CH 44: Hellspawn

The night was filled with several laughs, senseless dancing, and clouds of gray smoke. Esme soon finds herself laid out across Angel's bed, her nightgown spread across the sheets like a puddle beneath her. She had fallen into a deep sleep, feeling content and serine. 

Her sleep transports her to a large master bedroom with the sun streaming in, with the chirps of birds, and the buzzing of bees. A movie almost, watching from the outside looking in, but a familiarity to it. 

Almost like a memory....

~ Flashback, Louisiana, 1931~

It's a peaceful summer's morning, the sun shining in their bedroom window and the warmth resting on Esme's skin. She begins to stir in bed, waking to the sounds of Geneviève crying in the next room. She whines and sits up, noting her hair tousled in knots from their activities the night before. She looks down at her nightgown and pulls it down to cover herself, turning to Alastor to gently nudge him, "Darling..."

He groans softly, his eyes fluttering open to look up at her leaning over him. He takes in her disheveled appearance and smirks to himself with the memories from the night before. He slowly sits up, rubs his eyes, and turns to her with a yawn, "Mmm, yes, dear? Is something wrong?"

"She's crying." Esme moves some of her curls to the back, fluffing them, "Could you see what's the problem?"

He sighs, rolling his eyes, "Do I have to? She's probably just being fussy, and fussy children are a pain..."

"Alastor..." She says sternly.

He sighs, hearing his name pour from her mouth in that tone, knowing she uses that whenever he's not going to get out of something, "Fine, I'll go check on the spawn..." He groans and gets out of bed, grumbling the entire way as he makes his way to the door.

Esme rolls her eyes and chuckles, "You love that spawn." She smirks.

He stops for a moment as his hand lays on the doorknob, turning to give her a playful and irritated glare in response, "Hush you, the last thing I need right now is you being cheeky with me."

He slowly makes his way out the door and over to Geneviève's nursery, groaning in aggravation as he stretches, frustrated at how he's being forced out of bed to deal with a crying child at 7 in the morning. He loves his daughter, very much in fact, but he's not exactly the most patient person alive - especially in the morning.

He slowly pushes the door open and walks in. Geneviève sits in her bed, rubbing tears from her eyes. Her cries get a bit louder as she hears him coming closer. He walks over to her, his expression a conflicting mix of irritation and patience as he looks down at her, "There you are, what's all the fuss about, hm? You're being so loud so early in the morning."

She motions for him to pick her up, nuzzling into his chest as soon as he does so. She leans back and points to the closet, "Daddy, monster!"

He groans and gently pulls her close to his chest, "Mmm, there's a monster in your closet? You want me to scare it away for you?" he smirks.

Geneviève shakes her head back and forth, "Nooo, it's scawy." She whines.

He listens to her, feeling a small pang of emotion in his chest. Usually, she didn't cry if there was not something truly upsetting her. He turned to look at the closet and raised an eyebrow, "Let's see if there is anything in here, shall we?" He turns the knob and pulls the door open, hearing a rustling sound and leaning down to investigate.

A small mouse runs out of the closet and across his feet.

He jumps on instinct, nearly dropping Geneviève, "SON OF A B-" He holds her close, taking a deep breath and composing himself.

Esme runs into the room, her hair still tousled and a mess, "What the hell is going on in here?!"

A look of embarrassment crosses his face in response to being caught squealing pathetically. He clears his throat, standing up a bit straighter. "D-Don't worry about it sweetheart, I - uhh just a little mouse in the closet is all, just startled me."

The mouse stays there staring at him, ears twitching. Alastor takes a step back, moving Geneviève away in the air.

Esme rolls her eyes and laughs wildly, "Don't be a baby." She smiles, bending down and scooping up the tiny thing.

"Mhm, yeah laugh it up." He scoffs.

Esme laughs and looks at the mouse in her hands, leaning backward and cackling loudly. "It's just a little field mouse." She has tears in her eyes at the sight of him, walking forward and holding it closer to his face, "Say bye-bye to the mouse~"

Alastor dramatically leans back, "No, no, no that thing is NOT going near my face."

Esme laughs and carries it outside, plopping it in the garden. She walks to the sink and washes her hands, listening to Alastor talking to Geneviève in the background.

"I cannot believe you woke me up to deal with a little mouse, sugar. You gave a right good fright with all that crying." He moves her hair out of her face.

Geneviève sighs tiredly, clinging to him tightly.

"Hmm, still annoyed at the spawn?" Esme teases, looking over her shoulder and drying her hands.

"I am not annoyed at her, how can I be with that little face of hers?" He smiles, patting the little girl's head. He glares at Esme with annoyance, "I'm upset at YOU for thinking it's funny that I was startled by a damn mouse of all things." He turns his body from her.

Esme chuckles, walking over and kissing Geneviève on the side of the head, "Daddy is always so cranky in the morning, isn't he?"

Geneviève nods her head.

"AHA, see?" Esme laughs.

Alastor's eyes narrow at the little traitor, taking a moment before he answers, "Mmm, I am not cranky in the morning, I'm just not a morning person...there's a difference, you know."

Esme smiles and kisses his cheek sweetly, "Mmm" She hums. Geneviève laughs softly and kisses his cheek soon after, "Can't be mad at your girls forever~" Esme teases as she walks to the kitchen to make breakfast.

Alastor immediately softens when he feels his daughter kiss his cheek, she is just too precious. He watches Esme walk over to the kitchen, but turns his attention back to Geneviève who is squishing his face with her hands, "Mmmm" He holds her hands, "You girls know I can't say 'no' to you both. It's cheating to pull that card on me every single time we argue.."

Esme laughs from the kitchen and turns to him with his coffee, motioning him to come drink, and placing it on the table. "Genny, come on, it's time to eat." She calls out to the small child. Alastor feels Geneviève wiggling in his grip and leans down to let her go, watching as she doesn't want to go.

He chuckles and nudges her towards her seat with his arm, "You heard your mother, it's time to eat. Daddy needs his coffee so you two can torment him all day..." He reaches for his coffee, takes a few sips, and sits down. He watches Esme finish preparing Geneviève's breakfast before asking, "Is there anything I could help you with, sweetheart?"

Esme chuckles with her back turned from him still, "Sweetheart? My, that coffee works fast."

A few moments pass before Esme turns around with two bowls of porridge, placing them in front of her family. She sprinkles some cinnamon on top of each. She hands Geneviève a small sippy cup of orange juice and a spoon. "It's hot baby, show me what we do when it's hot?"

Geneviève struggles to blow air into furious little puffs over the food, her little fist tightened around the spoon.

"Mhmmmm wowww," Esme says in a sarcastic tone, she turns to Alastor, "Make sure she doesn't burn herself, will ya?" He laughs and takes the bowl, stirring it to cool it down.

Geneviève happily drinks from her cup, her eyes scanning the room in curiosity. Alastor smiles and looks to Esme, "So, what are the plans today, darlin'?" He asked, his accent would slip in now and then especially when he was home. He was comfortable, secure.

"Ummm" Esme ponders in thought while preparing her own bowl, "It is a beautiful day, perhaps a walk in the park?"

He continues to stir the food until it has cooled enough for the baby to eat. He passes her back her bowl and spoon, "A walk in the park does sound nice. I could use some fresh air after the heart attack this morning."

"Oh, come now..." Esme teases, "Is Daddy being silly?" She asks their daughter, looking over her shoulder.

"Silly!" Geneviève shouts, taking a bite of her porridge.

"Mhm, really darling, really? You're going to take your mother's side and gang up on me, eh?" He takes a bite of his food.

Esme giggles and walks over to Geneviève, affectionately kissing the top of her head. Alastor huffs and displays a playful pout on his face. He crosses his arms, leans back, and gives them both an angry glare. It's not genuine, though, all for fun.

"You two are so mean to Daddy, always picking on him and tormenting him..."

Esme gasps lightly as Geneviève's little face turns into a saddened expression, "Alastor..." Esme whispers, watching as the girl's eyes slowly fill with tears.

He immediately straightens up, putting his spoon down, appearing remorseful. He quickly stands and walks to her, "Ah - No - don't cry, sweetheart! I was only joking, please d-"

She bursts into tears and Esme scoops her up, nuzzling her into her chest, and shooting him a nasty glare.

He sighs as he watches her tears run down her chubby cheeks, jumping softly at the gaze Esme holds with him. If there was one thing you didn't do, it was upset her baby girl. He knew that she was just fuming. He reaches over and gently brushes his fingers through Geneviève's hair as he speaks soothingly.

"I didn't mean to make her cry, it was just a silly little joke."

"Shhh" Esme says softly to the little girl, bouncing her up and down, rubbing her back, "Daddy's sorry, baby, it's okay."

Geneviève whimpers and looks up at Alastor with her big, now wet, eyes, "Mean?" She asks her mother.

Esme smiles and shakes her head, "No baby, you're not mean." She glares at Alastor, "Right, Daddy?  Is she mean?" She growls, challengingly.

Alastor clears his throat at her tone of voice, knowing he better tread carefully, "No, no darling you're not 'mean' you're a very, very sweet and kind girl. Daddy was being silly, I'm sorry." He picks her up from Esme's grasp, kissing her head sweetly.

Esme looks at Geneviève with mischief lingering in her eyes, "Want mommy to beat him up for you?" She jokes.

He raises an eyebrow, "No need to resort to violence, darling~" He puts down Geneviève, who quickly charges him and pushes his legs. "Ah~" He dramatically falls to the ground, "Mercy!" he shouts as Geneviève climbs on top of him and playfully smacks her small hands into his chest. He picks her up and holds her in the air, causing her to squeal loudly.

Esme takes a bite of her food, smiling while watching them. She puts her bowl down and turns to him, "Now then, the two of you best get off the floor before I sweep you away. Go on, get!" She shoos them with her hands.

Alastor groans in an intentionally dramatic way as Esme nudges them off the floor. He smiles at her playfully, bringing Geneviève into his arms and standing up. He leans down and gives his wife a small kiss on the temple, "Okay, okay, we're up. No need for the big scary broom."

"I'm going to get dressed. I hope you do the same." She takes one more bite of her porridge and takes Geneviève into her arms, "You can't go to the park in that, you know."

"What's wrong with the way I'm dressed?"

"Your bed clothes, Alastor?"

"I suppose you're right."

"I usually am~" Esme sings, and the three make their way upstairs to get ready for the day. Esme walks into their bedroom, placing Geneviève down on the floor and removing a dress from their closet. "We'll be back in a second dear, I just have to get the little princess ready." She takes Geneviève by the hand and guides her into the hallway and into her bedroom.

Alastor hums in response as he watches her leave the bedroom, beginning to change as well. He switches into a dark maroon button-up and black slacks, ensuring all his garments suit him well. He walks out of the bedroom, securing the buttons on his wrists, turning his head to Geneviève's closed door, "Don't spend too long, I'm getting impatient waiting for you too~"

The door opens and Esme can be heard from inside, "Go show Daddy!" On cue, Geneviève runs out with a cheerful giggle as she makes her way to Alastor, her little heels clicking on the tiles.

"Daddy, look!" She does a small spin, showing a brown pleated dress with a black bow around the collar.

"Oho!~" He kneels to her level, "My goodness, you look adorable. My little princess." He spins her with his hand, stroking her hair lovingly.

Esme is following closely behind with a brush and gel in hand, "Ahem.." She clears her throat. As he looks up he sees her in a light beige wrap dress with a ribbon around the waist. She has her hair pulled in a ponytail with a bow at the top. She looks like royalty, an absolute vision.

He stands up and brushes the bottom of her chin with his finger, "You look beautiful as always." He smiles and kisses her softly, "Butttt, I am more partial to this cuter smaller version of you~" He places a hand on Geneviève's messy mop on the top of her head.

Esme hums, bending down, and brushing Geneviève's hair into two small pigtails, "Uh huh, okay."

He watches them with pride, noting how maternal and attentive she is with their daughter. She was just divine in his eyes, and could do no wrong. "See, I'm not wrong. She's absolutely adorable."

"She looks just like you, Alastor." Esme chuckles, removing the hair tie from in between her teeth and securing it tightly, "What does that say about you?" She jokes.

"Would you not say that I'm adorable?" Alastor raises an eyebrow with a mischievous smirk.

Esme stands up, clasping her hands in front of her, "Possibly..." She hums. Her eye catches Geneviève wandering to the stairs and she instantly scoops her up before she can go further, "No!" She sighs, "You give me agita little miss."

The three head out of the house and walk down the street to the park. It's a beautiful day, really, with the Louisiana sun kissing Esme's skin with the slightest warmth to it. It wasn't unbearable, just right. The three approach the park and Geneviève runs through the scenic area with curiosity and excitement.

"Hey now!" Alastor calls after her, "Don't run off too far, I still want to see you!"

"Heh..." Esme snickers.

"What?" He turns his face to her, the two walking slowly behind Geneviève, who is still prancing about swinging her doll through the air.

"I just remember when someone said they didn't want to be a father." She smirks, glancing at him, "Now look at you."

He exhales softly and turns his attention back to Geneviève who is skipping about, "Oh don't remind me of that..." He says, watching her deep in thought, "That was a long time ago. I didn't know I would come to enjoy our little hellspawn with legs." He smirks, turning to her with a playful sigh.

"Hellspawn?" Esme questions with a bright tone, "Oh Alastor, she's not that ba-" She is cut off by the sound of a loud screech from in front of them. The two snap their hands forward to see Geneviève stomping and pushing a small boy who is holding her doll.

"Oh no..." Esme looks up to Alastor and can see his face slowly turning with anger, "Darling..." She says softly.

Alastor's eyes narrow, his fists clench, and he begins to walk toward the situation, keeping his eyes firmly placed on the young boy. "Alastor!" Esme hurries alongside him, "Darling, he's just a boy, be gentle.." She warns.

He lets out an annoyed scoff as Esme attempts to calm him down, rolling his eyes. He approaches the two children and Geneviève turns to him with her large green eyes blinking through tears. Esme bends down and pulls her up to her chest, looking back at Alastor before he speaks, "Hey kid, could you hand that over? That belongs to her." He says sternly.

"Is there a problem here?" A voice asks. Alastor looks up to see a man similar to his height standing behind the young boy, pulling him close to his legs.

The two narrow their eyes at one another in annoyance.

Alastor looks the man up and down before landing on his eyes, "Yes, there is a problem, my good man. Your boy here is holding my daughter's doll."

"Alastor..." Esme whispers, sensing his temper boiling.

"Perhaps, your daughter should refrain from playing with boys then..." The man glares.

"Oh no..." Esme mumbles, holding Geneviève close and rubbing her back.

Alastor lets out a soft scoff at the suggestion, taking a step forward. His lips curl to a challenging smile, a small hum escaping, "And what exactly is that supposed to mean?" He begins, "Are you suggesting my daughter shouldn't engage with other children at all just because she is a girl and the others are male?"

"Hunny..." Esme steps forward, placing a hand on his chest, feeling his heartbeat rapidly beating underneath her.

"You should listen to your wife, pal..." The man sneers.

Alastor's body tenses at the disrespect and the continued insults, "Believe me when I say, old sport, you're picking a fight with someone you don't want to..." He tilts his head to the side, maintaining eye contact, his smile in a toothy grin, "Do you know who you're talking to?"

Esme's eyes narrow, her own temper beginning to shimmer, "You should be teaching your boy some proper manners." She growls, leaning down and snatching the doll away from his son.

"And you, doll, should not be talking back to a man." He retorts. "Your wife doesn't know her place, you should remind her."

Alastor takes in a sharp inhale, taking a large step forward. Esme grabs his arm with Geneviève on her hip. He clenches his jaw and looks down at her, hearing her voice in his mind, "Not here...." She whispers. He sighs and clears his throat, adjusting the collar of his shirt. "Good day." He says calmly, pivoting away as the three exit the park.

They'll take care of that later, away from the children. 

~ Author's Note ~

I hope you all enjoyed that human Al and Esme chapter. A lot of you seem to like the flashbacks to their marriage, so I hope you enjoyed this long one! 

I love imagining them as parents, it makes my heart so happy! 

Anyhow, I'm going to try to make these next chapters a little longer as you all voted for the hiatus after this book. I'm pushing myself with these 3k word chapters LOL I just keep writing and writing.

I hope you all have a great day! 

~ Artemis 🦌💗

🖤 Words: 3198 🖤