Breaking Rules ( Radioapple )

Uncertain Paths - Part 3

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Alastor sat in the back of the ambulance, holding tightly to Lucifer's hand. The paramedics worked quickly and efficiently, monitoring Lucifer's vital signs and administering first aid. The wail of the siren seemed distant and surreal to Alastor, his entire focus on Lucifer's battered form.

"Stay with me, Lucifer," Alastor whispered, tears threatening to spill over. "You're going to be okay."

The paramedic closest to him offered a reassuring smile. "He's stable for now, but we need to get him to the hospital as soon as possible. You're doing great, just keep talking to him."

Alastor nodded, his voice trembling as he continued to speak softly to Lucifer. The ride felt both agonizingly long and painfully short, but eventually, they arrived at the hospital. The paramedics rushed Lucifer inside, leaving Alastor to follow in a daze.

At the emergency room entrance, a nurse directed Alastor to a waiting area, promising to keep him updated. He sat down heavily, his mind racing with worry and fear. Minutes dragged into an eternity as he waited, every second stretching out unbearably.

After what felt like hours, a doctor finally approached him. "Mr. Alastor?"

Alastor stood up quickly, his heart in his throat. "Yes, that's me. How is he?"

The doctor gave a reassuring nod. "He's stable now. He has several contusions, a concussion, and a few broken ribs, but he's going to be okay. We've moved him to a room where he can rest and recover. You can see him now, but he needs to remain calm and undisturbed."

Relief washed over Alastor, and he nodded fervently. "Thank you, doctor. Thank you so much."

The doctor led him to a private room where Lucifer lay, connected to various monitors and IVs. The sight of him, though still bruised and battered, breathing steadily, brought a wave of emotions crashing over Alastor. He approached the bedside cautiously, taking Lucifer's hand in his.

"Hey," he whispered, trying to keep his voice steady. "You're going to be okay. You're safe now."

But Lucifer didn't respond. His eyes remained closed, his chest rising and falling rhythmically with each breath. Alastor felt a pang of fear and sadness, but he reminded himself that Lucifer needed rest to heal.

A soft knock on the door interrupted him, and Rosie peeked in, holding Charlie's hand. "We came as soon as we heard. How is he?"

Alastor nodded, managing a small smile. "He's going to be okay, Rosie."

Charlie ran over to the bed, her eyes wide with worry. "Daddy?"

Alastor crouched down to Charlie's level, keeping his voice gentle. "He's sleeping right now, sweetheart. He needs to rest so he can get better."

Charlie nodded, her little face still etched with concern. She reached out and gently touched Lucifer's hand. "I love you, Daddy," she whispered.

Rosie approached, placing a comforting hand on Alastor's shoulder. "You did well, Alastor. He's safe now."

Alastor took a deep breath, the weight of the past few hours finally settling on him. "I couldn't just sit there and do nothing. I had to find him."

Rosie nodded. "And you did. Now, you need to take care of yourself too. You've been through a lot."

Alastor nodded, knowing she was right. "I will. But right now, I just need to be here with him."

Rosie smiled warmly. "Of course. We'll be here too, for both of you."