Pardon The Way That I Stare

Big Duck Energy

The gentle hum of the cruise ship's engines echoed through the walls as Lucifer and Alastor finished unpacking. A knock on the door made them both pause.

"Hey! Dad! Alastor! We're about to start some activities on the deck!" Charlie's voice called from the other side of the door. "Get changed and come join us!"

Lucifer glanced toward the door, still reeling from the earlier conversation about Alastor's... accessory. He shook his head, trying to push the awkwardness aside.

"Looks like we're expected," Alastor remarked, snapping his suitcase shut.

Lucifer sighed and went to his bag, pulling out the outfit he had planned for the day. It was a bit bold, but he figured it was supposed to be a fun trip. No harm in having a little fun with his wardrobe. He changed quickly, pulling on his brightly colored, rubber duck-themed shorts. They were an eye-catching shade of yellow, with cartoon ducks quacking along the fabric. To match, he wore a button-up shirt with the same duck print, left open over a T-shirt that had a giant rubber duck on the front and the words "Big Duck Energy" in bold letters underneath.

He turned to Alastor, who was straightening his usual red pinstripe suit, perfectly composed as always.

Alastor raised an eyebrow as he looked at Lucifer, his lips twitching in amusement. "Well, Lucifer... I must say, your taste in casual wear is certainly... unique."

Lucifer glanced down at his outfit, unbothered by the comment. "What? You don't like it?"

"Oh, I didn't say that," Alastor replied, a playful gleam in his eyes. "It's simply... unexpected. 'Big Duck Energy,' you say?" He gestured to the slogan on Lucifer's shirt. "How... charming."

Lucifer shot him a grin, refusing to let Alastor's teasing get to him. "Hey, it's fun. You can't be serious all the time."

Alastor chuckled softly, his red eyes lingering on Lucifer a bit longer than usual. "Indeed. And I suppose you do wear it well, dear Lucifer."

Lucifer blinked, catching the odd note in Alastor's voice. There was something about the way he said it—almost as if he meant more than just the outfit. For a moment, Lucifer felt a strange flutter in his chest, but he quickly brushed it off.

"You ready, then?" Lucifer asked, trying to keep the conversation moving.

"Quite ready," Alastor replied smoothly, his grin returning to its usual mischievous self. "Let's not keep our dear Charlie waiting."

They made their way to the deck, where Charlie and the rest of the crew were already gathering. The cruise ship's deck was filled with various activities—games, a pool, and several small bars scattered around for drinks. Charlie, in her usual upbeat fashion, was bouncing from one group to the next, making sure everyone was having a good time.

As soon as they stepped out onto the deck, Charlie spotted them. Her eyes lit up with joy. "Dad! Alastor! You made it!"

"Of course, my dear," Lucifer said with a smile, walking over to her. He ignored the glances some of the other residents gave him—especially Angel, who was already sipping a drink and grinning widely at Lucifer's attire.

"Lucifer," Angel called out, a smirk playing on his lips, "I gotta say, love the duck theme. Bold choice!"

Lucifer shot him a mock glare, though his lips twitched into a grin. "Glad you approve."

Alastor stood beside Lucifer, watching the exchange with thinly veiled amusement. "Yes, it's quite the spectacle. Though I must admit, I think it suits him."

Angel raised an eyebrow, his smirk deepening. "Oh? Do I detect a hint of admiration, Alastor?"

Alastor's smile remained firmly in place. "Admiration? Hardly. Just an observation." But there was something in the way his eyes lingered on Lucifer's outfit that told a different story.

Charlie clapped her hands, drawing everyone's attention back to her. "Alright, everyone! We've got all sorts of activities planned! Games, swimming, contests! So go have fun!" She paused, then added, "And there's a trivia competition later if anyone's interested!"

Lucifer chuckled softly. "I'm guessing Angel had a hand in that trivia game?"

Charlie blushed slightly but didn't deny it. "He... may have slipped in a few of his own questions. Just for fun!"

"Fun," Lucifer echoed, glancing at Alastor. "That's one word for it."

Alastor's grin widened as they wandered toward one of the game areas. "I do wonder how risqué those questions will be."

Lucifer groaned internally. Knowing Angel, it would be more than just a few innocent questions.

The group dispersed into various activities, but Lucifer couldn't help but feel Alastor's eyes on him every now and then. Even with the playful teasing, there was an undeniable shift in the air between them. And, strangely enough, he found himself stealing glances back at Alastor too—wondering what exactly was going through that mischievous mind of his.

As the afternoon sun beat down on the deck, the cruise trip was shaping up to be anything but ordinary.