Breaking Rules ( Radioapple )

A Small Gesture - Part 21

I have nothing to do again today so I MIGHT double update again

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Alastor woke up in Lucifer's room again, but this time, the bed next to him was empty. A flash of worry crossed his mind until he heard the sound of Charlie's giggles from somewhere in the house. The tension he felt eased as he got ready for the day.

He made his way to the kitchen, where he found Charlie at the table, finishing her breakfast, and Lucifer sitting across from her, surrounded by a stack of papers. As Alastor moved closer, he realized what Lucifer was doing: sorting through bills.

Alastor walked over and sat down next to Lucifer. "Morning," he greeted softly.

Lucifer looked up, offering a small, tired smile. "Morning, Al."

Charlie beamed at Alastor. "Papa! Look, I finished all my breakfast!"

"Good job, Charlie," Alastor replied, ruffling her hair. His eyes then drifted to the bills spread out on the table. Despite Lucifer's composed exterior, Alastor could sense the underlying stress.

"How are things looking?" Alastor asked gently.

Lucifer sighed, rubbing his temple. "I'm already dipping into my savings. I haven't been able to pay Rosie at the daycare for watching Charlie, and I'm worried about groceries. I have to send Charlie with a lunch every day, and it's just a matter of time before Rosie needs her payment."

"Rosie won't mind if you're late on paying her," Alastor reassured him.

"It's not just that," Lucifer replied, his voice strained. "I can't find a job right now, and every day that goes by, it feels like the walls are closing in. And it's not only Rosie or groceries. There's the rent, utilities, and Charlie's other necessities. I can't afford any extras for her, no toys. I hate that she has to go without because I can't provide."

Alastor placed a comforting hand on Lucifer's shoulder. "We'll figure this out together. You're not alone in this, Lucifer."

Lucifer's shoulders slumped slightly, the weight of his worries pressing down on him. "I know, but it doesn't make it any easier. I just...I don't see a way out."

Alastor glanced at the clock and realized he was going to be late for his first class at college. "I need to get going. Do you want me to bring Charlie to the daycare?"

Lucifer shook his head. "No, she can stay here today. I'll manage."

As Lucifer continued to voice his concerns, Alastor stood up, gathering his things. "Just hang in there, okay? We'll find a way through this."

Lucifer nodded, though the stress and worry remained etched on his face. "Yeah. Thanks, Alastor."

Alastor gave him one last reassuring smile before heading out, the weight of Lucifer's problems heavy on his mind.

--

Alastor walked through the bustling college courtyard, heading towards the usual spot where he met Niffty, Angel, and Husk. As he approached, he saw them chatting animatedly.

"Hey, Al!" Angel called out, waving enthusiastically. "We were just talking about you."

"Good to see you," Husk greeted, sipping his coffee.

Niffty bounced on her toes, clearly excited. "So, when are you coming back to the dorm?"

Alastor sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I'm not sure yet. Lucifer still hasn't found a job, so I need to be there to support him and Charlie."

Angel nodded sympathetically. "Makes sense. You're a good guy, Al. Lucifer's lucky to have you."

Niffty piped up, "we could go see Charlie again after classes if you want. I'm sure she'd love to have some company, and it might give Lucifer a bit of a break."