Chapter 21

The alarm went off as I shot up, almost forgetting about the little sleeping beauty I had lying on my chest.

"Mhh..Al?" She mumbled as she looked up at me.

"Yes?" I asked, reaching over and turning it off.

"What time is it?" She asked.

"You might want to go get ready, you usually wake up a bit earlier than me," I told her.

"But you're so warm." She said as I chuckled.

"You wouldn't want to be late, would you?" I asked as she sighed.

"No, I guess not." She said, moving over and sitting up.

"We..could always do this again," I said as she hopped off the bed and stretched.

"Not a bad idea." She said as she headed for the door.

"You might wanna start getting ready too. You wouldn't want to be late, would you?" She tittered. She walked out the room and shut the door.

I followed her advice and got ready, taking longer than usual.

Thinking of last night.

Things went, well, as perfectly as they could have in my opinion. An easy day at work followed by a nice dinner and a good rest. That may have been the best sleep I've gotten in a while if I'm being honest.

Of course, I'm not glad that her nightmares returned, I suppose I'm the reason why she has them. They are about me, after all. She just doesn't know that. But her night terrors return led her to sleep in my room with me. She didn't seem to have any while sleeping with me anyway. Maybe she just needed someone near her.

I offered her a spot in my bed to comfort her but I think she helped me more than I did her. Her being there calmed my nerves, I haven't had the easiest time getting sleep lately. I think it really started after what happened with Alex. I still don't know if he saw me that night, I've started to doubt it, though. He's been persistent in trying to catch The Ripper, me.

I don't think he would just wait around if he already knew it was me, he has a personal vendetta against me for more than one reason now. But even with that, I've still been a bit anxious when it comes to him. My mind's been cloudy while I've been keeping myself busy with work. Overworking has kept me distracted. And admittedly distant. So I thought it'd be nice to take her out to eat, push work and my worries aside for a night. I started to worry when she began to fall silent, though. Turned out she was only nervous. Before admitting that, I thought maybe I had done something wrong. Just me making things up I suppose. Other than that little scare, the night went quite swell.

After throwing some clothes on and fixing up my appearance, I went down the stairs. I found a cup of coffee on the table, Y/n was nowhere to be found. I assumed she left the coffee for me and went off to work. It was about the time she usually did.

How kind

Today's papers were on the table, I picked them up as I sat down. I skimmed over them as I sipped at my coffee until it was time for me to leave as well.

~~~

I went my usual way to work, not really stopping to say hello to anyone on the way there as I was in a hurry. Until I heard a voice call my name, I didn't turn my head because I knew who had called for me. It made me walk faster.

"Al! Woo, you walk fast!" She said, grabbing my arm as I stopped.

Mimzy

"..Mimzy." I chuckled nervously as I turned around.

"I'm kind of in a rush, Mimzy. I can't really chat." I said as I turned around and continued to walk.

"Then I'll keep it short, we can walk while we talk!" She said, following next to me. She was really the last person I wanted to see right now.

"Look, I..I wanted to say sorry for the other night." She said.

"Is that why you followed me?" I asked as she laughed.

"Well, I didn't know when I'd see you again." She said before continuing.

"I'm real sorry, Al. I said and did some dumb things. I should've known you didn't feel the same way for me..and that's okay!" She said, letting out a small chuckle.

"I just..I hoped we could stay friends. I'd really hate to lose you over something so dumb." She said, stopping as I did the same.

"Are we okay?" She asked.

"Mimzy.."

"Please, I need an answer." She said.

"Mimzy, I don't know If I have an answer for you at the moment," I said.

"But, I-"

"I need a little time. Can you give me that, Mimzy?" I asked as she sighed.

"Yes, I can give you some time." She said, looking down at her feet.

"We can speak about this later, alright?" I asked as she looked up.

"You should probably get going so that you're not late." She said. She gave a small wave before walking away in the direction she came.

~~~

As I stepped into the station, Caleb called out.

"Hey, Al!" He got up from his seat and walked over to me.

"Caleb.. Is there something you need?" I asked.

"Oh, well, I just wanted to make sure your guys got back alright. I didn't really see you guys after I saw you chatting outside the other night." He said.

"I appreciate the concern, but we got back just fine," I said.

"That's good.." He trailed off.

"Anything else?" I asked, stopping.

"I was also wondering if Y/n was free today." He said.

"Well, she's working. Why?" I asked.

"I was thinking about taking her out for a late lunch or something, I guess I could when she gets off.."

"Hmm, not sure if she'll want to go out," I said as he turned his head to me,

"Why's that?" He asked.

"I mean, we did just go out last night," I said.

"You and her?" He asked.

"On a date, yes," I said as I tried to walk away, yet, he followed as he was still wanting answers.

"So..does that mean you and her are together?" He asked as I chuckled.

"You could say that, yes," I said.

"Are-"

"I've got work to do," I said, stepping inside the broadcasting room.

"And I assume you do as well, correct?" I asked, turning around. He sighed and nodded.

"Well, best we get to it!" I said before shutting the door.

~~~

(Y/n's POV)

Somebody walked into the diner as I wrote down and left someone's order in the kitchen. As I walked over to the booth where they sat, it turned out to be Caleb.

"When did the waitresses here get so pretty?" He asked, looking up at me.

"What are you doing here?" I asked.

"Can't I enjoy a meal at this fine establishment?" He asked.

"Alright then, what can I get you?" I asked as he let out a nervous chuckle.

"Caleb, what are you here for?" I asked.

"Alastor told me something." He said.

"Well, what did he tell you?" I asked as he fidgeted with his hands.

"He told me you two were together." He said. He looked up at me, seemingly hoping I'd deny it.

"He told you that?" I asked as he nodded.

"Well, I mean, we're taking things slow-"

"So he wasn't lying." He said.

"Why would you-He's so..arrogant, he's rude, he's selfish, he's-"

"Caleb," I said, causing him to stop.

"I'm just trying to say that there are better people out there than him." He said.

"Caleb, I appreciate you looking out for me, I do. But I can make my own decisions and I'm confident about my decision to be with him. I know you've always had mixed feelings about him but he's not as bad as you seem to think. He's not some monster." I said.

"I'll be fine, Caleb. Trust me." I said.

"And if  things go wrong, you'll be there, won't you?" I chuckled as he smiled.

"You know, we should get together soon, all three of us. We could hang out, it's been a while anyway." I said.

"Yeah..Alastor doesn't really like having me over at his." He said.

"He better! And if not, he'll have to deal with it." I said as he laughed.

"Well, if all falls through, you're always welcome at my place." He said.

"I'll keep it in mind.." I said.

"Now, are you going to order something or are we just going to talk?" I asked.

"Oh, yeah."

~~~

(Alastor's POV)

Before I left for the day I was supposed to give a few papers to Caleb. Except, he wasn't there. I was told that he left early for the day and to leave them for him. I figured he had left and gone home, so I decided to go and stop over at the diner since Y/n was supposed to be getting done soon. Though, I found out that that wasn't the case when I stepped inside. He was sitting in one of the booths eating while she stood leaning against the table talking to him. I worked a bit later than usual, so her shift should have been over by now.

"Y/n?" I asked, walking over to the table. She said something to Caleb before walking over to me.

"Are you working longer today?" I asked.

"No, I can go now." She said.

"Good." I smiled. She waved goodbye to him as I snaked my arm around her waist, giving Caleb a smile as we walked out.

"Did he leave early to stop over there?" I asked as we walked.

"I don't know, you'd have to ask him." She said.

"Hm..what were you talking about?" I asked.

"Oh, well, he uhm.."

"Yes?" I asked.

"Did you tell him about us?" She asked as I unlocked the front door and stepped inside, her following.

"He asked," I said.

"Don't you think it's a little too soon to tell people?" She asked, holding her arm.

"If you'd like me to, I could keep my mouth shut," I said. I walked over, brushing a hair from her face.

"Just for a little, maybe?"

"As you wish, dear," I said.

"Is that really what he went to speak to you about?" I said, walking away.

"He was just a little uh..he-"

"Oh! I ran into Mimzy by the way. Well, she kind of chased me." I said.

"She did?" She asked as I nodded.

"Why did she do that?" She asked.

"She apologized," I said.

"What'd you say?" She asked.

"I didn't really have an answer at the moment, and I was rushing for work. So I told her we could speak about it later." I said.

"Hm, when is later, exactly?"

"It's...well, it's later, dear," I said.

"That doesn't answer my question." She said.

"Did Caleb ask you out to lunch by any chance?" I asked.

"Huh? No..he didn't. Why?"

"Oh, no reason really," I said.

"Are you hungry?"

~~~

After dinner, I spent the majority of the evening in my bedroom. I hadn't gone out for a kill in almost three weeks, I was planning on going out tonight. As it got later, the sky got darker. I caught up with paperwork as I waited for it to get later, late enough for me to head out. When it reached 2:40, I got what I needed. I slipped on some gloves as I tucked a knife away. I opened the door to Y/n's room before leaving.

Fast asleep

Knowing she was sleeping, I left. Streetlights shined bright as I walked down the road. The night was still, ever so often I'd hear an animal noise but that was about it. It was late, but there was usually someone out. I didn't really have a set target, it was more of whoever I came across. And that's when I saw someone. I clutched onto the knife as I moved closer, whoever it was, spotted me.

"Hey, you!" A voice said as It came towards me. Quickly, I hid the blade.

"Alastor?" He asked as he came close enough.

"Alexander, what are you doing out so late?" I asked.

"I could ask the same thing." He said, his eyebrows furrowed.

"Is that a gun?" I asked, pointing to what was in his hand.

"Oh uh..well, I didn't know who you were." He chuckled as he put it away.

"Did you think I was the killer?" I asked, walking next to him.

"I don't know, maybe."

"Hm, is that why you're out here?" I asked.

"I'm technically off duty. They don't have me patrolling at night anymore, not after what happened-"

"Maybe that's for the best? I mean, Alex, you could have died." I said.

"More people will continue to die if nobody does anything. And they barely have anyone out at night, let alone at this hour! He's not going to strike during the day." He said.

"Alex, how much sleep have you gotten? You don't look well." I said.

"I'll be fine." He said as he sighed.

"Just wish I had something to take the edge off." He said.

"..Like a drink?" I asked as he turned his head and scoffed.

"Why? You know a place?" He asked.

"Maybe..how badly do you want the drink?" I asked.

"If you're implying that I might give the place away, you can rest assured knowing I won't. There are more important things going on than some people selling liquor." He said.

"Come with me."

~~~

When we got there, I led Alexander inside the bar. By his expression and movements, it seemed this was his first time being in one.

"Al?"

"Ah, Husker! Glad to see you're here." I said as I sat down, Alex soon did the same.

"Alastor told me a bit about you, you're Husk? Nice to meet you." He said, holding out his hand.

"Yeah..don't call me that." He said, pushing his hand away.

"Who is this?" He asked.

"This is Alexander-"

"Alastor, the hell are you doing bringing random people here? Mimzy won't be so-"

"Alastor?"

"Oh, Mimzy. You're here." I said.

"I am..uh..who is this?" She asked.

"Well, I was getting to that before Henry rudely interrupted me. This is Alexander. He won't rat you out, he doesn't care for speakeasies like that." I said.

"Husk I'll take over from here, you can go home." She said as he nodded and walked to the back.

"Two shots of whisky, please."

It ended up being a bit more than two shots. A few glasses later and he was wasted.

I went to leave money for our drinks but Mimzy turned it down with a smile, saying they were "On the house". I thanked her and soon left with him as I went to walk him home.

"You know, I'm g-going to become a detective." He said hiccuping.

"Mhm.." I said.

"I'm going to catch this guy.."

"I promise." He said looking at me.

"I'm sure you will, but for now, I think you need some rest," I said.

"It's not too much farther." He said.

I looked around and yet there was still no one, the streets empty. I placed my hand on the knife that was tucked away in my pants. I contemplated finishing what I started, after all, It would be for the best. One more obstacle out of the way..

"You think I can?"

"Hm?" I asked.

"Catch him." He said.

"As I said, I'm sure you will. But you have to get home first." I said.

We walked for another few minutes until we reached his home.

"Goodnight," I said as he waved goodbye and walked inside.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

So writer's block has taken a toll on me. I also just haven't had much motivation or inspiration to write lately. Which is why it took so long to get this chapter out. I'm going to try my best to get better and work through this but chapter uploads might be inconsistent. (Sorry!)

But I do have another small doodle I did so I hope you enjoy ^^

Anyway, have a lovely day/night!

Word count: 2578