Pardon The Way That I Stare

Let's get you back to bed

Lucifer drifted off to sleep in Alastor's arms, the soft hum of voices around them and the gentle crackling of the fire adding to the cozy atmosphere. Alastor, sensing his lover's breathing slow, glanced down with a warm smile, his heart filled with fondness. It wasn't often that he felt such peace, especially after the chaos of their usual lives. But in this quiet moment, with Lucifer tucked against him, everything felt... right.

Husk finished his drink, leaned back in his chair, and smirked at the sight of the two. "You're really settling into this, huh? Who would've thought the Radio Demon would be playing nursemaid?"

Alastor shot him a playful glare. "Careful, Husk. You wouldn't want to test my patience," he said, though his tone was light and full of amusement. "Besides, you should know by now, I'm full of surprises."

Angel leaned over, giggling as he nudged Husk. "Look at you, all cozy and domestic! Honestly, it's adorable."

Alastor adjusted his grip on Lucifer, careful not to wake him as he responded, "Lucifer deserves it. If anyone could drag me into this sort of... domestic bliss, it's him."

Angel smiled, glancing at Lucifer's peaceful expression. "Yeah, he's a good guy. Crazy that he ended up with you, though."

"I'm full of contradictions," Alastor said, chuckling softly. He gently traced his fingers along Lucifer's arm as he spoke, the rhythm soothing. "But I can't deny how... nice this feels. It's different, but in a good way."

As the night deepened, the group's conversation grew quieter, the weight of the day settling in. Angel and Husk eventually excused themselves, heading off to their respective rooms. Alastor remained in the parlor, holding Lucifer close as he slept soundly, his soft snores barely audible.

Once they were alone, Alastor looked down at the sleeping figure nestled in his arms. A deep warmth filled his chest, something unfamiliar yet comforting. Gently, he pressed his lips to Lucifer's forehead, whispering, "You make life interesting, you know that?"

Lucifer stirred slightly but didn't wake, his face softening as he unconsciously snuggled closer to Alastor's chest. The sight made Alastor's smile widen, his heart skipping a beat at the pure trust and affection he could feel radiating from his lover, even in sleep.

Eventually, Alastor shifted carefully, standing with Lucifer still in his arms. "Come on, darling," he murmured softly, adjusting his hold as he carried Lucifer back up the stairs. "Let's get you back to bed."

As they reached the bedroom, Alastor gently laid Lucifer down, pulling the blankets over him. For a moment, he simply stood there, watching him sleep, an unusual sense of contentment washing over him. With a final, tender kiss to Lucifer's cheek, Alastor climbed into bed beside him, pulling him close once again.

Lucifer stirred just enough to mumble, "Thank you..."

"For what, dear?" Alastor whispered, stroking Lucifer's hair.

Lucifer smiled, still half-asleep. "For being here."

Alastor's chest tightened slightly at the simplicity of those words, yet their depth. He held Lucifer a little tighter, pressing his forehead against his lover's. "Always, my dear," he murmured softly, closing his eyes. "Always."

And with that, the two drifted off together, their hearts in perfect sync, both feeling more at peace than they had in a long time.