Chapter 22

When I returned home, a large part of me felt frustrated and dissatisfied. I had intended to go out for a hunt, but the streets were relatively barren, and I ran into Alex. When we were at Mimzy's speakeasy, he started talking about what I thought to be random nonsense, the ramblings of a drunk man. Of course, it wasn't. Rising up in the ranks could make him more of a problem for me. For one, he'd have more resources, which could definitely become an issue.

A part of me wishes I had just killed him right then and there, just get rid of him. It would have been relatively easy, to be frank. As I said before, the streets were desolate; I could have killed him without any trouble. But I didn't. Thankfully, when I got back inside last night, Y/n was still sleeping. I was a little worried that her nightmares would wake her up again, and she'd find me gone. But she didn't seem to have any. None that woke her up, at least, as she didn't question my nightly whereabouts or even make it known that she had any knowledge of me leaving.

───※ ·❆· ※───

As I finished up at work, I stopped over at the diner. Y/n walked out before I could even reach the handle.

"Oh, seems I came just in time, hm?" I chuckled as she turned towards me.

"Al?" She asked with a soft, confused smile on her face.

"I came to walk you back." I smiled as I glanced through the window into the diner. Through the window, I saw Caleb sitting down in a nearby booth.

"Hm..Caleb's been coming around here a bit more frequently, huh?" I asked as I placed a hand on her shoulder while we walked.

"Oh. I guess so." She said as she looked down.

"Is something the matter, dear?" I asked as she looked back up.

"Caleb, he invited me out to see a film.." She said.

"Did he now?" I asked.

"I thought it was sweet." She said, turning her head away from me as she shrugged slightly.

"Well, what if I took you to see one instead?" I offered. She seemed hesitant to accept, as if she had something to lose by going.

"We have been going out an awful lot, Al."

"Don't worry about it, darling." I stopped, placing my hands on her shoulders as I continued.

"We don't have to go out tonight. How about tomorrow? It'll be fun, my love,"

"Trust me."

With some hesitance, she accepted. What Caleb is trying to do is becoming apparent. First, it's lunch with her, now a film? I genuinely find it pathetic that he won't just drop it already. He should know that I don't intend to give her up, especially not after waiting all this time. I hate the fact he's even around, but there's not much I can do about it. It's obvious how he feels for her, though. I don't know if she's just oblivious to it or if she chooses to ignore it. Either way, I'm not exactly happy about his advances.

As we walked back, we stopped at the market. I picked up a few ingredients I needed to make dinner. Chicken, onions, tomatoes, green peppers, garlic, parsley, thyme, etc. After we got back, I pulled out everything and got to cooking.

"..Hey, Al?"

"Yes, dear?" I asked as I turned around. Everything was laid on the counter as Y/n walked into the kitchen.

"Could I help with dinner?" She asked, a small smile on her face

.

"I'd love the help, darling. Could you start by cutting up the tomatoes?" I asked as she washed her hands and began to cut them up.

Cooking with her was convivial. It was fun, and it took my mind off of things. The extra help was also quite useful. I could tell she enjoyed helping out with dinner. She was right when she said we've been going out a lot, though. Now that we're together, I've been wanting to take her out as much as possible. I'm not sure if all of this time out is what she needs; it seems to be a little much for her. I'm guessing that's why there was some hesitation when I asked her out to see a film, or maybe she just didn't want to see it with me. Or perhaps it's just because we've been going out late, she's been more worried about going out after dark ever since Alex got, well, attacked.

She has nothing to worry about when it comes to that, not like she's aware, though. I could never lay a finger on her. I was thinking that I could cancel our plans for tomorrow or simply just go at an earlier time. Either one works. I just don't want her to feel uncomfortable or worried. That would certainly ruin the mood.

Speaking of going out, I should probably see how Alexander is doing after last night. I suppose I could do that tomorrow or the day after. I doubt he'll be out tonight, and after such a disappointing hunt last night, well, I think tonight could be an excellent time to make up for it.

It was a little bit earlier than I usually would leave when I left. Before leaving, like always, I made sure she was sleeping. As I walked the streets, I heard footsteps. I ducked into a nearby alley and waited. A minute or so passed as a man walked by. It wasn't Alex or some officer. I had to make sure. Even though it could be fun to target one, it would only pose an unnecessary danger of being caught or killed. He stumbled and mumbled things that I couldn't make out. He seemed out of it. I placed a hand over my mouth in order to keep my sounds of breathing to a minimum, but I don't think he would have noticed me even if I hadn't. I sat there for a little, waiting. Waiting to make my move when he finally walked close enough for me to grab him.

And grab him, I did.

He shouted various profanities at me as he tried to get away. He looked disheveled, a bit old, older than me at least, and just an overall mess. It was clear he was either drunk or out of his mind. I figured nobody would probably miss him anyway. If this man did have anyone who cared for him, he'd be with them instead of wandering the streets at night.

I took him into my grasp and held him in a chokehold, not too tight yet. Perhaps I should have held him tighter because even with the man plastered, he managed to throw his head back and hit my face.

"Shit-"

I turned him around and threw him against the brick wall, making him produce a pained groan. I wrapped my hands around his neck and strangled him until he was no longer moving. Seems like I didn't need that knife after all.

I didn't typically kill like this, but he pissed me off, and so I acted out. But, no matter.

I lazily kicked his body behind a dumpster before taking off my gloves and pushing them into my pocket. It was a clean kill, at least. It wouldn't be connected to the rest of mine.

As I stepped inside, there she was, pacing in front of the door.

"Alastor! Where have you been? You really had me worried-"

She stopped and stared as my heart sank.

Her eyes seemed to search for something unbeknown to me as she stared into mine. My heart raced as she stayed there, not speaking a word, simply staring. The silence was deafening. I'd say it was worse than being yelled at.

I looked deep into her eyes, those beautiful pools. I couldn't figure out what was running through her head, and I think that's what frightened me the most. The fact that I was completely unaware of her thoughts.

"Your face," she uttered two words to me, two words that made me freeze. I guess he really left a mark, a noticeable enough one because she was staring at it. She then moved closer and cupped my face, "Where were you, Alastor?"

"Tell me now." She said with a straight face; she was serious. I'd never seen her like this before.

"Y/n-"

"Now, Alastor." She said as she continued to hold my gaze. I stood there, thinking for a moment.

"I couldn't sleep," I said as she raised a brow.

"Couldn't sleep?" she asked.

"I couldn't sleep. So, I took a walk," I paused for a second, gathering my thoughts.

"Which led me to stop over at Mimzy's. Her speakeasy, I mean, not her home. I was talking to her when I got into an argument with some..drunkard there." I said, stepping forward and pulling her into a hug.

I chuckled softly. "You know how people can get with too much-" I pause, "..courage."

"But I do apologize, Y/n. I didn't mean to worry you or-"

"He hurt you," she spoke.

Well, yes. Bastard.

"I'm fine. There's no need for you to worry about me," I said with a smile. I looked into her in the eyes again and gave her a quick kiss.

"Let me get you to bed, alright?" The hug ended as I placed a hand on her back.

"But-"

"We can speak more on this tomorrow if you so please, darling. Now, it's late." I spoke as I ran my thumb along her back in a comforting motion.

She stayed there for a few more minutes. Her eyes searched again for something. Was she looking for a hint of a lie from me? Some faltering? Her eyes moved to the floor before she nodded as I led us up to her room. I kissed her on the cheek before leaving for my own. I shut my door on the way in. I felt an odd feeling of disappointment. I felt disappointed in myself.  She was back in her room now, thankfully. Not asking any more questions. I don't blame her for asking them, though. If I was in her position, I would have too, if not ask more. I'm surprised something like this hasn't happened sooner. I got lucky, mainly because the kill this time was clean. No blood.

Being alone again gave me some time to think. Unfortunately, not all thoughts are created equal, and none of mine were positive. Negative thoughts and scenarios with no happy endings flooded my mind. Imagine what could have happened if I had used that knife, if she didn't believe me, or worse even, notified the police of my rather sketchy behavior of being out so late on a "walk".

But as I stepped into the shower, I let the water and soap wash away all of my thoughts. After all, that didn't happen. Things went smoothly.

After my soothing shower, I slipped into some nightwear and into bed. It was pretty late at this point, late enough for me to know that I'd be sluggish in the morning when I awoke.

And I was. When my dreadful alarm went off, I groaned and turned it off before tiredly rolling out of my bed.

I got dressed and changed into a dark red button-up, a black vest, black slacks, and a black bowtie. A lot of black. Mother would have said too much. Sometimes, I wish that I had listened to her words more.

I walked downstairs to find Y/n. She was in a nicely patterned blue housedress. Her eyes wandered and fell on me as my foot made contact with the floor.

"You're awake," she spoke in a soft tone.

"You look lovely this morning," I said with a smile as I walked over to her while she sat on the couch, a cup of coffee in her hands.

"Thank you," she sipped her coffee before continuing. "Are you leaving now?"

"Not this second, but soon. Why do you ask?" In response to my words, she shrugged.

"Out of curiosity."

That is a fair reason. I sat down next to her and spent the little time I had left before work with her.

"Alastor, I have a question," she said as I turned my head.

"Mimzy. What's up with her?" she asked. Her odd, out-of-the-blue question made me confused. I expected her to ask about last night, not about Mimzy, of all people. But I'm guessing she's been thinking about when Mimzy kissed me.

"What do you mean?" I asked her.

"..."

"Never mind," she spoke after her few seconds of silence.

"Are you okay?" I ask as she nods; "Just fine."

I was going to press her for more, but I figured it would be better just to leave it alone. And I did. I didn't bring it up again so as to not upset her in any way.

When I stood up to leave, she quickly turned her head.

"Is it already time for you to go?" she asked as I looked down at her.

"I'm afraid so, dear. But I'll be back in a little while." I assured her with a smile, and she returned it with a nod.

"I love you," I said, turning around to leave. A few steps in, though, I pause, turning my head back around.

"You know, it might do you some good if you make amends and talk with her to clear the air," I said.

And with that, I left. That same morning, though, I picked up the papers. After killing, I tend to look at the news for any updates.

They tend to put information in the newspapers. They have been a lot more lately now that I've been killing more. They usually decide to put police statements, theories, or any information that they're allowed to put in there. It is interesting, to say the least. It's fun knowing the truth about what's going on while they run around like chickens with their heads cut off. Most of the residents here are typically fearful when hearing that another body has been discovered. And following, their trust in the police deteriorates. I've been active for a while now, and it seems they still have nothing. Good for me, of course, but bad for them.

───※ ·❆· ※───

(Y/N's POV)

I sat there, staring in disbelief, even after he shut the door and left. I couldn't believe he would say that. She's the one that should be making up with me, not the other way around. Not that I'd even really like to talk to her, but still.

Clear the air..

After finishing my coffee, I changed into a different dress and headed out. On my way to see her, to my surprise, I saw her walking the opposite way that I was, towards me while she carried a bag. It took her a moment, but when she recognized it was me, her expression changed.

"Y/n." She said, stopping. "Good morning," she spoke with a smile as I tried to return one as well.

"Mimzy," I said as silence filled the space between us temporarily.

"Well then, uhm..tell Alastor I said hi, would you?" she spoke.

"Why?" I ask, confused. I didn't want to anyway.

"It just seems like he's been ignoring me. Thank you, hun," she said in a tone that was supposed to sound sweet but it instead just made my face want to scrunch up.

"Ignoring you? But he was talking to you last night, right?" I asked as she started to walk away, making her freeze.

"Last night?" She asked.

"Was he..not?" I asked her as I started to become a bit confused.

"Oh..oh, yes! I'm sorry, yes." she chuckled softly, waving her hand dismissively.

"Why don't you come over, hm? We could talk more." she offered. Instinctively, I almost said no. But then I thought about what Alastor said again, 'clear the air'. And so, despite still feeling unsure of my decision, I agreed.

I took her up on her invitation and walked with her. No small talk between us was made, but I preferred that. I'm sure it would've been awkward anyway.

She opened the door and gestured for me to go inside. It was decorated nicely, looking a bit different than the last time I had seen it. After walking down the hall and down to the living room, she told me to sit down and that she would go and brew some tea. The couch in there was different, too, with it now a crimson red versus the previous color of black. I sat down and waited there before she walked over and offered me some baked goods, to which I declined.

"The restroom, where is it again?" I asked as she placed a plate of the pastries on the table despite my answer.

"Down the hall to the right. Be quick; tea will be done soon," she said before going back to the kitchen.

I did plan on actually using it, but on the way there, I glanced into her room since the door was open. In there, next to her bed on the nightstand, was a framed picture of her and Alastor as if they'd been together or married. I scoffed. This made me forget about my need for the bathroom as I walked back to the living room. As odd as it was to see that, I didn't bring it up because I didn't want her to think I was snooping.

A short while after I returned, she stepped out of the kitchen and back into the living room.

"We can chat while we wait for the tea," she said as she sat down next to me.

"So, Alastor..how is he doing?" she asked me, I assumed referring to last night.

"He's doing fine. He got a bit of a bruise from last night, though." I said as she nodded.

"But he's okay?" she asked as I nodded, assuring her.

"Good, good. Well, how about you then? How have you been?" she asked me.

"I've been fine as well. You?"

"Oh, just dandy, hun!" she said in a happier tone.

"Though I am a bit surprised you're talking to me currently," she said as I felt the same.

"Yes, well, I figured I should..*clear the air.*" I said as she smiled.

"That's nice. I'm glad we're talking again after what happened between us," she said as the kettle in the kitchen began hissing.

"Oh, excuse me," she said as she stood up and hurried to the kitchen before coming back with two cups of tea.

"I'd like to apologize for that night," she spoke while she sipped her tea.

"You would?"

"I knew how much he cared for you, and I kissed him. Alcohol truly does get the best of me!" she chuckled as she tried to blame her actions on the liquor, though I knew it wasn't the culprit, so her apology meant next to nothing to me now.

"Right," I said as I stood up, getting tired of this conversation quickly.

"It was nice talking, but I should get going now," I said, setting my teacup down on the table.

"Oh, of course," she paused for a moment before looking back up at me with a smile.

"Until next time."

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HELLO! I'M FINALLY BACK! And happy to be! The time off helped me change my way of writing a bit and it helped me think more about the direction I'd like to take this book in and it helped me think of more ways to develop the plot. I know it's been a while but I'm glad to be back and right after posting this chapter I'll be working on the next. Uploading schedule might be a bit wonky as I get used to writing and posting again.

Happy holidays, see you all soon! <3

Word count: 3267

(Plus some doodles I did and Alexander's redesign)