Ariels POV

Rosie was very bubbly, but in an elegant way. She held a very "nice old rich woman" vibe about her, even though she looked relatively young.

Her glossy black eyes were unsettling, and she wore the same smile Alastor did.

"Now, dear, tell me, what is it you like?"

Her question brought me out of my thoughts and I stuttered, "I- uh...I don't have a preference..." I answered her honestly. She hummed.

"Well, darling, I believe a nice maroon silk slip dress will look delicious on you," she said with a little wink. I blushed slightly, unsure of what that meant.

With the snap of her fingers my normal tank top and sweatpants were replaced with what she described.

She spun me around and a mirror appeared in front of us, and she looked like a proud mother standing behind me.

"Well, don't you just look like a vision..." she marveled and I had to admit, I did look good. The dress hugged my small curves, and framed my figure nicely. It was very flattering.

This happened to be about the 10th dress we tried, but none of the other dresses took my breath away quite so quickly.

"Woah..." I breathed and she smiled wider.

"Ready to go show him?" She said to me, looking down towards my eyes. I tensed up and blushed.

I forgot I was going to be showing Alastor...

"Um...yes," I said, not so confidently. Suddenly I didn't feel so good in this dress. It falls on my hips weird...and scrunches at my waist...I look lumpy-

"Darling..." Rosie's voice pulled me from my self deprecating thoughts. I looked over at her and she chuckled softly.

"You look fantastic...and he will love it," she reassured me, somehow knowing my thoughts. I took a deep breath, the little diamond necklace he gave me so long ago glittering on my neck.

Rosie noticed it, and touched it gently, her fingers feeling cool against my skin.

"That's lovely...did he give it to you?" She asked softly and I nodded. She hummed, and began leading me towards the front of the store.

"Alastor!" She chimed, and he came into view, looking bored as ever. He perked up when he heard her voice, and then when he saw me his eyes widened.

I cast my eyes down and slowly walked over to him, feeling small when he stood up. He gently trailed his fingers over the fabric, and then tilted my head up to meet his eyes.

"Dear, I told you to look stunning...not ravishing," he purred and my face practically lit up, making me cover it.

"Stop it!" I murmured and he chuckled. His hands were exploring my waist and hips and Rosie cleared her throat, making his movements stop.

"Alastor refrain form putting your dirty hands on my beautiful dress," Rosie scolded, and he growled softly, never taking his eyes off me.

"Rosie, dear, don't you think she looks a little too good?" He asked and she scoffed, smoothing out the fabric as she once again stole me away from him.

"I think she looks expensive, and powerful, that's what we need, yes?" She asked, glancing up at him. He huffed.

That means yes.

Suddenly he snapped and my usual clothing replaced the dress. A bag appeared in his claws and he held it gently.

"Well, thank you Rosie dear, but we must be going," he said, grabbing my hand.

"Oh alright...don't be a stranger," she said as she waved us off. I waved back at her, and her smile softened.

On our walk back, Alastor seemed tense. He was holding my hand tighter than usual, which ended up in his claws slicing my skin.

I said nothing, afraid he may snap at me.

The radio tower came into view and I was focused on not cringing at the aching, stinging pain in my hand. I was silently relieved we were home.

He let go of my hand to open the door for me and completely froze when he saw his fingers were covered in blood. He then whipped his head around and saw me cradling my cut up hand.

He became very upset, and waved his hand causing the dress to disappear as he knelt in front of me. He grabbed my hand and looked over the cuts.

"Dear, why didn't you say something?" He asked, slightly exasperated, "...didn't even realize...need to be more careful...sorry..." he was mumbling and I could only make out parts of what he was saying.

He brought my hand up to his mouth and began licking the wounds. I hissed and yanked my hand away from him out of instinct.

"Darling, come on now, you're alright. Let me heal those nasty cuts," he said, beckoning me back to him. Reluctantly, I let him take my hand.

He began licking again and the sting turned into a numb tingling sensation. Suddenly, the cuts began to mend themselves. My eyes widened and I looked over my hand.

It looked brand new.

I curled my fingers and looked up at Alastor. He gave me a soft smile and cupped my cheeks, still kneeling in front of me.

"I'm sorry, truly...come on, now, let's head up and I'll tell you about these banquets," he said, standing up and gently leading me inside.

Betts was behind the front desk working, per usual.

"Hello Betts, dear!" Alastor greeted her and she jumped before her eyes went wide. It looked like she was calculating the situation. She looked up and met his eyes as we strolled up to the desk.

"Hello, sir, how was your outing?" She asked softly. It's so strange how she could be so vicious yet so soft the majority of the time.

"Just dandy, darling! Did anyone stop by?" He asked her absentmindedly as he looked through a few files. I stood off to the side, not really knowing what to do.

"No-well, yes actually," she corrected herself and Alastor froze, lowering the papers in his hands.

"Well?" He asked her and she sighed.

"T-the princess...she was stopping by with a message for you, but she wouldn't tell me what it was," Betts said and I looked up at Al.

He looked like gears were turning in his head and then he let out a soft "hmm..." noise.

"Get her on the phone for me..." he ordered with a little hand wave, and I elbowed him in the ribs, causing him to jump and look down at me.

'Please'

I mouthed to him, glancing at Betts.

"Please..." he added, softly, and Betts looked surprised.

"Yes sir..." was her soft answer and she picked up the phone. After a few rings, I could hear Charlie answer. She answered with an enthusiastic 'hello!'

Betts jumped and took the phone away from her ear with a wince, then put it back, "h-hello princess Charlie, the radio demon has requested to speak with you, please hold," she then handed the phone to Alastor.

I noticed the way her hands shook as he took it from her. Everyone down here is so terrified of him...I wonder what he did.

"Charlie dear! I heard you stopped by earlier, and wanted to formally apologize for my absence," he said smoothly and I leaned over the counter towards Betts, tuning him out while he and Charlie talked.

"Hey," I said softly and she looked at me.

"Hello..." she replied and I smiled at her, tilting my head.

"So, what is it you do? Your job?" I asked her and she sighed and leaned back in her chair slightly.

"Well, I sort the radio demons territories and the business that happens within them...I handle calls, and I plan his meetings...I basically just work as a secretary and an assistant all in one," she said and I nodded. Then I leaned forward a bit more.

"You know, you don't need to be so scared of him...he's really goofy once you get to know him..." I said barely above a whisper and she chuckled softly.

"Miss Ariel, I know he loves you by the way he treats you because I promise you......he does not treat everyone as kindly," she said sourly. Her eyes cast down, and I sighed.

"He likes you too, Betts," I said softly and her eyes widened, "so try and loosen up a little bit," I winked at her and she looked away.

Just then Alastor's hand slammed down on the desk next to me and I nearly screamed, my heart racing. I glared at him as he began to laugh at my scared response.

"Asshole..." I grumbled and he hummed.

"Thank you Betts!" He chirped and then picked me up, throwing me over his shoulder. I squeaked in surprise and then swayed helplessly, eyelids lowered in annoyance.

Betts watched me as he stepped into the elevator and I waved to her, causing her to wave back.

Then the doors closed.