes. "...And she's not mad at you..." Her smirk grew wider in amusement. "What else could that possibly mean, Alastor?" Rosie looked rather satisfied, leaning back now, her expression smug. She already knew the answer. Rosie had already figured out the situation long ago, she was just pushing Alastor.

She loved teasing Alastor, after all.

Rosie hummed softly, raising a brow again. "Now, tell me, Al. What are you going to do about it?" Rosie was silent for a moment, watching Alastor with an expecting look, before continuing once more. "Or are you going to continue hiding?" She raised a brow. "If you don't take action to solve your unsure feelings...then she'll probably move on..." She warned, a mischievous glint in her eyes.

Alastor’s whole body went rigid at her words, his smile looking a little more like a grimace at the thought.

"You know I am correct." Rosie stated, her smirk growing. "You take too long you'll lose her." She tapped her nails on the table in a thoughtful manner. "And what a shame it would be...for a man of your status...to lose a girl he is sweet on.” "You should go speak to her." Rosie urged. Her voice was...softer.  It held a hint of honesty this time, and a bit of worry. She cared about Alastor...despite his stubbornness at times. She wanted to see him be happy.

Alastor sighed softly as he leaned his head on his fist. "I suppose a chat wouldn't hurt."

There's the answer she'd been waiting for.

Rosie smiled softly, her smirk turning into a genuine smile. She knew Alastor enough to know that he would likely go through with it. She reached over, placing her hand over his as she spoke. "If you want my advice... go and talk to her. Be direct. Tell her how you feel, be open, be honest.”

Later that night, Shephard was in bed once again. It was past 10 o'clock pm, she was currently sleeping when she heard the door to her and Alastor's room open. She sat up and tried to blink the sleep from her eyes. In the darkness she could make out a silhouette and a pair of familiar red eyes staring at her.

"Alastor!"

Alastor stood in the doorway; the silhouette of his body outlined a bit by the soft hallway light behind him. His eyes glowed softly in the dark room as he stared at Shephard. He didn't say a word...not at first. He just watched. Shephard sat up in bed, feeling more awake now. Her covers fell off her body, causing her to shiver at the temperature difference.

"I was wondering when you'd come back." Shephard said quietly.

Alastor didn't reply at first, simply walking into her side of the bedroom. He remained silent as he made his way over to her bed, standing next to the bed. He still said nothing, his eyes fixed on her.

Watching.

Shephard watched as he came closer and stood next to her bed. Her pink eyes searched his face. She fiddled with the blankets on her legs, unsure of what to say next. He remained silent for a little bit, his expression neutral...until he spoke. "May I sit?" He questioned. The soft voice was a bit strained...as if he was attempting to stay composed… Shephard nodded and scooched up to the headboard to lean her back against for Alastor to sit. Alastor sat down gently, leaning his back against the headboard as he finally spoke again.

"We...need to talk. Do we not?" He spoke softly.

Shephard paused, realizing that he was referring to what happened a few days ago. "Yes..." She said hesitantly. Alastor felt his chest tighten, his breathing a bit heavier than normal as he attempted to stay composed. "I have...considered things. The...situation." He took a deep breath. He was trying his hardest, but it was clear how tense and on edge he was.

Shephard blinked. She laced her fingers together. "The...situation?"

Alastor frowned slightly, his expression shifting ever so slightly. "Our...current situation, yes." He said, a hint of embarrassment. It was rare for the overlord to show such a thing. He paused for a moment. Alastor was...he wasn't sure how to approach this.

Shephard stared at him. "Okay..." She said slowly, deciding to let Alastor just talk

"I've made some...realizations." He started, trying to remain composed as he spoke, his ears pinning back a bit in clear...embarrassment. He paused for a moment, searching for his words. Looking for what to say.

"I feel humiliated by my...actions. They were foolish and... misguided... selfish. I-I am not used to...being so vulnerable." Shephard could tell he was struggling with something, not just their argument and what followed after as if there was a double meaning behind his words.

"I'm...not mad." Shephard said, deciding to stay neutral.

"...How else do you feel?" Alastor found himself asking. He already knew that she wasn't mad...but what about how she felt? He felt like he had a need to know. The thought was making his chest feel heavy.

"Uh," Shephard said hesitantly. Okay, Alastor was definitely digging for something. But Shephard couldn't figure out what. "I'm...happy your back?"

Alastor felt his chest tighten, a small chuckle slipping out. He shook his head, amused by the response. He finally brought himself to look at Shephard, his expression a bit softer. "Not quite what I meant." He hummed, his eyes studying you as he spoke. Shephard frowned. "Then say what you mean." Alastor paused, his expression softening even further, hesitating before speaking again, his voice softer now.

"How do you...FEEL about what happened?" He repeated carefully. “How you felt in the moment." He said in a clearer manner, his tone a bit softer than before. Not as sharp.

Oh.

Shephard flushed, avoiding Alastor's gaze. "I... was embarrassed."

"Why were you embarrassed?" He questioned softly, his voice genuine.  He watched her carefully...he wanted to know. He needed to know, a... strange feeling in his chest.

A feeling he wasn't used to.

"Because....of how close you were. Then...that noise I made when your lips touched my ear."  Shephard mumbled, swelling with embarrassment as she recounted what happened. "That sound...that laugh." Alastor muttered softly. He couldn't help but focus on the memory of the giggle. It was...memorable. He couldn't forget about it. Couldn't get the sound out of his head either...or he didn't mind it either.

Shephard blinked. "No, I mean-I meant...that.... whimper." Shephard choked out as she shrunk in on herself.

Alastor paused, his eyes widening softly. The memory came back to him again. That sound...whimpering. He had been confused at the time, but now...now he had a better reaction to it.

He liked it. He really liked it.

Shephard looked at her hands, sitting in the silence. Alastor watched her with a soft, fascinated look. His eyes taking all of her in; her body language, the way she fidgeted... He found his voice again a few moments later, his tone a bit...softer. "You whimpered." He voiced simply, not really able to stop himself.

Shephard's face went red. The soft way he said it made butterflies swarm in her stomach.

Alastor continued, unable to keep that quiet amusement from his voice. "You whimpered. When my lips touched your ear, and you whimpered... for me." He pointed out. He wanted to hear it again; he wanted to cause it to happen.

Shephard stuttered non-communicatively. She couldn't believe him. Alastor couldn't help the...triumphant smirk that formed at her reaction. He watched you with glee, clearly enjoying seeing you struggle. He leaned in slightly. "...How about... you whimper for me again?" He teased lowly in an alluring tone.

"No!" Shephard gasped, her face bright red. What the hell was happening!?

God, just seeing that reaction, how flustered she was so easily ...it was intoxicating...addictive. Alastor loved it. He leaned closer, dropping his voice slightly, practically purring as he spoke. "Why not?" He watched you with a grin, his eyes almost dark. "I liked it."

Shephard looked away; her eyes wide. Woah. What? He liked it. God, the way he was watching her...like he wanted to devour her.... this time in a sexy way.

Alastor smirked when you looked away with such a reaction. He felt his chest tighten, and he felt a... burning feeling rise within him. He inched closer, his voice smooth and low, full of allure.  "Do it whimper like before."

Shephard like before brought her knees to her chest. "No." she mumbled

Alastor's eyes gleamed as he closed the distance, leaning in closer as she tried to hide. "No?" He teased her. "Why is it that seeing you flustered like this... pleases me so much?" He wondered, knowing what the answer was. He leaned in close, his voice dropped even lower. "Say...you'll whimper for me." He urged in a low voice, his voice a low, alluring tone.

Shephard shrunk further as he got into her space. His eyes gleamed with amusement, feeling his control over the situation returning. "I'll wait all night for it." He promised, leaning in closer, his voice dropping lower. "You whimper so nicely." He cooed. The moment his breath hit her ears; it happened. Shephard had tried to stop it but was unable. His words drew out a soft whimper, Shephard could feel the heat on her cheeks. Alastor's sharp, red orbs held a look of pure satisfaction, pure triumph feeling himself grow a bit heavier, feeling that burning burn a bit more intensely. He wanted to bury himself in that sound, drown himself in it. He needed more.

He leaned closer into her space, his voice lower, almost a rumble.  "Just like that, dear...." His voice carried a soft, teasing, sensual tone. "That's so pretty. Such a darling little sound..."

Shephard inhaled sharply when Alastor rested a hand on her waist. Her body tensed at the feeling.

Alastor's smile grew wider as he continued, feeling the way her body went stiff, feeling the way his actions were affecting her. He squeezed her waist gently, his nails brushing against her slowly. "How about one more?" He asked, knowing he was pushing his luck. But he wanted another whimper. He needed another one.

Shephard squeaked instead when he squeezed her waist, her hands falling to push his arm away.

Alastor watched her with a teasing smirk. "Oh, you can do better than that, can't you?" He taunted, amusement glittering in his eyes. "Come on, dear." He urged, his touch feather light. "Whimper for me again, and I might reward you..." Alastor slowly slid his hand from her waist to the small of her back, bringing his hand up her spine. Alastor watched as Shephard's back arched at the sensation. Her pink eyes widening and her lips parting to let out another soft sound. He felt a rush of amusement as she gave another delightful response, her body practically reacting against her will to his touch.

He loved it.

"There we go, sweet thing.” He praised his voice with a soft, gentle tone. "Do that again for me, hmm?"  He pressed softly, his hand traveling up her spine to the center of her back. Shephard gritted her teeth as he did. Her hands shooting to grab his shoulders as her body moved under his gentle touch.

"Mm!" Shephard squeezed her eyes shut when she let out that sound.

Alastor felt the reaction this time was more... aggressive. Her hands grabbing his shoulders, his chest heating as her body practically...melted. And the sound, even better. He found himself enjoying seeing her...struggle. He wanted to be the reason for every sound she could make. He wanted more.

Shephard whimpered as Alastor pressed forward, in an attempt to keep distance, she slid down the headboard. But that just made things easier for Alastor allowing him to hover over her now. S hephard turned her head to the side as Alastor watched her, now both of his hands made their way to her hips. Shephard closed her eyes as she pressed herself into the mattress.

She felt hot, her face was hot, and she could feel heat pooling in her stomach and between her legs.

Alastor's hands roamed her body. His touch felt like a burning fire, leaving a trail of heat wherever it touched. He leaned in closer, his hands moved along her curves, exploring how her body felt beneath him. His mind was completely consumed by pure, possessive, lust. Shephard's eyes snapped open when Alastor's hands ran over her chest, rubbing her breasts just right.

"Ngh!" Shephard moaned out, her back arching slightly.

Alastor's grin grew wider at her reaction, his eyes watching her every move. Every little sound. "See, this is where you're supposed to be. Underneath me." He cooed, his voice taking on a more...possessive quality. "And it suits you perfectly, little one."

Shephard's mouth fell open as his fingers tweaked her chest. A loud moan escaping, Shephard gripped the bed sheets underneath her. Alastor's eyes were drawn to her mouth immediately. God, what he wanted to do to her. He could just taste her... Alastor's hands continued to work over her chest, his touch lingering, wanting to draw out more reactions.

Shephard twitched and squirmed underneath Alastor as he played with her chest. Her squirming caused the strap of her night gown to fall off her shoulder.

Alastor had kept his eyes focused on her body, taking in every detail...every little sound. "Look at you all flustered, sweet thing.” He hummed, enjoying this whole scenario.  Alastor's eyes snapped to her now exposed skin, his gaze trailing over the flesh. He brought back a hand to gently push the strap lower.

Shephard gasped as the cold air hit her chest, her hands scrambling to grab her nightgown to cover herself. "Oh!" She whined, her voice hoarse, Shephard squirmed as he did, his fingers kneading her breasts.

Alastor watched as she did take in the sight of her bare chest. He needed to feel her skin. He released her wrist to take off both of his gloves, carelessly tossing them onto the floor before grabbing her chest. He let out a soft sound as he felt how soft her breasts were, his fingers going to pull gently on her nipple that elicited another sweet cry from her lips. This was the first time Alastor had heard her...cry out and he needed more of...that. More.

More.

His chest was starting to hurt with that strange feeling. He didn't know what it was...but he needed more of it. He needed to hear her more. Alastor leaned down, his lips brushing her nipple. He sucked on it gently, his red eyes going up to watch her reaction.

Shephard moaned again, pressing her chest up into Alastor's face. Her hand came to grab the hair on the back of his head.

There it was...another beautiful cry. Alastor's hand moved from her chest, his free hand gripping her hip as he listened to her sounds closely. One of his legs slid between hers, pinning her further, his other hand still holding her wrist.

Shephard's body jerked when she felt him settle in between her legs. His lips moved up her chest to her neck. Shephard had never been in a relationship, nor had she'd slept with anyone before. She'd had crushes when she was young, but nothing ever came out of those. Then as she got older, she began to get curious. She'd touched herself a few times and she enjoyed it but still felt awkward and uncomfortable when someone made a pass at her. But it was different with Alastor. She enjoyed his touch even if it made her embarrassed.

He wanted to hear her cry out again...hear her whimper. His teeth gently nipped her neck as he leaned in closer, breathing hotly against the soft flesh, his knee brushing against her thigh teasingly.

Alastor wanted to devour her...wanted to ruin her.

Alastor himself was similar. Though he'd had a general lack of interest in both relationships and sex. Much like Shephard he'd explored more when he got older. Though unlike Shephard he found no interest in either before mentioned things. He was perfectly content with himself. He didn't grave the touch or attention of another. Until now. Now that he had it, he understood why people liked it. His ears twitched as Shephard whimpered, her legs flinching away from his knee and allowing him access in between her thighs.

Gods...he was becoming addicted...

His grip on her hip grew tighter, his body moving closer, keeping her pinned beneath him. He could feel heat growing...he could taste the air thickening between them. He needed more sounds. He needed to see more of her reaction, he needed to see her flush beneath him. To hear her cry out again and again…

Shephard squirmed as Alastor nuzzled against her neck, pressing in between her thighs and resting there. He took a moment to steady himself, not wanting to lose control yet. He wanted to hear her cry out...he wanted to hear these sounds. It took all of his focus to not just...take...to not just devour.

"You're so...cute.” He muttered softly, his red eyes watching her reaction.

At this point Alastor was doing what felt right. He settled in between her thighs, her legs on either side of his waist as he pressed his hips against her. He hadn't expected anything to happen. Simply wanting to be closer to Shephard, to feel her body pressed against his. So, it shocked him when Shephard's hips twitched up in surprise from him moving in between her legs. The action causing their hips to grind together and pleasure to shot down Alastor's spine

A low groan escaped his lips... God she felt so good...

He rested his forehead against her neck when her hips twitched. His grip on her waist tightening slightly. He hadn't expected it...he felt...lightheaded as he processed what had just happened. He breathed out heavily, his body shifting again as he ground against her. Shephard clung to Alastor as he ground back into her. Her thighs trembling as she moved her hips with his, lost to the pleasurable feeling Alastor was giving her.

"Aah! Hmm-mm!"

He could feel it, that heat growing hotter between them. He could feel that burning sensation through his body. He shifted, grinding against her again, his body almost moving on its own, searching for that pleasure again. He was... becoming addicted to it. The sounds she made, they were... gods, they were amazing.

"Aha! Oh god!" Shephard cried, her legs wrapping around his waist. She couldn't think straight. All she could think about was the heat in her gut and Alastor between her legs. Alastor's grip on your waist grew tighter, his body growing hotter...he felt like he was drowning in pleasure, in the heat.

He...wanted to bury himself in it, in her. He wanted to lose himself in the pleasure he felt, in the pleasure he gave to you. He found himself grinding his hips against hers again, needing more of that pleasure, more of that heat, more of-

"Fuuuck..."

Shephard squeezed her eyes shut; she was getting close. She could feel it.

"Oh! Alastor! Ah! I'm-I'm!" Shephard cried, pressing her face into his shoulder He wanted, needed, more of her cries. He wanted to hear her cry his name, cry out for more and more. He continued, his movements getting a bit messier as he felt himself nearing the edge, his grip on her waist growing tighter, his thumb digging into her skin a bit rougher...he couldn't think, didn't think, didn't care...

Alastor let out a groan...he was getting close, his breaths heavier, his hips moving a bit faster. Shephard just clung to Alastor desperately, whimpering and crying out as she pressed her hips into his. She could hear the creaking of the bed as they moved together. With one particularly harsh grind of his hips, Shephard was throwing her head back and releasing. Her voice broke as she cried out. Alastor's hips stuttered at her cry, his eyes dilating as he heard and felt her release. He bit down on her shoulder and ground in her as he found his own release as well.

He...

He had never felt anything like...this. The way she cried out, the way her body reacted to his...every sound she let out seemed to feed that burning heat building inside his chest, he felt the way she trembled beneath him... And when she cried out his name? Gods, he felt as if he was being consumed... And when his own release followed, his body reacted with equal intensity...his grip on her waist tightened to a bruising degree, his teeth biting down on her shoulder as his own groan slipped out.

Shephard blinked as she came back to herself, her breathing heavy as she trembled. She sagged back into the bed, her legs that were wrapped around his waist falling down the bed.

Alastor took a few moments...breathing heavily against her neck, trying to steady himself as he came back to his senses. He felt...slightly dazed. After a few moments, he leaned in closer, pressing some soft kisses against her neck, his hands smoothing over her waist as he tried to steady himself, his actions seemingly indulgent.

Shephard sighed softly as he did this and closed her eyes. She felt his hands run down her sides to her nightgown that was bunched on her hips and grabbing the straps and tugging it up her body. She helped him put it back on her, the garment settling back in place. 

He carefully let go of her, pulling back as he helped her adjust the dress back in place. He looked down, watching her, his hands smoothing over her thighs as if...in an indulgent gesture. He didn't speak, remaining quiet, his breathing finally slowing down. He just watched...he felt content, feeling like...he was in a daze.

Shephard let Alastor stroke her thighs. It was obvious that he was just doing it absentmindedly, though it didn't stop her from flinching away. She was still sensitive from her release, twitching from the aftershocks of it all. It was cute how sensitive she was, how her body would twitch when he stroked her thigh. He was just indulging in the feeling, still slightly in a daze from the intense feelings minutes ago. His hands smoothing over her thighs, the touch soft and gentle on the sensitive flesh…

Shephard watched him through half lidded eyes, admiring how he looked after their romp. Alastor watched her in return, admiring how soft she looked.

Alastor studied her features. Alastor found himself enjoying the sight of her, his eyes taking a moment to linger at the fresh bite mark on her neck. He couldn't help but feel...almost possessive...as if the sight of his mark on her neck pleased him to no end…

Shephard sighed softly. As nice as it had been, they needed to address the elephant in the room. "Why did you disappear after I laughed?" Shephard murmured quietly in the darkness Alastor went silent...he had been expecting for that question to come up. He shifted, remaining quiet for a few moments thinking of the best way to respond...

"...A variety of different reasons." He answered after a pause, his words careful. He didn't stop touching her thighs, not quite ready to stop just yet.

Shephard shifted her head against the sheets, her pink eyes looking over him.

"Okay. What are they?"

Alastor hesitated, his thumb running over her thigh before responding. "It... made me..." Unsure. He wasn't used to feeling...insecure about anything. He paused. He wanted to put his feelings into words, but he wasn't sure how to... "It... made me...question...things." He answered vaguely, not taking his eyes off hers.

Shephard lifted her head to get a better look at him. Her eyes narrowed as he avoided her gaze. "What kind of things?"

Alastor went quiet, looking down for a few moments, clearly thinking something over, his thumb still rubbing her thigh. "Us." He admitted softly. "The way you reacted to my..." He trailed off a bit. "My...touch." He hesitated again, not really used to this... intimacy. "You were...pleased. Reacting so easily to me." His voice was a quiet tone, his gaze shifting back up to look down at her.

Shephard looked away this time, once more feeling her face heat up. Us. Shephard wondered if that meant what she hoped it did. "Us ?" She asked, ignoring the last part of his words

Alastor nodded, his head dropping a bit. "Us...that's what I mean." He confirmed. He shifted, his gaze dropping again as he struggled to continue, his thumb seizing the back-and-forth motion on her thigh. "I didn't understand why you...were so..." He searched for the word. "...pleased by my touch when I tried to..." He hesitated, not sure which word to use for what he intended.

Shephard filled in the blanks. "When you were teasing me?"

Alastor let out an exasperated sigh, shaking his head. "When I was trying to tease you." He agreed with a tsk, slightly irritated. "You..." His fingers slid down her thigh, brushing along the sensitive flesh. "Whimpered for me." He admitted quietly, his thumb resting on her, making slow small circles in the center of her thigh.

Shephard sat up, looking at his hand on her thigh. Feeling the way, he gently stroked her skin.

"And... when I laughed?"

Alastor fell quiet, his thumb still making small slow circles on her thigh, feeling the silky soft flesh, unable to fully remove his hand from her. "...It made me...think I could not do it a second time." He said hesitantly. "I... couldn't understand the way you reacted to me."

"It made me think you knew something I... did not."

Shephard frowned, reaching out and resting her hand over his. "I wasn't making fun of you, if that's what you thought. Alastor's gaze finally snapped up, studying her expression. Listening to her. Processing.

"What were you laughing at, then?" He asked quietly, his voice carefully neutral, his expression unreadable, his thumb stopping its motions for a moment before starting to move again.

Shephard bit her lip. "I... was laughing because you were...being cute. After I hid my face in my knees you were.... moving your head back and forth to see my face, I could hear it in the way you moved and the thought that you were doing that...was cute." Shephard admitted a small smile creeping onto her face, clearly amused with the very thought of it.

Alastor felt a heavy knot form in his chest, his eyes widening at her answer. He...wasn't expecting an answer like that. At least not at first. "You...thought I was being cute?” He clarified, sounding slightly disbelieving.

"Mm-hm. And you were trying to be all serious too, all while moving back and forth and trying to pry my knees apart to see my face. I couldn't help it." Shephard explained, her hand coming up to her mouth to hide her smile as her eyes crinkled.

God, it sounded so stupid. He was trying to intimidate her in a way, to gain an advantage, and she found it...cute? Alastor's expression shifted, softening the slightest bit. He didn't move his hand, he could still feel how soft her skin was, feeling his grip loosen on her thigh.

"Alastor...I think...it's time that we get serious. I need to know. The way you've been acting since we've started rooming together during Charlie's exercise, it makes me think that..." Shephard hesitated, unsure of how he'd take this. "It makes me think you have a crush on me."

Alastor listened to every word, his grip on her thigh loosening, his nails dragging along her skin very lightly. He stayed quiet. He thought about denying it. He didn't want to believe...he was that obvious. "...Yes." He eventually agreed, after taking a pause to sort out his thoughts.

“It would seem that I do.” He confirmed quietly, his gaze dropping to where his hand rested, still feeling her soft thigh.

Shephard let out a breath. Her heart raced in her chest at the confession. "Me too." She admitted quietly Alastor's gaze snapped up, looking at her with a spark of relief. He didn't expect her to admit it so readily, so honestly. But...he certainly couldn't deny the rush of relief he felt as she confessed.

Shephard watched him for a while before she spoke. "I like you, Alastor." Shephard said, making sure he understood. Alastor's breath hitched slightly, his head dropping down, trying to deny it. And yet, his heart felt happy at the confession.

"I... like you as well." He agreed, his eyes glued to his touch, watching his fingers as they rubbed soft circles into her thigh.

Shephard smiled sweetly. She shifted forward, hesitantly wrapping her arms around his waist and placing her head on his chest. Alastor shifted a bit in surprise but... he couldn't help sinking into that touch. He brought his hands up to encircle her small frame, holding her against his chest. His eyes closed, listening to her soft breathing. He knew he was getting... attached to her...he tried to deny it.

But with her this close to him, that felt harder than usual.

Shephard smiled to herself, her eyes closing as she listened to Alastor's steady breathing. After a moment, she pulled back not wanting to overwhelm him. "To clarify, are we...dating?" His chest tightened, the way his mind tried to reject this. Tried to reject her. He couldn't deny that he wanted nothing more than to pull her back into that hug. When she pulled away, Alastor opened his eyes, glancing down as he carefully considered his reply

"Yes. We are."

He said it as if it was more of a statement than anything. Firm and sure of himself.