Pardon The Way That I Stare

A Talk

Niffty bounced into the room, arms overflowing with dessert dishes. "Alright, everyone! Time for my special creation!" she announced, proudly presenting a bright pink dessert that sparkled as if it had been touched by magic.

"Wow, Niffty, this looks amazing!" Charlie exclaimed, eyes wide with excitement.

Angel leaned forward, grinning. "I don't know what it is, but I'm in!"

The others eagerly dug in, and as Lucifer took his first bite, a wave of flavors exploded in his mouth. "This is... different," he said, surprised by the unexpected sweetness.

"Delicious!" Angel declared, licking his spoon clean. "I could get used to this gourmet treatment!"

"Don't get used to it," Husk grumbled, eyeing the dessert with suspicion.

As the group enjoyed the sweet concoction, Lucifer felt the atmosphere begin to wrap around him like a warm blanket. Laughter and playful banter filled the air, and for a moment, he was able to forget the tension that had built during dinner, even as he occasionally stole glances at Alastor. The Radio Demon seemed to be enjoying himself, exchanging quips with Angel and casting sidelong looks at Lucifer that sent a thrill down his spine.

Just then, Charlie nudged Vaggie playfully. "You know, we should definitely do this more often. A family dinner where everyone can relax and just enjoy each other's company."

Lucifer smiled at the sentiment, but his mind flickered back to the earlier conversation. The lingering questions about feelings and connections gnawed at him, and he found himself glancing at Alastor again. The Radio Demon's expression had shifted slightly, a glimmer of understanding in his eyes, as if he could sense the turmoil within Lucifer.

As dessert wound down and conversation turned to more absurd topics, Charlie looked at her dad with a knowing gaze. "So, what's the story, Luci? Surely you have a tale to share!"

Lucifer's heart raced. The spotlight was back on him, and he felt the heat creeping up his neck again. He thought of the lives he had lived, the pain and heartache woven through centuries. The relationships that had come and gone, each one leaving its mark.

But something in Alastor's gaze encouraged him to share more than he usually would. "Well," Lucifer began slowly, feeling a mix of vulnerability and resolve, "I've had my share of... encounters. There was a time when I thought I was in love with someone. It was intense, all-consuming."

"What happened?" Angel asked, leaning in, eyes glimmering with intrigue.

Lucifer hesitated, the memories swirling in his mind. "In the end, it didn't work out. We were too different, and it tore us apart. I suppose you could say it was a lesson in what not to pursue."

Charlie's expression softened, her concern palpable. "I'm sorry, Dad. That sounds painful."

"It was," Lucifer admitted, a hint of sorrow creeping into his voice. "But like Alastor mentioned earlier, there's also a thrill in the chase. It's just—" he paused, stealing another glance at Alastor, "the unpredictability of it all can be both exhilarating and terrifying."

Alastor's gaze lingered on him, an understanding twinkling in his eyes. "Exactly, dear. It's that uncertainty that makes it all worthwhile. If we never took risks, we'd never discover what truly brings us joy."

As the conversation flowed seamlessly from one topic to another, Lucifer felt a shift within himself. He had shared a piece of his past, something he rarely did, and the weight of that vulnerability hung between him and Alastor, unspoken yet palpable.

Eventually, the evening began to wind down. The laughter settled into comfortable conversation, and the group started to disperse, one by one, heading off to their rooms for the night. But as they all lingered in the dining hall, Lucifer felt a growing sense of apprehension and anticipation.

Once the last of the plates were cleared and goodnights exchanged, Lucifer excused himself and made his way to his room. His mind was a whirlwind of emotions, and as soon as he stepped inside and shut the door, he leaned against it, taking a deep breath.

He couldn't shake the intensity of the evening or the connection he felt with Alastor. The conversation had left him both exhilarated and confused, and he found himself replaying every moment in his mind.

Just as he began to gather his thoughts, a soft knock echoed through the quiet room. "Hey, Luci, it's me!" Angel's voice called from the other side of the door.

"Come in!" Lucifer replied, pushing away from the door and sitting on the edge of his bed.

Angel entered, a grin plastered across his face. "So, how was dinner? I saw the way you and Alastor were looking at each other! There's definitely something brewing there!"

Lucifer's heart raced again, but this time it was mixed with anxiety. "I... I don't know, Angel. It felt different tonight, but I'm not sure what to make of it." He ran a hand through his hair, the tension spilling over. "I think I might have a crush on him, but what would Charlie think? What do I even do?"

Angel's expression shifted to one of serious consideration, and he plopped down next to Lucifer on the bed. "Okay, okay, let's break this down. First off, crushes are totally normal! Especially when it's someone like Alastor—he's charming, mysterious, and honestly, kind of a catch."

"But he's also—" Lucifer started, but Angel cut him off.

"Yeah, he's also Alastor. I get it. But look, if you're feeling this way, it's okay to explore it. Just think about how you feel when you're around him. That connection? That tension? It's a sign!"

Lucifer felt a warmth spread through him at the thought, but apprehension still lingered. "But what if I'm just imagining things? What if he doesn't feel the same way?"

Angel rolled his eyes. "Dude, have you seen the way he looks at you? Trust me, he's definitely interested. Just take your time and see where it goes. No pressure!"

Lucifer nodded, feeling a flicker of hope ignite within him, but doubt still lingered. "And Charlie... I don't want to complicate things with her. What if she gets upset?"

"Charlie loves you and wants you to be happy. If you're honest with her, she'll understand," Angel reassured, placing a hand on Lucifer's shoulder. "You've got to prioritize your happiness too."

As they sat together, the air between them buzzed with energy, but unbeknownst to both of them, Alastor stood just outside the door, ears perked and listening intently to every word. The Radio Demon's expression was unreadable, but a hint of amusement played on his lips as he absorbed Lucifer's frantic thoughts and concerns.

Lucifer continued to speak, sharing his feelings, anxieties, and the mix of hope and fear swirling within him. Alastor felt a strange warmth in his chest at the vulnerable honesty that poured from Lucifer, the longing and confusion threading through every word.

Angel smirked, nudging Lucifer playfully. "So, what's the plan? You should definitely make a move, like, *soon*. Just remember to be yourself."

"Right," Lucifer replied, a nervous smile creeping onto his face. "Just be myself."

As they wrapped up their conversation, Alastor, still lurking just outside the door, felt a wave of exhilaration wash over him. The tension between him and Lucifer was palpable, and hearing the depth of Lucifer's feelings ignited something within him.

He stepped back, a knowing smile on his face as he processed what he had just heard, anticipation building for whatever came next. The night had shifted everything, and both he and Lucifer were teetering on the brink of something neither could quite define.

As the door closed behind Angel, and the echoes of their conversation faded, Alastor couldn't shake the sense that this was just the beginning.