This is what Niff looks like in my story! Hope y'all like it, it was fucking difficult because I designed it from memory😩🤌🏼

Alastor's POV

Fawn and I had decided to stay in town for a little while after we ate our lunch.

The city was bustling with activity, shops were busting at the seams and men and women of all kinds were out and about.

Glancing down at Fawn, I took in her expression for a moment. She wore a big smile, her eyes looking like emeralds as they glittered. It was truly odd seeing her so excited over seemingly normal everyday activities.

The future can't truly be that different, right?

I trained my gaze back on the different individuals going about their normal daily activities. Noise surrounded us, coins clattering and people chatting...my eyes narrowed.

That familiar itch rose in my stomach, my grin widening as I glanced around at all these hopeless fools. All of them so clueless, so stupid.

It truly is just a gleeful feeling knowing they're all on edge because of a predator...a stalker in the night that arrives like the grim reaper to steal a soul or two...unpredictable and swift.

Yet none of them know it's me.

A small gasp was heard at my side, the feeling of fingers tightening around my arm pulling my attention away from my morbid thoughts.

My eyes fell on the woman beside me, my malicious smile softening.

None of them except one...

"Alastor! Can we go there?" She asked excitedly, pointing towards a bakery that also doubles as a creamery.

She had already begun pulling me before I even had time to answer, so I'm assuming she'd already decided for me. Still I chuckled and nodded, "yes, dear, we can," I answered her.

A soft chime sounded overhead as we entered, the smell of baked goods immediately harassing my nostrils. It was a comforting scent of warm cinnamon and freshly baked cake.

Near the back you could see the large cylindrical machine that was spinning at a leisurely pace, freezing the sweetened cream inside.

Fawn and I approached the counter, the host turning to face us as we approached. He wore a friendly smile, his hair combed neatly back with a little boat hat on his head.

"Good day, sir! What might I get today for you and the lovey lady?" He said kindly, although my eyes narrowed as he complimented Fawn.

A strange feeling rose in my stomach, the same feeling I got when Thomas showered her with compliments. Glancing down at her, I observed her reaction to his words.

She simply smiled, no hint of a blush or any intentions of returning the sentiment present in her body language.

I wondered to myself why it is that she seems to blush at my compliments, but not others...as well as returning my compliments with ones of her own directed at me.

That, admittedly, make my stomach twist in knots.

Which is strange, because no other woman's senseless compliments do such a thing to me.

Maybe it's because hers don't seem senseless...

Fawn took my glance at her as a queue to order, which I didn't mind. I honestly have come to admire her tendency to take charge. It's refreshing in world full of women who want me to coddle them.

"May I please have a vanilla waffle cone?" She asked him with a sweet smile, and I couldn't help but smile a bit more genuinely at the pure innocence she radiates.

Even after all she's been through.

The young man nodded, and then looked to me. I held up my hand and shook it slightly, "nothing for me, good man," I said.

His eyes widened the moment I spoke.

"Hey! You're the man on the talk box...Alastor, right? Wow, what a pleasure, sir, I love listening to your broadcasts," the man smiled brightly and I chuckled.

"Thank you, I'm glad you enjoy...what was the price for that cone?" I asked him, pulling out my wallet.

He shook his head, "oh no sir! Don't you worry, It's on the house," he said, making me tilt my head and widen my smile.

It's always intriguing seeing the way they treat me once they realize who I am. Half the town knows my face, and the rest know my voice...it's an oddity, having grown up being ridiculed for the color of my skin only to be praised for the sound of my voice once I became a man.

Mentally, I sized up the young man in front of me, calculating in my head if he would be an easy target. Ultimately, I decided he would probably be quite a fun victim...I could corner him in the dead of night, revealing my face to him.

Wearing a sinister smile as he realized the very man he looks up to will be his downfall...his end.

Oh, it would be priceless.

A pleasant shiver ran down my spine at the thought, and my smile widened.

"How kind, thank you!" I said with a false friendliness. A sugar coated tone that would fool any numbskull in this town.

With that he set off to go concoct fawns order, piling the sugary desert into a thin, cone-shaped shell. We waited no more than 30 seconds before he returned, handing it to her gently.

"There ya go, sweetheart!" He chimed in that same friendly tone.

Though his choice of words only fueled my desire to see him cough up blood.

Only I can call her that.

Quickly I pulled Fawn from the counter, carefully leading her to an outside patio where we could sit comfortably together.

She giggled softly, completely unaware of the storm of emotions brewing inside me, "slow down, Al," she said through her soft laughter, "I'm sure the seats will still be there if we do," she added playfully.

My steps slowed, the sound of her voice soothing the steadily rising itch. I let out a soft breath, looking over at her.

She smiled up at me, reminding me that she's with me. Not them. She isn't being escorted by another man, she is being escorted by me.

That gentle reminder was enough to ease my irritation, at least a little bit. I don't know what that strange feeling was, I just know I don't like hearing other men comment on her looks.

Yes, we all know she's beautiful. I will be the one to remind her, thank you very much.

We chose a nice round table to sit at. I pulled her chair out for her, tucking her in once she was seated. I then took my own seat across from her, watching as she licked the treat.

I find myself being more and more fascinated with this woman. Everything about her is so...alluring. From her scent to her laughter, she's damn near addicting.

Each day I spend with her I find myself wanting to just nullify our deal.

It's not like it was a blood deal, there's no real bond between her and I. I can change, mend, or add anything I want.

Or in this case, just let it go completely.

I also find myself hoping that she can't find her way home. Is that selfish? Maybe.

But I don't care. I enjoy her company, and she makes my chest feel fuzzy...I would miss her if she left me at this point...

I focused my attention back on the girl clouding my brain. Her pretty lips were curled up in a charming smile as she flicked her tongue against the ice cream.

As I watched her, that familiar heat rose in my stomach.

Oh god, not here...

The way her tongue was moving against the dessert wasn't sinful in any way. There was nothing remotely sexual about any of her actions.

So why do I feel this way.

Why does she make me feel this way.

I should loath her for the effect she has on me. How dare she dig up these feelings in me? I should punish her, stab her, gut her until she's dead on the floor.

But I don't want to.

No, no...what I want to do is far more shameful than any of those things.

My mind began to wander, imagining that was me that she was licking so carefully. Sliding her tongue up and down my—

My eyes snapped open, my face slowly turning a few shades darker as I shoved the thought deep into my brain, far, far away.

Repulsive...utterly repulsive of me to think such things about a lady. Is it normal, such thoughts?

Are these thoughts one has about someone they consider a friend?

"Alastor?"

Blinking, I focused back on the present. Her green eyes looked at me with a mild concern, her eyebrows furrowed up as she tilted her head at me.

"You alright? Your face is all red, is it too hot out here?" She asked, reaching towards me. Before she could touch my forehead, I snatched her hand and laced our fingers.

The surprise that washed over her features was very cute, and the color that dusted her face afterwords was delicious. It brings me a sense of pride that I can make her blush so easily.

Which, again, is very odd. Any woman I speak to blushes at my voice, at my words.

Hell, even some men!

But none of them feel as rewarding as her...none of them make me feel this way inside. I want her close to me just so I can see more of that rosy color on her cheeks.

Shaking my head, I put on my best smile to mask the growing feeling in my stomach, "I'm perfectly fine, cher...the weather is perfectly fine," I said quickly.

The blush faded, and she smiled at me once more, "ok! Just let me know if you wanna head home or something," she shrugged, turning her attention back to her half eaten cone.

A feeling churned in my gut...the feeling of desire to see her react to my affections, my words.

So, tenderly, I brushed my thumb across her knuckles. This was simply a test, seeing how small of an action could make her react.

No blush at that action, but she did return my gesture. Her thumb brushed over my knuckles, and then she gave my hand a soft squeeze.

Badump.

My heart beat hard in my chest, my face heating up instantly.

What?! No! She can't win this game that she doesn't even know she's playing!

Pursing my lips in silent determination, I leaned forward and put on a charming smile. I let my eyelids fall halfway as I purred at her, "cher..." I said deeply, pulling her attention away from people-watching.

I watched her ear twitch and she turned to me, blinking, "yes...?" She asked tentatively, a little smile curling her lips.

I leaned forward even more, and she watched me with silent interest.

"You look very lovely today, darling...pretty as a picture," I complimented her. At my words a deep blush blossomed across her nose and cheeks and her smile widened.

She looked away, hiding the masterpiece I'd caused as she shook her head, her blonde waves bouncing slightly.

"Oh, shut up," she giggled.

I smirked confidently, leaning back in my spot.

That feeling will never get old. It makes me want to shower her with compliments until she's gasping for air under the weight of my affection.

Or until she's gasping for air under me...

Once again I'm forced to shove away the intrusive and lewd thoughts, nearly scowling at the persistence they hold in my mind.

A deep breath was needed to calm the tingling in my lower stomach.

She never did pull her hand away from mine.

**

The sky was just beginning to dampen with warm orange hues as the sun set slowly behind the trees.

Bugs began their nightly calls, chirping in unison as Fawn and I enjoyed an evening walk through the park.

This day with her has flown by, feeling like absolutely no time at all has passed

Her hand sat in my palm, our fingers intertwined as we walked. I found I quite enjoy the feeling of holding her hand, it makes me feel......important.

Important in a different way than I already am. I know I'm an important man, and many people look up to me and my achievements.

I feel important to her.

Like my presence means something to her other than me being her guardian by necessity. Like maybe...she doesn't view me as a monster...just maybe...

My thoughts were conflicted. I love carnage, I love the unrest my chaos causes...so why do I want to be so gentle with this one woman.

This one woman.

She knows all my darkest secrets, she knows who I truly am inside...she knows my desires, my bloodlust...yet here she is.

Holding my hand.

The evening air was chilled as autumn began to set in. A bit of movement next to me gained my attention, my eyes falling to the woman at my side.

Her body trembled as she shivered slightly, and I paused.

She stopped, giving me a confused look before I slipped my jacket off without a moment of hesitation. Setting it over her shoulders, I smiled warmly at her.

Her lips parted and she blushed, not even trying to hide it from me. Then she gave me a soft smile and tugged the jacket around her tighter.

"Thanks," she said, beginning to walk again. I hummed softly, and then I spotted a small brook a bit aways from our path.

My smile widened and I began to lead her over to it, the gravel path crunching under our shoes.

"Look here, cher..." I said as I gathered up some smooth stones, flipping them over in my hands to make sure they were optimal for skipping, "I bet you I can skip stones better than any man you've ever met," I said confidently, shooting her a smirk.

She rolled her eyes, but smiled as she silently watched me.

This was like second nature to me. I'd come here as a boy and skip stones all day and sometimes during the night...just to escape from my own house.

In one swift motion, I flicked my wrist and sent the stone gliding across the calm water. It only skipped eight times and I tsk'd softly. Must've chosen a rotten stone.

However, when I turned to face Fawn her eyes held an almost wonderstruck look in them. Her mouth was opened slightly, and she just stared out at the water for a moment.

Then she turned to me, a big smile splitting her face.

"How'd you do that, that was so cool!" She exclaimed, trotting over to where I was standing. I looked down at her a moment, any self deprecating feelings I may have had over my sub-par stone skipping having vanished.

"It's easy, dear," I replied, handing her a nice, smooth stone. She held it tentatively, as if it would burn her if she offended it somehow.

I pointed to the water, "just get it into position...nice and flat...and then give it a little flick, use your wrist," I instructed her. She blinked and looked at the stone in her hand.

She then turned towards the water and took on a horrid stance, but I wasn't going to correct her.

This is going to be cute.

With a concentrated expression and determined eyes, she flicked her wrist. The pebble didn't go very far, nor did it skip even once. It simply landed into the water with a soft 'ploop'.

I had to stifle a laugh, but I couldn't help chuckling at the adorably pathetic attempt.

She turned towards me, a pout on her lips. She looked absolutely dejected. My chuckles died down and I tilted my head, approaching her.

"Here, sweetheart..." I said softly, handing her another stone before getting behind her. I took her arms, holding them as if she were a puppet.

I had to bend down slightly, putting my lips by her ear so I could speak softly as I got her into the proper position.

"Like this...put your feet here..." I gently moved her feet with my own, "and your body facing where you want the stone to go," I whispered, moving one hand to her waist so I could position her properly.

Once all that was settled, I took her wrist in my hand, "alright, I'm going to give you a countdown...on one, you let go of the stone," I said.

She gave a soft nod, and I chuckled, "ok...three...two...one!" On one, I flicked her wrist and she did as she was told. The pebble hit the water, bouncing across it like a bouncy ball exactly three times before it succumbed to the laws of physics.

I was a bit disappointed with the outcome, but the moment she whirled around and gave me the brightest smile I've ever seen, that disappointment washed away.

"I did it!" She exclaimed excitedly, bouncing on her toes slightly, "let's do it again!" She said, holding out her hand for another stone.

My expression softened and I handed her another stone, and without any warning she turned and pressed her back against my chest.

My face flushed, and I know she's only getting into the proper position but a flurry of feelings burst inside me when she did that.

Still, all I did was take her hand up in mine again, my other resting on her waist.

She and I spent the remainder of our evening skipping stones and laughing when we would throw a dud...and for a second I forgot who I was.

I forgot the gentleman Alastor.

I forgot the man with a reputation to upkeep.

I forgot the monster that lurks deep within my bones.

It was just her and I...throwing rocks at a small body of water.