Pardon The Way That I Stare

Aftermath

The room was still, the only sounds the soft hum of the ship and the quiet breaths of the two demons lying side by side. The air was thick with the aftermath of passion, their bodies tangled together beneath the sheets, both spent and exhilarated.

Alastor, who had been on top, collapsed next to Lucifer with a satisfied sigh, his chest rising and falling rapidly as he caught his breath. A sheen of sweat glistened on his skin, and his usually slicked-back hair was tousled and wild. He lay on his back, staring up at the ceiling, his grin barely fading.

Lucifer, lying on his side, was equally breathless. His usually poised demeanor had crumbled during the intensity of what had just happened, leaving him in a state of rare vulnerability. The rush of their passion had left him flushed and warm, and for a moment, he could only blink at the ceiling, processing the whirlwind of sensations and emotions.

Neither of them spoke for a few minutes, content to simply exist in the aftermath of what they'd shared.

Finally, Lucifer broke the silence, his voice soft and a little shaky. "That was... something else."

Alastor turned his head to look at him, the mischievous glint still dancing in his eyes. "I'd say it was more than 'something,' dear. It was quite extraordinary, if I do say so myself."

Lucifer let out a small laugh, his chest vibrating with the sound. "You've got a way with words, as always." He took a deep breath, still trying to steady himself. "I never thought I'd be here, in this situation... with you."

Alastor raised an eyebrow, his smile turning a bit softer. "Neither did I, to be perfectly honest. But here we are." He shifted slightly, turning to face Lucifer more fully, his hand reaching out to brush a few strands of hair from Lucifer's forehead. "Do you regret it?"

Lucifer's eyes softened at the gentle touch, and he shook his head. "No," he said, his voice firm. "I don't regret it. It was... unexpected, but I don't regret it at all." He paused, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. "I'm just not sure what comes next."

Alastor chuckled, his fingers trailing lazily down Lucifer's arm. "Ah, the age-old question. What comes next?" He looked thoughtful for a moment. "Well, I suppose that's entirely up to us, isn't it? We can define what this is... or we can let it unfold naturally. Either way, I have no intention of rushing anything. This—" he gestured between them, "—is something I'd rather savor."

Lucifer smiled at that, feeling a warmth in his chest that had nothing to do with the physical heat they'd just shared. "I like that idea," he admitted. "Taking things slow. I don't want to ruin this by overthinking it."

Alastor's grin widened, his sharp teeth showing briefly. "I'm relieved to hear that. I'm not one for rushing things either, despite what my... enthusiasm might suggest." He winked, making Lucifer laugh again, this time more freely.

After a moment, Lucifer turned onto his back, staring up at the ceiling again, his expression contemplative. "You know, I never really... thought of myself like this before. I always assumed my relationships would follow the same pattern as before, but now—" he glanced at Alastor, "—everything feels different."

Alastor's hand found Lucifer's, their fingers intertwining as they lay side by side. "You've always been a complex being, Lucifer. It's no surprise that you're discovering new sides of yourself. That's what makes life—well, *afterlife*—so fascinating, isn't it? The endless possibilities."

Lucifer smiled at the comforting words, feeling a sense of calm settle over him. "You're right," he said, squeezing Alastor's hand gently. "Maybe this is just the beginning of something new for both of us."

Alastor's grin returned, a bit of that familiar mischief lighting up his eyes. "I certainly hope so. Because I've come to enjoy your company far more than I ever expected." His voice softened. "And I'd like to keep exploring that, if you're willing."

Lucifer turned his head to meet Alastor's gaze, his expression serious but tender. "I'm willing," he said softly. "I don't know where this will go, but I'm not ready to stop now."

Alastor smiled, his thumb gently stroking the back of Lucifer's hand. "Good," he murmured, his voice low and content. "Neither am I."

For a while longer, they lay there in comfortable silence, the weight of their words sinking in. It wasn't just about what they had shared physically—it was the deeper connection that had begun to form between them. Something neither of them had expected, but both of them now wanted to explore further.

Eventually, Alastor shifted closer, resting his head on Lucifer's shoulder. "You're warm," he commented, his tone light but affectionate. "I think I'll stay right here."

Lucifer chuckled, wrapping an arm around Alastor's shoulders. "Fine by me. Stay as long as you want."

And in that moment, it didn't matter what tomorrow would bring. They were together, figuring things out as they went, and that was enough—for now.