It clean now :3

Fawn's POV

"What's that?"

"Moo!"

"Yes, it is a cow, good job! Can you say cow, Hazel?"

"Cow!"

I smiled big after she said a very babiefied version of the word, but it was understandable enough to know she knew what she was saying.

Lilian had left a picture book in the baby bag and a note that let us know Hazel is currently learning her animals and the noises they make.

For a 9 month old, she talks pretty good...er...as good as a baby with one tooth can talk, I suppose.

After praising her for getting the animal correct, I turned the page.

There was a picture of a doe with pretty white spots, and I smiled before turning the book towards her.

"Do you know what this one is?" I asked her, tilting my head.

She looked long at the picture, her lips pursed out as if she was truly deep in thought. Then, with a bright smile she looked back to me.

"Oink!"

I stifled a giggle, shaking my head.

"No, silly goose, that's a piggy noise. Look real hard, give it another shot," I said, and her eyes went back to the picture.

The concentration on her face was intense, and I waited patiently for her to take another shot at it.

She tilted her head and looked back to me, "baa...?" She seemed to ask, sounding confused.

My expression softened and I shook my head.

"Nope, this one is a deer, Hazel, can you say "deer"?" I asked her, pointing to the picture.

"Eer!" She said, oh so confidently.

I chuckled, "close! Add the 'da' sound at the beginning...d-eer," I explained, and she looked at me for a moment.

"...eer!" She spouted again, and I pursed my lips.

"Y'know what...close enough," I closed the book and set it aside, reaching towards her, "it's getting late, little miss, why don't you and I go check and see what Al is cooking in the kitchen?" I suggested.

She smiled at me, and held onto the front of my shirt.

As we approached the kitchen, I could clearly hear Al singing along with the radio, and I smiled softer. Rounding the corner, the smell was wonderful and my mouth watered.

We approached silently behind him, and he didn't seem to notice us. I looked at Hazel, putting my finger to my lips as a 'shhh' motion.

She mimicked me, doing the same motion back.

Lifting my hand into a claw, I was about to taser him when he broke the song to address us.

"What are you two lovely ladies up to?" He hummed without even looking at us.

I deflated, looking over at Hazel and rolling my eyes. She matched my energy, putting on a pout.

"Oh nothin', just going over Hazel's picture book with her," I said, my lips lifting into a smile as I went and stood next to him. The aroma coming from the pan he was using was heavenly, and I took a deep breath.

"Mmm...what's on the menu tonight?" I asked him, watching him push around the colorful and sizzling ingredients.

"Sautéed peppers, steamed vegetables and baked chicken..." he turned towards us with a smile, focusing on Hazel, "for the adults, that is...for you, little darling, your momma left you some formula and baby food for you to eat...and those are ready whenever you feel hungry."

Hazel giggled and hid her face in my neck, peeking up at Alastor shyly.

She's been very shy around him all night, but she's slowly warming up. I think it may have something to do with the lack of a father in her life...I remember growing up, I was always nervous around men when I was younger just because I didn't spend a lot of time around them.

Once I started school, I grew out of it, but I understand where she's coming from.

"Oh, you silly thing," he chuckled, turning back to the food, "dinner will be ready soon...Fawn, my dear, will you set the table for me?"

"Sure thing, babe," I hummed, gently lowering Hazel to the floor, "watch your feet, Hazel is crawling," I stated before going over and setting the table for two.

As I was doing so, I sent a glance to Alastor. My movements slowed to a stop, and my eyes softened.

I realized then...I will never truly get to have this.

This domestic peace...this tranquility.

I have had so much fun with Hazel, and it's slowly making me come to terms that I won't ever get to be a mother to my own children...

The thought makes my chest hurt slightly, but I'm not overly devastated...after all, every day with Alastor is a wildcard.

Wouldn't want to bring something so innocent into a life like this.

Maybe in another life...

I watched as Alastor finished up dinner, resuming my actions of laying out silverware.

He would glance down every now and then to check on Hazel...which, that alone made my heart practically explode.

She crawled around him, staying close to him for the most part. I finished setting the table and then just stood up and crossed my arms over my stomach comfortably, watching the scene with a small smile.

Hazel sat by his feet, looking up at him. I'm sure to her, he looks like a giant.

Hell, to me he looks like a giant.

She reached forward and tugged at his pant leg, and he paused and looked down at her. He said something very quietly, but it sounded like "how can I help you?"

Hazel then held her arms up, and I covered my mouth to hold back the 'awww' that wanted so desperately to express itself.

Alastor stared down at her for a moment, and then gently set his wooden spoon to the side before wiping his hands on his apron.

He bent down and picked her up like she was a piece of paper-thin glass.

Then, after situating her to one side, he held her with one arm and used the other to start plating the food.

Hazel watched him intently, one tiny fist holding onto his arm and the other she was using to suck her thumb. Her head was rested against his shoulder, and I caught him glancing at her to the best of his ability.

I stayed put through the entire ordeal, not wanting to ruin the moment, but when he finished getting the food onto the plates I walked over and grabbed them both.

Then I sent him a smirk, mouthing the word "softy" to him.

He scoffed, shaking his head...but he still didn't put Hazel down.

**

After dinner, I vouched to clean the kitchen.

He cooks, it's only fair I clean.

While I was doing that, Alastor kept the baby occupied with who knows what in the living room.

I can't imagine she has too much energy, she did just have dinner after all, so he shouldn't have his hands too full.

After finishing up the last dish, I sighed and wiped my hands on a kitchen towel. Then, I realized it's really quiet...a bit too quiet.

My eyes narrowed suspiciously, and I looked towards the living room. I couldn't quite see into it, but there was the faint glow of a light coming from over there.

Walking over, I kept quiet. Slowly, I rounded the corner, peeking into the room.

What I saw was...not what I was expecting.

If anything, I was expecting the baby to be laying on the floor or on the couch while Alastor read, or something.

Instead...he was in his chair with Hazel curled up in his arms.

She looked to be sound asleep, and the only light was a soft lamp that laid a gentle orange glow over both of them.

His expression was relaxed, and he was gently brushing his thumb across the side of her head.

I slipped into the room, approaching quietly as to not wake her up. He lifted his eyes to me and smiled slightly before looking back down at her.

"Such a fragile creature..." he mumbled, "it's truly amazing the things a woman's body can do..."

He was speaking softly, probably so he didn't wake her up, and I chuckled slightly before I stopped just next to his chair.

"Yea...it is pretty cool, isn't it?" I mused.

He hummed, and then sighed softly. Suddenly, he moved and the baby stirred slightly.

Gently, he handed her off to me, and she took the switch with grace...falling right back to sleep in my arms.

Standing up, he bent down to kiss my cheek.

"I'm heading out for a bit..." he said quietly, and I frowned slightly, but nodded.

He hasn't left during the night for a few days now...I guess the urge is just getting a little too strong.

After noticing the look on my face, he shook his head slightly and brushed his thumb over my lips, "don't frown, please..." he said softly, "it's alright..."

I gave him a weak smile...but it's hard to smile knowing he's leaving the house to end someone's life.

I know better than to protest, or try to stop him. That doesn't mean I can't be bothered by it...there are days where it doesn't bother me at all...

But standing here, holding a baby in my arms...it makes it a little more concrete the severity of the sins he commits for fun.

He tsk'd softly, and bent down again to place a kiss on my lips. A bit of my unease melted away, and I closed my eyes to embrace the soft touch.

"I'll be back..." he said after we parted.

"Ok," I replied just as quietly, "please be careful...I love you."

He paused for a moment, something flickering through his eyes momentarily before he quickly kissed my forehead.

"I will be," was the response I got, and then he turned away and left me to go get his "hunting" clothes on.

Alastor's POV

The streets were dark, barely illuminated by the flickering street lights that lined the sidewalk.

I was wearing my black leather overcoat, accompanied by some black slacks and a dark red dress shirt.

Checking my pocket watch, I saw I was right on time...10:30 sharp. The butcher shop should be closing, poor Jeremy locking his doors for the last time tonight.

A soft tune fell from my lips in a hum as I walked towards the still lit building. Then my smile faltered slightly when I thought about the fact that I didn't say goodbye to Hazel before I left...Lilian should be getting her shortly, so I won't get to see her when I get back.

Well...she was asleep, anyhow...and I held her for a bit, so it's alright.

With that thought in mind I restored my smile, my feelings turning wicked as I watched the light inside the shop flicker off. Slowly, I stalked around the back to wait.

Only moments later and my target comes walking out the back door, keys jingling as he turned to lock up.

I slinked quietly through the shadows, my heart beginning to pound from my rising excitement.

The butcher started whistling an upbeat tune as he walked away towards a darkened alleyway, most likely a shortcut to his home.

But, oh, such a horrible choice tonight, my friend.

I fell in line behind him quietly, stalking his every move. This is the part where it gets tricky...I need to be careful, and pique their interest without frightening them all at once.

If they run, it's no longer exciting.

I like to hunt, not to chase.

Once we were far enough into the dark alley, I purposely kicked a rock and then swiftly stepped into a darker shadowed area.

Predictably, Jeremy stopped.

He turned, and it was too dark to see his expression but it was amusing to imagine he looked utterly perplexed.

Maybe even a bit of unease riddled his features...who's to know.

I will, soon enough.

"Who's there?" His gruff tone barked out, undoubtably trying to make himself sound tough.

I stayed silent, and while he was distracted I moved closer...closer...and...

It's showtime.

"Good evening, my friend," I said lowly, stepping out of my darkened hiding place. He jumped, spinning around to face me.

My smile was cutting my face, wide and obviously showing my sick excitement. His eyes widened when he met mine.

"You...what're you doin out this late, ya white collar...don't ya have a lady at home, shouldn't ya be there satisfyin her?" He snickered.

I tilted my head, humming.

"Oh, don't worry about my ability to satisfy my woman, I am more than capable when the time calls...but tonight, I'm craving a less carnal satisfaction..."

I let my tone darken, not even hiding my plans from dear old Jeremy. Grasping my hunting knife, I pulled it out of my coat and let my arm drop to the side, putting it on display.

It will be intriguing to see his reaction...will he be frightened? Angry? Perhaps even amused...which will it be.

The moment he laid eyes on it, his gaze narrowed.

Neither of us moved, and he met my eyes again.

"So, it's you..." he scoffed, "you're the axe man that's been tearin up Louisiana for years...kinda pathetic of you to prey on that little girl the way you did," he sneered at me, not realizing what he just said will be the last thing he ever utters.

I blinked and suddenly my hand was around his neck and he was choking. My breathing was labored and my fingers were digging into the sides of his neck, nearly breaking the skin.

"I didn't kill that girl," I growled, getting closer to his face, "and don't you fucking accuse me of something so vile, you pig."

I was experiencing the rush in blinks, moments, blurred movements...one, two, three...oh shit, wait...I lost count, how many times did I stab him?

I don't know.

We're on the ground now, my knee is in his side. If he's fighting back, I can hardly feel it, the blood is rushing to my head.

Fuck, I nearly forgot how good this feels.

The way the skin splits apart for my blade...the feeling of the blood coating my skin...it's immaculate.

He didn't even have a chance.

The grip he had on my shirt slowly loosened as choking turned to gurgling. The surprise on his face was delicious, and I looked him in the eyes as he took his last breaths.

"Rot in hell...and one day I'll see you there." I hissed at him, and then slit his throat.

His hand finally released me, falling into a puddle of blood at his side.

I let out a deep, satisfied sigh. Pulling my knife up to my face, I examined the blood soaked steel.

Then, I ran the flat side across my tongue, cleaning it of the sweet liquid. Nothing tastes quite as good as fresh blood...nothing has that unique, bitter flavor that I crave.

I turned the knife, about to clean the other side when suddenly there was a shrill scream somewhere close to me.

My eyes widened, and I turned towards where the noise had come from. The night was dead silent...I thought perhaps I'd imagined it, but then again...

"Help me!"

My blood ran cold at the feminine voice shrieking out for help. I was up and running before I even had time to think, heading towards where the sounds were coming from.

It wasn't long before I came across another alley way, this one being dimly lit by a lamp further down into it.

The screams had gone silent...but there, standing in the dim, flickering light was the silhouette of a man with a knife held above his head as he knelt over a lump on the ground.

"Hey!" I called out to him, and his head snapped up. It was far too dark to make out any features, the lamp not being much help from how dimly it was glowing, but when he stood up I could see he was relatively tall and lanky.

Then he bolted.

"Hey!" I called again, sprinting after him.

The pursuit was fruitless, however...I'd been too far behind to reach him before he vanished into the dark night.

"Shit..." I mumbled, staring off into the inky darkness...then a soft wheeze gained my attention, and I quickly turned towards the little lump on the ground.

Oh my, she's still got some life in her.

Hurrying over to the injured woman's side, I knelt quickly and tsk'd, "oh, you poor dear...here let's..." I turned her over, and my blood froze...

"Lilian...?"

I'd managed to keep a smile on my face through that entire ordeal, but it fell the moment young Lilian's bloodstained face was revealed to me.

Her chest and stomach were littered with deep wounds, oozing blood, and she was taking in short wheezes for breaths.

My movements became more gentle, and I swept a few matted strands of bloody hair away from her face, then pulled her head into my lap.

"Oh, darling..." I sighed, shaking my head, "I told you to be careful..." I mumbled sadly.

Her eyes were hardly opened, but they fluttered up to me. She swallowed, probably trying to clear her throat of blood, and tried to speak.

I had my hand over one of the deeper wounds, but the blood was just pouring through my fingers...and I knew she wasn't going to be with me much longer...

"Shh shh...don't speak, sweetheart..." I said softly, cradling her in my lap, "you're ok...it's alright..."

She choked the next time she tried to swallow, and then blood bubbled up out of her mouth...her lungs are getting flooded.

I just looked down at her, gently brushing my fingers over the side of her head and trying to make her as comfortable as possible. My body rocked back and forth gently, and her eyes focused on me.

"H-h...e...a...Al..." she managed to choke out my name, and my eyes softened.

"Yes...it's me...relax, honey...it won't hurt for much longer, you're alright...look..." I turned my head up to the sky, littered with stars, "look up there...it's a beautiful night..."

When I looked back down at her, she had focused her eyes on the sky, and a bit more blood seeped from her mouth as she, again, tried to swallow.

Then, I felt her fingers very weakly curl around my hand that was rested over her stomach wound.

She made a few noises, soft gurgles coming from her throat. A couple of tears slipped from her eyes and her lip trembled.

I took her hand in mine and squeezed, somehow getting the massage that she was trying to send.

Wiping her tears away, I put her worries at ease.

"She'll be alright, Lilly..." I said softly, "I'll make sure of it...get some rest, now..."

She tried to take in a breath, but choked slightly...her eyes were still focused on the sky.

Her grip on my hand became looser and looser...until she let out a deep sigh, and she was gone.

I pursed my lips, letting my head hang slightly. Then I squeezed her hand again and carefully laid her back down onto the concrete.

Gently, I placed her arms over her stomach...laying her to rest in a comfortable position until someone finds her.

Lastly, I closed her eyes...and then I gathered myself off the ground and looked down at her for the last time.

"Rest peacefully, dear..." I murmured, turning to make my way back to the house.

I'm not going to enjoy delivering this news to Fawn...and poor little Hazel...

A deep scowl set on my face and my blood began to boil.

When I find out who this villain is...

There won't be a god strong enough to save him from the hell I have planned.