What happened can't remain secret.

***Alastor's POV***

I was working in my office today. It has been a couple months since our trip to the store and Hope is still awakening feeling I don't understand. The fact I don't understand these feelings is what bugging me. Some day it annoys me so much I have to distance myself from Hope.

The moment I stay from her for too long, I begin to miss her. During these moments she asks me what's wrong. I have to lie and say its nothing.

Unfortunately for me its not nothing. Something is happening to me, and I don't understand it. I have been so confused. Maybe I should ask someone for help to understand it. Perhaps Charlie can help know what these feelings are.

Vaggie hates me so she wont help. Angel would make fun or jokes about it. Husker I don't know if he would want to help. Nifty would be telling everyone if I asked her. Hope. Well, the thought of asking her help with this makes me a bit flustered. So, Charlie is really the only choice left.

I sigh and my eyes fall on the stuffed deer on my desk. Hope made it for me. It's a blood red with hints of black here and there. With black button eyes. Apparently, she has made a stuff animal for everyone and enchanted them to bring good luck.

Hope is surprisingly good with light magic. Her enchantments hold even after months of use. That's strong magic.

As I look at the stuffed buck, I remember the one I had made for her. I'm not very skilled in the art of sewing so, I had a friend of mine make one for her. Rosie did ask me what it was for before making it. I told her it was for a friend that had made me a similar gift. It was a repayment gift.

Hope's stuffed animal was a doe. With purple and silver coloring. One blue and one green button for the eyes. It came out well.

Once I gave it to her, she was so thrilled that she hugged me. It wasn't a long one and she let go very quickly. That didn't stop me from tensing up for a moment. After that moment and she let go I kinda missed it.

If that didn't make my heart race so the bright smile she gave when saying thank you did. I am still half convinced she did something to me. I just don't know what.

Deciding that just thinking about wont help solve this I get up from my desk and leave my office. After stepping out the door I see Husker leave for his break. Hope and Nifty were at the front desk chatting. They seem to be having fun.

I walk off to find Charlie. If I am not mistaken, she should be checking in on one of the new guests.

***Nifty's POV***

I ran to Alastor's office after Hope told me to get Al or Charlie. I quickly knock once before walking in. I know Al hates people walking into his office without permission, but this was very important. When I walked in though the office was empty.

"Al." I call out, but he isn't here.

Where is he? I saw him in here earlier. Oh no.

I rush back out of the office and notice that the demon she just shouting at Hope. Hope looks like she is about to cry. I am now getting more worried he's going to hurt her.

Since I can't find Alastor, I need to find Charlie. I know where she might be. I rush toward the elevator.

***Alastor's POV***

I am talking with Charlie about when would be a good time to talk to her when little Nifty comes running down the hallway. She seems rather distressed.

Upon noticing that I also notice something else. Hope isn't with her. Where is Hope?

Once she reaches us, she tells us about the demon at the front desk. Anger boils in me instantly. If he hurts her, he will have to deal with me and I'm not going to merciful.

We begin rushing down the hallway to get to the lobby. Not long after though I remember I can teleport. I teleport myself, Charlie and Nifty down to the lobby. Once there we are greeted by a sight no one expected.

The demon Nifty described was all cut up and laying on the ground. He is covered in cuts and blood. I walk over and check to see if he still alive.

Oh. He is alive. Bloody and unconscious, but alive.

Did Hope do this? I just can't see her doing this. She's too gentle and kind.

"Al, is he...?" I hear Charlie ask behind me.

"No. Believe it or not he is alive." I say before a thought enters my mind.

Where is Hope? I look around and don't see her anywhere. I stand and tune into my senses and pick up her scent. It led to the kitchen.

I have Charlie and Nifty take care of that fool. I walk into the kitchen to find Hope. As soon as I walk in it doesn't take me long to find her. She was in the corner crying and hyperventilating.

I walk over to her and knelt down in front of her. I reach out to her slowly, but as I get close, she cries harder and tells me she's sorry. That she didn't mean to do it and a couple other things I couldn't hear.

I continue to reach out and rub her arms hoping to calm her down a bit. Not long after she hugs me. She clings to me like if she lets go she will die. I just gently wrap my arms around her and soothingly rub her back. Hopefully she soon calms down.

As she holds onto me, I feel my heart racing again. Really? Now? I try to ignore that as I continue soothing this poor girl in my arms.