Breaking Rules ( Radioapple )

Nighttime Comfort - Part 10

______________________________

Lucifer closed the door behind the departing police officers, his movements slow and deliberate. He said nothing, his face pale, eyes wide with the effort to hold back a panic attack. He didn't want Charlie to see him like this, not when he needed to be strong for her.

Charlie, standing by Alastor, looked up at him with wide, curious eyes. "Papa," she said softly, holding out her hand to him.

Alastor knelt down to her level, smiling warmly but feeling a tight knot of anxiety in his chest. "Yes?"

"I called the police," Charlie said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I heard what those bad men were saying, and I knew I had to help."

Alastor's smile widened, pride shining in his eyes despite the nerves bubbling up. "You did a very brave thing, Charlie. Thank you."

Charlie beamed at the praise. "I'm going to play with my toys now, Papa. Is that okay?"

"Of course, darling," Alastor replied, ruffling her hair gently. "You go have fun."

Charlie nodded and trotted off to her room, leaving Alastor and Lucifer alone in the entryway. Alastor's gaze shifted to Lucifer, who still stood frozen, his expression one of utter horror.

"Lucifer," Alastor called softly, stepping closer to him. "Are you okay?"

Lucifer didn't respond, his mind trapped in the terrifying memory of Vox's attack. The scene played out vividly in his mind—Vox's sinister smile, the sound of his voice dripping with malice, the feeling of helplessness as he fought back, and the brutal pain that followed.

"Long time no see, Lucifer," Vox's voice dripped with malice.

Lucifer flinched, his breathing growing more erratic. He felt Alastor's hand on his arm and recoiled sharply, the touch triggering another flashback.

Vox's smile twisted into something more sinister as he reached out and touched Lucifer's shoulder. "Oh, I don't think so. This isn't over by a long shot."

"Lucifer," Alastor urged gently, trying to keep his voice steady despite his rising panic. "It's just us now. You're safe."

Lucifer's breaths became ragged, his eyes darting around the room as if expecting to see his tormentors. The panic continued to rise within him, the images in his mind refusing to fade.

"Lucifer," Alastor's voice was firmer now, though a hint of desperation seeped through. "Focus on me. Breathe with me."

"You've got a lot of nerve, don't you?" Vox sneered, his voice low and dangerous.

Lucifer's eyes slowly found Alastor's, and he tried to mimic his steady breathing. It was a struggle, the memories overwhelming his senses.

"That's it," Alastor encouraged, feeling slightly out of his depth but determined to help. "You're doing great. Just keep breathing."

Alastor kept his focus on comforting Lucifer. "they're gone now. They can't hurt you anymore."

Lucifer nodded slowly, still visibly shaken but starting to regain his composure. "Thank you," he whispered, leaning into Alastor for support.

Alastor wrapped his arms around Lucifer, holding him close despite his own trembling hands. "I'm here for you, always," he said softly. "We'll get through this together."

As the minutes passed, Lucifer's panic finally began to ebb, replaced by a deep exhaustion. Alastor, still feeling the echoes of his own anxiety, tightened his hold slightly, drawing strength from the comfort and love that surrounded them both.