Alastor's POV

I woke up slowly, and groaned softly. I felt like I'd just woken up from a coma, I can't remember the last time I properly slept in my own bed.

A sweet noise made its way into my head, and I sat up, confused. The distant melody drifted through my home, and I thought for a moment I left my radio on.

Then my hand reached across the bed and I realized there's something missing from this picture.

Ariel.

I slid out of bed, creeping towards my cracked bedroom door. I glanced at the clock on one of my nightstands and it read 7:30am.

She always did wake up early.

With a gentle push, the door opened up further. The living room held a soft pink hue from the "morning" sky. Her voice traveled through the living room as well, but I still didn't see her.

I noticed the light to my kitchen was on, and made my way over there. My eyes widened when I smelled something...like breakfast. Is she cooking? She has to be, that's a foolish question, I just didn't know she did that.

My smile rose to my lips as I made my way to the open doorframe that leads to my kitchen. I leaned against the trim lining the opening and crossed my arms.

There she was, singing her heart out as she swayed her hips. The little tail that sat above her tailbone was flicking back and forth happily, and I felt something tug at my chest.

That's adorable.

I myself don't have a tail, but I do have antlers whereas she does not. Her form overall is more soft and "cute" than mine is.

Her soft brown hair had lightened to match the color of a doe, and where my hair and ears were tipped with black, hers was a soft white.

She still had those light moss green eyes, but they held a subtle glow in the dark now, I'd noticed.

Not even to mention her teeth. They were barely any different, except for the little fangs that barely looked sharp enough to pierce an apple.

I admired her from the doorway, letting my eyes soak up this moment. This moment of her being happy and comfortable in my home, in our home.

Until she turned around and nearly died a second time from a heart attack.

"AH!" She yelped and her ears laid flat on her head before she sighed and put her hand over her heaving chest.

"Jesus Christ!"

Not quite.

"Not quite, darling, although I am flattered," I joked, my voice feeling rough from just waking up.

She was wearing my only pair of sweatpants, and they were far too big for her. She had them rolled and they still nearly covered her feet.

On her top half she wore a sports bra, I believe that's what they're called, and that was it.

I had gone out while she was resting after her little power trip and gotten her some clothing I knew she'd like.

It was beyond me why she was wearing my pants.

"How long have you been standing there?" She asked sheepishly, and a little blush dusted her cheeks.

I chuckled, a bit of radio feedback kicking in as my powers warmed up. Pushing off the doorframe I approached her.

"Long enough, love, now what is it we're making?" I asked her, looking over to the little culmination of food items she was preparing.

"I just wanted to make you a little something...and I don't know what you like so..."

She made everything.

Eggs, pancakes, toast, bacon, hash browns, biscuits, Jesus Christ I didn't know this woman knew how to cook.

"Darling, I never knew you could cook," I said, amazed, and she shrugged.

"I never had the money for anything fancy...so I never got to. But I do like cooking," she said softly, and my look softened.

By fancy she meant basic culinary items...

"Dear, you could've asked me...I would have gotten you anything you needed," I said and she looked down.

"I know...I didn't want to ask you for stuff, that's not why I wanted you around..."

Sweet girl...

I leaned down and kissed her quickly, catching her off guard. The little surprised look she gets whenever I do that makes it addicting.

"Well, darling it looks delicious. I'm not picky, as long as it's not too sweet," I reassured her and she let out a soft breath.

"Ok, good, do you want coffee? I made some..."

She handed me a mug, and I checked it.

Black.

My smile widened, and she sipped her coffee that obviously had heavy creamer and was sweetened.

I'm not sure where she got the creamer...

"How'd you know?" I asked her and took a sip of the bitter liquid.

"You told me once...remember? I think it was like your third visit," she shrugged and I froze.

That was nearly a year ago.

I watched her movements as she went about finishing up breakfast. She remembered...something so small.

But she remembered it...because it had to do with something I like.

My heart beat a little harder in my chest, and I quickly sipped my coffee to hide the flattered blush rushing to my face.

Only this woman can do this to me...

Suddenly she violently pointed to my dining table with a wooden spoon, "go sit!"

I smirked and followed her demand. So gentle, but so feisty. Once seated, I was rushed with breakfast foods.

She put plates in front of me as if she were a waitress and she moved so fast. I blinked, not too sure of what just happened.

She plopped down across from me with a big, wide smile on her face and a sparkle in her eyes.

I chuckled and took a bite from the omelette she made. I was surprised, to say the least. It was fluffy, moist, and tasted...

Better than anything I'd ever eaten, really. I couldn't help the noise I made as it hit my tongue. She heard it and tilted her head.

"Was that 'mmm' a good noise? Or like 'mmm' this sucks," she said worriedly. I had to force myself to not take another bite so I could answer her.

"Darling this is probably the best thing I've ever eaten," I replied sincerely, and her eyes lit up. The smile on her face would have made me say anything she wanted me to, but I was being genuine.

When breakfast was nearing its end, Ariel began cleaning up. What a woman, truly, but I couldn't possibly let her clean after slaving all morning.

With the snap of my fingers all the dishes were gone, and she gasped softly then turned to me. I smirked at her and she huffed, but smiled saying, "thanks."

"It's my pleasure, now what's on our agenda for today, my darling love?" I spoke sweetly towards her and she walked over to me. I was caught off guard when she stepped around me and gently lowered herself into my lap.

My eyes widened and my hand fell onto her thigh from lack of better places to put it. I relaxed and my smile softened as she laid her head against my shoulder and sighed.

"Promise you won't hate me?" She said, slightly nervous. I raised an eyebrow and tilted my head so I could see her better.

"Of course I won't hate you, what is it you wanted to do?"

Her next words created a sour feeling in my chest, and I had to fight to keep from scowling.

"I'd like to check up on Charlie, if you don't mind..." she asked timidly, knowing now how I dislike it. I let out a heavy sigh, and absentmindedly ran my fingers up and down the fabric on her thigh.

I thought about saying no, and just being done with it. Then I looked down and saw those big green eyes looking up at me, begging me to say yes.

And how could I say no to that.

I relented, "ok...ok fine," I huffed and hugged her gently from behind, "you're lucky you're cute..."

She gave me a quick kiss on the cheek and tried to hop off my lap.

Oh no you don't.

I grasped her waist and yanked her back towards me, trapping her in my arms. I buried my face into her neck, growling softly.

"And where do you think you're going?" I asked her playfully and she giggled and tried to push me away from her neck, to which I locked my lips onto her skin in protest.

She gave up and just laid against me, a soft purr erupted in my chest and I felt slightly embarrassed. I haven't purred in a very long time, the first time I did it I nearly died of shock. I was repulsed I made such a noise.

Now it's not so bad.

"I have to go get ready," she protested, and I hugged her tighter.

"Not before I get to hold you for a little bit," I chimed and she once again relaxed against me.

"Fine."