Pardon The Way That I Stare

Cuddles

Later that night, the hotel was quiet, save for the soft murmur of conversation coming from the parlor. Alastor, seated comfortably in his armchair, was engaged in a light-hearted discussion with Husk and Angel, sipping from a glass of rye. As he laughed at one of Angel's jokes, he suddenly caught movement from the corner of his eye.

Lucifer, sweaty and slightly disheveled, was slowly making his way down the stairs. His movements were careful, but it was clear that he was feeling much better. He finally reached the bottom, leaning against the banister for a moment to catch his breath before walking toward the parlor.

Alastor immediately raised an eyebrow, his expression a mix of concern and amusement. "Lucifer, dear, what are you doing out of bed? You should be resting."

Lucifer waved a hand dismissively, though he was still clearly a bit tired. "I'm fine, heaps better, actually. I just wanted to... well..." He trailed off, his eyes softening as he looked at Alastor. "I wanted a cuddle."

Without waiting for a reply, he made his way over to Alastor, gently curling up on his lap. Alastor hesitated for a moment, still concerned, but the sight of Lucifer smiling and relaxing into him made his heart swell. He wrapped an arm around him, letting him settle in.

"Fine, but only because you asked so sweetly," Alastor teased, placing a soft kiss on Lucifer's temple.

Lucifer let out a contented sigh, his fingers lightly tracing patterns on Alastor's sleeve as he joined in on the conversation. As he relaxed, he noticed something that made him smile even more: the familiar glass of rye in Alastor's hand.

"You're drinking it," Lucifer whispered, a satisfied smirk playing on his lips.

Alastor glanced down at the glass and then back at Lucifer with a fond smile. "Of course. It was a thoughtful gift from a rather sneaky patient. I couldn't let it go to waste, now could I?"

Lucifer chuckled softly, snuggling closer. "Good. I'm glad you like it."

Alastor chuckled along with him, his hand running through Lucifer's hair as they both fell into the rhythm of the conversation around them. Even Husk and Angel couldn't help but share a glance, smiling at the sight of the normally intimidating pair looking so cozy and content.

Lucifer's eyes grew heavier as the warmth of the room and Alastor's comforting presence lulled him into relaxation, the exhaustion finally catching up with him again. He closed his eyes, feeling safe and utterly at peace, wrapped in Alastor's arms.