thalasophilee requested this one!

Basically Alastor "adopts" a child and is acting as a father figure. Sort of a hate-love relationship. It's from Alastor's pov by the way, but technically in the third person.

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Keeping his cane close by his side, Alastor glanced around. It was a decent day outside- even if it was Hell. Small, nearly translucent clouds drifted slowly around the bright red sky.

Beginning to walk, Alastor seemed to let his guard down. He liked to walk down the streets and see if he could spark a reaction of some sort from anyone he formerly knew- before he left for so many years.

Strolling down the sidewalk, he enjoyed watching the others around him cross the street to avoid his glare, or something along those lines.

He barely even noticed when a smaller one passed behind him, grabbing for his pocket.

Alastor froze, staring down at the theif. It looked like a..child.

Staring down with his usual smile, Alastor just blinked. He was puzzled, sure, but kept his composure.

The kid stared up, seemingly terrified. She backed off instantly, keeping her hands behind her back.

"Why- hello." Alastor spoke, pausing between words as if he wanted to speak but couldn't. "Were you trying to steal something?"

He felt around his pockets for his wallet, which had suddenly gone missing. Alastor looked at the kid, who stood with a guilty expression.

She nodded quietly, still not speaking. Tossing the stolen item back at Alastor, she looked decently ashamed.

Alastor caught the wallet with one hand, still looking down on the kid. "You- you look scared." He observed.

The child just nodded.

"Do- do you have a..parental figure- around here somewhere?"

She shook her head.

"Do you have a name?"

She shook her head once more.

"...can you even speak?"

She blinked slowly, as if thinking hard. "Yeah- I don't like talking, though."

Alastor's eyes widned, but he kept the same smile across his face the entire time. "Well- you don't have anywhere to go?"

The kid shook her head, looking up at him with puppy-dog eyes. Alastor couldn't help but think that it reminded him of Niffty, almost, just a child.

"I...suppose, for a little while, you could come to the hotel. Charlie would appreciate, I'm sure." Alastor blinked down at her, trying to keep his distance from the kid.

The child, still unnamed, went forwards and clung onto his leg. Alastor resisted the urge to kick her away harshly, just freezing in place.

"I'd refrain from that, darling." Alastor kept his composure quite well, his smile turning into a slight puzzled look.

The kid backed off, luckily. Any longer, and Alastor would have punted her across the street with one clean kick.

Alastor distanced himself even more, trying to keep his stance of power. He grimaced at her, a little annoyed by her act of affection.

"Come along, now. The hotel isn't too far, y'know."

Alastor started walking, keeping a steady pace as he strolled down the sidewalk. He was hoping she had the sense to follow, and she did.

The walk was completely silent, and Alastor took the lead to bring her to the hotel. The mantra he repeated in his head was getting old.

Charlie will appreciate the gesture, Charlie will appreciate it...

He wasn't too fond of the child, but could tolerate her for now. At least the hotel was close now.

Pushing the doors open, he urged the child to enter first. She froze, shaking her head violently and hiding behind him.

"Oh, come on. You nearly stole my wallet, but you're scared of a door?" Alastor nearly snapped at her, but his tone ended up being more endearing and amused than he thought.

Charlie poked her head from a corner, eyes shining as she noticed the newcomer.

"Oh, my god! Alastor, who's this little cutie?" Charlie squealed, hurrying over. The kid just hid behind him more.

"This little one didn't seem to have much to live with. I brought her back, I hope you appreciate the gesture." Alastor explained, feeling a little bad for the kid now.

Charlie squealed again, hopping up and down. "Ooh, yes-- I love her! She'll fit in so well with the others!"

The child glanced up at Alastor, and Alastor begrudgingly held a hand out for her to grab.

The two walked in, and Alastor nearly felt like pulling his hand away. But she was quite clear she wasn't about to let that happen.

"This is the hotel, I do hope you enjoy your stay," Alastor began, gesturing to the place. The kid nodded softly.

"Okay- yeah, I think I can deal with this..." Her voice was soft and compassionate.

Alastor nodded, letting go of her hand and wiping his own on his jacket slightly.

"Good. Now, get to know everyone." The overlord shooed her away, making his way to the middle of the parlor to stare around at the others.

"No- no, I don't like them.." the child mumbled, hurrying after him.

"I supposed you could stay with me, for a little longer." Alastor blinked a little down at her, confused.

She nodded gratefully, clinging onto him again. Alastor didn't budge, letting her cling softly to him.

Perhaps she isn't...too bad.