This song isn't chapter related, I just like it.

A/N: Hi, guys! As much as it's difficult for me to say this, my daily updates are no longer going to be promised.

I realize many of you don't mind this, but it's quite a hit to my pride as a writer when I'm so used to getting things done on time and being ahead.

My life currently just isn't permitting my tight knit schedule, so from now on, I will not have a set schedule to follow anymore. This doesn't mean chapters will be far and wide in between, I'm still going to try and have one for you daily, but I just don't want to promise it lest it not be fulfilled.

Alright, that's all from me. Love you all.

- whatevs

Fawn's POV

Alastor was not bluffing.

My eyes were wide and amazed as the car rolled leisurely through the richest area of town. Along both sides of the streets were gated mansions, side by side.

I'm not sure what I was expecting, but this definitely wasn't it. Never had I been to this area when I was back home, I never saw a need for it.

Now I regret not getting to see what it was like in the future.

Each house was unique and grand in its own way, putting the word "mansion" to a whole new meaning.

To me, Alastor's house was a mansion...but these houses could easily make for two of his.

Which isn't exactly something I envy, nor want. Are these houses beautiful to look at and admire?

Yes, of course they are.

Would I take them over our cute little country home?

No. Not in a million years.

Alastor must've noticed my stupefied admiration, because I heard him chuckle softly.

"They are quite...grandiose, I suppose. While pleasing to look at, I don't think my tastes would ever adjust to this area of town," he mused, voicing my own thoughts.

I nodded, "yea...they're almost too big," I scoffed, my eyes set onto a front porch that could probably be labeled the size of a large living room.

The rest of the ride was comfortably silent, aside from Al's soft singing. His voice in place of a real stereo was truly something, and probably my favorite part of our car rides.

Just when I was beginning to think this neighborhood had no end, finally the car began to slow next to a sleek, white, country type mansion.

It's elegance almost made it look modern, and I couldn't help but study it. My focus was only broken when the door next to me popped open, revealing a gloved hand entering my vision.

Immediately, I thought it was Alastor, taking the hand with no hesitation as I started emerging form the car.

"Careful, miss," said an accented voice, to which I nearly stumbled in surprise. My head whipped up to see an older man with slicked back salt and pepper hair.

His gaze was professional, as was the air around him. I noticed that he was dressed in proper butler clothing, his other arm firmly behind his back.

I also noticed how, even after I looked at him, he kept his eyes trained above my head and forward.

Quickly, I helped myself the rest of the way, thanking him before hurrying to link arms with Alastor, who was waiting for me by the gates.

His amused expression told me he saw my confusion, and he bent down to whisper to me, "that's one of the family butlers. That's his job, so don't feel frightened," he reassured me softly.

I chuckled, "I figured as much, I just thought it was you because I wasn't paying attention, so when he spoke I nearly had a heart attack," I recounted the events, amusement creeping into my speech.

Al chuckled as well, and when we reached the grand front doors, there were two more butlers waiting on either side of them.

Neither of them made any sort of eye contact either, simply opening the doors for us.

It felt weird being waited on like this. I grew up learning that service workers and helpers deserve just as much respect as any other human being.

So, it was a bit heartbreaking when they wouldn't even make eye contact with me as I thanked them.

My fingers stayed wrapped around Alastor's arm as we entered the house, the sound of music being the first thing we could hear.

Our steps clicked on the polished marble floor, and I couldn't help but look around in complete wonder at everything.

The crystal chandeliers, the intricate wall patterns, the furniture...it's obvious this place is a result of family wealth.

"Ah! Friends!"

Tom's voice pulled me out of my thoughts, and I turned to face where the noise had come from.

He was by the stairs, dressed to impress with Niffty on his arm.

She looked utterly adorable, her hair actually being styled into an updo and the dress she was wearing looking similar in style to my own.

"Hi Fawn! Hi Al!" she greeted us both happily, and when we reached them she broke away from his side to give me a hug.

The men shook hands, and began to talk as they normally do.

"Hello, my friend! This is quite the magnificent abode you have! Quote palatial," Al commented, to which Thomas barked out a laugh.

"Oh, don't flatter me! It's a bit much, after all...my mother was quite the decorator before she passed, and I just haven't the heart to change the scenery," he said fondly, looking around.

Alastor simply nodded, "ah, but a woman of great taste, nonetheless.

Tom nodded, "that she was...now, come! Come, my friends, I've invited you all here earlier to give you a proper tour before the festivities begin," he said excitedly.

It was almost adorable the way he turned on his heel and beckoned us after him. Niffty returned to his side, bouncing on her heels as her gaze whipped around to take in everything around her.

Though, something told me this isn't the first time she's ventured into this space.

My smile softened at the thought, and then I let myself relax as Thomas happily showed us around this castle he calls a house.

The sound of shoes clicking against marble and eccentric talking filled the atmosphere, the man spinning tales of times past with whimsy.

He would show us an attraction in whatever room we entered, and then spiral into an entertaining story of where he or his parents had acquired it. Each room was purposed with a name, though they became lost on me the more we walked.

Hell, there had to be more than thirty rooms in this house. I couldn't keep track of it all, but I was quite enjoying the amusement of watching Thomas put on a whole show for us.

As we were walking, the interested smile on my face faltered as Thomas slipped right past a room that had a closed door. We hadn't missed a single room until that moment.

My eyes lingered on it for a moment, narrowing and wondering if I should tell him he missed a room...but something told me he knew.

Deciding my curiosity could be sated at a different time, I turned back towards the main attraction, a smile lifting back to my lips.

"And here is quite possibly my most prized room of them all! It has a long history of harboring my family's innermost nasty little secrets," he whispered, making a spider-like gesture with his hand before smacking a palm against the door and throwing it open to reveal...

A bathroom.

I choked on a snicker, covering my mouth. Looking up at Al, I watched his eye twitch slightly and his lip quirk into an amused smirk. It wasn't long before he dropped his head and cracked, letting out a bit of laughter.

Thomas was thoroughly pleased with his joke, he and Niffty cackling like the perfect pair they were.

After a long moment of chuckles echoing through the large empty space, the sound of a bell jingling caught our attention.

"Master Thomas, your evening company is arriving," came that same accented voice belonging to the butler who helped me from the car.

Thomas perked up, "oh! Heavens, what perfect timing. Alrighty then, posse, let's head downstairs to greet our arriving acquaintances!"

Al and I shared a look when Thomas turned to descend the stairs directly at his right. His expression had softened, and he seemed to be scanning me.

I crinkled my nose at him playfully, "I'm ok, Al," I assured him quietly, to which he simply nodded.

"Ready to start our night, then?" He asked me, and my expression brightened with excitement.

Looking into his eyes, I saw a flicker of something that I couldn't quite place. Anticipation, maybe? Possibly even a bit of nerves?

Either way, I chalked it up to him being excited as well, and nodded.

"Hell yea."

**

Laughter, music, and chatter filled the room.

Everyone was having a wonderful time, enjoying themselves and feasting on hor-d'œuvres.

Myself included.

All these little finger foods were satisfying the hunger that would creep up on me every thirty minutes or so.

As of the current, Alastor and I were sitting casually at the bar, and he was chatting up a group of young men.

Some of them I recognized from the office, but there were still a few unfamiliar faces.

Roaring laughter broke out from the group as Alastor delivered the punchline to a joke that I didn't care enough to pay attention to.

My mind was swirling with thoughts of how my bladder was starting to feel heavy, a bit of pressure settling there that was reminding me that I should probably go use the restroom.

I pondered for a second if I could just hold it, seeing as I was having fun and didn't necessarily wish to leave or interrupt.

Alastor's arm was around my waist, casually tracing shapes into my side with the tips of his fingers until finally I decided to quell my aching bladder.

Sighing softly, I moved slightly to slip away before the hand on my waist tightened, keeping me in place.

Startled, I looked over at him and although he kept his composure intact to the public, I could see the slight worry behind his eyes as he steadied me back onto the stool.

"Careful, cher...you almost fell," he stated, and my confusion quickly settled as I realized my sudden movement against his hand made him think I was actually slipping.

With a heavy roll of my eyes, I smirked at him pointedly and then leaned forward to kiss his cheek. That was also an excuse to get close enough so I could whisper.

"Not falling. Getting up. I hav'ta pee," I said quietly, and his eyes widened a bit in realization.

"Ah! Of course, my dear. Sorry gentlemen, but it seems—"

"Oh, no, you can stay," I interjected, knowing he was going to want to follow me like a guard dog, "I'll be just fine, Al. If I need you, I'll scream," I teased him with a wink, watching as he blushed just barely at my action.

His brows furrowed, and I could see he wanted to protest, but ultimately he just nodded. His smile broadened once more, attention going back to the young men who had quieted to be respectful of our private conversation.

"On second thought, it appears I am staying!" He announced heartily, to which all the men seemed pleased.

I wondered away, a soft smile on my face as his voice faded from behind me. This is the most I have ever seen him socialize, and he is in his element.

Entertaining. It's what he does.

Weaving carefully through the crowd of people, I began my ascent to the upper floor where the bathroom is.

I'm sure there's one on the lower floor, but Thomas didn't show us that one, and also I think a bit of quiet will be nice for just a second.

It's easier with Al by my side, but anxiety still strikes whenever we're the center of conversation, which has been pretty much all night.

Not to say I'm not enjoying myself, I actually am a lot more than I originally figured I would, but a moment of solitude will give me a second to breathe.

Finally, I made it to the restroom, letting out a soft sigh before going about my business. As I did, I observed the bathroom and noted that it was quite pretty.

Marble accents and soft blues decorated the most of it, accompanied by soft cremes.

The slight pain in my bladder released, and I released a satisfied sigh before continuing to go through the motions, finishing up my little trip.

The door clicked behind me as I shut it, and I began my way back to the party before I caught sight of the door from before.

The shut door that Tom skipped over.

Curiosity made my steps falter before coming to a complete stop. I observed it, and tilted my head before facing it fully.

Reaching forward, I tried the knob and was unsurprised when it rejected me with a stiff click as the lock stopped me from continuing.

"Hm..." I let out, being reminded vaguely of the door at Alastor's house that I'm not allowed to enter.

"Fawn, my dear, whatever are you doing up here?"

The sudden voice made me jolt, my heart nearly leaping out of my throat before I settled and faced who it was.

My racing heart calmed when it was just Thomas.

"Oh...um, well, I had to...use the restroom...and I was just walking back and saw this door and..." I bit my lip slightly, wondering if I was intruding too much into his private life, "...well you didn't show us this room, I was just curious. I apologize for invading your privacy," I said quietly and with the slight bow of my head.

However, Thomas began to chuckle softly, "oh, darling, don't fret over it. You're right, however, this room is very private and off limits," he said, "which is why I keep it locked at all times."

Okay, now I'm fully curious. Not to mention this is just so reminiscent of Alastor's secret room, but unlike that door I feel absolutely nothing dark or creepy from this one.

No whispers or hair standing up on my arm as I pass it...nothing.

Nevertheless, I reeled in my wish to know what's behind it. It's none of my business, and I'm a guest here after all.

"Oh, well alright...fair enough," I said softly, letting a smile lift my lips as he came closer to me.

His dark blue eyes studied me a moment. He seemed to be debating something with himself, I could see his gears turning.

Those eyes then narrowed slightly and he tilted his head, "don't worry, little darling, I fully intend on showing you what's behind the door. One day, when it's ready," he commented, then walked past me before pausing again.

I turned to him, my curiosity muddling with confusion at his words until he stuck out his arm.

"How about an escort? I'm sure Alastor would appreciate you being accompanied by someone he trusts to ensure you return to his side safe and sound."

After one more glance to the door, I decided to just let it go and took his arm.

I shrugged and smiled up at him, "yea, probably."

With that, Thomas walked me back down the stairs and to where the party was still raging in full force.