"You wanna shake my hand, sugar~?"

Fawnlastor — I apologize, I didn't mean to make her so damn sexy, but hey, with Alastor's personality comes a fair amount of sex appeal.

Alastor's POV

A muffled noise caused me to stir from my sleep. I sighed tiredly, blinking my eyes open slowly.

The distant cries have become a constant in my house as of late. I may have been able to sway her fears on the surface, but it seems her brain is still plaguing her with guilt while she sleeps.

For the past few nights I've been woken up by whimpering and crying, but I didn't want to startle her, so normally I just wait for it to stop.

My eyes fell shut again as I prepared to tune her out and go back to sleep, but then an ear splitting scream tore through the house and my eyes shot wide open.

I was out of bed before my brain could even process what happened, my legs carrying me to her room quickly before I threw the door open and rushed to her side.

Her sobs were loud, and she was arched off the bed as if she were trying desperately to get away from something. My lips were set into a soft frown before I furrowed my eyebrows and gently took her by the shoulders.

"Fawn..." I said softly, but she was still thrashing. Her ragged breathing and whimpers grew more distressed, and I shook her lightly, "Fawn!" I said a bit louder, successfully waking her.

Her eyes opened up and rounded out, then they found me bent over her bedside. She didn't even hesitate before she shot up and wrapped her arms around me, pressing her damp face into my neck to hide from whatever monsters are haunting her mind.

I laid my hands against her back and rubbed her gently, "are you alright?" I asked her, my voice sounding a bit tired.

"Yes..." she mumbled against my skin, then she took a deep breath and pulled away from the hug, sniffling before she wiped her face off, "I'm sorry I woke you up..." she said, looking off to the side.

I took a seat at the edge of her bed, but her chin stayed close to her chest, her eyes on her hands.

She's embarrassed, but it's not her fault.

Reaching forward, I gently slid my fingers under her chin and pulled her head up. Her glassy eyes met mine and her lips formed a soft pout.

"You've nothing to be sorry for, cher," I said with a small shake of my head, "it isn't your fault..."

She observed me for a moment, her long lashes stuck together from tears. Tracing my fingers up her cheek, I cupped the side of her face and wiped my thumb over her eye, forcing her to close it while I swiped the water away.

"The only thing that upsets me is all these tears," I said with a playful note in my voice, although I really do dislike the tears, "they don't suit your pretty face," I finished with a smile.

A blush dusted her nose and the tiniest smile tugged at her lips. I wiped away the tears on the other side before pushing her hair back away from her face.

Her bangs were fluffy and the wavy strands of blonde hair were curling up every which way. It was truly adorable.

Really, I was beginning to feel worried about her. I've noticed she has dark circles developing under her eyes, probably from a lack of proper sleep.

The only time it seemed she slept peacefully was whenever she was in my bed, and even then she had a nightmare. She only slept soundly after...

After I laid with her...

My eyes widened slightly at that realization, my heart thrumming in my chest. That can't be it...right? It's just a coincidence.

Still...if there's a possibility of it bringing her a bit of peace, I could at least offer it. It's not like I'm going to force her.

"Sweetie," I said, gaining her attention, "you've had these nightmares every night since it happened...if you'd like a bit of company, I'm more than happy to let you share my bed again," I suggested casually, despite my steadily raising heartbeat.

She perked up slightly at my offer, but hesitated, furrowing her brows slightly.

"A-are you sure?" She asked, "you don't have to..." her voice faded off and I shook my head, chuckling slightly.

She's so silly.

"Darling, I know I don't have to. I wouldn't have offered it to you if I didn't want to," I said, and she smiled bigger before she lowered her eyelids and leaned towards me.

"Oh, so you want to sleep with me, huh?" She teased, bumping my arm slightly. I rolled my eyes and scoffed amusedly at her imitation of me.

"See, when I said it," I stood up off the bed, turning to face her before offering her my hand as she began to shuffle out of the covers, "it was actually funny," I said with a sly smile, watching as she gasped and put a hand to her chest.

"Rude," she commented as if she were actually offended, then slid her hand into mine and pulled herself up and out of bed.

It felt electric where her skin connected with mine and I decided to hold onto her hand as I led her back to my room.

She stayed silent all the way there, and the moment we stepped foot into my room, I released her hand.

Immediately she migrated to the side of the bed I normally sleep on. That's the spot she's been picking since the first time I found her in my room. I found the scent she left behind was actually quite pleasant...

Deciding not to correct her, I rounded the bed to get onto the opposite side. She crawled under the covers, situating herself properly, and I got in just after her.

We laid down facing each other, and she gave me a little smile, "thanks for doing this, Al..." she said softly, a genuine gratefulness in her tone.

That same fuzzy feeling I've begun getting lately flurried through my chest, but I simply shrugged and settled into the mattress.

"It's no trouble," I responded, "it's best for both of us this way...can't have you keeping me up all the time, I have work in the morning," I said with a smug smile.

She rolled her eyes, and snuggled into my pillow. Her eyes then fluttered closed and she let out a content sigh.

I know I should've just shut my eyes. I should've just gone to sleep and thought nothing more of it...but the longer I looked at her, the more inclined to pull her closer to me I felt.

She obviously likes the way I smell...she wears a fresh set of my night clothes every other night, and makes sure they're a pair that I've worn recently. I think she thinks I don't see her sniffing each piece of clothing, but I do.

It's strange, but very cute.

How would she react if I tried to hold her...? I don't want to make her uncomfortable, but at the same time I'm very curious to see if I would enjoy it...I love her hugs, would it be much different than that?

I was never one to ignore my curiosity...whatever doubt I had became overshadowed by my desire to just find out for myself.

So, slowly, my arm inched closer to her body. Her breathing had settled and I think she was already asleep...either that or she was almost there.

My fingers drew closer and closer to her, and I actually felt a bit nervous. What if she pushes me off? What if she gets angry with me?

I thought of every bad outcome that could transpire from my actions, yet still I drew closer to her. Finally, I made contact.

That stiffness she used to hold was gone, her muscles feeling relaxed beneath my fingertips. She didn't flinch against my touch or even really react.

I slipped my hand around her waist before very gently pulling her over closer to me. So far so good...until I tried to lift her up onto my bicep.

She shifted slightly and I held my breath as I watched her features go from peaceful to confused. Her eyes opened just barely and I nearly jumped when I felt her hand come up and touch my chest.

"Alastor...?" She mumbled sleepily, to which I hummed.

"Yes dear?" I said quietly, forcing my voice to sound casual. I really hope she can't feel how fast my heart is beating.

She said nothing more, and I was expecting her to pull herself back to her side of the bed and destroy all the progress I'd made.

However, my breath caught in my throat when she pulled herself closer to me...all on her own.

As if she read my mind, she settled herself right where I'd intended on placing her. Her body curled up against me and she rested her head on my bicep a bit near my shoulder, using it as a pillow.

She fit like a puzzle piece against me, being the perfect size to comfortably lay in my arms. Her arm laid across my chest and I just stared at her with widened eyes.

Her lips were slightly separated, showing me that she has already fallen back asleep. I recalled when I'd held her that one night in the living room...but that was different.

Sure, that night she'd laid with me willingly, but she was beyond tired. If anything, I lulled her to sleep, and it was simply a consequence of my actions that we ended up in that position.

This time she not only willingly laid with me, but she pulled herself closer...she wanted to be closer to me...

Quickly, my curiosity was satiated...along with the new realization that I like this very much.

She carries the perfect amount of warmth, and the bed doesn't feel as empty anymore. Oddly, having something to hold onto is very comforting.

Baffled by this discovery, all I could do was watch her sleep soundly in my arms. Her gentle breaths were what I was focused on.

I don't even know how long I watched her before I finally was able to relax my pounding heart. I settled in, my eyes feeling heavy.

"Goodnight, cher..." I whispered softly, allowing myself to succumb fully to this simple pleasure.

**

My eyes opened slowly, the first thing I noticed was the feeling of something pressed up against me.

For a moment my heart dropped, but then I looked down and realized it's just Fawn. She was still sound asleep, her head rested on my chest now.

My arm was secured around her body, holding her in place. Butterflies swarmed my stomach at the sight of her face...that beautiful face.

A gentle smile sat on my lips as I watched her sleep. One of her hands was laid against my chest, the fabric of my night shirt bundled into her fist.

It was still dark outside, so it must be pretty early in the morning still. I need to be up for work soon...but she's sleeping so soundly, what kind of monster would I be to disturb her?

I sighed, reaching over to my nightstand to grab my glasses. I guess I'm the kind of monster that has to work and pay my bills, so unfortunately I'll need to get up.

Glancing at her, I hesitated. Maybe I can do this without waking her...she's a pretty light sleeper, but if I move just right...

I began trying to move my body out from under her, but my eyes widened when her grip on my shirt tightened and she whined in protest.

My heart clenched and I swallowed hard. Then, to even further solidify that she did not want me to move, she pressed her face into my chest, nuzzling me slightly.

I could've died right then and there.

After a moment of hesitation, I pursed my lips before sighing and settling back into the bed.

"Fine, fine..." I mumbled, hooking my arm back around her, "just a few more minutes."