Breaking Rules ( Radioapple )

Healing Hands - Part 22

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As Alastor arrived with Angel, Husk, and Niffty, Charlie darted toward them with unrestrained excitement, calling out "Papa!" Alastor's expression softened at her greeting, a mix of pride and warmth evident in his eyes. Angel,  raised an eyebrow and flashed a mischievous smirk, but Alastor paid it no mind as he guided Lucifer to his room.

Meanwhile, in the living area, a cozy scene unfolded. Charlie, Husk, Niffty, and Angel gathered around a makeshift art station, pencils and crayons scattered across a coffee table. The atmosphere was light and cheerful as they immersed themselves in creating colorful drawings.

In the midst of their artistic session, Charlie's innocent chatter turned unexpectedly poignant. With each stroke of her crayon, she shared snippets about Lucifer—how he seemed sad sometimes, how he didn't smile as much anymore. Her words hung in the air, laden with a child's concern yet unaware of the gravity they carried.

Niffty exchanged a concerned glance with Husk, who nodded subtly in acknowledgment. Niffty leaned in closer to Charlie, her voice gentle and reassuring. "I'm sure Alastor will help your dad feel better, Charlie," she said softly.

Angel, always one for a teasing comment, couldn't resist chiming in with a smirk. "Oh yeah he will." he quipped, earning a playful swat from Niffty. 

"Angel, not now!" she scolded lightly, though her eyes twinkled with amusement.

Angel raised his hands in mock surrender, his grin unrepentant. "Alright, alright, I'll behave," he chuckled, then leaned over to Husk. "Hey, big guy, how's your cat coming along?"

Husk grunted in response, focused on his drawing, which depicted a cat with intricately detailed scales and a mischievous glint in its eye. He glanced up at Angel and shrugged. "Not bad," he muttered, before returning his attention to his artwork.

Meanwhile, Charlie continued coloring, oblivious to the subtle exchanges around her. "I wish Daddy smiled more," she murmured, her brow furrowing slightly as she concentrated on her drawing of a sunny garden. "He's been sad a lot lately."

Niffty's heart softened at Charlie's words. She reached over and patted Charlie's shoulder gently. "It's okay, sweetheart," she reassured her, trying to find the right words. "Sometimes grown-ups have things on their minds. But your dad loves you very much, and I'm sure things will get better."

Charlie nodded, her lips forming a small, determined smile. "I know," she said quietly, her voice filled with a child's unwavering faith in her father.

Angel, catching the shift in mood, leaned back with a sigh. "Well, enough of the heavy stuff," he declared, grabbing a fresh sheet of paper. "Who wants to see my masterpiece?"

Niffty chuckled, shaking her head fondly at Angel's antics. "Alright, show us what you've got, Angel," she encouraged, while Husk simply grunted in amusement.

Angel launched into an exaggerated explanation of his drawing, embellishing details and adding dramatic flair that had everyone laughing. His artwork, a fantastical landscape with exaggerated characters and improbable creatures, brought a new wave of lightness to the room.

--

Alastor stepped into Lucifer's room, finding him seated at his desk with a worn expression, surrounded by papers. Rosie's understanding about the delayed payment eased some of the tension, but Alastor could still see the weight of their financial struggles etched on Lucifer's face.

"Rosie said she's okay with the delay," Alastor began, taking a seat beside him. "She understands, Lucifer."

Lucifer nodded wearily, rubbing his eyes. "Thanks, Al. I just hate feeling like I'm falling behind on everything."