Just Fawn lookin' purty. That's all.

Fawn's POV

After returning from our picnic, Alastor unfortunately had to finish up his chores.

I, on the other hand, was already finished.

So, naturally, I occupied myself with whatever I could find around the house. I cleaned here and there, organized, anything I could distract myself with.

If I'm being completely honest...sometimes I really miss my phone and tv. Whenever Alastor is around, I hardly think about it, but hell...there ain't shit to do!

I could go for some funny cat videos right about now...

That would be far more entertaining than what I'm currently doing.

Laid on my stomach, feet up in the air behind me as I flicked through the radio stations. The radio and I are both on the living room floor, and I can see why Al wins so many awards...

All these other guys are so fucking boring.

The weekend broadcasters aren't nearly as bubbly, entertaining, or interesting as Alastor is.

I suppose that's why he works the weekdays...

After turning off yet another mediocre station, I flipped the radio off completely and picked it up gently as I stood up off the floor.

Carefully I placed it back on the end table, situating it properly. I took a moment to brush my fingers over the several scars the device had gained...

A small smile quirked on my lips, then I sighed and turned away to face the entire room. My hands went to my hips and I pouted.

Then my eyes went to the front door, and I tilted my head.

Making my way over, I slipped out of the house and scanned the yard. Alastor was still over by the stump, chopping wood.

Louisiana doesn't exactly get cold but I guess it's always smart to be prepared for anything.

He seemed to be on his last couple of logs, so I decided I could go over and pester him while he finishes.

Again I stepped into the grass with my bare feet, the soft blades tickling my toes as I trotted over to him.

He noticed me same as last time, his strained expression lifting into a smile. Again he wedged the axe into the stump, standing up to face me as he wiped a bit of sweat off his forehead.

He's gonna need to take another shower, silly man.

"Hello, again, my love," he greeted, and I came to a stop at his side.

"Hello, sweaty," I teased him, to which he wiped some more sweat from his forehead and then tried to touch me.

I gasped and hopped away from him, and he burst out laughing.

"That should teach you to stop being so mean to me!" He laughed, grasping his axe with one hand and pulling it free from the wood.

Watching him do that, I blushed slightly and scoffed, crossing my arms and turning my head.

"I came out here to see you!" I protested, "last time I make that mistake," I grumbled, putting on a fake pout as I glanced at him.

"Did you miss me that much, little Fawn?" He questioned, raising the tool above his head before he grunted as he swung down.

The small log split in half, and took a step closer, "your house is boring," I complained, "I figured you're more interesting...can I try?" I asked, looking at the large axe.

He looked at me with a confused expression and then glanced down at the weapon he was holding.

"You...can you try to chop wood...?" He asked, confirming if that's what I meant.

I nodded eagerly, already holding my hands out and making a grabbing motion as I stepped closer.

He held it up away from me, shaking his head, "nuh uh...nope. You are delicate, and I wouldn't want you hurting yourself—"

His words cut off as soon as he saw my half lidded, annoyed expression.

I huffed, putting my hands on my hips, "delicate?"

He rolled his eyes, "baby..." he whined slightly, "you know what I meant, I just...it's heavy, and sharp I don't want you getting hurt," he explained, and my expression softened slightly.

I mean, sure, he's right...

However, I'm bored and I want to try.

"I know..." I said, my tone a bit more gentle, "but you're here, you can help me. I want to try," I repeated, holding my hands out with a smile.

He glanced at my outstretched hands, and then to my smiling face before he sighed softly and handed me the axe.

Internally, I celebrated my victory...externally, I immediately almost dropped the tool because it was far heavier than I was expecting.

"I told you so," Alastor hummed nonchalantly, watching me struggle to pick it up.

I glared at him, and he quickly moved to help me.

"Here, love..." he said, setting up a new log, "now lift it over your head, and strike straight down the center...don't try to use strength, but allow the axe's own weight to guide your hands."

His tone was gentle as he explained it to me, and then stepped behind me to help me lift it.

My arms shook slightly, but he had me...so there's nothing to worry about.

"Alright...I'm going to help you swing, and then let go. On three..."

He was right by my ear, whispering to me. I felt one hand on my waist, the other holding up the axe with me.

Then he began to count, and I focused on the piece of wood.

"Three..." he whispered, pushing the axe to give me momentum as I swung. I did as I was told, allowing the axe to go with its own weight.

It collided with the log, which split straight in half.

A sense of pride swelled in my chest, and I let go of the axe that had wedged into the stump. I hopped a few times and turned to face Al, clapping for myself.

"I did it!" I chirped happily, and he looked down at me with a soft smile.

"Yes, you did...now, how about you let me finish up here, and go on inside. I'll be behind you, there's not more than around 10 minutes of work left...once I'm in, we can make dinner together after I take a quick shower."

My eyes widened slightly.

"Together...?" I asked, my smile widening slightly, "you never let me help with dinner..."

He winked at me, providing me no verbal answer as he started to work again.

So, I took that as a 'it's a surprise' and headed back to the house to wait a little longer.

I felt a bit giddy, stepping into the living room.

Alastor always tells me strictly that I am not allowed in the kitchen while he's cooking...I mean, I'm sure he wouldn't do anything if I were to wonder in, but he prefers I stay up in our room.

I think I know why...but, I like to lie to myself and believe it's because he wants to keep his recipes secret.

When you're in a relationship with a serial killer...it's just...easier to lie to yourself, sometimes.

But, that just makes it all the more exciting! I wonder what he's planned.

Just as I was trying to piece it together in my head, trying to soil the surprise with my imagination, Alastor stepped into the house.

I lifted my eyes towards the door, and my breath caught.

He was glistening with sweat, not dripping, but you could tell he'd been working hard...and since he'd just been using most of his muscles, they were all perfectly defined.

Painting a very pretty picture for me to look at.

He spotted me over on the couch, and smiled.

"There's my darling...I hope I didn't keep you waiting too terribly long, love. Now, do me a quick favor, and head into the kitchen. I need you to go into the kitchen, and in the top left drawer by the stove there's a recipe...please start chopping the vegetables listed, and I'll be down there with you in a moment. I feel gross, so I need to wash up before I come help," he said, motioning to himself.

I chuckled, "I think you look damn fine, but that's just me," I quipped, shrugging.

He rolled his eyes, blushing slightly before turning to the stairs, "I'll be down soon," he said, heading upstairs.

I watched him, and then looked to the kitchen.

Well, I guess I should go get started on those vegetables he was talking about.

I stood up, heading to the kitchen. The evening light was drifting through the window, painting the kitchen in rays of warmth.

My lips were set into a content smile as I made my way towards the drawer he mentioned, opening it to see a piece of paper...

It looked very old, and my first thought was to be gentle with it.

So, carefully, I picked it up. My brows furrowed as I read the recipe...then they rose and my eyes widened.

The handwriting was not Alastor's...Alastor has beautiful cursive, but this handwriting just held an elegance to it that I couldn't believe.

Right at the top, the words "Mommy's Recipe" was written, and next to it said "for my baby boy".

My lips parted, and I read over the ingredients...slowly realizing that Alastor was going to show me how to make his mother's jambalaya.

"Oh, Al..." I whispered softly, smiling before carefully placing the recipe onto the counter. I glanced over the vegetables listed, gathering them together one by one.

I'd gotten halfway through mincing the onion when I heard Alastor's footsteps approach behind me.

Then, hands on my waist before the feeling of his lips against my neck.

It was a very light, gentle kiss.

I kept mincing, the onion, a bit of blush slowly rising to my face. He kept kissing, trailing kisses all the way up my neck.

The smell of jade and lavender surrounded me, that being the scent of our soap.

"That recipe is the last thing my mother ever gave me..." he whispered against my skin, "and I remember you telling me...that...your mother was never able to share that with you..."

Slowly I stopped my cutting motion, turning slightly so I could see him.

"You remember that...?" I asked him, a bit surprised.

He chuckled, "of course I do...I've been meaning to show you...I think tonight is a proper time," he said, looking down at me with a gentle smile.

I stared up at him for a moment, and before I could stop it tears had built up in my eyes.

Quickly, I put the knife down and wrapped my arms around him in a tight hug.

He hugged me back, giving me a tight squeeze before he let go and I stepped back. Using his thumbs, he wiped my eyes, "now, now...no tears, my darling..." he said softly.

"They're happy tears..." I laughed softly and sniffled, "this is...so thoughtful, I just..."

I shook my head, unable to properly express how much this means to me...

Luckily, Al saved me by leaning down to connect our lips.

His lips were soft, and he smelled so good...

When we parted, he brushed his thumb over my cheek, "I want to share every piece of who I am with you until the day I die..." he said quietly.

I smiled, and got on my toes to plant a quick kiss against his lips.

"Always so poetic..." I giggled, and he blushed, looking down with a sheepish smile.

It was finally my turn to reach up, lifting his chin with my fingers so he'd look me in the eyes.

"And I love you so much..." I said, to which his lips parted. He looked a little lost, looking into my eyes for a long moment.

Then he cleared his throat, "I love you, too" he said quietly, then reached around me to grab the small piece of paper.

"Now, my dear...let's get to cooking!" He exclaimed, his bright personality returning in a snap.

I giggled, turning back towards my onion, "right away, sir!"