Lovers Once More - Radiostatic

Calm After The Storm

The group settled into the living room, the earlier chaos of the night slowly fading as they embraced a sense of normalcy. Niffty was still clinging to Vox, her earlier fears dissipating in the warmth of his comforting presence. Alastor, ever the entertainer, quickly grabbed the remote and navigated to the streaming service.

"Since Halloween is just around the corner, how about we watch *The Nightmare Before Christmas*?" he suggested, a playful grin on his face.

"Yes! I love that movie!" Niffty exclaimed, her eyes lighting up with excitement.

As the opening credits rolled, Vox adjusted himself on the couch, Alastor comfortably leaning his head on Vox's shoulder. Niffty wiggled her way onto Alastor's lap, settling in snugly as she grabbed a handful of popcorn and some sweets. The cozy atmosphere enveloped them, and the flickering light from the screen danced across their faces.

"Make sure to share those sweets, Niffty," Vox teased, nudging her playfully.

"Only if you share the popcorn!" she shot back, giggling as she popped a piece into her mouth.

Alastor chuckled, joining in on the banter as they all settled in to enjoy the film. As the familiar songs played and the whimsical animation filled the room, the tension from earlier melted away, replaced by the comfort of being together.

Vox wrapped an arm around Alastor and Niffty, pulling them close as the story unfolded. With each scene, laughter erupted from the trio, creating a warm bubble of joy that felt like a much-needed reprieve from the events of the night. For now, they were just a family enjoying a movie together, and that was more than enough.

As the credits rolled, Vox turned to check on Alastor and burst into laughter at the sight before him. Alastor had fallen fast asleep, his head tilted slightly, and Niffty was sitting on his lap, completely engrossed in a new art project—using colorful markers to doodle all over Alastor's face.

Vox couldn't help but admire the focused expression on Niffty's face as she colored in Alastor's cheeks, creating what looked like a masterpiece of squiggles and stars. It was a strange contrast to the hyperactive sugar high she must've been riding from the sweets.

"Niffty!" Vox called out, trying to sound stern but unable to suppress the grin spreading across his face. He gently scooped her off Alastor's lap, taking the markers away from her tiny hands. "What do you think you're doing?"

She pouted for a moment but then looked up at Vox with her big, innocent eye. "But he looks like a blank canvas! I was just giving him some color!"

"Yeah, but not like this!" Vox chuckled, shaking his head in mock disapproval. "We don't want Alastor waking up looking like a walking art project."

Just then, Angel Dust strolled into the room, having been on the balcony enjoying a smoke. He raised an eyebrow at the scene, an amused grin spreading across his face. "Well, this is gold! You two are hilarious!"

"Help me out here, Angel. Can you believe she's drawing all over him?" Vox said, trying to sound exasperated but failing miserably.

Angel whipped out his phone. "I need to document this for the internet," he declared, snapping a barrage of photos. "The legendary Alastor, caught in a vulnerable moment!" He took a few more shots, adjusting angles to capture the full effect of Alastor's colorful face.

Niffty giggled, thoroughly enjoying the attention. "Look! I made him pretty!" she proclaimed, proud of her handiwork.

Finally, after a good laugh, Vox gently shook Alastor's shoulder, trying to wake him up. "Hey, sleepyhead. Time to rise and shine!"