Pardon The Way That I Stare

The Morning After

The following morning dawned bright and colorful, a stark contrast to the previous night's emotional whirlwind. Lucifer sat at the edge of his bed, sunlight streaming through the window, illuminating his room in a soft glow. He rubbed his eyes, still replaying the conversation with Angel in his mind.

The idea of his feelings for Alastor lingered, refusing to dissipate like morning mist. It was strange and exhilarating, yet terrifying all at once. Lucifer stood up, trying to shake off the remnants of self-doubt. Perhaps today would bring clarity.

After a quick shower and a change of clothes, he made his way down to the common area of the Hazbin Hotel. The familiar sounds of laughter and chatter floated through the air, filling him with a sense of warmth. As he entered the dining area, he found Charlie and Vaggie already preparing breakfast, while Niffty buzzed around, humming to herself.

"Good morning, Dad!" Charlie called out cheerfully, glancing up from the stove. "We've got pancakes and syrup this morning!"

"Morning, Charlie," Lucifer replied, a smile tugging at his lips. He took a seat at the long table, watching as Vaggie flipped pancakes with deft movements.

"You missed quite the dinner last night," Vaggie remarked playfully, shooting him a teasing glance. "I thought for sure you were going to explode from all the feelings you were sharing."

Lucifer chuckled, his face warming slightly. "Yeah, well, it's not every day you find yourself in a room full of people who can understand."

Niffty dashed over, placing a plate stacked high with pancakes in front of him. "Eat up! You're gonna need your energy today!"

"Thanks, Niffty," he replied, gratitude flooding through him as he dug in.

As he savored the pancakes, he noticed Alastor entering the room, his presence commanding immediate attention. The Radio Demon wore his usual grin, but there was a spark in his eyes that sent a thrill down Lucifer's spine.

"Ah, what a glorious morning to indulge in culinary delights!" Alastor proclaimed, his voice smooth and melodic. "I see our little hotel is buzzing with energy today!"

"Good morning, Alastor!" Charlie chirped, waving her spatula enthusiastically. "Want some pancakes?"

"Pancakes? Count me in!" Alastor replied, walking over to the table, his gaze flickering toward Lucifer. The brief eye contact sent a jolt of electricity through him, and he quickly looked away, focusing on his plate instead.

"By the way, Lucifer," Alastor began, leaning casually against the table. "I hope you're ready for the trivia game tonight. I've got a few absurd facts up my sleeve that might just surprise you."

Lucifer's heart raced at the thought of the upcoming game. "Oh? You're confident, I see," he said, trying to maintain a casual tone despite the rapid beat of his heart.

"Confidence is key, dear," Alastor replied, a playful glint in his eye. "Besides, I know the most absurd things. It's part of my charm."

Lucifer felt his cheeks heat up again, his mouth opening slightly in surprise. "Charming, huh?" he managed, attempting to play it cool even as his heart threatened to leap from his chest.

The others continued to chatter as they finished breakfast, and despite the lively conversation, Lucifer found his focus on Alastor. The way he moved, the light in his eyes, the laughter that rolled off his tongue—it was intoxicating.

As breakfast wrapped up, the group started clearing the table. Lucifer helped with the dishes, feeling more at ease but still aware of Alastor's presence nearby. They exchanged quick, sidelong glances, each time sending a rush of warmth through Lucifer.

"Hey, Lucifer!" Angel's voice broke through his thoughts as he entered the dining area. "Ready for some fun today?"

"Fun?" Lucifer echoed, raising an eyebrow.

"Yeah! We're gonna play games, hang out, and just enjoy the day," Angel replied, a playful grin stretching across his face. "And I was thinking you and Alastor should team up for trivia tonight!"

Lucifer's heart raced again, this time with both excitement and dread. "Uh, I'm not sure—"

"Come on, it'll be great!" Angel insisted. "You two have the perfect energy!"

Before he could respond, Alastor interjected, a mischievous smile on his lips. "I would be honored to have you as my partner, dear Lucifer. I promise to show you the wonders of my vast knowledge."

"Fine, fine," Lucifer said, trying to hide his nervousness behind a facade of confidence. "Let's see what you've got."

"Splendid! I'm positively giddy!" Alastor exclaimed, clapping his hands together in delight.

As the group dispersed, Charlie turned to Lucifer, her expression softening. "Just have fun, Dad. You deserve to enjoy yourself."

"Yeah, I know," he replied, forcing a smile. "I'll do my best."

With the day stretching ahead of him, Lucifer felt the weight of anticipation settle in his chest. The trivia game loomed large, but it was the prospect of spending time with Alastor that truly sent his mind spinning.

As the hours passed, the hotel buzzed with activity. Laughter echoed through the halls, and Lucifer found himself swept up in the camaraderie, yet his thoughts continually drifted back to Alastor. What was happening between them? Was it just a crush, or something deeper?

The sun began to dip below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the hotel, and as evening approached, Lucifer's excitement mingled with anxiety. It was time for trivia, and whatever was developing between him and Alastor was about to unfold.

With a deep breath, he prepared himself for the evening ahead, hoping that clarity would follow in the wake of their shared laughter and challenges. Little did he know, the night would hold more than just trivia—it would be a night of revelations and choices that could change everything.