Pardon The Way That I Stare

Public

Lucifer and Alastor stepped into the steamy bathroom together, letting the warm water cascade over them as they showered side by side. It was an unspoken routine now, moving in sync as they washed up, enjoying the quiet moments before heading out. Afterward, they dressed in their usual attire—Lucifer in his sharp suit, tailored perfectly to fit his regal presence, and Alastor in his signature pinstriped red suit, always with that slightly sinister smile.

As Lucifer straightened his tie in front of the mirror, something suddenly hit him like a ton of bricks. He froze, staring at his reflection. *We haven't been out in public since we got together...* His mind began to race, spiraling through the implications. *What if people notice? What if they talk? What if they judge me? What if they judge Alastor? What if...*

A deep sense of dread gnawed at him. He didn't care about what people thought—he was the King of Hell, after all—but this was different. He wasn't used to being vulnerable, especially not in front of others. The thought of their relationship being public terrified him in a way he couldn't quite rationalize.

"Actually, I think I'd rather stay home," Lucifer suddenly blurted out, his voice strained.

Alastor turned, giving him a curious glance. "What's wrong, dear? You seemed excited just a moment ago."

Lucifer waved a hand dismissively, his usual confidence faltering. "I've just got some work to do. You know how it is—things to run, people to torment..."

Alastor narrowed his eyes slightly, stepping closer. "Lucifer." His voice was gentle but firm. "What's really bothering you?"

Lucifer tried to deflect, his thoughts racing too fast to grab hold of any coherent excuse. But Alastor wasn't buying it. Eventually, after a long pause, Lucifer sighed, running a hand through his hair in frustration.

"We haven't... we haven't been out in public together since we got together," Lucifer finally admitted, his voice quieter than usual. "What if people notice? What if they talk? I'm not exactly known for my... vulnerability, and neither are you. This feels... different."

Alastor blinked, taking in Lucifer's words. For a moment, he said nothing, simply watching Lucifer struggle with thoughts he wasn't used to voicing. Then, a small, amused smile curled on Alastor's lips.

"Lucifer, you're the King of Hell," Alastor said smoothly, stepping closer and resting a hand on Lucifer's shoulder. "You can do whatever the hell you want. Let them notice. Let them talk. It's none of their business."

Lucifer met Alastor's eyes, still unconvinced.

"And if anyone dares to mess with you," Alastor added with a mischievous glint in his eye, "leave it to the Radio Demon to sort them out. I've handled far worse than a few judgmental stares."

Lucifer let out a shaky laugh, some of the tension easing from his shoulders. "You always know how to calm me down, don't you?"

Alastor smiled warmly. "It's a talent. Now, let's go have lunch with Rosie. And remember—nothing can touch you, dear. Not while I'm around."

Lucifer nodded, feeling a little more steady. Maybe Alastor was right. What did it matter what anyone thought? He was with someone who cared about him deeply, and that was all that really mattered.

With that reassurance, they headed out together, their bond stronger than ever.