Lovers Once More - Radiostatic

Bedtime

Alastor made his way to Niffty's room, his mind still buzzing from the earlier chaos. He knocked gently on the door before stepping inside, where Niffty was already snuggled up under a vibrant quilt adorned with cartoonish designs. Her room was an explosion of color, filled with little trinkets and memorabilia she'd collected over the years.

"Ah, Alastor! You came!" Niffty beamed, her eyes sparkling with excitement as she scooted up in bed, her hair framing her face in a wild halo. "I was worried you'd forget!"

"Never," Alastor replied smoothly, moving to the edge of her bed. "Now, let's get you all tucked in." He pulled the covers up to her chin, careful to smooth out any wrinkles, a comforting gesture that felt oddly tender.

Niffty giggled, her feet kicking playfully under the blankets. "You're the best! Sometimes I feel like I'm too old for this, but it's nice to have someone tuck me in."

Alastor chuckled softly, a glint in his eye. "Nonsense, my dear. There's no age limit on comfort. Besides, I believe everyone deserves a little warmth and care, no matter their age."

Niffty's expression softened, and she nodded as if contemplating his words. "You're so nice, Alastor. Not many demons are like you." She bit her lip, a flicker of curiosity passing over her face. "Is Vox okay? I heard some... noises from your room earlier."

Alastor felt a slight flush of heat creep up his cheeks, but he quickly composed himself, keeping his tone light. "Oh, Vox is just—*exuberantly* enthusiastic about his hobbies, you know?" He flashed her a charming grin, hoping to divert her attention.

"Right, right!" Niffty said, giggling again. "You two are a funny pair. It's nice to see you both getting along again."

"Yes, well," Alastor replied, the corners of his mouth lifting slightly as he tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "It's been a long road, but I think we're finding our way back."

With a final, gentle pull on the blankets, Alastor stepped back, surveying her for a moment. "All settled in, then?"

"Yup!" Niffty chirped, her smile brightening the room. "Thanks, Alastor. You're like a big, scary teddy bear."

"Flattering," he said with mock seriousness, straightening his jacket. "Now, get some rest. You have a busy day ahead with cleaning and keeping this hotel in order."

Niffty nodded, her eyelids growing heavy. "Okay! Goodnight, Al! You're the best!"

"Goodnight, Niffty," he replied softly, stepping back toward the door. Just as he reached for the knob, he paused, turning back to look at her. "And remember, if you ever need anything, I'm just a call away."

"Promise?" she mumbled, already half-asleep.

"Promise," he reassured, slipping out of the room with a soft click of the door behind him.

As he returned to his own room, Alastor couldn't shake the warmth in his chest. He had taken on a protector role, something that felt both foreign and fulfilling. Yet as he entered, his mind quickly returned to the earlier chaos and Vox, a smile creeping onto his face as he wondered how things would continue to unfold.