Pardon The Way That I Stare

Daddy's Home

Lucifer Morningstar stood at the entrance of the Hazbin Hotel, gazing up at the old, haunting structure with a sense of reluctant nostalgia. He wasn't used to playing the role of a supportive father, but something about Charlie's relentless optimism had drawn him in. For the first time in centuries, he felt the pull to be a part of her life—not as Hell's king, but as her father. And now, here he was, moving in to support her and her absurd dream of redemption.

The last time he'd seen the place, it had been chaotic, much like Hell itself. But now, as he stepped inside, he was greeted by a strange stillness that unsettled him.

"Dad!" Charlie's voice echoed from across the lobby, her excitement palpable as she rushed to greet him. "You made it! I'm so glad you're here!"

Lucifer smiled warmly at his daughter, but his eyes swept over the lobby, noting the presence of a familiar figure standing by the bar. Alastor, the Radio Demon, with his pristine suit and that ever-present grin, was twirling his cane in one hand as he watched Lucifer's arrival with interest.

Lucifer's smile faltered for a brief second. His last encounter with Alastor had been less than pleasant—centuries ago, just before the annual Extermination. They had exchanged cold words, both sizing each other up as threats to Charlie. Lucifer had always been protective of his daughter, and Alastor's obsession with her "project" had set off alarm bells in his head. He hadn't trusted Alastor's intentions then, and frankly, he still didn't.

Alastor's grin widened as Lucifer approached, his red eyes gleaming with that unsettling mix of charm and menace. "Well, well, if it isn't the proud father himself," Alastor crooned in his eerie, vintage radio voice. "I must say, I didn't expect to see *you* moving in. A little too...domestic for the King of Hell, don't you think?"

Lucifer narrowed his eyes, though he kept his tone light. "I'm here for my daughter, Alastor. Not for you."

Alastor chuckled, leaning casually against the bar. "Oh, don't worry, Lucifer. I wouldn't dream of interfering with your precious family reunion."

Before Lucifer could respond, Charlie slipped between them, clearly sensing the tension. "Okay! Why don't we all just...start fresh?" she suggested, forcing a bright smile. "Dad, I know things were a little rocky before between you and Alastor, but we're all on the same side now. Right?" She shot Alastor a pointed look.

Alastor gave an exaggerated bow. "Of course, my dear Charlie. I'm always happy to extend the olive branch." His grin never wavered, but there was a flicker of sincerity in his gaze—enough for Charlie to relax a little.

Lucifer sighed. He had no intention of stirring up trouble for Charlie's sake, and if that meant getting along with Alastor...well, he could swallow his pride for now.

Later that evening, Charlie had arranged for a little "icebreaker." Apparently, the best way to ease tensions was to sit them down at the hotel's bar and have a few drinks. So, there they were—Lucifer and Alastor, side by side on bar stools, with no table to serve as a barrier between them.

Lucifer wasn't exactly thrilled by the idea, but Charlie had insisted.

The bar was dimly lit, with the faint glow of neon lights casting long shadows across the room. Bottles of strange, glowing liquors lined the shelves behind the bar, and the whole place had a hazy, timeless quality to it—perfect for the kinds of conversations Lucifer usually avoided.

They both had drinks in hand, the awkward silence hanging between them.

Lucifer cleared his throat, taking a sip of his Hellfire whiskey. "I didn't expect you to stick around this long," he began, trying to keep the conversation civil. "I would've thought you'd grow bored of this place by now."