Chapter Text
“FUCK!”
Alastor raised his eyebrows as he rounded the corner into the office he shared with Charlie. “Good morning?”
“No, it’s not!” He’d never seen her in such an agitated state, even when Angel Dust had thrown an orgy at the hotel while she was out of town. “Why why WHY?!”
“If you tell me what’s going on, perhaps I can tell you why.” He leaned against Charlie’s desk. “What’s the matter, dear?”
She slammed her head down on the desk and pointed at the computer. “Dear you know I want nothing to do with those things.”
“Just fucking read it!” He knew she must REALLY be upset to swear at him. He sighed and leaned over to read the message on the screen.
“Dear Charlie, it’s been far too long since we’ve spoken and we have so much to catch up on. I know it’s short notice but I’ll be in town this weekend and I’d love to stay at your hotel if you’ll have me. I’ll be there this afternoon, can’t wait to see you. Yours, Seviathan.” Alastor couldn’t figure out why she was so worked up. “Who is Seviathan?”
“MY EX BOYFRIEND.” Ah, now it made sense.
“Are you not on good terms? This seems like a friendly message.”
“No! I hate him! But also I love him. And every time I see him I just end up…ugh. I can’t stay away from him. And then he leaves and breaks my heart every time. It KILLS me, and now he’s going to be here a whole weekend!”
“Now, now, no need for tears, my dear girl.” He awkwardly patted her on the head. “It would be my pleasure to kill him on your behalf.”
“It’s not funny, Al!” She looked up at him with tear filled eyes.
“And I wasn’t joking.” He smiled in reply. “Your intention is to avoid getting intimate with him again, correct?”
“God this is mortifying. Yes.” Charlie groaned.
“So tell him you’re spoken for.”
“He knows I’m not. He knows Vaggie and I broke up.”
“I was referring to someone else. Perhaps a handsome, suave, and powerful demon overlord?”
Charlie looked up at him and blinked, then let out a peal of laughter. “Thanks, Al. I needed a laugh.”
“I wasn’t joking! And I don’t appreciate your laughter. Is the idea of going steady with me so humorous?”
“I’m sorry, Al.” She squeezed his hand, something he wouldn’t permit from anyone else. “You’re just…well, everyone knows you don’t like people in general. I don’t think anyone would believe you were dating me. We’re veeeeery different people.”
“Opposites attract, my dear!”
“Plus you don’t even like to touch people, and you’re gonna have a serious girlfriend?” Charlie stood up to leave. “I don’t think-EEP!”
Alastor had pinned her against the desk, forcing her to lean backwards. His arms were on either side of her and they were extremely close. “I don’t like to touch MOST people, but I think I could make an exception.” Charlie felt like she couldn’t breathe as he trailed a finger down her cheek.
“You’re a little close.” Charlie whispered, looking like a deer caught in the headlights.
“Am I? I could be closer.” He leaned in further, making Charlie lean back even more. “What's the matter, darling? You’re positively flushed!” He grinned. “Are you feeling alright?” He pressed a hand to her forehead to feel the temperature. “No, it must be something else that has your heart racing. I can hear it, you know.”
“You’re making me a little nervous.” Her wide eyes never left his.
“Is that so? Well, since I’m not someone who touches or likes other people, I should think you’d have no reason to be nervous!”
“You made your point, Al.” She rolled her eyes.
“No, I don’t think I have.” She gasped as he grabbed her waist and pulled her closer. His lips were inches from hers and he chuckled at the sound of her breath hitching. “I’d be happy to touch you, Charlotte.” He moved his lips to whisper in her ear. “All you have to do is ask.”
Sirens and alarm bells were going off in Charlie’s brain. He loved getting a rise out of people, this is what he wanted. Entertainment. She decided to call his bluff. “Well? What are you waiting for?”
She smirked as his eyes widened in surprise. He opened his mouth to speak and was interrupted by the sound of a throat clearing.
“Am i interrupting?” Angel asked, wiggling his eyebrows.
“No!” Charlie replied as Alastor said yes.
“When you’re done fucking around, you’ve got a phone call. Line one.”
“Thank you! Who is it?”
“Somebody with a really stupid name, says he knows you from way back.” Angel shrugged and left the two of them.
Charlie knew exactly who was calling. Unfortunately, so did Alastor. They exchanged a brief look before Charlie dove for the phone on her desk, which Alastor promptly made disappear and reappear in his hand. “AL!”
Alastor hit the speaker button. “Hello?”
“Oh, uh. Hi!” A male voice spoke. “I was trying to reach Charlie?”
“I see. May I ask what this is about?”
“I’m an old friend of hers. I sent her an email to tell her I’m coming to the hotel. I just wanted to make sure she saw it so I didn’t surprise her.”
“Ah, Seviathan! Yes, Charlie mentioned you.”
“I’m sorry, who is this?” Seviathan asked.
“Apologies, I didn’t introduce myself! I’m Alastor.” He looked right at Charlie and grinned. “Charlie’s husband.”