#//they're so damn cute

[taylincolnhq]

thread title: shake it out

thread location: mckinley high, outside bleachers

thread date & time: friday september 12th, after school

tagging: marley rose @marlcyhq

triggers: none

summary: marley falls for taylor (literally and figuratively) at the soccer field. adorableness ensues. another new beginning

marley rose marley had been spending more time outside as the weather had warmed up around campus. her mother was finding a routine at the cafeteria and didn’t need her daughter’s help as often which had been leaving the high schooler with a bit more free time, especially on the days she didn’t have glee. a change of scenery helped her focus and the noise of folks practicing on the field below her provided an almost white noise if she sat far enough away. after typing up the last sentence of an essay due early next week, the small dark haired woman packed up her things and carefully maneuvered her way down the bleachers, her phone and a book in hand. marley was so focused on making sure she was stepping down correctly that she hardly noticed the other in her path, stumbling forward. “oh! I’m so sorry.” the shorter woman muttered almost as quickly as she caught herself.

taylor lincoln there was nothing more that taylor loved than running around on the field and the freedom it brought her. it had been a pretty intense practice, their first few games slowly creeping up on them, but she didn't really mind. as the coach said to hit the showers, something taylor was very grateful for, she headed over to where she had left her water bottle on the bleachers. taking a swig, she turned back to watch her team leaving not paying any attention to behind her. as she felt someone bump into her she whipped around. normal there would be something snarky or sarcastic on the tip of her tongue, but she soon realised it was her fault the other had stumbled. instinctively a hand came up to touch the arm of the other, steadying them. "I'm sorry." taylor said, dropping her bottle to the floor and raising the other hand in case there was a fall. "are you okay?"

marley rose a soft yelp escaped her lips as she felt herself start to fall. She flailed her arms, desperate to regain her balance, and just as she was about to hit the ground, taylor’s strong hands caught her on her forearms, steadying her.

“sorry!” marley’s cheeks flushed bright red as she looked up at taylor, her heart pounding in embarrassment. “I-I wasn’t watching where I was going.”

she straightened up, still feeling the warmth of taylor’s hands on her arms. marley’s voice was barely above a whisper. “I’m okay, really. thanks for catching me. I hope I didn’t distract you from practice. ”

marley tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, her eyes darting to the ground. “I guess I need to be more careful.” She attempted a small, shy smile, hoping taylor didn’t think she was a complete klutz. “oh gosh did I keep you from your practice. I, I was just leaving.”

taylor lincoln taylor praised herself for her quick reflexes as she held onto marley. "woah seriously are you okay?"

she gripped marley's arms a little tighter, but not enough to hurt. "you don't have to be sorry, it was my fault. I was blocking the way."

taylor shakes her head as she smiles softly. "nah we were all done. I'm just an idiot who left my water over here." she knocks the bottle slightly with her foot and looks back up at marley.

"hey, hey, breathe okay?" she takes a deep breath herself, hoping marley would copy her. "you didn't keep me from anything. I was just heading for a shower that's all." she couldn't help but smile at her though. "one last time - are you okay?"

marley rose marley felt her heart race even more as taylor’s grip tightened slightly. she nodded, finding her voice. “yeah, i’m okay. just a little embarrassed, i guess.”

her cheeks still felt hot, but taylor’s calm demeanor helped. marley took a deep breath, mimicking taylor. “thanks. and really, it’s not your fault. i should’ve been paying attention.”

she glanced at the water bottle taylor had knocked with her foot, then back up at her. taylor’s smile was so genuine, it made marley feel more at ease. “i’m glad i didn’t interrupt anything important.”

marley managed a small smile of her own. “yeah, i’m okay. promise. thanks for catching me, taylor.” she hesitated for a moment, then her eyes lit up with curiosity. “so, um, how do you think practice went today? those new drills were kinda fun.”

taylor lincoln taylor's brows furrowed slightly. "you have no reason to be embarrassed, all the best people have fallen down bleachers I'm sure." she shrugs. "have you ever seen princess diaries? anne hathaway takes a hell of a tumble."

once she feels marley relax, taylor slowly moves her hands away. "let's agree to disagree, we're both a little clumsy and distracted right now I guess."

she leans down to pick her bottle up and takes a long drink, finishing it off. "you're welcome." then taylor grins. "just try not to fall for everyone you meet." she laughs.

taylor turns her head back to the field where all of her team and left now and shrugged. "it was good. we need to maybe step it up another gear before our first game, but we'll be fine." she turns back to marley and raises and eyebrow. "you know the drills are new? have you been watching us marley rose?" she smirks and nudges marley gently with her shoulder

marley rose marley’s blush deepened at taylor’s words. “yeah, i’ve seen princess diaries. but i am no anne hathaway that’s for sure,” she said with a shy smile.

as taylor moved her hands away, marley felt a mix of relief for her stability and a new longing for the touch to return strange she thought . “let’s agree to disagree,” she echoed softly, her eyes flicking to taylor’s face and then back down.

when taylor laughed and mentioned not falling for everyone, marley couldn’t help but giggle, her blush intensifying. “i’ll try my best.”

taylor’s question caught her off guard, and she bit her lip nervously. “um, yeah, i’ve been watching your practices. you guys are really good,” she admitted, feeling her cheeks warm even more. “i just… like seeing how the team works together. you’re all so impressive out there.”

marley hesitated, then looked up at taylor with a small, hopeful smile. “do you think maybe i could watch you-and uh, the team from the front of the bleachers? even just to watch more closely? i am so not an athlete and i like to spend the time outside.”

taylor lincoln taylor wasn't really sure what to do with her hands now that she'd let go of marley and finished her drink. she awkwardly folded them across her chest. "i don't know, if they ever did a reboot, I'd put your name forward."

as taylor watched marley mainly stared at the floor and she tilted her head to the side as she observed her. maybe she should turn her teasing down a bit. she took a step to the side just in case the girl wanted to bolt at any time.

but then she watched marley blushing and giggling and she couldn't help but smile softly at her, it seemed like marley was coming out of her shell more. and she was kind of cute.

"oh…" taylor paused as she took in marley's compliment. "thanks." she replied sheepishly. brushing some hair behind her ear she looked back over at the field. "i just hope we can go all the way this year." she muttered

then her head whipped back suddenly to marley. "uh, yeah. of course you can." she smiled and waved her arms about. "you can sit wherever you want. well apart from when the weather starts to get worse, i wouldn't recommend it then."

marley rose marley looked up, making more eye contact with taylor, her cheeks still warm. “thanks, taylor,” she said softly, feeling a mix of shyness and excitement. “i love watching soccer, especially watching you practice. you’re really amazing out there.”

she bit her lip, her eyes flicking back to the field and then to taylor’s face. “it’s inspiring to see how hard you all work. you do this and glee? that’s wild. i usually just go to rehearsal and help my mom out. what do you do when you’re not at practice?” she asked curiously.

marley’s heart continued to thump loudly in her ears as she stayed put as she spoke, but she couldn’t help but smile and maintain her eye contact with the other. “i’ll definitely take your advice about the weather, though. don’t want to catch a cold.” , feeling a bit more at ease. “i’m really looking forward to seeing you, and the team play more. i usually am just doing homework out here and now i am learning so much. ”

taylor lincoln as marley keep compliment the team, and mainly her, taylor could feel her cheeks flushing. "thank you." she cleared her throat and shuffled her feet a little awkwardly.

she gave a shrug. "its not a big deal." she smiled softly. "this is my life." she gestured to the field. "glee is just a hobby." taylor hummed to herself as she thought about everything she did. "well i skate, love skateboarding. i work part time at the movie theater. i help my mom out by babysitting my sister. oh i go running a lot, usually with sam. play video games." she stopped abruptly. that was actually a lot of stuff. and she was talking about herself too much. "what about you? surely you do stuff for fun?"

taylor shakes her head. "I'd hate if you got a cold and I was the one responsible." she unconsciously steps forward towards marley and lifted a hand, nearly placing it on her arm, but she stopped herself at the last second. her cheeks burned red and she moved her hand quickly down. what was she /doing?/ she wanted to touch her. nodding quickly and looked away, desperate to change the subject. "yeah anytime, drop by. we're a cool bunch, super friendly." there was a slight awkward pause, but she couldn't help but look back over at marley and smiled softly. "if you ever want any pointers or tips about soccer, just ask, I'm more than happy to explain."

marley rose marley nodded almost too enthusiastically. she felt the now constant blush creep up her cheeks. “thank you, taylor. i’d love to learn more from you,” she said, her voice soft and sincere.

she hesitated for a moment, then decided to open up a bit more. “after school, i usually help my mom in the cafeteria. we have a small garden out by our apartment so i support her with cleaning all the veggies and keeping the house in order if she’s stuck at school. after my dad died, we came back here to lima so, so yeah. she works in the cafeteria. she’s the lunch lady.” marley confessed, surprisingly prideful and not awkward as she usually was, when she was afraid of the judgement and ridicule about her mom’s profession at her old school. “and i love working in it. it’s really calming, you know?” she smiled, feeling a bit more confident. “and i assist at the kids section of the library on the weekends . the kids are adorable, and it’s so rewarding to help them learn and grow. books were my first friend.” she rambled vulnerably even as the words came out.

marley noticed taylor’s hand nearly touching her arm, and her heart skipped a beat, she moved her arm up, allowing the others hand to touch it, a welcome invitation, another rush of energy as she blushed deeper . “i think it’s amazing how much you do, taylor. you’re really inspiring,” she said, looking up and making more eye contact. “and don’t worry, i’ll be careful with the weather. i wouldn’t want to miss any of your, or the team’s practices.”

she felt a warm connection between them and couldn’t help but smile back. “i’ll definitely take you up on those pointers. your team is incredible, and you’re a big part of that. I can’t promise you I’ll be running around on the field. I’m hopelessly uncoordinated.” marley’s eyes shone with genuine admiration.

taylor lincoln taylor grinned. "awesome. but just never ask to watch a game with me, i can get a little intense and passionate about my team." she laughs. "they're pretty important to me."

her hand gently grazed marley's arm her fingers trailed slowly down and taylor swallows hard. but then she frowns when she hears the other talk about her dad. her jaw clenches at the mention of a father, but this wasn't about her, and her heart was breaking for marley. "i'm sorry." she says genuinely. and this time she is braver and wraps a hand around marley's arm and squeezes softly. "if you ever want to talk. i'm here." she takes another step forward. "your mom sounds amazing. and if she's the same lovely lunch lady that served me today, i think i can see a resemblance." she grins. "well, you've got lots of friends now right? including me." and taylor winks at marley.

at the inspiring comment, taylor scoffs. "it's really really not a big deal." her cheeks flushed more. "i just hope it's worth it in the end." there's a bit of a weak smile, but she quickly changes focus back to marley. "i'm sure you're not that bad. but i wouldn't put any pressure on you to join in if you didn't want to."

marley rose marley felt her heart nearly leap out of her chest as taylor’s hand gently grazed her arm, sending a warm shiver down her spine. she couldn’t help but blush deeper, trying to remain cool as she felt the softness of taylor’s touch. what was going on with her? “thank you, taylor,” she said softly, her voice full of genuine appreciation. “i really mean it. it means a lot to me. i also don’t talk about it a lot with anyone so thank you for making the space for me, well, outside aha.”

she took a small breath, feeling a mix of bravery and shyness. “i’d actually love to watch a game with you sometime,” she said, her eyes shining with excitement. “even if you get intense and passionate, i think it’d be fun. i think it’s really important to be passionate about the things you care about. .”

marley’s heart swelled with warmth at taylor’s words about her mom. “yeah, that’s her, she’s mentioned you before. you’re always so sweet to her which some people aren’t., she’s amazing. and yep, that’s her,” she giggled softly. “she’s the best.”

feeling bold, marley stepped a little closer to meet the other where she was standing , her eyes meeting hers with a hopeful look. “It’s definitely worth it, taylor. and i’d really like to be there to cheer you on, both at practice and during games. can’t promise ill be as coordinated, graceful and put together as the cheerios are but ill be there. i write my essays outside best anyway and maybe you could come hang at the library sometime?” she smiled, her cheeks still flushed. “so, what do you say? maybe we could hang out and watch sport tv event or show of your choosing together sometime?”

taylor lincoln taylor nods slowly. "any time. i mean it." she hesitates for a second, but then ducks her head before she replies. "i get it. family stuff that you don't always want talk about." she leaves it at that, that's all marley needs to hear. there's a little shrug and then she squeezes marley's arm one more time before pulling away again. "you would?" taylor was confused. no one ever wanted to watch soccer with her, not even her sister. she's speechless for a moment before nodding dumbly. "i'd love that." and she means it. "and yeah you're right. i do think that's important." her eyes shine and she grins brightly.

"oh she has?" she smiles shyly. "well i'd love to get chance to talk to her now i know she's your mom." she frowns. "yeah i've heard some of the comments and stuff… i'm sorry i try everything i can to make them stop." she kicks the empty bottle on the floor. "there's some real fucking jerks in this school."

marley steps closer and taylor's breath hitches a little. "i'll let you know our schedule." she manages to say. nodding frantically she smiles. "i'd love to hang out in the library. i need to read more… and probably study more honestly." she knows her cheeks are red. "yeah next time my team plays i'll let you know."

marley rose marley bit her lip nervously, then decided to take a small leap. “i’d really love that, taylor., yes really.” she said softly, her voice filled with warmth.

reaching into her pocket, she pulled out her phone and handed it to taylor with a little smile. “maybe you could text me the schedule? that way i won’t miss a single game.” her fingers brushed against taylor’s as she passed the phone, sending a small thrill through her.

she took a small step closer, her eyes meeting taylor’s with a hopeful look. “and yeah, hanging out in the library sounds perfect. we can study together once i'm done shelving , and maybe you can tell me more about the team.” her cheeks flushed a bit more, but she felt a growing excitement.

“you know,” marley continued, her voice softening, “i'm sure my mom will be really excited to meet you. she talks about how sweet you are whenever you come through the lunch line. she’s always telling me how you’re one of the few polite students she sees every day.” marley’s eyes sparkled as she spoke, feeling a mix of pride and joy.

“i am excited to learn more about the game on tv.” marley added, her voice full of genuine admiration. “it'll help supporting the team. would it be okay for me to bring my mom sometime? if that’s okay. she’ll be a big fan when she knows you’re on the team.” the team, sure, the team

taylor lincoln taylor's brows raised as marley handed her the phone. a girl, wanted her number, what? honestly she'd been waiting for this moment for a long while. struggling to find words she just took the phone, a shiver up her spine as their fingers brushed. she tapped it in and passed the phone back, still speechless.

finally managing to open her mouth again, she replied to marley. "as long as i don't annoy you with all the talk about the team, that would be cool." as marley started talking about her mom again taylor grinned. "yeah you'll have to introduce us properly. it'll be good to actually talk to her about stuff other than tater tots."

"watching it on tv will help you understand better because at least i'll be there telling you stuff. and can answer your questions better than when i'm on the field." smiling brightly, taylor nods. "yeah of course, i'd love for her to come along. we need more fans."

[hercarisntyours]

transformers go go is reviving me after transformers one tore my heart to shreds, taped it back together, put it in a kiln and threw it off a cliff where those pieces then get destroyed by corrosion and smashed into by a blind shark, WHY ARE THESE SO SOUL SUCKINGLY CUTE

[naamahdarling]

They have gone to the vet for their booster shots and I feel like a monster. But I'm a monster who likes them rather a lot so they need to go and get safe.

The lady at the front desk had not seen them before and had been WAITING for them to come in after having been TEXTED PICTURES by the other nurses last time and was very excited to meet them.

They have only been there once and they are already popular.

[mousecracker]

fairy tail trio kids vs adults

[kanamesengoku]

[neon-catarina]

i joined the trend guys

[unorchido]

HRHEHEHEHEHHEE LOOK LOOK LOOK LOOK EHEHJSJSHR

LOOK WHAT @lexumpysfunland MADE HHEHEJWNSJH

I CAN'T PHYSICALLY EXPLAIN HOW MUCH I LOVE THIS PICTURE, AND HOLY FUCK EHEHJANDHEJWJEJSJAK

I didn't post about the dude on the left, I will post about them soon, their name is Amadeo and they were basically Narrator's first Timekeeper, but that's for later

BUT LOOK AT THEM, THEY LOOK ABSOLUTELY ADORABLE TOGETHER, I LOVE THEM, AJRHENNAJDJWKABDJMANS

[bisexualcroissant]

andrew wasn't the only one shocked i'm REELING but fuck yeah neil wow i didn't know you had it in you

[alexmey-does-an-arts]

how come even when people are at least not overtly hostile about bugs they still have to go "ah even though i find bugs HORRIBLE and CREEPY and EVIL this is kind of cute" why did you need the first part. you could have just said it was cute man

[kazutora-kurokawa]

Not sure if your request are open but would love to request TR guys (your choice) <<baji/kazutora>> x Y/N who is tomboyish but still very naturally pretty. Thank you ❤️‍🔥

TokRev x Pretty!Tomboy!Reader

♡ SFW, fem reader, fluff, misgendering ♡

Characters: Baji, Kazutora, Shinichiro

note: this was such a cute request anon 🌸

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Baji

🔥 Ran into you while he was getting chased by some rival gang members

🔥 Thought you were one of those gang members for a second because you were dressed in baggy clothes, probably mistaked your phone in your hand for a weapon (I love this goddamn idiot)

🔥 Doesn't even have time to admire your beauty and he also doesn't want to get you caught up in a fight so he just scoops you up and apologizes for it while running away with you in his arms

🔥 You end up at the shrine Toman meets at and all the captains are confused as hell

"Damn Baji, did you kidnap a princess on your way here?"

🔥 Once he noticed how pretty you were he was blushing so hard, internally screaming and fanboying about how cute you are

Timeskip!Kazutora

🐯 Literally wanted to disappear when he saw you because you were so beautiful he just knew he was about to embarrass himself in front of you

🐯 The only one to not misgender you (he's probably been mistaken for a woman before lol, he's just too pretty)

🐯 Almost exploded (not in a sexual way, but let's be honest he probably would) when you complimented his tattoo, if you like tigers he's yours at this point (someone give this man some affection)

🐯 Chifuyu had to tell him to stop awkwardly staring at you and just ask you out already (Chifuyu best wingman fr)

Shinichiro

🏍️ When you first walked into his bikeshop he just thought you were a feminine looking guy

🏍️ Then you opened your mouth and you had the sweetest voice ever, this man was shook

🏍️ Stumbles over his words while talking to you because you're literally one of the prettiest girls he's ever seen in his life (and he's been rejected by 20 so that's saying something)

🏍️ Nervously asks you out and tells Waka, Benkai and Takeomi about you later

🏍️ They don't believe him even when he introduces you to them because how is someone like you with Shinichiro 😭

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Taglist

@arlerts-angel @i-literally-cant-with-this @trevengersprincess @giugiette @katshimizuu @happy-trenchcoated-impala @rindousbarbie @drunkcheesecake @darkstarlight82 @reiners-milkbiddies @livefromnc

[ejga-ostja]

Kaz and Wylan but they are bunnies in love

[knowthatiloveyou]

One of my favorite moments from Thundergong

[skitskatdacat63]

I feel unwell

[darcydarlingdabbles]

Room Service

Human Hotel Trip ~ Part 3 ~ 2.5k

Hazbin Hotel ₊⁺⋆ Charlastor ₊⁺⋆ Eventually Explicit

Part 1 ⚜️Part 2 ⚜️ Part 3 ⚜️ Part 4 ⚜️ Part 5 ⚜️ Part 6 ⚜️ Finale

//In which Alastor gets just a lil tipsy and a lil clingy. Cute and fluffy before the inevitable //

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Charlie felt like she could float down the lavish hallway. 

She really needed a spa at the Hazbin Hotel. She felt amazing right now, and the relaxing scent of lavender massage oil was clinging to her skin. 

The princess rounded the corner, and stopped short, blinking at the sight before her. 

Alastor already looked different in his human form, but now he looked nothing like himself. His usually impeccable hair was mussed and his black and white vest were open, showing a more than a peek of his  brown skin. 

“Uh, hey Al…?”

His head turned at the sound of Charlie’s voice. The man looked at her with a lopsided grin and unfocused eyes. 

“Ah, my dear! There you are,” despite the state of him, Alastor’s voice was chipper as ever. “I seem to have misplaced our room key. But fear not! I’ve also discovered that the mini bar still packs quite a punch.” 

“Al,” Charlie fought back a smile. “Are you drunk?”

“Tipsy, darling. Merely tipsy.” He insisted, straightening out his vest with a dignified huff. “I simply got bored waiting for you to return and thought I’d have a seat.”

“Uh-huh.” Charlie bit her lip, torn between amusement and concern. 

She had never seen the Radio Demon so…disheveled. It was oddly endearing, like a kitten trying to act dignified after tumbling off the couch. Not that she would ever voice that to Alastor. 

“You know,” the princess couldn’t resist teasing him just a little bit. “You could have used your powers to get back inside.” 

If Charlie Morningstar didn’t know better, she would have sworn the great and powerful Overlord was now blushing. 

“Ah, yes, well.” Alastor cleared his throat. “I may have indeed attempted such a feat.” 

“And..?”

“Let’s just say I now have much more intimate knowledge of the habits of humans in hotel rooms than I ever cared to possess,” Alastor admitted with a grimace. “I have never been less thrilled to hear such blood-curdling screams…and that, my dear, is saying something.” 

Charlie couldn’t help but let out a little laugh, picturing how the Radio Demon’s absolute mortification at popping up in some unsuspecting human’s room. 

“Princess, are you laughing at me?”

“No, no, I’d never!” Charlie bit her lip and quickly stifled the sound, before giving a sympathetic wince. “Come on, you silly demon, let’s get you inside before you scandalize anyone else.” 

She bent to help Alastor to his feet. To her complete shock, the man clung to her to keep from swaying as he stood. One of his lanky arms wrapped around her shoulders for support. 

Charlie hesitated, but he’d started it, so she put an arm around his trim waist. Before remembering, she needed to fish her key out of her pocket. 

Though as soon as she reached for the lock, Alastor gave a dangerous wobble. He was about as stable as a newborn fawn—and she was fumbling with the doorknob. 

Charlie pushed the door open with her foot, carefully pulling Alastor with her into the room. “Easy there, I’ve got you.” 

“You certainly do, darling.” He hummed, and she felt a brush against her hair—was he nuzzling her?

As they stumbled into the room, Charlie couldn’t help but marvel at how different Alastor was in this state. She’d seen him drink plenty at the bar in their hotel, and he’d always kept his aloof demeanor. Was he just trying to pull at her heartstrings?

“You’re a ray of sunshine, Charlie dear.” Alastor murmured. And the princess found herself waiting for the punchline. The other end of the quip. For the insult at the backhand of the compliment. 

But it never came. Even as she kicked the door shut—and she was alone in the honeymoon suite with a very cuddly radio demon. 

Charlie’s cheeks blazed hot and pink as her true form. 

“Okay, big guy. Let’s get you to bed.” 

She attempted to deposit Alastor onto one side of the king-sized bed, but his gangly limbs seemed to have a mind of their own. The blonde leaned forward, and the bespectacled man lost his balance, flailed gracelessly, and pulled her down with him. 

Charlie let out a yelp of surprise as she landed on top of Alastor. With their noses mere inches apart. 

For one moment, she felt like she could feel both of their hearts stop in their chests. He was so close. Closer than she’d ever seen him allow anyone to be. 

And neither of them moved. 

Then, Alastor’s rich, melodious laugh filled the air instead of static. And Charlie swore she felt his arms tightened around her. 

“Well now, this is quite the predicament.” 

Charlie found herself transfixed with the mirth in his dark eyes. 

Alastor was breathtakingly handsome as a human—all dapper charm even when he was rumpled. And…the princess had forgotten how good it felt to be held this close to someone. 

Their eyes met, and Alastor’s laugh faded away. The intensity of his gaze stole every thought from her head. 

Other than the all-consuming urge to close the distance between them and—kiss Alastor. 

Where the hell did that impulse come from? She couldn’t, possibly…

“Charlie…?” the demon breathed, his voice lower than she’d ever heard it. No antique filter crackling, no performer’s pitch and cadence. Just him, asking her what she was doing. 

And she had no idea. 

Charlie took a sharp breath, cleared her throat, and scrambled back onto her feet. Finally breaking the spell. 

“Well!” She clapped her hands together, forcing a cheerful tone. “I’m starving. How about we order some room service?

Alastor blinked, leaning up on his elbows and looking momentarily disoriented. “Room service?”

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Twenty minutes later, their room was filled with an assortment of dishes. Not so much dinner as Charlie try to convince Alastor to try any modern and stifling her laughter at his undisguised disdain. 

Currently, he was eyeing a hamburger like it had personally insulted him. 

“And humans willingly consume this... monstrosity?” he asked, poking at the bun with a fork. “Utter depravity.” 

Charlie nearly snorted as she tried to contain her glee. “Just try it, with the fries!” 

“I think not.” Alastor wrinkled his nose. “Even inebriated, I do have standards.” 

The blonde’s face warmed at that, given how they’d tumbled into the room together, but she hid it behind a handful of fries. As his gaze fell on a plate of delcate sushi. 

“My word, is that raw fish? Have the mortals truly regressed to cavemen?” 

“It’s a delicacy! Created by artists!” Charlie protested, though she couldn’t stop grinning. She took a piece in one bite, like she read the proper way to eat it was, but Alastor turned up his nose again. 

She managed to get him to actually eat a portion of jambalaya, though with the commentary that it couldn’t hold a finger to the recipe his mother used to make. Though it still warmed her to see him enjoying it, leaning back against the plush headboard of their bed—the bed. 

To the think, the ever-composed Radio Demon. Relaxing, lounging , with a real smile on his face. It hadn’t escaped her notice that soft jazz was playing from the bluetooth speaker in the room, either. 

She wondered if he had figured out how to use the technology, or if the music was coming from Alastor himself. 

Charlie had watched him for so long, her face started heating again, and she quickly looked away. 

“What’s this?” She tilted her head, walking back over to the cart that their room service had been delivered on. 

Charlie lifted a silver platter piled with what looked like little pillows of dough covered in powdered sugar. They hadn’t ordered dessert—mostly because she knew Alastor despisde anything too sweet. 

“Ah, those are beignets. A classic. ” He moved to sit at the edge of the bed next to her. “And they certainly bring back memories.” 

To Charlie’s continued surprise, not only did Alastor take a bite—but his eyes fell closed for a moment, like he was truly savoring the taste. 

She selected her own beignet, but her eyes stayed on the powdered sugar dusting his lips. “I thought you didn’t like sweets?”

“Ordinarily, no. But these were…” he patted his mouth with a napkin delicately, though still a little clumsy. “A rare treat growing up. Mama would spend hours making them, and the smell would fill our little house…” His gaze grew distant, lost in memory.

Charlie felt a pang in her chest at seeing this softer side of Alastor. 

They enjoyed their beignets in companiable silence, trying to minimize the mess but failing spectacularly. The princess noticed a mug of coffee sitting where the desserts had been, and she picked it up without thought. 

“Careful, darling that’s—” 

Charlie had taken a sip without a thought, and felt her lips twist as her entire body shuddered at the taste. 

“Bitter coffee.” Alastor chuckled, taking the mug from her as the blonde quickly stuffed a beignet in her mouth to get the taste of her tongue. 

“It’s so bitter.” Charlie shuddered, wriggling her shoulder at the lingering taste on her tongue. “Is that always served with beignets??”

“It should be.” Alastor shrugged. “Sweetness can be, overwhelming, without a counterbalance.” 

His meaning and his lingering gaze went right over Charlie’s head as she looked around at the mess they’d made. Powdered sugar covered their hands, faces, and clothes. 

“I think we both need to shower.” Charlie chuckled. “Seperately, obviously, I mean I’ll go first.” She stood up too quickly, hiding her renewed blush by digging into one of his many pink bags. 

“Lady first.” Alastor agreed easily, already laying back against the mound of overstuff pillows. The smile on his face lazy as a Sunday afternoon. 

His eyelids were already drooping. 

“Al, don’t fall asleep yet.” she warned playfully. 

“Wouldn’t dream of it, my dear.” Alastor mumbled, his eyes already closed. No doubt weighed down with drinks and comfort food. 

Charlie shook her head fondly as she closed the bathroom door. 

⊹❀⊹❀⊹✨❀⊹❀⊹

When the princess emerged from the bathroom, she was surprised to see the powder sugar vanished. The plates stacked neatly back on the room service cart. And a spotless Alastor dozing on the bed. 

He must be able to use some of his powers after all. 

Charlie padded softly across the room, her damp hair leaving a trail of water droplets on the plush carpet as she approached the bed. 

Alastor lay sprawled, his clothes clean of powdered sugar but rumpled around the gentle rise and fall of his chest. 

She reached out to touch his shoulder, to try to wake him gently, before thinking better of it. His name was on her lips…when she decided she’d rather not wake him at all. 

Charlie smiled, moving over to the light switch on the wall, bathing the room in a warm light from the bedside lamps. 

Alastor’s eyes fluttered open, unfocused and still hazy. “Ah, Charlie, dear?” He slurred outright now, swaying even as he attempted to sit up. 

“Hey Al, I was just going to bed.” 

“Ah, yes. I’ll just…make my way to the sofa.” 

He struggled to his feet, swaying precariously. Charlie reached out to steady him on instinct. 

“I don’t think that’s a great idea.” She said, concern weigh down her tone. “You’re still pretty tipsy. “

Alastor waved a hand dismissively. “Nonsense, I’m perfectly fine. Just need to...” He snapped his fingers, a flash of red light momentarily illuminated the room. When it faded, Alastor stood dressed in blood-red silk pajamas, buttoned up to his chin. 

It was odd how just the made Alastor look like himself. 

Charlie blinked, realizing she was staring again. “Well, at least you managed that without teleporting yourself somewhere else,” she teased.

Alastor’s face fell slightly at the reminder of his earlier magical mishaps. “Yes, well... still, the sofa awaits.”

Charlie shook her head firmly, stepping in front of his path. “No way. The bed is big enough for both of us. We can share.”

Alastor’s dark eyebrows shot up. “My dear, I coun’t possibly—” 

“You could possibly, I’m insisting.” Charlie grabbed his shoulders, guiding him back onto the bed. “Look, we’ll put a pillow between us, okay? Like a barrier.” 

Charlie moved back over to her side of the bed, setting one of the large decorative pillows down the center of the bed. Which, with the king-size, left them both plenty of room. 

Alastor watched her with a mixture of amusement and uncertainty in his smile. “I suppose I can manage that arrangement.” he conceded, carefully lowering himself back into the pillows on his side. 

“Good!” Charlie said brightly, climbing into her side of the bed. A wave of relief relaxed her into the mattress. She hadn’t realized how worried she’d been about leaving him to sleep on the tiny sofa. 

Alastor was laying still as the grave on his side. 

She reached over, turning off her bedside lamp—before another thought occurred to her. One that was well, sort of important and she should have probably mentioned. 

“Oh, fair warning—I tend to get a little—clingy in my sleep.” She said quickly. “The pillow should keep me at bay, but if you wake up with me invading your space you can just push me back over.” 

She quickly turned out the light, so he couldn’t glare at her. 

But, to Charlie’s growing surprise, all she heard was a soft chuckle in the dark. 

“You know, my dear,” he murmured, his words slightly slurred, “I don’t mind if it’s you getting into my personal space.”

Charlie’s hand froze midair, her heart skipping a beat. “What?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. 

She turned to face him, but Alastor’s eyes were already closed, his breathing deep and even.

“Alastor?” she tried again, but he was out cold, a soft snore escaping his lips.

Charlie couldn’t help but smile, a mix of fondness and frustration washing over her. “Of course you’d say something like that and then fall asleep,” she muttered, shaking her head.

The soft silver light that escaped between the gap in the floor-length curtains reflected off of Alastor’s round glasses, and Charlie leaned over, carefully removing them. 

She took the moment to study his face, this face. Without the glasses and the signature grin, he looked…so human. 

The vulnerability of it stirred something in Charlie’s chest that she knew—but wasn’t ready to name. 

“Goodnight, Al,” she whispered as she settled back into her pillow.

 Charlie found herself hyper-aware of Alastor’s presence beside her. The sound of his steady breathing, the warmth radiating from his side of the bed…the faint scent of him. 

With these thoughts swirling in her head, Charlie closed her eyes, willing sleep to come. 

As she drifted off, she couldn’t shake the feeling that something had shifted between them, something she couldn’t quite define but couldn’t ignore either.

⚜️ Part 4 ⚜️

⚜️ The Butcher of Bourbon Street ⚜️

[princelancey]

The delight I felt when this picture came out

[koumeowkami]

COZMEZ AND THEIR MICROWAVE SHENANIGANS ARE BACK