Smart Ass

                                    

                                          
Y/n's p.o.v.

As I make my way up the stairs to find my room I try to take in my surroundings. This was a lot to process all at once. I was dead. Actually dead. Who was going to look after my cat? I mean my room mate loved Mr. Cuddles but.... I started to tear up a bit. Taking a deep breath I look at the number on my key and look around to find my room.

 Wiping my eyes as I find myself standing in front of the door that will hold my new living quarters for who knows how long. Just as I inserted the key into the keyhole I heard what sounded like radio static.

 Whipping my head around to see a deer demon that I actually had to tilt my head back to look up at. I raised a brow at him and frowned. "Can I help you?" I asked with a bit of a snip in my tone. What was with the smile? That was unnerving. 

The deer demon stood there, his antlers casting intricate shadows on the wall behind him. He had a peculiar, almost mischievous glint in his eyes, and the static noise seemed to dance around us like an unseen presence. I took a step back, my heart racing. "Seriously, can I help you?" I repeated, crossing my arms defensively.
"Ah, but it's I who can help you," he replied, his voice smooth, almost melodic despite the crackling undercurrent. "Welcome to the afterlife, Y/n. I believe you have some... adjustments to make." He gestured grandly, as if unveiling an elaborate performance.
I raised an eyebrow, still skeptical. "Adjustments? Like what? A new wardrobe? Because I'm not in the mood for makeovers right now."
His smile widened, and I couldn't shake the feeling that he found my sarcasm amusing. "No, no, nothing so trivial. More like adapting to your new surroundings. You see, it's not just about living here-it's about learning how to thrive."
"Thrive?" I echoed, glancing back at the door that now felt like a threshold to the unknown. "You mean like... as a ghost or whatever? Because honestly, I'd rather be back with Mr. Cuddles."
"Ah, the feline companion!" He chuckled softly, and the static surged momentarily, as if resonating with his laughter. "Fear not, Y/n. Your beloved cat is taken care of-for now. But your journey here is just beginning, and I can be your guide."
I sighed, rubbing my temples. "Great. Just what I need-an overly cheerful deer demon as my life coach in the afterlife."

"Call me Alastor," he said, bowing slightly. "And I assure you, this will be a most enlightening experience." His smile was unyielding, and part of me was tempted to turn back and slam the door shut. But another part-the part that knew this was my new reality-urged me to stay.
"So, where do we start?" I asked, resigned yet curious. Maybe there was something to this afterlife thing after all.

My gaze narrows and I feel something flatten against my head. "Oh don't worry you little head Darling" he says moving his hand and pats my head. A jolt of electricity sparks its way through my head all the way down to my toes. I pull away.

 He glances at his pocket watch and sighs. "Well it seems that you best be getting to bed" he turns away and then stops, "good night my Deer" he says then walks off. "I'm not your dear" I grumble.

 Allowing myself into my room and seeing the clothes on the bed for me, I stare for a moment before hopping in the shower. It was quick... But while washing I noticed the changes that had overcome me.

 Stepping out, I stare at my reflection and scowl. "Smartass" I say touching my deer like ears and turn to see my tail. I sigh and get dressed before crawling into bed and dozing off.

The next morning, I awoke to an odd mix of sunlight and static crackling through the air. I blinked at the ceiling, still trying to wrap my mind around the surreal events of yesterday. I could still feel the lingering tingle from Alastor's touch, and my mind wandered to the strange new features I now had.
I swung my legs over the side of the bed, the plush comforter sliding off to reveal my tail curling, I could see it slightly on the shadow on the floor. "Okay, this is officially bizarre," I muttered to myself, running my fingers through my hair. I stood and made my way over to the mirror again, examining my reflection closely. My ears perked up, twitching at the slightest sound. "Great. Just great."
After splashing some water on my face, I rummaged through the clothes Charlie had left me. They were a mix of casual and fantastical, as if plucked straight from a storybook. I settled on a loose, comfortable top and some leggings, grateful for the cozy fit. As I dressed, I couldn't help but think about my life before-my job, my friends, Mr. Cuddles. Would I ever see them again?
The thought weighed heavily on me, but I pushed it aside. Instead, I focused on what Alastor had said about thriving. I needed a plan. If I was going to be here for a while, I might as well make the best of it.
Just as I was tying my hair up, I heard a soft knock on the door. "Y/n?" It was Charlie's voice. "Are you awake?"
"Yeah, come in," I called out, adjusting my expression to something more welcoming.
Charlie opened the door and stepped in, a warm smile on her face. "Good morning! How are you feeling?"
"Like I just joined a supernatural circus," I said dryly, but a smile tugged at my lips. "What's next? Do I have to learn to juggle?"
She laughed, shaking her head. "No juggling required. But Alastor wanted me to show you around today. There's a lot to explore, and it'll help you get used to things."
I raised an eyebrow, recalling his overly cheerful demeanor. "I'm sure he did."
"Don't worry, he can be a bit much, but he means well," she said, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Ready to meet the other residents?"
I took a deep breath, curiosity and nerves mingling in my stomach. "Sure, why not? Let's see what this afterlife has to offer."
With that, Charlie led me out of my room, and I couldn't shake the feeling that this was the beginning of something much bigger than I had ever imagined.