I've been living with Al for about 5 months now. My bruise was pretty much all the way gone, except for some slight discoloration. That was barely visible though.

I told him that night a few weeks ago I wanted to stay with him. I'd grown comfortable here and didn't feel like settling into a new place all over again.

Al had finally started taking me out again, and I'd even dropped by the hotel to let everyone know Al had not, in fact, eaten me, like how he said Vaggie had accused him of.

I had chuckled when he told me that and nudged his side gently.

Flashback

"Haha Al, she thought you ate me?" I giggled and covered my mouth. He chuckled softly and shrugged rolling his eyes, "weeeeelllll I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought about it at least once," my laughter stopped immediately as he lowered his eyelids and moved closer to me, almost flirtatiously, "but I'm not a big fan of sweets~"

My face was burning up and I slapped his arm, "Alastor you flirt! You scared me!" I was laughing and he pulled away, laughing as well.

He smiled down to me and brushed his thumb across my burning cheek, making me blush deeper.

"Hmm...I could still have a taste...just to try?" I made an indescribable sound of flusterment as I sunk away from him before he growled with a smirk on his face and pounced on me.

I squealed as he held me down, his face buried in my neck as he pretended to bite me. I erupted in giggles as butterflies flooded my stomach and he stopped, pulling me into his lap and laying his chin on my head. We sat like that until I fell asleep.

End flashback

Alastor had asked me if I wanted to go into town today. I was especially excited because although we'd been on walks before, he'd never taken me into town, just on the city outskirts.

He always told me he was scared of taking me into the city because the main city was where all the most powerful demons dwelled. He'd been there many times and knew his way around, though, so I guess he finally relented, deciding he could protect me.

"Are you ready, darling?" Alastor asked me as he walked into the living room. He was wearing his normal attire, suit and tie, monocle and all that fancy shit.

When he saw me he stopped. I had decided to dress relatively nice, since we'd be around all the richest most powerful people today.

I just went with a simple dress. I normally only wore sweats and a t-shirt or tank top, but today was special. I knew, however, Alastor preferred more modest clothing, so I chose a dress I knew he'd both like and approve of.

His smile, that had momentarily fallen when he first saw me, spread out so wide I thought he'd split his face in half. "Darling! You look absolutely adorable, ritzy even!" I rolled my eyes, "cool it on the 1920's words, old sheik" his eyes widened at my random knowledge of slang from his time.
"Ah, well it seems you've done a bit of research yourself, Sheba" he practically purred, opening the door for me.

My cheeks lit up and I turned away to hide my smile.

——————————

We were walking, my arm wrapped firmly around his, and he stopped suddenly. I almost ran into him. We hadn't made it to the inner city yet, but we weren't far. I'd already seen some pretty wealthy individuals.

I was about to ask him why he stopped before I spotted the overlord Valentino standing in front of us, a huge smile on his face. Alastor tried to push me behind him but it was too late, Val had seen me.

I caught a glimpse of his face before he had pushed me back, and I don't think I'd seen his guard up so much since the first day we met. The little red X was visible on his forehead and his eyes were glowing a menacing shade of red.

His smile stayed formal however, as he greeted his rival. "Well, Valentino, what a surprise running into you on a working day!" Alastor greeted him politely. Val just laughed, his gravely tone sending shivers down my spine.

"Aw, Alasta, don't flatter me. I'm out because my whores did a good job last night, so I decided to reward them today. They won't be lucid again until about 9 this eve'nin." I cringed at his 'reward'. Wow...he's awful.

"How kind of you! Well, it was nice chatting, but I'd best be on my way with this little tot." He motioned to me, half hidden behind him, looking up at Val like a scared little kid.

I'd be lying if I said I was brave... I'm not. That's why Shadow is a scardy cat too, she learned from me. Hence why Al's shadow is a mischievous trouble maker. They take after their master.

"Goin' so soon? Ya didn't even introduce the little thing to me," he had approached us now, and bent down to see me better since he was 8 feet tall.

"Hi dolly...what's ya name hon?" I came out a little bit, but Alastor grabbed me by the waist firmly, gluing me to his side. Valentino just chuckled.

"Uh...Emagine..." I said sheepishly, "it's good to meet you, mister Valentino," I finished politely, with a small smile, meeting his eyes for only a moment before they fell back to my shoes.

"Aw, good to meet you too baby, and you can just call me daddy, sweetheart." He stood back up and nodded to Alastor, "ya lucky, she'd have made a good whore with that body and cute ass face. Have fun with her, Al baby." Valentino chirped as he brushed past us, walking towards the porn studio across the street.

I let out a breath I didn't even know I was holding, and Alastor's stance relaxed slightly. His aura stayed threatening though, and I think he made sure it stayed that way as he laced his fingers in mine and pulled me close.

Any demon that spared us a glance was confused, then immediately frightened at the look on Al's face. I wish I'd gotten to see it, but every time I tried to look at him, he grabbed my chin and guided my head forward again.

I knew he looked less than happy, his claws were about three inches longer than normal and even drew a little blood from my hand. Some demons spared me meek glances that held a pitied look.

'Do they think he's taking me somewhere to eat me?'

I nearly snorted at their ignorance, and Alastor noticed. He looked down and immediately let down his tough guy persona when he noticed my bleeding hand. His claws retracted to their normal length and he hissed in a gasp.

"Emagine! Dear, why didn't you say something?" He bent down so that he could look me in the eyes without me craning my neck up. I glanced at my hand and waved it dismissively.

"Al it's nothing, I barely even noticed!" That was a lie, it hurt, but I was too scared to tell him because of the state he was in. He let out a hum of disapproval, before sliding his tongue across my wrist and knuckles, getting every cut.

I gasped, and my stomach erupted in butterflies.
"Al!" I hissed, catching the glances and points of demons around us, "people are pointing!" He stopped, glancing at them without looking, and without warning me turned and gave them the most aggressive growl/roar I'd ever heard leave his body.

I sucked in a gasp and began to tremble just by reflex, and he simply turned around after they'd scattered away and kept licking me. He noticed my gentle trembling and squeezed my hand softly, giving me a small reassuring smile.

After he had healed my hand, he stood back up and re-laced our fingers, speaking softly, "darling, I will only ever do that...for you." I was blushing madly at his comment and willed myself to keep it together.

You are friends Emagine.

Do not ruin that.

If you do, then you won't have him at all.

——————————

We finally made it to the inner city. There were high class strip clubs, drug machines that weren't broken or sketchy looking, and the highest of class when it came to stores.

I glanced up at Alastor, he looked calm, happy to be here even. I smiled, if Al's relaxed, I guess I'll relax.

As we walked, Alastor held my hand firmly. Any demon that spared me a glance, he glared at. Any woman that spared me a glare, he growled at.

And I got many glares. I could tell Alastor was very much desired within the wealthy demon woman community (and probably the lower class community too, let's be honest here) and they figured I was just getting in their way.

I mean, he's on the market ladies, but I'd advise you against it.

Unless you wanna end up at dinner.

On his plate.

I chuckled at my own untold joke, and Alastor raised a brow, nudging me gently. "and what's so funny, darling?"

"Oh nothing, just thought of something that made me laugh."

Alastor led me to a small circle table with a little umbrella and sat down, pulling me into his lap.

He's only protecting you, he's only protecting you...

I had to force myself to swallow my nerves, and leaned back against Alastor.

There were perks, being a weaker demon. All the powerful demonesses were tall, lean, and gorgeous. Being weaker meant I was smaller, more fun sized. I fit on his lap comfortably.

I caught a glare from a demon woman from a different table, and before Alastor could notice, I arched my eyebrows with a cheeky smile on my face before sticking my tongue out at her. Her black eyes glowed red slightly in the middle when I did this and she slammed her teacup down and stormed over to us.

Alastor's grip on my waist tightened and one of his hands gripped my thigh protectively, like a seatbelt.

"Ah, hello Rosie, darling, a pleasure seeing you here!" He spoke in his usual tone. There was a warning in his voice though, and this 'Rosie' knew it. She was fuming.

"Alastor," her voice was like silk, feminine and smooth, "your pet just stuck its tongue out at me, quite disrespectful. You need to teach it some manners, or just eat it for hell's sake!" Alastor chuckled lowly before standing up, holding me under the arms and setting me down gently in the chair as he approached Rosie.

An action that would bring any smart demon to their knees, but Rosie was just as tall as Alastor. She wasn't scared either. Her scowl contrasted with his smiling features and I kicked my feet innocently, a smile on my face as well.

Rosie just growled after glancing at me and went back to chastising Alastor.

"I've never known you to be one to play with your food, Alastor." She said this mockingly, probably trying to get under my skin.

'Oh lady, you're in for it'

Al just sighed. "Rosie, it's such a shame a woman such as yourself can't realize that she is not food. She is not a pet. She is not a thing." His tone was growing sinister, and Rosie's face showed the first sign of fear.

"She is mine." His hand wrapped around her throat and he threw her to the ground before stomping on her hand to keep her down, "and don't ever disrespect her again, hm?" He kept his smile the entire time, and straightened his coat before swiftly turning to me with his hand out.

"Let's go, love, the atmosphere has gone..." he looked to Rosie, "sour"

We walked down the (nicely paved and not cracked) sidewalk. I began to hum his favorite song, he played it a lot.

You're never fully dressed without a smile

I glanced up at him as I hummed, and saw his smile widen slightly. He loves this one.

"You know dear, that was my favorite song when I was alive." He said sweetly, I just rolled my eyes, "it still is you old coot" I chuckled and he looked down at me, a brow raised.

He only chuckled though, and pulled me closer to him.

"You know, darling, anyone else who spoke to me in such a way would find their head mounted to my wall." I bumped him, causing him to lose balance slightly before continuing like nothing happened.

"I know, I just looooove testing your patience." He chuckled again, "oh you're fantastic at that my dear—" I cut him off with a gasp as I let go of his hand and ran to a shop window.

I spotted the most gorgeous dress and gazed at it through the glass. I felt Alastor come up behind me, and his hands found my shoulders. "Do you like it, darling?"

"It's so gorgeous!" Before I could even finish talking, Alastor disappeared in a cloud of red smoke, and reappeared not 10 seconds later holding a bag with the store's name on it.

My eyes grew wide as he spoke softly, leaning down to my ear, "then it's yours, my darling." I couldn't hardly find the words to say, so I just spun around and hugged him tightly, catching him off guard.

He wrapped his arms around me and stood up, bringing me with him.

He put one arm under my butt and hiked me up on his hip like a child, making me blush, "oh Alastor, put me down, I'm not a baby." I huffed and he laughed at my childish antics, "well you look and act like one!" He shot back playfully and I put a mock hurt expression on my face.

I secretly did not mind being held at all, as I laid my head against his shoulder. The gentle swaying of him walking around with me as if I were nothing was lulling me to sleep.

My arms hung loosely around his neck and I could feel his heartbeat speed up slightly. This caught my attention, and made me sit up and look around for a threat.

There wasn't one. We were alone, and it was getting slightly dark. I looked up at Alastor, and there was a slight blush on his cheeks. "Shhh...sleep, love..." I just nodded and put my head back down, gripping his jacket with my hand on his chest.