Breaking Rules ( Radioapple )

Bearing Secrets - Part 28

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Striker paced back and forth in their dorm room, his sharp eyes glaring at Chaz, who was sitting on the bed, looking down at his hands. The room was dimly lit, casting shadows on the walls that seemed to mirror Striker's intense frustration. Chaz's previous bruises had healed, but the tension between them had not.

"You absolute idiot," Striker growled, stopping in front of Chaz. "What the hell were you thinking, interrogating Alastor again?"

Chaz shrugged, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. "I just wanted to see if he'd crack. You know, for fun."

Striker's eyes narrowed, his patience wearing thin. "For fun? You think this is some kind of game? You're lucky you didn't get yourself seriously hurt. Again."

Chaz rolled his eyes, waving his hand dismissively. "Oh, come on, Striker. It's not like he can do much. He's all bark and no bite."

Striker, exasperated, grabbed Chaz's chin, forcing him to look up. Chaz's eyes widened in surprise as he met Striker's intense gaze. "You don't get it, do you? You're playing with fire, and one of these days, you're going to get burned."

Chaz tried to pull away, but Striker's grip tightened. "Let go, Striker," Chaz muttered, but his defiance was met with unyielding determination.

"I told you to stay away from Alastor," Striker said, his voice low and dangerous. "But you didn't listen. Do you have any idea what kind of trouble you're courting?"

Chaz's smirk faltered, a flicker of uncertainty crossing his face. "Why do you even care, Striker? It's not like it affects you."

Striker's expression softened for a brief moment before hardening again. He released Chaz's chin but didn't step back. "Because I'm tired of watching you self-destruct, Chaz. You think you're invincible, but you're not."

Chaz watched Striker, his defiance clashing with a sudden vulnerability. "Yeah, well, I can handle myself."

Striker's gaze didn't waver. "Maybe you can, but you don't have to go looking for trouble. There's enough of it without you stirring the pot."

Chaz shifted uncomfortably, finally breaking eye contact. "Fine. I'll try to stay out of trouble."

Striker took a step back, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly. "Good. Because next time, you might not be so lucky."

--

The day at college passed in a blur for Alastor, his mind preoccupied with thoughts of returning to Lucifer and Charlie. As he approached Lucifer's doorstep, he hesitated, his hand hovering over the door. He had contemplated not coming, but ultimately, his desire to see them won out. Taking a deep breath, he knocked.

Inside, Lucifer was tidying up when he heard the knock. He opened the door, his eyes widening in surprise. "Alastor?"

Alastor gave a small, hesitant smile. "Hey, Lucifer."

Before either could say more, Charlie rushed into the room. The moment she saw Alastor, her eyes filled with tears, and she burst into sobs. "Papa! I thought you left like Mommy!"

Alastor's heart ached at the sight. He dropped to his knees, wrapping his arms around her. "I'm so sorry, Charlie. I didn't mean to make you think that. I'm here now, okay? I'm not going anywhere."

Charlie clung to him, her sobs gradually subsiding as Alastor comforted her. "Promise?" she whispered.

"I promise," Alastor replied, holding her close. He gently rocked her until her tears dried, and she pulled back, sniffling but smiling a little.