#mmmmhh

Love. The word, the feeling, the simplest idea that hasn't crossed Alastor's mind since he was a little kid. Something he felt was just another way to get hurt. Just a chemical that compels people to breed, get stuck in a failing relationship, and go through even more pain. Nothing else.

So, why does it feel so good? Why does his chest feel so warm and fuzzy every time he sees you? Why does he suddenly start sweating and his heart starts beating so fast?

You can't help but think he mustn't like you, judging by the way his toothy grin gets tighter and his ears are twitching almost flush against the back of his head. The way he disappears in the shadows every time you look back at him. Acknowledge his presence. His mere existence.

None of it made sense to him. Why does it feel so good when it was supposed to hurt so bad? Why does it have to feel so good when it was supposed to hurt so bad? It was supposed to hurt so bad, right? That's what he grew up to believe.

"No, dear," Rosie told him, "that's not how it works. It doesn't always end badly. And even if it does, it's not the end of the world. Love is beautiful, you just have to let it in."

Ridiculous. Idiotic. Absolutely foolish. He couldn't even imagine dropping to such a low level and-

"What's up, Al?" His thoughts were interrupted as you finally opened the door to your hotel room, surprised to see him. But even more surprised to see the large bouquet of beautiful red and pink roses almost hitting you in the face.

Alastor looked away, avoiding your gaze. Looking absolutely everywhere, but not you. He brought his clawed fingers to his bowtie, tugging at it slightly as he felt as if it was getting tighter, almost trying to choke him.

With a deep sigh, he turned his head back in your direction, but still didn't make eye contact. "I just..." He took another deep breath in, closing his eyes momentarily to compose himself. "I was simply thinking..." His voice faltered once again.

His eyebrows furrowed in frustration. Suddenly you stumbled back when he shoved the flowers in your hands, speaking so quickly you almost didn't catch what he said, "I wanted to ask you if I could be your boyfriend, thank you, bye." but you did. You did pick up what he said, and before you could respond, ask him, what on earth was this? And before you could even tell him yes, he vanished at the speed of light.

And you were left standing there, frozen in place, wondering, what...just happened?