Chapter Text
"Well then, this has been a delightful conversation."
Alastor struggled against the restraints keeping him down, looking over at the woman sat in front of him. This had been a terrible idea. Why did he listen to Rosie and take a target that had been impossible to kill? Just because Rosie thought he was the best man for the job? Well she was wrong because now he was tied up and being fed a more then likely poisoned drink.
He was going to die wasn't he? This was it for him. He'd finally used up all his luck and was going to die at the hands of this crazed woman.
"Alastor was it?"
A crooked smile was flashed in his direction as the woman in front of him sipped her tea. She had been waiting for him when he reached the targets location. Sat waiting for him with two cups of tea on the table and a cake in the middle. As she spoke, there was Something in her voice had made him want to comply with her demands and he sat down. It was almost hypnotic in away.
Next thing he knew, she had tied him up and was forcing the tea down his throat. "I think it's time you went to sleep for me~" She leaned forward and Alastor caught her smirk from the corner of his eye.
"Sadly my dear, your much to valuable to that precious company you work for. So I Can't dispose of you like i had the others sent here." Alastor gulped, a shiver going through him as the poison started to take effect. Everything was starting to go dark. He couldn't concentrate on anything she said. This was certainly the end for him. He watched her walk over to the other chair through blurred eyes.
"Sleep tight darling, and tell Rosie I said hello,"
And with that Alastor slumped forward as it all went dark. In his last few seconds of consciousness he heard some rummaging, she must have been looking through his pockets to see if there was anything on his person. But all he had was a disposable phone and his preferred weapon of choice. Nothing too tie back to Rosie or the rest of the company.
But this woman had done her research after months of failed attempts. The hit wasn't even on her! It was her husband! And he couldn't even fight back. Somehow that woman was able to break him, just as she had done to every other hitman that crossed her path.
And after that he wasn't sure what happened.
She must have dumped his body somewhere. And someone must have found him. Whatever that woman drugged him with wasn't intended to kill it seems. Which was lucky for him. But as he started to come round his body felt like shit. There was a large pain in his side and his head was pounding. And whoever found him was yelling.
That was not helping his head.
"Alastor Darling? Oh fuck, this is bad- How did she do this?"
Wait, Alastor recognised that voice. Rosie? Alastor blinked as he tried to sit up, wincing at the pain in his side. He looked in the direction of the voice and sighed in relief when Rosie's hat came into view. Albeit a little fuzzy. She was rushing around the room, grabbing things left right and centre to do whatever it was she was doing. As he looked around, his eyes started to refocus and he recognised the room instantly. It was the first aid room.
Many a nights he and spent in here in the past, when he first started out in this job. He'd gotten better over the years of course so his visits to this room where less frequent. So it pained him a little to see himself in it after such a clean record. But he had just been drugged, why was he in here?
"Rosie?"
Rosie looked up from the cupboard she was rummaging in and sighed in relief. "Al! your awake!" She rushed over to the table and that's when Alastor realised he wasn't wearing a shirt. And his chest was wrapped up in bandages. What the fuck happened between him being drugged and being found? He looked around the room again and spotted a table, with a large kitchen knife on, covered in what he assumed could only be his blood. Looking back at Rosie he noticed she was covered in it too.
That knife was the one that woman had used to cut that cake. (She hadn't even offered him a slice!) She must have stabbed him after he passed out. But why didn't she finish him off? She did that to almost every hitman she dealt with. And they never found the bodies. The one's she did set free where drugged and when eventually found, had either died from the dosage. Or had blabbed.
The woman was known for using truth serums or something, as of late. She was determined to get to the company. Probably to find out who had called the hit on her husband. Rosie also had to unfortunately deal with anyone who was drugged and survived. If they had blabbed, they put everything at risk. She had to kill them to be safe. Those was her orders as their handler.
So why hadn't she killed him?
"Rosie.. Why am I-" Rosie put her fingers to his lip and shook her head. "Al, I know what your going to ask, But I cannot bring myself to do it. Your my friend." Oh, that's why. She was listening to her heart not her orders. Alastor couldn't help but smile at that. They never really did things by the book him and Rosie.
Hell she let him pick which targets to kill himself. Normally She would assign each man under her hand their specific assignments and send them on her way. But Alastor got special pickings. Of course she wasn't going to kill him. But he was still a risk right now.
"Your going to have to go quiet for a bit Al, Go into hiding." Rosie finally broke the silence as she gestured to the bags by the door. She'd already packed his things. Not that he had a lot to begin with. So there wasn't a lot to pack. But he was grateful anyways. Moving however.. He wasn't sure if he could do that. "Carmilla can't find out I let you live. She doesn't know you were compromised yet, thank god."
Ah, Carmilla Carmine, Rosie's boss. Who dealt with all the clients and passed the targets to Rosie. She would be furious to learn that he'd been caught. And even more so if she learned Rosie let him live. Okay, looked like he was moving. Alastor sighed, running a hand through his hair. He got up on shaky legs and pulled his bloody shirt back on.
Rosie cringed at the sight, wishing she had grabbed him a cleaner shirt before he woke up. But she was more worried about actually making sure he survived. But now they had more important matters to discuss She grabbed a small envelope from the table behind her and handed it to Alastor. He eyed the envelope suspiciously and glanced at Rosie after a moment.
"I have a safe house, in one of the richer cities." Alastor tensed up, he was going to stand out like a sore thumb! "I know it sounds bad, but darling trust me, you'll be safe. in that envelope is the keys, a new credit card and a new burner phone. My number is on there. As is your two friends."
Ah that was Rosie for you, always one step ahead. He pocketed the envelope and nodded in thanks. This was really happening it seems. And he had no choice. "Well then, looks like I'm starting a new life for a while then." Rosie sighed softly quickly and gently pulling him into a hug. Avoiding putting any pressure on his wound as she started to sob into his shoulder. "I'll try and keep in contact as best I can until we can sort this out, for now, be careful and stay safe."
Alastor hugged back as best as he could, before wiping her tears away.
"Of course my dear."
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That was whole situation had occurred about two weeks ago now. Rosie had driven him to the city and told him how to get to the safe house. Or flat more like. Rosie explained, that to try and fit in a bit better when she had to fell from things in her past, she had purchased the flat. It was more believable then some house in the middle of nowhere in her opinion. Alastor would have preferred a house in the middle of nowhere, But for now, it would do. And now he had to act like a normal human being. Not a trained hitman. However there were some skills he could utilise. Which is why he found himself in a grocery shop. Taking in everyone who walked by as he browsed through the fruit.
The city was full of fat cats and the elite high society. Perfect potential targets. Just because he wasn't working for Rosie at this moment in time, doesn't mean he couldn't do some digging of his own and kill off anyone he felt was a threat. So far not many people had caught his eye. But maybe that was because he was more focused on the atrocious prices of the fruit.
Really this was a shop only those really wealthy could buy from. Thank god Rosie had set him up with plenty of money. He wouldn't be able to survive if she hadn't. He stepped away from the over priced fruit deciding to just buy what he'd picked out already. Only to have a very small body collide into his legs. "Oh dear.."
Alastor looked down at the child who had run right into his legs. A little blonde girl with her hair in pig tails and two red ribbons keeping them in place. She looked up at Alastor with her big blue eyes and smiled. "Sorry mister!" The little girl giggled.
"Ah, it's okay little one. Uhm, where are your parents?"
The little girl turned around and frowned. "My Mummy was just behind me, I don't know where she went." Oh great. Well Alastor wasn't a monster, so he wouldn't leave the poor girl to wander alone throughout the shop. Someone could grab the poor dear. And he couldn't have that. "Why don't you show me which way you came from and we'll see if we can find your mummy?"
The little girl looked back up at him and shuffled away, suddenly nervous. "Mummy told me not to talk to strangers.."
"Ah, well your Mummy seems to be very wise. As that is true, but I promise this one time you can trust me, I'm sure your mummy's worried sick looking for you."
The little girl nodded, her mummy was quite the worry wort. She didn't mean to run off. But she saw her mummy's shopping list and saw it said Apples. She and her mummy loved apples and she just wanted to help by getting them for her. But now she wandered to far and got herself lost. Her mummy would be so disappointed. "We we're in the other aisle just now, mummy was picking out some candy!" The little girl grabbed Alastor's trouser leg and tried to pull him along.
"Charlie! Charlie sweetheart where are you!?"
A voice ran through the shop, clearly panicked and in distress. That had to have been the child's mother. So her name was Charlie? Well at least Alastor had a name for the girl now. They rounded the corner and Alastor was met with a body running into him for the second time that day. Although this one belonged to an adult at least. "Oh goodness I'm so sorry!" The person stepped back and Alastor had to hold back a gasp as he locked eyes with probably the most beautiful woman he had ever laid eyes on.
Wait what-
Alastor blinked, trying to take everything in. He had never had any kind of interest in anyone before. But this woman in front of him was breath-taking and he didn't understand why. Maybe he was truly getting sloppy in his work. After all it was dangerous for him to feel any type of emotion in his line of work. But he couldn't take his eyes off her.
Beautiful long blonder hair was pulled into a neat pony tail, with a bow tucked in the back. Bright blue eyes just like Charlie's. And adorable rosy cheeks to top it off. "Mummy!" Charlie's voice snapped him out of his thoughts and he looked between the two blondes. Ah, so this was Charlie's mother?
"Charlie sweetheart!" The woman picked her up, sighing in relief now she knew her child was safe. She looked at Alastor and tilted her head. ".. Did you help my little apple?" Alastor nodded, not trusting his voice right now. Which was quite concerning for him, he could talk for hours and hours if given the opportunity. So he wasn't quite sure what to do.
"Thank you so much for helping my little apple out. I was literally just looked away for a moment to grab something and she dashed off." The woman looked at Charlie, who just giggled and buried her face into her mother. Quite the little mischief maker it seems. The woman rolled her eyes, but it was obvious by the soft smile that she wasn't at all annoyed by her daughters antics.
"Anyways, My name is Luci. Is there any way I can thank you properly for helping my little girl?" She asked, turning to face Alastor again. Ah finally, a name to the face. Luci hmm? 'Wonder if it's short for anything?' Alastor thought. He started to get lost in trying to figure out her full name that he almost forgot the conversation all together. Luci tilted her head as she waited patiently for Alastor's response. But Alastor was lost in his thoughts now.
"Sir?" Luci gently tapped his shoulder, standing on her tip toes to do so. As he was definitely a few feet taller then her and frowned. Snapping him out of his thoughts instantly. "Are you okay?" Alastor nodded slowly and Luci's smile returned. Which Alastor was grateful for. It was much prettier then her frown.
"That's good, now uhm.. Was I to forward in my question?" Alastor blinked, trying to recall what she asked just moments before like a fool. How was he stumbling over himself like this? Maybe there was still a very faint trace of whatever that woman had drugged him with a week ago. Yeah that had to be the reason he couldn't talk.
Nothing else.
Luci's frown came back as Alastor got distracted again and she placed Charlie back on the floor. She took Charlie's hand in her own before shifting the shopping basket to carry it on her arm, before gently wrapping her hand around Alastor's arm. Alastor looked down at her hand. Confused as to why he didn't immediately react. He was getting sloppy if this was the case.
"You look like you need fresh air, come on. We'll pay for our shopping and head out, there's a little seating area just outside." Luci lead Alastor to the check out, paid for both his and her own shopping and lead Alastor outside to said little area. She placed her bags on one of the benches and helped Charlie up before turning to Alastor. Charlie immediately rummaged through the bags, pulling out the candy bar Luci had allowed her to buy and she tore open the wrapper, biting into it as she kicked her little legs back and forth. Alastor was still dead quiet.
Everything felt like a blur at that point and the slight pressure as Luci pulled him along was making his side hurt. Hopefully, despite her remarkably strong grip, she didn't break his stitches. Otherwise he'd be in an entirely different situation. Luci sat Alastor down, placing his shopping next to him and placed her hands on her hips. "Now, are you okay sir?"
Alastor took a deep breath, collecting his thoughts and nodded. "Yes I am, terribly sorry about that. Bit of a stressful week." Luci giggled and Alastor saved the lovely sound to his memory.
"I completely understand, After all this little one's quite the troublemaker. I can't remember the last time I got a good sleep!" Luci leaned forward to pinch Charlie's cheeks as she cooed. Charlie let out a little squeal, almost dropping her chocolate in the process. Alastor smiled at the sight. This Luci was clearly a doting mother and it was a lovely sight to see.
Luci turned back to Alastor and held out her hand. "I don't think you heard me the first time, I'm Luci. It's nice to meet you Mr..?" Alastor took her hand, amazed by her strong grip. Her hand's looked tiny compared to his. It was difficult to not just stare at them as they shook hands. "My name's Alastor, Pleasure to meet you my dear." Luci smiled and pulled her hand away.
"And this is Charlie," Luci gestured to Charlie, who had now finished her chocolate bar. She had chocolate smeared all over her face now. Luci gasped, slightly embarrassed as people passing by pointed out the mess. Alastor frowned, Charlie was a child. It was normal to make a mess. Where these people really so far up their asses they would judge a child having fun? Alastor reached into his pocket, pulling out his handkerchief and handing it to Charlie to save Luci any further embarrassment. Charlie cleaned her face up without any further instruction. Smart girl. But wasn't sure whether or not to hand the handkerchief back. As it was quite messy now. "Keep it my dear, just in case you have any other chocolate mishaps."
Charlie nodded and Alastor turned to face Luci again. Who was still looking slightly embarrassed. Alastor bit down on his lip. Maybe he shouldn't have helped out? "Ah, I'm sorry Miss Luci I just-"
"No, It's fine. I just," Luci sighed, sitting down next to him on the bench as she glanced around. She leaned a little closer to whisper into Alastor's ear. "Everyone here is kind of stuck up, You could stand a certain way and everyone would judge you. Its tough.. But my home is here.. I don't really want to move.."
Alastor nodded, he knew how difficult it could be to part from your childhood home. In fact, talking about home. He should really be heading back. He got up and picked up the bag of food. He reached into his coat pocket for his wallet, pulling it out and getting a couple of notes ready. "How much do I owe you miss?" Luci shook her head, her smile coming back instantly. "Don't worry about that!"
Ah.
Alastor nodded, not quite liking that idea. He didn't exactly want to be in debt to a woman he'd probably only see this one time. Luci however seemed to know exactly what he was thinking. "After all, you helped Charlie when she wandered off, so in return I thought I'd pay for your groceries! I think that's a good deal" Okay she got him there. Alastor nodded once again and quickly bid his goodbyes as he turned to leave.
Luci bid him goodbye as well and Charlie waved before throwing herself at her mother. As Alastor walked away, the last thing he wanted to hear was that lovely laugh again. Sadly something else caught his attention.
"Ugh, that poor man, talking to her of all people, He must be new if he's talking to Luci Morningstar willingly."
"Oh I know, And that Child, such a mess it's disgusting."
Alastor looked around for the source of the voices, finding they belonged to a pair of gossiping women. He shot them a glare and laughed as the two flushed in embarrassment from being caught. Serves them for gossiping. But now he was curious. What exactly did they mean. Alastor walked to his car, throwing the bag of groceries in the back seat before getting in. He grabbed his phone, flipping it open and sending a message to one of the few contacts saved.
"Can you do a search for me? A woman called Luci Morningstar please"
It only took a few moments for a reply to come through.
"Do it yourself, I'm busy right now,"
Alastor rolled his eyes, closing his phone and sighing. Okay, looks like he doing this himself then. Oh well nothing he can't handle. It wouldn't be that hard to find something on her. And
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Or maybe not.
Once Alastor had gotten home and packed the bag away. he grabbed his laptop and started his 'research'. He was going to see just who this Luci Morningstar was and find out why people where judging such an Angel.
That had been three hours ago. And Alastor had found absolutely nothing on her! No social media, no pictures. Nothing. It was like she didn't exist. Or, just preferred to keep her life private. He couldn't blame her. If this was the way people talked in this city. Keeping herself to herself was completely normal.
But Alastor wasn't normal. So now he had to find out more about her. There was something about her that was calling to him and he was desperate to find out what. He just had to try and keep bumping into her. Build a friendship and see what was going on.
That shouldn't be to hard, should it?