CH 45: Speakeasy

The next morning, Alastor awoke to find himself lying on his bed. Strange, he never slept through the night, his usual insomnia keeping him up most days. He sits up and groans, stretching lightly. He looks at his door, fragments of his memory seeping through from last night.

"This song..."

"It's lovely, isn't it? You used to love it, you'd ask every day to dance to it."

Alastor's record skips in disbelief and disappointment. He couldn't have possibly been so weak in front of her, could he? The more he attempted to remember his lapses of time, the more he could feel her small hands on him, guiding him up the stairs.

He groans and leans forward, his elbows on his knees and his head in his hands. His ears lay back on his head in shame.

You idiotic jackass...

She always did have a way with him. She was able to seep through the cracks of the barrier he had put up around himself, around his mind and his heart. From the moment he approached her on that bar stool, she captivated his attention in a strange way that he had never felt before. The way her eyes stared into his with such confidence, like no woman had ever looked at him before. She met him just where he was, and challenged him like no one had ever dared before.

He sighs and gets up from the bed, removing his jacket and his harness, and stripping into nothing as he walks to his bathroom. The water soothes him into a memory that he has been pushing away for decades.

The night he met her. The way his heart felt. The way she stole him from himself.

~ Louisiana, 1927; Alastor's POV ~

It was a usual Friday night after work, and I had decided to visit Mimzy at her club for a proper refreshment. Walking to the club, I would feel the many eyes on me. The female gaze had always haunted me when I walked through the streets, but I didn't mind it. It was amusing really, how they easily followed me and mumbled amongst one another when I passed through. I never found myself drawn to a particular dame or anyone for that matter.

I'm a gentleman at heart. I respect women, but I don't need women.

Solitude keeps me at peace.

As I descend the stairs to the speakeasy, my eyes meet Mimzy's and I smile brightly. One of my only 'friends' if I'm being honest. She was useful and entertaining, always providing a witty comeback and a couple of fingers of rye. It was unusual to see her at the bar, usually, she was preparing for her performance. She was quite a talent, her voice having a natural jazzy ring to it.

"My dear, why aren't you freshening up?" I question, looking down at my watch, "It's nearly time for your little show."

She scoffs and rolls her eyes, "Boss' got a new fabulous doll he wants to test out. All the way from New York~" She sings in an annoyed voice.

"The Big Apple, my that's a long trip." I smile charmingly, "But, I doubt she can top you, dear~"

"Uh huh, here ya go..." She says, placing a glass in my hand. She knew that I didn't truly care about the situation. Just provide me with my drink and I'll be on my way.

I sit in the back, minding my own business, until that door opens and she walks out.

You again...

It was the woman I had met earlier that day. Of course it was her, she barely knew her way around the market, so it would make perfect sense that she wasn't from around here.

Why is my heart beating harder?

She was strikingly different from the other women that littered this town. Her hair was long and curly, like an ocean of dark chocolate brown. I couldn't see her features from back here, but her eyes shined so brightly in the light that I almost had to squint. She was exquisite, in a jet-black gown with diamonds kissing her neck. There was something about her that lured me in beyond my better judgement, I had no fight against it, she had captured by interest with just her presence. She walks confidently to the piano, completely sidestepping the spot where most of the girls sang, and hops on with ease, before taking the microphone in her hand and lowering her mouth seductively,

"𝓗𝓮𝓵𝓵𝓸, 𝓫𝓸𝔂𝓼~"

That voice, how could anyone sound so alluring?  What am I thinking? No, Alastor, focus. She's only going to distract you.

Although, this could be some entertainment. I would wait to strike afterwards, when she would surely be paying the bar a visit. Perhaps after a few drinks she would be a bit more open to conversation? 

I had no ill intentions, but appearing from the confidence she was radiating, and the way these saps were drooling for her, I doubt she would want to pay any of them mind. Unfortunately, I am group with them by sex alone, so I would have to play my cards right. 

I do have other responsibilities to tend to though, she could be a fly in my ointment...

Aw, fuck it, a simple 'hi' afterward wouldn't change much....

Would it?

~ End of flashback ~

Esme emerges from Angel's bedroom, stretching with a soft hum as she heads down the hall back to her room. Her lavish robe flowed behind her in black swirls of feathers and plush. She passes Alastor's door and the opens instantly.

His record screeches at the sight of her, making her jump.

How dare she torment me with such a sight....her curves...that gown...

"G..Good Morning, dear..." He says softly, stepping out and turning towards her, his eyes roaming her body, "That's a lovely dress." His antlers growing slightly.

Esme's eyes widen at the realization that she's still in her satin night dress, the black fabric barely touching her knees. She wraps the lace gown around her, the plush and feathers brushing against the floor.

"Good Morning..." She responds quietly. There's a pause, "Are you going to continue to sap over me, or can I retreat into my quarters?"

His ears perk up at her voice, refocusing his mind, "My dear, of course, I just wanted to know if you wanted to accompany me to Mimzy's club this evening. Reflect on old times and such."

"It seems you're always asking me to go with you somewhere..." Esme raises an eyebrow.

"It appears that way, yes." His smile grows wider, but there's a slight shake to it, "However, dear, need I remind you..." He takes her left hand, "Of who is requesting your company?"

Esme's eyes narrow as she stares into his and retracts her hand, "You pick me up at 5. No later, no earlier."

She walks away and enters her room, quickly closing the door behind her. Her back hits the wall and she sighs in frustration.

How can I be certain that his words from last evening weren't just drunken blabber? Why do I feel so hot all of a sudden?

And for goodness sake, why am I feeling so famished?!

She changes into her usual dress and coat and heads downstairs for something to eat. She swings the kitchen door open and announces her arrival, "Good morning~" She sings, heading towards the fridge. She pulls out several pieces of raw fish from the shore, which she kept in the fridge much to the other patrons' disgust. Holding it between her neck, fangs, and arms, she places them back on the countertop and dips her head back into the fridge, pulling out a bottle of blood she had purchased from Rosie.

"Ssssoooo" Pen asked from the table, "Sssomeoness hungry." He tilted his head with curiosity.

"Yes!" Esme said in a cheery tone, "I've never had snake before, but I can always try~" She growled, causing him to turn away with a shiver.

"Esme..." Charlie began, watching her devour the small fish in her hand, "Are you feeling alright?"

"Just..." She mumbled through the food in her mouth, "A..little...hungry...is all." She swallowed and took a swig of the blood in the bottle.

"She's fine, trust me~" Angel chuckled from the doorway.

"Oh, hush." She grumbled, pushing past him.

"Esme..." Charlie followed, "About what happened in heaven I-" Esme spins around, a bone of the fish hanging out of her mouth with wide eyes, "I'm sorry, I should've helped you when they did that to you." She whispered. "I can only imagine what it felt like..."

Esme's body began to shake at the memory, causing her to clear her throat and shake her hands in the air, "No, Princess, it's no big deal." She laughs nervously, turning away, "Beside, when big A comes down here" Her eyes narrow and a sadistic smile spreads on her face, her eyes glowing, "I'll be waiting~" She walks away.

~ Time Skippy, That Evening ~

Esme stays in her room, hearing the jazz music swell next door as she assumes Alastor is getting ready for their night together. She sits at her vanity, brushing through her hair. She had picked out a glamorous black evening gown with a black and silver fringe hanging off her shoulders with jewels. She secures some diamond earrings into her ears and begins to touch up her lipstick when she hears...

Knock...knock...knock

It's 5...on the dot. Esme takes a moment in the mirror before walking to the door, securing her heels, and opening it.

Alastor can be seen on the other side, in his usual attire, gawking at her appearance, "All this for a speakeasy?" He tilts his head to the side, his ears following suit.

"Need I remind you..." Esme taunts, "...of whose company you've requested?" She smirks, using his own words against him. Esme brushes past him, closing her door.

"Black?" Alastor clears his throat. "What happened to your usual uniform?"

Esme chuckles softly remembering Angel's voice in her head from hours prior.

"Ya gotta change your look."

"Why?"

"Because, standing next to him youse look like a couple of ho-ho-hoes."

"I guess I wanted a change." She hums, turning around, "Do you not fancy it?"

He retracts his claws and brushes a piece of hair behind her ear, "I never said that, ma belle."

Esme's cheeks burn up at the name. She quickly moves back and fidgets with her fingernails, "Shall we?"

~ Time Skippy, Alastor's POV ~

She looks just divine, like a sinful vision from my lustful desires. That gown hugged every inch of her magnificent curves just right, with sparkles down to her ankles. She turned every head in that club, but yet her arm rested on mine.

Yes, she had an annoyed little huff to her, but she was walking with me nonetheless. Her hand was on mine, it was her sharp nails gripping me as we walked through the bar. The two of us together definitely made some heads spin. How could it not? Two of the most powerful overlords in hell, arm in arm. We're standing by the bar when Mimzy approaches,

"Alasta, how nice of you to return! You know, I never got to say goodbye after ya left..." She groans teasingly, "I wonder why~" She turns to Esme, "Oh, the fish..."

"Hiya, Mimz~" Esme giggles playfully, causing Mimzy's eyes to widen at the name.

"Esmi?" She asks, stepping closer as if frightened to be near her. Esme smiled brightly and nodded, "Oh!" She hugs her tightly, "Welcome back, babe! How did this happen?" She turns to me, "What, Alasta, gave her a good smack on the noggin'?"

Esme coughs into her martini glass, putting a hand on her chest, "'Cuse me." she composes herself.

"Not at all, Esme here had her mind restored by that of angelic power. Not my doing." I smiled brightly, taking a glass of rye from the bartender and drinking.

"Well, whatever it is that did it, I'm so glad to have ya back, doll!" Mimzy laughs excitedly, "Say, why don't you hit it up like old times?"

Esme puts her hand up in protest, "Oh, I don't want to intrude. Especially after last time."

"Hunny, I never saw more people pay for entry in my life. You're golden here.." Mimzy sighs, "As much as I'd hate to admit it."

"I have a siren voice, Mimz." She laughs, "What did you expect?"

I chuckle into my drink, she did have a point. Her voice could easily enter the feeble mind, but I wasn't so easily swayed. I had learned over both my lifetime and the many years of my afterlife to gain hold of my subconscious, keeping a close eye on it. It would take a lot for her little tricks to work on me, but after all, she didn't need them. Her presence was enough. I would still gladly do whatever it was that she commanded.

"You should try it, darling~" I coo in her ear. She turns to me, her bright green eyes staring into my soul with wonder, "It's been far too long..." I retreat into my cup.

"I sang here literally last week." She raises an eyebrow.

"Exactly..." I hum into the glass, "Too long.."

She turns to Mimzy and sighs, "I guess one song wouldn't hurt." Mimzy squeals and grabs her hands, leading her away, but I pull her back by the hem of her dress.

My love practically crashes into me, looking up with shock at my actions. I feel a smirk spread across my face as my hand finds her jaw and lifts it to my lips. I bend down and kiss her softly.

I kiss my wife.

Truly, for the first time in 32,000 days...but who is counting anyway?

As we pull apart, I can feel a small exhale escape her lungs. "Good luck, mon amour~" She is quickly pulled away, but she keeps looking back at me with a glazed look in her eyes.

Aha, still got it.

~ Esme's POV ~

What was that? What just happened? I - oh fuck I'm down bad, aren't I?

His lips were like velvet and they were addicting just like a drug. I felt as if I had taken a shot of Vel's love potion, I was smitten beyond repair.

I still didn't know how I felt about him, considering all that we had been through. I did know one thing to be for sure, he is mine whether he wants to or not. I don't care how I feel about him, I don't share and I don't plan on it.

Mimzy's voice smacks me back into reality as she hands me a microphone. "Knock 'em dead." She nudges me on stage. I don't need a nudge, this is as easy as talking at this point.

I walk up to the stage and place the microphone on the stand, my eyes closing and reopening, this time with my vision a light green hue.

https://youtu.be/zpMD55fNyuw

Oh, sometimes I get a good feeling, yeah

I get a feeling that I never, never, never, never had before, noo

And I just gotta tell you right now that,

I believe, I really do believe that...

I slowly begin to bounce from side to side, feeling my dress hugging my hips as I do so. I place a hand on my chest and bat my eyelashes.

Something's got a hold on me, yeah

Oh, it must be love,

Something's got a hold of me right now, child,

Oh, it must be love

Lemme tell you now...

I remove the microphone and start descending the stairs,

I got a feeling, I feel so strange,

Everything about me seems to have changed,

Step by step, I got a brand-new walk,

I even sound sweeter when I talk.

I pass by every table, making eye contact with the patrons. Each one of their eyes turns green to my gaze.

I said, baby,

Oh it must be love

(you know it must be love)

I make my way to the back of the crowd.

Lemme tell you now,

I've never felt like this before,

Something's got a hold on me that won't let go,

Believe I'd die if I only could,

I sure feel strange, but it sure feels good...

I hop around the floor, to the beat, feeling 'gentlemanly' eyes on me. C'mon, Mama is hungry. It's okay, if not me then surely he will tear your heart out.

I said oh (oh), oh (oh), oh (oh) oh,

I said, Baby,

Oh it must be love

(you know it must be love)

I gently breeze by his table, walking past him from behind, pinching his arm from the side affectionately.

I never thought it could happen to me,

Got me heavy without the misery,

I never thought it could be this way, Love's sure gonna put a hurting on me...

I prance back to the stage with Mimzy and closeout.

Yeah, he walks like love (you know he walks like love)

He talks like love (You know he talks like love)

Makes me feel alright (Makes me feel alright)

In the middle of the night (In the middle of the night)

We continue to vocalize until the music comes to an end and the patrons all jump up clapping, specifically the men who are quick to their feet. Mimzy and I walk off the stage hand in hand and retreat to her dressing room. I giggle once inside, handing her back the microphone, "Well, that was a blast."

"Oh, Esmi..." She could never remember my actual name, "It's so good to hear that you have your memory back, now I know who to come to if I ever need something now that you remember little ole' me."

"Mimz, Mimz..." I chuckle knowingly, "I love you hunny, but ever come back to the hotel with the stunt you pulled, and I won't be so respectful as Alastor. Got it?" I sneer, green smoke emitting from my eyes and into hers.

She shakes her head back and forth, stumbling backward and holding it.

"Glad we had this talk~" I walk out of the room to find my  husband.

~ End of POV ~

Alastor is standing at the bar once more, waiting for the second drink that he ordered when a familiar face approaches him. It's that woman from that one night, that disrespectful one that rubbed Esme the wrong way.

Ellie, did she say her name was? God, why does that sound so familiar?

She's walking towards Alastor, but instead trips and 'accidentally' spills his drink all over herself, particularly causing the alcohol to run down her breasts in a rather revealing top.

She gasps audibly and jumps softly, "Oh my..." Ellie's eyes flutter to meet Alastor's, "Why, that was your whole drink, wasn't it?" She pulls her hair off her neck into a ponytail, some of it still damp from the liquid. Her hands run down her breasts, seductively wiping off the excessive rye.

"Hm.." He hums, "That's quite a spill dear, perhaps you should clean it." He pivots and walks away, unbothered.

She stands there for a couple of moments in confusion as to why he doesn't appear interested when a clawed hand reaches out and pulls her by her hair into the dressing room.

𝓘 𝓭𝓸𝓷'𝓽 𝓼𝓱𝓪𝓻𝓮...

~ Author's Note ~ 

I hope you all liked that third loongg chapter. I'm trying my best to provide as much content as I can before we approach the finale in chapter 60. 

BTW this is what I imagine Esme's dress to look like...

What were your thoughts on this chapter? 

Alastor & Esme? Esme's eagerness to see Adam again? Ellie's downfall? 

We are rapidly approaching a spicy chapter. In fact, it may be uploaded tomorrow. 👀

(If you want a sneak peak, check out my tumblr @Artemis1214) 

~ Artemis 💗🦌

🖤 Words: 3166 🖤