Study - Alastor
The sounds of a game of Mario Kart blared through the TV in the hotel’s living room. It wasn’t as fun playing alone, but everyone else was busy doing actually important things, so you weren’t going to complain. Especially when you were only playing to avoid doing the assignments that had been piling up for weeks. Of course, something had to come up and ruin your plans; that something turned out to be a certain Radio Demon swooping into the room.
“What on earth is that infernal racket?!” Alastor questioned, eyes beginning to turn to radio dials before he reigned it in.
“You can’t tell me you’ve never heard of Mario Kart. I get that it’s way after your time, but how has Nifty not convinced you to play at least once? You’re missing out.”
“I prefer more conventional forms of entertainment, I suppose. There’s nothing quite like losing yourself between the pages of a well-worn book while some gentle jazz floats through a radio in the background.”
“Blah. Reading.” You replied with a roll of your eyes.
“Nonsense. There is nothing ‘blah’ about a world built entirely by the written word. In fact,” Alastor said, gesturing grandly to the pile of books beside you on the couch, “it looks like you’ve got plenty of lovely options here. Why not try one?”
“Because those,” you started, pointing to the same pile with disdain, “are anything but fun. It’s homework.”
Alastor’s nose did wrinkle in distaste at that; he had never understood the purpose of making younger demons complete their schooling. It wasn’t like it was required to be successful in Hell. Though, based on your current reaction, he could see how assigning it anyway would add to the punishment of being stuck here.
“I see.” He began. “Why’re you not working on it? Surely it would be better to get it over with so that you could enjoy the remainder of your weekend, would it not?”
You shrug. “I guess I should. There’s just so much of it, though.”
“I’m not sure I understand the issue. How is the amount of work the thing that is deterring you from starting? The amount is only going to decrease as you complete work.”
“Ugh! How are you so logical all of the time? Of course I understand that’s how it works, but the thought of starting is overwhelming. Don’t you ever get overwhelmed by anything?”
Alastor paused, genuinely debating his answer. “Not since my death, no. I’ve been fearful, of course. Angry as well, but I can’t say I’ve ever been overwhelmed. In life, though, I suppose I must’ve been overwhelmed quite a bit with trying to run my radio show among…other things. That said, I quickly learned that taking a step forward was better than not. Start small and work your way up. A small thing done is still something. Now, off with this wretched televised game of yours. Get to it.”
“Do I have to?” You practically whined.
“While we have not made a deal, and thus I can’t actually order that you do, I would strongly suggest it.”
You sighed, overdramatically as you finally cracked open a book. “This would be so much easier if one of my friends were here. They could body double with me.”
There was the sound of a record scratch “They could - what now?”
“Body double. It’s like, working on separate stuff, but together so that you both stay on track. Sometimes the other person doesn’t even have to be working; it’s enough just to know that there’s another person there to keep you accountable.”
“You and all your newfangled words will never cease to amaze me. Although, admittedly, I do see how that concept could be of use. I suppose I could spare a few hours to try this ‘body doubling’ with you, if you wish.” Alastor offered.
“Really? You would do that for me?” Your eyes widened in surprise.
“Of course, my darling. I’ve got some contracts I should review anyway. Only if you promise we’ll get right down to the business at hand and I will be the one to choose our background music. Now come along, let’s get started.” He waved you over to the kitchen table as he flipped the radio to his favorite station.