Breaking Rules ( Radioapple )

Lines Drawn - Part 19

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Alastor walked down the hall, heading towards the sound of laughter and animated voices coming from Charlie's room. As he opened the door, he was greeted by an unexpected sight: Angel, Husk, Niffty, and Charlie engaged in an elaborate role-playing game. Angel was flitting around as a fairy godmother, Husk was pretending to be a fierce dragon, Niffty was the brave prince, and Charlie was the princess.

Alastor stood in the doorway, his eyebrow raised in confusion. "What exactly is going on here?"

Charlie looked up, her face lighting up with excitement. "We're playing 'Save the Princess from the Dragon!' Miss Niffty is the prince, Mr. Angel is the fairy godmother, and Mr. Husk is the dragon!"

Alastor chuckled, stepping further into the room. "I see. Looks like you all are having a great time."

Angel, still in character, waved a pretend wand at Alastor. "You're just in time, noble Alastor. The dragon has been vanquished, and the princess is safe!"

Niffty clapped her hands, her eyes sparkling. "It's been so much fun! Charlie's a fantastic princess."

Husk shook his head, but there was a small smile on his face. "Yeah, and Niffty here takes her role very seriously."

Charlie giggled, looking at Alastor. "Did you see, Alastor? We defeated the dragon!"

Alastor smiled warmly at her. "You all did an amazing job. Very impressive."

Niffty then turned her attention to Alastor, her expression turning serious. "How's Lucifer doing?"

Alastor sighed, running a hand through his hair. "He's still stressed, but he's resting now. We need to figure out what we're going to do from here."

Angel leaned against the wall, crossing his arms. "Well, we can't all stay here. This place isn't big enough for everyone."

Alastor nodded. "That's true. I think it's best if you guys head back to the dorms. I'll stay the night to take care of Charlie in the morning and then head off to college."

Husk looked between them. "Sounds like a plan. We'll be around if you need anything."

Niffty gave Charlie a reassuring smile. "We'll come back to visit soon, okay, Charlie?"

Charlie nodded, hugging one of the stuffed animals Niffty had brought. "Okay, Miss Niffty. Thank you for playing with me."

Angel ruffled Charlie's hair gently. "Hang in there, kiddo. We'll see you soon."

As they all started to gather their things, Niffty looked at Alastor. "Make sure to take care of yourself too, Al. Don't try to do everything on your own."

Alastor nodded appreciatively. "Thank you, Niffty. I'll be okay."

They exchanged a few more words of encouragement and goodbyes. Charlie hugged each of them tightly before they left, and Alastor escorted them to the door. After they all left, Alastor closed the door behind them and took a deep breath.

He turned to Charlie, who was watching him with a curious expression. "Alright, Charlie. Let's get you ready for bed. It's been a long day."

Charlie nodded, her energy finally starting to wane. "Okay, Papa."

Alastor smiled at Charlie as they headed to her room. He could see that she was starting to get tired after such an eventful day. As they reached her bedroom door, Alastor knelt down to her level and asked, "Charlie, what does your father usually do when he gets you ready for bed?"

Charlie thought for a moment, her face lighting up as she remembered. "Well, first, I change into my pajamas. I can do that by myself!"

Alastor nodded, pleased with her independence. "Alright, go ahead and change into your pajamas. I'll wait here."