So it's a deal then

.+chapter 23+.

A/n Thanks to my lovely editor for going back and re-reading and commenting on all the mistakes I will never fix. Love ya! FayeLovesSugar, Sorry for the late update but I'm back. 

After being persuaded by Alastor's irresistible charm, I decided to spend some time with him in the comfort of my room. During this time, I pondered how I would apologize to Angel and Charlie... perhaps I wouldn't apologize at all. After all, it's my life, not theirs. So what if I got drunk? It's not a big deal, right? I just won't get drunk again, right? Besides, we're all going to die soon anyway, so it's not a big deal, right? "Hey, Al?"

"Hmm?" I take a breath.

"Do you think I should apologize to Angel and Charlie?"

"We are in Hell, not Heaven, my dear! Besides, it's your choice, right?" Yeah, it's my choice, not theirs. "My dear, don't ever doubt yourself don't change yourself for. Others, you don't wanna be sober, that's your choice."

"Yeah, it is my choice and so what if I get drunk again? I wanna have fun. Is that so hard to do?" He chuckles at my words and pulls me towards him. His hand grips my chin, forcing me to stare into his eyes.

"Dear, if you wanted fun, you could've said so..." As my cheeks flushed with heat, I instinctively recoiled. It baffled me how someone could exude both attractiveness and exasperation simultaneously. The way he could effortlessly undermine my composure frustrated me to no end. At that moment, I despised how easily he could unravel me. And to make matters worse, he chuckled at my evident discomposure.

"It's not funny Al!"

"It is, though, my dear!" As he spoke, I couldn't help but roll my eyes in response. His teasing always had a way of flustering me, and it was something I didn't particularly enjoy. "Your smile is what completes you, my dear. You look absolutely stunning with that beautiful smile on your face. So, my dear, I'm asking you to smile just for me." His words reverberated through the depths of my being, causing a sudden weakness in my legs and igniting an indescribable yearning in my heart. I attempted to mask my emotions with a faint smile, but he gently cradled my face, coaxing a broader, more genuine smile to spread across my lips. I allowed my expression to relax, and a genuine smile graced my face. He released my face, and his lips tenderly brushed against my forehead.

"I love you Alastor" As he stood there, he paused for a moment, taking in a deep breath, before gently drawing me closer to his warm, comforting chest.

"And I love you Y/n" Unbeknownst to Y/n, Alastor's once charming smile slowly contorted into a more menacing expression, Y/n would be his, and his alone no one is allowed to touch what is his no one.

As I gazed into Alastor's piercing red eyes, my thoughts drifted to Angel and Charlie. The lingering tension from our argument last night weighed heavily on my mind, and I felt a deep-seated urge to make amends and apologize for my rudeness. However, I will not apologize for my drinking. As I distanced myself from him, I made my way to the bedroom door. "I'm going," I paused, taking a deep breath, "to apologize to Charlie and Angel."

"As you wish, my dear." He smiled and sat down in a chair. "I'll be here waiting for you to return, and you better return, my dear." He darkened his tone as more radio static came through. Yeah, okay, Mr. Tough guy.

"Okay..." Who shoved a stick up his ass? I snapped my fingers and went into the shadows. I arrived downstairs and eyes bored into me, specifically Charlie's. Angel didn't even spare me a look at all. He just kept watching the TV while Charlie stood up and walked over to me.

"Charlie, I... I'm sorry," I began, my voice barely above a whisper, but every syllable heavy with sincerity. If I play this off as I am truly sorry even though I am not, maybe I can mend my relationship with Angel at least.

"Go on," she encouraged gently.

"I know I messed up. I should've told you I was going out. I shouldn't have argued with you last night. I know you were just super worried about how I was missing, and worried about me drinking again. I know I broke my sobriety but... this is my life, Charlie, and if I want to be a drunk my whole life, then so be it." I watched as Angel turned his head to watch what was going on with me and Charlie.

"Y/n," Charlie said, at last, her voice gentle but firm, "I just want to express that I truly appreciate your apology. You need to understand that you are my sister and you mean everything to me. I am worried about the impact of drinking on your health and well-being, and I don't want to see you go down that path again." She places a hand on my shoulder and her gaze meets mine. "I want you to know that I value sincerity and don't want you to apologize out of guilt or obligation." Fuck, she saw through that. I turn away from her and notice Angel walking up to us.

"Y/n, I care for you too. You are like my best friend, believe it or not, and I am sorry that I hit you. It's just we were in this together!" His accent was thick towards the end as tears welled in his eyes.

"Y/n" Charlie spoke. "You have a family here and your drinking is only hurting us, but if you're going to continue, I understand as you said this is your life, but just know I care for you. We all care for you." I paused for a moment to process her words. Fuck, everything she just said gave me pause for thought. I had always prided myself on my carefree attitude, but now I wasn't so sure. I felt the desire to transform for her, yet my stubborn pride seemed to stand in the way of real change.

"Okay... I'll try to be better... and I am really sorry" I stared up. I let my heart take over instead of my mind. Maybe I can change for the better...