Pardon The Way That I Stare

Weight of the day

Later that evening, the hotel had settled into its usual eerie calm. Most of the guests had retreated to their rooms, the echoes of conversations and laughter fading into silence. Lucifer was lounging on the couch in the common area, absentmindedly scrolling through his VoxPad. Alastor sat next to him, surprisingly serene after the earlier events. Vox had retired to his temporary room, and Angel had gone off to do whatever Angel did at night.

Lucifer, looking far more relaxed than he had earlier, glanced over at Alastor. "You're in a good mood," he commented, taking in the way Alastor leaned back, his hands clasped in his lap with an uncharacteristic air of satisfaction.

Alastor chuckled softly. "Well, it's not every day I get to catch up with an old friend and settle a few... loose ends," he said with a glint in his eye. "And now, we've ensured the hotel remains a safe haven—at least, safer than it was this morning."

Lucifer nodded, the corners of his mouth twitching into a small smile. "Charlie's probably going to have nightmares for weeks, though. She can't handle that kind of thing, you know."

Alastor waved his hand dismissively. "Oh, she'll recover. She always does. Besides, it's better that she's aware of what goes on behind the scenes rather than keeping her in the dark."

Lucifer snorted softly, then paused, the weight of the day finally catching up to him. "I don't know if she'll see it that way," he muttered, sinking further into the cushions.

After a brief silence, Alastor leaned over slightly, his gaze fixed on Lucifer's face. "You're not... upset about earlier, are you?" he asked carefully, his voice unusually soft. "I know I can be a bit... excessive at times."

Lucifer blinked, surprised by the question. He set his VoxPad down on the table in front of him and turned to face Alastor. "No, I'm not upset," he said after a moment, his voice steady. "I mean, I know what you're capable of, and I know what you do when you think it's necessary. I won't pretend I love it, but... I get it."

Alastor smiled, though there was a hint of relief in it. "Good. I wouldn't want to do anything that might... unsettle you."

Lucifer raised an eyebrow. "You? Unsettle me? I think that ship sailed a long time ago, dear," he said with a teasing smirk.

Alastor chuckled at that, reaching over to lightly tap Lucifer's hand. "Fair enough. But still, I appreciate your understanding."

A few minutes passed in comfortable silence before Lucifer spoke up again, his tone more casual this time. "So... Vox, huh? You two really sorted things out back there?"

Alastor nodded, his eyes flickering with amusement. "We did. Vox and I were always... complicated. But I suppose there's a certain camaraderie that comes with time, and well, history tends to bring people back together, doesn't it?"

Lucifer leaned back, stretching his arms above his head. "I suppose. He seems... different now."

"He's been through a lot," Alastor admitted, "and it seems Valentino wasn't exactly helping matters."

Lucifer sighed. "I could tell. Angel's been dealing with that for years too, though he doesn't like to talk about it much."

Alastor nodded, his expression darkening slightly. "Yes, Valentino has a way of leaving scars on those around him. But Vox is free now, at least. I'm glad for that."

Lucifer gave a small nod in agreement, his thoughts drifting for a moment before he returned his focus to Alastor. "So, about that dinner date Vox is planning for us..."

Alastor raised an eyebrow, a teasing grin forming on his lips. "Ah, so you haven't forgotten."

"Of course not," Lucifer said with a chuckle. "We've been together for a bit now, but we still haven't gone on a proper date. I think it's time, don't you?"

Alastor's eyes sparkled with amusement. "Oh, I absolutely agree, darling. I'll make sure Vox goes all out for us."

Lucifer rolled his eyes playfully. "Just don't let him go too overboard. I don't need a five-course meal or anything."

Alastor laughed, the sound light and melodic. "I'll see what I can do. But I make no promises."

They sat there for a few more moments, the silence between them no longer filled with the weight of earlier events, but with a quiet sense of anticipation for what was to come.

As the night deepened, Lucifer yawned and stretched, resting his head against Alastor's shoulder. "You ready to head upstairs?" he asked softly.

Alastor nodded, smiling gently. "I think it's about time." He stood, offering Lucifer a hand to pull him up from the couch.

Together, they made their way to the stairs, the weight of the night behind them, and the promise of something lighter ahead.