Pardon The Way That I Stare

Fine.

Lucifer knocked on Alastor's door, glancing back at Vox, who waited anxiously just outside the frame. "Stay here for a second," Lucifer said softly before stepping inside.

Alastor was pacing the room, his usual cheerful demeanor replaced by a simmering anger. The moment he saw Lucifer, his expression soured further. "What does that blasphemous technology piece want now?" he snapped.

"It's not what you think," Lucifer said, holding up his hands to calm Alastor down. "Vox needs to talk to you. He's been through a lot."

Alastor crossed his arms, skepticism etched across his face. "He has the audacity to show up here unannounced after everything? He thinks he can just waltz in like he owns the place?"

Lucifer took a deep breath, stepping closer to Alastor. "Just hear me out. He broke up with Valentino. He needs your advice, and honestly, he looks pretty rough. I don't think he's doing well."

Alastor's frown faltered for a moment, a flicker of surprise crossing his features. "Valentino? That scoundrel? I... I didn't realize it had gotten that far."

Lucifer nodded, sensing the shift in Alastor's mood. "Yeah, he's not the same. He came to you looking for help, and I thought you might be the best person to guide him. You know how dangerous Valentino can be."

A pained expression crossed Alastor's face as memories of his time with Vox and Valentino surged back. He had lived with them for a while, and he remembered all too well the manipulation and chaos Valentino brought into their lives. "I didn't want to see him again," Alastor admitted, his voice quieter now. "But I can't just turn my back on him."

"Exactly," Lucifer encouraged, his tone gentle. "You know what he's going through, and you have the experience to help him navigate this."

Alastor's resolve hardened. Despite their rivalry, he couldn't ignore the empathy swelling within him. "Fine. I'll talk to him. But if he tries anything—"

"I'll be right outside," Lucifer promised, giving Alastor a reassuring nod.

With a deep breath, Alastor composed himself and opened the door to find Vox waiting, a mixture of hope and apprehension on his face. "Vox," Alastor said, his tone firm yet softer than before, "let's talk."

Lucifer stepped back, allowing the two to enter the room. The atmosphere shifted as Alastor took a seat, preparing to offer the advice that Vox so desperately needed.