Pardon The Way That I Stare

Clean Up

Alastor carried Niffty into the bathroom with a surprising amount of tenderness, given the violent display moments before. He set her gently on the edge of the sink, his normally sharp smile softening into something more comforting as he grabbed a first aid kit from the cabinet. Niffty sat quietly, holding her injured arm, her eyes wide as she glanced up at him.

The silence hung between them for a moment as Alastor began cleaning the cut, carefully dabbing the wound with antiseptic. His touch was surprisingly delicate.

"Does it hurt much, dear?" he asked, his tone gentle.

"A little," Niffty admitted, biting her lip. "But I'll be okay."

Alastor nodded, focusing on bandaging her arm, but Niffty's curiosity got the better of her. She peeked up at him through her bangs and asked, "Alastor... can I ask you something?"

"Of course, dear. Anything."

"It's about you and Lucifer." Her voice was hesitant, but she pressed on. "I've been watching you two, and, um... are you really together? Like, for real?"

Alastor's smile widened slightly, though a faint blush colored his cheeks. "We are, indeed."

Niffty's eyes sparkled with excitement as she fidgeted with the edge of her skirt. "That's so cute! I mean, you two are so different. I didn't think you'd ever—" She paused, then giggled. "I just didn't expect you to fall for someone like him. How did it happen?"

Alastor chuckled softly, finishing up the bandage and stepping back to admire his work. "Well, dear, love is an unpredictable thing. It wasn't something I expected either, but it... happened."

"Did you ask him out? Or did he ask you?" Niffty asked, her curiosity overflowing.

Alastor leaned back against the counter, folding his arms as he thought back on it. "It wasn't as simple as that. We just... gravitated toward each other over time. There was no grand gesture, no formal asking. It was more like... an understanding."

Niffty tilted her head, looking intrigued. "An understanding?"

Alastor nodded. "Yes. We both realized we found something in each other we hadn't found in anyone else. It's not all romance and fireworks, but it's real, and it's ours."

Niffty smiled brightly, clearly thrilled by the idea of the two of them together. "That's so sweet! I've never seen you so happy. I mean, you're always smiling, but it's different now. You're... softer with him."

Alastor chuckled, slightly embarrassed. "Perhaps I am. But don't spread that around, hm? It wouldn't do for my reputation to suffer."

Niffty grinned and crossed her heart. "I won't tell a soul, I promise! I'm just glad you're happy. You deserve it."

Alastor's smile softened again, and he reached out to gently ruffle her hair. "Thank you, dear. Now, how's that arm feeling?"

Niffty glanced down at the bandage and wiggled her fingers. "Much better! Thanks, Alastor."

"Good. Now, run along and don't get yourself hurt again, hm?"

Niffty hopped down from the sink, her usual energy returning as she bounced on her toes. "I'll be careful! And, hey, if you ever need advice on dates or anything, I'm here for you!"

Alastor chuckled, shaking his head as she darted out of the bathroom, leaving him standing there, a faint smile lingering on his lips. For a moment, he thought about Lucifer, about how much had changed between them in such a short time. It was strange, feeling this vulnerable, but it wasn't unpleasant.

With a sigh, he glanced at his reflection in the mirror and whispered to himself, "Strange indeed." Then, with a smirk, he turned on his heel and walked out of the bathroom, ready to return to the chaos of the hotel.