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The day after his confession, Alastor woke up with a pounding headache , his thoughts clouded from the night before. As his memories oft the previous events flooded back to him, he groaned, running a hand over his face in frustration.
He recalled confessing his feelings to Lucifer, the words spilling out in his drunken state. Cheesy words, he never would have said if sober.
And then ... The look on the devils face. He has had tears in his eyes. Had his confession been that bad?
Alastors heart clenched at the image, and he couldn't help but worry about what would happen now.
He sat up, staring at the wall for a moment, contemplating the consequences of his actions.
He could only imagine what Lucifer must be thinking now.
The deerdemon felt ashamed and hated himself for being so weak and giving in to his emotions.
As he slowly got out of bed, Alastors mind was plagued by doubt and uncertainty, because he didn't know what to expec.
Would Lucifer confront him?
Ignore him?
Avoid him?
With a heavy heart and occupied mind he went through his morning routine, each action feeling like a chore.
He peaked his head out of his room in fear Lucifer could be outside , as they shared a floor, but noone was to be seen.
So he left and helped himself to some coffee to ease the headache and tiredness that came with the effects of the previous night.
As the day went on, Alastor tried to distract himself with tasks and work, but his thoughts kept wandering back to the desaster he had caused the night before.
He just couldn't shake off the worry that consumed him, knowing sooner or later he would have to face Lucifer.
The thought of the possible rejection that awaited him was overwhelming.
Each passing hour started to feel like a lifetime and his mind was in a constant loop of scenarios , each worse than the last.
So he was very distracted while helping Charlie setting up evrything needed for a group activity she had planned for this late afternoon.
"The participants should feel encouraged to engage their senses by exploring a variety of tactile stimuli, including diverse materials and surfaces, and becoming more aware of how different textures, pressures, and surfaces interact with their touch." Charlie explained with excitment and Alastor acknowledged her professionall attitude.
They set up some mats to sit down on and material with different structures.
Charlie of course noticed that Alastor wasn't focused on what he was doing and finally the girl asked:
"What is wrong, Al? Is there something bothering you?"
Alastor had tried to put on a facade of normalcy , but Charlie of course could see right through it.
When did he become so transparent?
"Nothing, dear. Just a bit of a headache from last nights unpleasantries.." the deerdemon replied, attempting to brush off her concerns with a smile.
"Did you drink too much? Alastor, you know you cant drink your problems away, " the princess of hell reproved.
The mans smile faltered a bit at Charlies criticism and he took a deep breath, not letting himself get riled up and trying to downplay his actions.
"You are absolutely right, my dear. It was a moment of weakness. I just needed to unwind a bit, that's all."
"You know,... Talking about what's going on with a friend usually helps a lot better than alcohol and doesn't lead to a headache." She smiled warmly.
Sighing, Alastor hesitated for a moment, but then continued the conversation:
"Well, there is just .... A lot on my mind lately I am not really comfortable or used to deal with."
He avoided meeting Charlies gaze, knowing she wouldn't be satisfied with such a vague response.
"Mind to elaborate? Maybe I could help you finding a solution for what's concerning you. You know, I am great with solving problems of others ... In any case I hope I am. That means, if you trust me enough..." She giggled, seeming a little insecure.
Alastor had grown fond of the girl and he wouldn't like to be the cause of her self-doubt, so he did something he wouldn't have done several months ago and opened up to her.
He sighed and ran a hand through his hair: "Its complicated ... Because ... Well, the problem is I have ... Feelings for someone and I just made a complete mess of things."
Charlie's eyes went wide and she literally squeaked in enthusiasm:
"Ohohoh .... Awww! You are in love? That's so unexpected and so ... Exciting! I never thought this would happen! Tell me everything!"
Alastors eye twitched as he tried to surpress a snarl at Charlies excited response.
It was endearing how pleased she reacted, but the situation was far from a celebratory.
Especially if she would find out who he was in love with ....
" Its not as simple as just being in love, my dear girl," he said grimly. " I made a foolish mistake and blurted out my feelings while intoxicated and now I am afraid I have ruined everything."
" So you were too shy to admit your feelings. That. Is. Cute. But what did you say that makes you think you messed up?" Charlie wanted to know.
" Well, I was very explicit in the way I worded my ... Feelings. And then the other person started to tear up. And so I ... Fled the scene." Alastor mumbled, avoiding Charlies gaze.
"Oh, but maybe your confession was just deeply touching, I don't think those were sad tears you are talking about ... And running away isn't a mature reaction but I guess you were just overwhelmed, too... Honestly, I think you are not dealing very well with expressing feelings ..." The princess of hell pointed out.
Alastor couldn't deny she was right.
"You have to talk to the woman! Tell me more about her, maybe together we can work out something!" Charlie babbled enthusiastically.
"Maybe I even know her, is she living in the hotel by all means? Is it Katie from the second floor maybe? She gave you some explicit looks the other day..."
Alastor frantically shook his head, trying to slow down the beaming girl.
"No, no, absolutely not Katie. Charlotte, ... Listen ..."
He ran a hand through his hair again, a nervous gesture because he felt increasingly uncomfortable with the direction this conversation was taking.
He desperately searched for a way to end this without telling Charlie the full truth, because the last thing he wanted was for her to find out it was her father they were talking about.
But they were in too deep, he had to tell her at least something.
"It is ... Not a woman. It's a man I am talking about. " He admitted, closing his eyes while for the first time in his life and afterlife telling someone something like that, again avoiding to look at the princess.
"But ... Back then when we talked about preferences, you said you were into women. I surely remember that. Did you lie?"
Alastors voice was gruff. "Let's just ... Drop it, okay? Its not significant...."
Charlie looked at him with sympathy: "Hey, .... Where you ashamed to tell?"
Alastors jaw clenched as the question hit him like a punch in the gut. He looked away., trying to maintain his composure.
"Ashamed, ... Ah, its just not important."
His words sounded weak, even to his own ears.
The truth was, he had pushed down those feelings for so long he had became numb to them.
But now they were resurfacing with a vengeance.
"You know it's okay? You know you are not wrong, having these feelings, right?" Charlie softly asked.
Alastors eyes flashed with a mix of defiance and vulnerability as he spoke through gritted teeth: "I know its accepted here in hell. But old habits die hard. It wasn't back in my time, you know."
He didn't need or want the pep talk on acceptance.
He had grown up in a time where being like "this" was met with condemnation and even violence.
This knowledge and those fears didn't just vanish overnight.
They didn't just vanish because one couldn't push those feelings down anymore.
"I am aware of that. I just want you to know that you are not different from the man I knew before you told me about it. And I am sorry you experienced such intolerance in your lifetime." Charlie replied with a knowing look in her eyes.
Alastor couldn't help but soften a bit at Charlies reassuring words.
He knew she was right. It was just difficult to let go of the fear and guilt that had been ingrained in him for so long.
"I appreciate it, dear." He still looked down, but his voice sounded calmer.
"If you don't mind telling me,... So you obviously never have been in a relationship with a man... And a woman neither?"
Alastors face flushed at the personal question.
He again felt the urge to sink into his shadows and shifted uncomfortably, not used to discuss his romantic history (or rather, the lack thereof).
"No, neither ... It has never really crossed my mind before. I was busy with ... other things." He mumbled.
"Awww , and now you found a special someone!"
Alastors heart ached at her innocent remark.
He wished it was that simple.
The deerdemon looked away, his voice barley audible as he responded. "I suppose but its complicated, as I already mentioned ...."
He couldn't bear to look at Charlie, knowing that he was hiding from her what may enrage or even hurt her if she found out.
"Please, Al, tell me ! Tell me who this person is that was able break through your walls and make you develop such strong feelings!" Charlie demanded, giving him puppy eyes.
Alastor sighed, feeling cornered.
How could he possibly reveal the truth to Charlie without causing a scene?
He met her gaze and said in a serious tone: " Okay. I may tell you. But first you have to promise me you won't judge me, no matter what I say."
Charlie looked at him half amused, half concerned.
"Of course not," she answered. "You act like being in love is a crime."
The deerdemons heart pounded in his chest, hoping she would keep her word and not react with revulsion.
He steeled himself for the moment of truth. He knew there was no turning back now.
" The person I am interested in , is someone you know. Someone close to you, closer than you might think,..."
Charlie chuckled: "If its not Vaggie than it shouldn't be a problem!"
But suddenly her smile faded and Alastor could see her putting the pieces together.
" A man ... Closer than I might think... " Her voice raised. " Alastor...!!!!"
The demon flinched as Charlie cried out, his heart pounding in his chest.
Charlies expression twisted in a mix of shock and disbelief.
"Look I didn't plan for this to happen, you know, ... it just happened. I never would have thought I would fall for him. I know its unexpected, even shocking. Believe me, I didn't wake up one day thinking : Wouldn't it be nice if I had a thing for the king of hell..."
Alastor sounded frustrated now, theatrical lifting his hands up in the air to show his own helplessness.
He could sense how hard it was for Charlie to digest this information, but desperately tried to show her that the situation was at least as difficult for him than it was for her.
As he stopped talking, the silence felt suffocating.
Alastor shifted nervously , unable to bear the prolonged silence.
Completely out of his usual demeanor he begged, his voice pleading: "I beg you, dear, say something."
Charlie suddenly seemed to snap out of her thoughts, a breath she held in leaving her chest.
"You... You told my father that you are in love with him ... "
"Yes. Yes I told him that. In an embarrassing way."
"And how exactly did he react?"
"Well, he didn't answer, he just froze. I never saw him look at me like that before. And then I saw the tears falling and I ... Just panicked, somehow. "
Charlie now lay a hand on the mans shoulder, the sudden touch making the overlord flinch.
He tried to read her expression, searching for a hint of anger or contempt.
Instead he saw concern and confusion.
"Are you not disgusted by the thought that I ... That I want to ..." He couldn't find the words to explain what he was trying to say.
Wasn't it ironic how words nowadays seemed to constantly fail him, had finding the right words always been what he felt most confident with?
Charlie smiled knowingly.
"Its true you cant choose who you fall in love with. I really don't want to think about some ... Things you might feel towards my dad..."
She blushed, and Alastor felt even more uncomfortable, exactly knowing what the girls was implying.
"But I did recognize you got along way better the last few weeks. And I think, no, I know he likes you. You should talk to him. Now. I am quite sure my father is impatiently waiting for you to return. Al, he is very conflicted, when it comes to feelings, too.
Go. Talk to him."
Alastors heart clenched at the thought of facing Lucifer now.
What if he rejected him?
Not only his pride would be hurt then.
No, he felt that this would be what people called "heartbreak".
"Alastor," Charlie interrupted his thoughts. "Remember , you cant run away from that. And you always faced trouble brave and confident. Thats how you really are. You can do it."
Alastor let out a bitter chuckle.
Charlie was right, he had always prided himself of bein unshakeable.
Yet yesterday he ran away like a coward.
"You are right. I can't keep running. Even if he rejects me. I need to face him..."
Announcing that, the deerdemon turned around and started to leave.
Charlie nodded and pointed a fist up , joined by cheering: "Go, get him!"
Only to shudder and sigh:" Ugh, no ... No that sounds really awkward...."
Alastor managed a small genuine smile, appreciating her attempt at encouragement, no matter how inappropriate it was.
"Thanks, darling. Wish me luck."
With a mixture of dread and determination Alastor made his way to Lucifers room, just wanting to get this over with. As he reached his door, he hesitated for a moment.
This was the moment of truth, the moment he would find out if his feelings were reciprocated.
Taking a deep breath he finally knocked on the door, his heart racing.
There was silence, and he wondered if Lucifer was ignoring him deliberately or if he wasn't in his room.
He was about to turn around and walk when he suddenly heard a quiet, hesitant voice from behind the door.
"Come in, Alastor."
The Overlord felt a shiver run down his spine as he slowly opened the door.
The room was dimly lit though it was early afternoon, as the curtains remained closed.
As the door creaked open, Alastor saw Lucifer sitting on the edge of his bed, his head bowed and his shoulders slumped, before looking up at him with a tired smile.
"You finally came."
The deerdemon nodded, closing the door behind him and taking a few tentative steps into the room.
He felt the tension in the air, but tried to stay confident. "Yes. I came. We need to talk."
Lucifers expression hardened slightly, as if he had been expecting this conversation but wasn't entirely ready for it.
Charlie was right, he was conflicted too.
The sight of the devil himself struggling with the situation made Alastor feel calmer.
Lucifer now patted the spot beside him, a sign for Alastor to take a seat, so he approached the bed and sat down next to the smaller man, his heart again pounding in his chest.
He wasn't sure where to start, but he wanted to be truthful with the man he desired.
"Well, I need to be honest with you about something."
Lucifer looked over at him , his expression guarded.
"Continue."
With a sigh Alastor admitted: "What I said yesterday when I was drunk ... It is the truth. All of it."
There it was. He had said it, the words he said hanging in the air between them like a bomb ready to explode.
Awaiting an answer, Alastor was staring down at his own clenched claws.
"I know ..." Lucifer began. " I know it is true and it touched me deeply. But, Alastor ..."
Alastors heart skipped a beat as he could sense Lucifer was struggling with the words he wanted to say.
"But what? Just be honest with me ..." the deerdemon demanded.
"I ... I don't ...."
Now Alastors heart sank a the hesitation in the devils voice.
He could guess what was coming, he didn't want to but needed to hear it.
" What is it. Just say it, sire.." He prompted, his voice trembling.
"You said you are in love with me. Deeply. You even said you can't imagine a life without me. That's really ... Much to take in. It is really something. Are you sure you feel like that? Are those feelings really that intense?"
Alastor nodded without hesitation.
The feelings he carried for Lucifer were unlike anything he had ever experienced.
"Yes, they are intense," he admitted. " I can't deny them. I have utterly fallen in love with you."
Lucifer blushed immediately, the gold tinting his cheeks.
" I ... I like you, too. But I cant..."
Alastor felt the sting of rejection, but he kept the conversation going.
"You can't what? Be with me?"
Lucifer shook his head.
"No, that's not it. But my feelings for you have only started ... Um ... Growing? Unfolding? I find you attractive, its undeniable. And I wasn't joking about dating. I want to try. But I can't say the same things to you ... Yet. I can't say that I am in love."
Alastor felt a mixture of hope an disappointment at Lucifers words.
On one hand, it was reassuring that his feelings were reciprocated to some degree.
On the other hand the lack of certainty about Lucifers feelings stung.
"So ... You like me, but you can't say you are in love... I see. You need time. I suppose that's fair," Alastor nodded, still his heart sank.
He took in a shaky breath, his smile strained, trying but failing to hide his disappointment.
"Hey, " Lucifer silently said. "Can I try something?"
Alastor looked at the smaller man curiously , not entirely sure what to expect.
But he nodded, willing to trust the king.
"Sure. Go ahead."
"You know, earlier this week, in the kitchen ... " Lucifer began. " When I touched you, you trembled ... "
Alastors cheeks flushed at the memory.
He remembered it vividly.
He also remembered the words they said to each other.
"Can I hold your hand?" Lucifer now asked, and Alastor nodded.
His pulse quickened. Holding hands seemed so innocent, yet the thought of it made his heart race.
"Yes... I guess I would like that." He whispered, his voice quivering.
Lucifer gently took the other mans hand in his, the touch sending shivers down Alastors spine, and the deerdemons breath hitched at the gentle touch.
The simple gesture made something inside him switch.
"Are you okay?" Lucifer calmly asked.
The other man nodded, unable to form a coherent respons, as Lucifer has started to softly rub his thumb over the back of his hand.
Alastor was entirely focused on the gentle touch and the fact that he really was holding the king of hell's hand.
As their eyes met, he felt like drowning in a sea of emotions.
Lucifers gaze was intense , as if he was searching for something, for an answer maybe, and he was searching it within him.
"You know, ... You look different. Sincere. Vulnerable. Even your smile seems more genuine," Lucifer suddenly spoke, making Alastor blush, his heart swell with gratitude.
No one had ever seen him like that.
Noone had ever said words like those to him.
"I ... Wasn't expecting that," he replied , noticing the sincerity in Lucifers eyes and the small smile tugging at the corner of his lips.
"I appreciate you saying that.. I guess I often put up a front but you might see through it right now." the deerdemon mumbled.
"I like touching you ... " Lucifer let his hand wander up Alastors arm, towards his shoulder, his collarbone.
The other mans breath caught in his throat as he felt the kings hands trailing up.
The slow, deliberate touch was both, soothing and tantalising. He couldn't help but lean into it, he wanted more, more!
Lucifer finally cupped his cheek and Alastor with a shuddering breath closed his eyes, a wave of sensations cursing through him.
The gentle fingers on his skin let him feel like every nervending was alight.
But Lucifer didn't stop there, he started to brush his fingers through the overlords hair and he practically melted under the touch, letting out a gasp.
It again was a simple, yet incredibly intimate gesture and once more sent a shiver down his spine.
As the smaller men reached the base of his ears his breath hitched and he felt the scratching sensation sending jolts of pleasure through his body.
"Oh ... Oh..." He gasped, feeling heat pooling in his groin, only barley able to surpress a moan, as Lucifer ran his fingers along the silky fur of his ears.
"They are incredibly soft", Lucifer wondered, looking mesmerized.
Alastors eyes were half lidded.
His ears were one of his most sensitive spots and noone ever touched them, not in this way, only by accident and they wouldn't dare doing it another time.
"Keep...keep doing that..." the deerdemon purred, his breathing growing more uneaven as Lucifer continued.
Every movements of Lucifers fingers now sent jolts of pleasure through his body, pooling in his crotch, his ears twitching under the touch.
"Ah, ..." he moaned involuntarily, making Lucifer watch him intensely all of a sudden.
The deerdemon found himself caught off guard by the sudden change in Lucifers gaze.
The intensity of it made him shiver , his mind trying to process the shift from the tenderness they just shared to this more intense inspection.
He looked at the king questioning.
"Alastor, are you ... Aroused?"
The overlord felt a wave of embarrassment wash over him at the direct question.
He tried to look away, but found himself locked to Lucifers eyes.
It was undeniable that the sensations he was experiencing had stirred something inside him.
Both looking down at the demons front at the same time, their eyes drifting down to his lap where the fabric of his trousers was now tented.
The evidence of his arousal was unmistakable.
Alastor tried to move to cover himself but Lucifers hand caught his wrist, holding him in place, and it started to wander to the waistband of the taller mans trousers, the touch slow and deliberate.
Alastors breathing quickened and his mind was racing with the thought of what would come next .
The kings hand slowly rubbed over his bulge and the deerdemons entire body jolted at the touch, desire and pleasure coursing through him, a low moan escaping him, he couldn't surpress.
The sensations where both, wonderful and almost too much to handle, his body begging for more.
"Lucifer ..." He panted, his voice strained, cheeks flushed
"You sound delicate ..." Lucifer whispered, again running his palm over the covered erection.
"Ah!"
"Its almost like you never were touched before, you are extremely sensitive ...." Lucifer huffed, his own desire now visible in the way he watched the other man.
Alastors face flushed even darker at the observation.
It was true.
The sensations he was experiencing were completely new, intense and overwhelming.
"To be honest..." He managed to gasp out. "I haven't . Never before."
That made Lucifer freeze.
Alastor, seeing the look of surprise on the others face, suddenly felt unsure.
Had he said something wrong?
He felt exposed, vulnerable.
"Is this true?"
He nodded. "Yes ... I have never been with anyone before."
"Oh... Oh my. Oh, sweetheart."
Alastor was flustered by the sudden endearment and Lucifers concerned look.
He felt a pang of disappointment as the other man withdrew his hand from his intimate area, but found himself in a sudden embrace , wrapped in the devils arms.
"What ..." He managed to stutter, his voice still thick with desire and nervousness.
"Not like this. Not like this, dear, that's not right. Too fast. It even would be if you weren't a virgin.
I am sorry. It just had ... Been a long time since I was intimate with someone. But I don't want to be this only a moment to pleasure my... Our desires. "
On the one hand Alastor was touched by the concern and care the king was showing, but on the other he couldn't hide the disappointment and lingering arousal that still coursed through him.
He took a shaky breath trying to compose himself.
"I ... Understand..." He murmured, his voice catching in his throat. "I don't want to rush things either."
They parted, both flustered.
Alastor felt a pang of loss.
The moment of intimacy had left him wanting more, but he knew Lucifer was right.
They needed to take their time, to let their feelings grow and develop.
"Talking about being very... Sensitive ... " the king started and Alastor couldn't help but notice the brief glance the other man took at the prominent bulge in his trousers, causing his cheeks to flush red once again.
"I heard Charlie was planning an activity for this late afternoon, that had exactly to do with this topic? So I thought, uh, maybe you would like to ... Participate? With me? Like, going there together?
Maybe consider it a dating activity to get to know each other better, share an experience ....and if we afterwards drown our embarrassment in drinks I wouldn't mind, either." Lucifer chuckled, chattering nervously.
The thought of spending time with the man he wanted to be closer in an activity unusual for both of them made the deerdemon both, nervous and excited.
He knew that things still were uncertain between them , but he couldn't deny that he was hopeful Lucifer soon would be sure about his feelings.
And maybe some time together , focusing on a topic already bothering him, was indeed no bad idea.
A soft smile curved his lips.
"I guess I would like that. "
Lucifer clapped his hands together, signaling that the decision had been made. "We have an hour before it begins," he stated. "I presume that ought to be sufficient time for you to... regain your composure," he added, mocking the other man for the still visible state of arousal.
Alastor muttered a brief excuse, making his way back up to his chambers to change into something suitable for the upcoming activity as Charlie had told him that every participant should wear loose, baggy clothing.
He rummaged through his closet, wondering what to choose. He wasn't used to wearing loose clothing and it irritated him.
Finally , he pulled out a pair of baggy sweatpants he hadn't been aware being in his possession and a dark red, slightly oversized top.
Alastor studied his reflection in the mirror, adorned in the loose pants and the oversized T-shirt.
A wave of self-consciousness washed over him, for he felt rather silly and out of place.
Doubt crept into his mind and he suddenly wasn't sure if it really was a good idea.
Alastor took a moment to gather his wits. How did he end up in this situation?
***
Here he was, half hard under his baggy clothing, and thinking about the devil himself only made it worse.
His heart raced as he couldn't help but remember the way he had responded to the other man's touch earlier and his body betrayed him as he immediatly hardened fully once again.
With a trembling hand, he pulled down the waistband of his trousers and undergarments, exposing himself to the mirror.
His length stood proudly, reminding him of the intimate moment that had left him in this aroused state.
His mind tried to whisper how pathetic he looked, how far he had fallen.
But he pushed those thoughts aside as he began to run his fingers down his length, mimicking Lucifers movements he had felt through the fabric of his trousers earlier.
A sharp intake of breath escaped his lips as he gripped himself with uncoordinated fingers, desperately trying to recreate the sensation of the other man's touch.
Alastor closed his eyes, allowing himself to succumb to the sensations, still so incredibly vivid and fresh in his mind.
He tried to imagine it was not his own hand touching him now, but the hand of the devil himself, and he had to bite his lips to avoid making embarassing sounds.
Alastor's pace quickened, his thoughts consumed by the object of his desire.
As he edged closer and closer to climax, he opened his eyes, entranced by the sight of his own hand moving faster.
The experience was heightened by the intensity of his feelings for the man, he felt almost intoxicated.
It was so different than the usual few times he was giving in to these primal needs , imagining someone he desired, who had already touched him with a hint of interest.
The climax was powerful, fueled by the tension that had built up over the past hour.
He couldn't hold back a loud moan as his body shuddered with the intensity of his release, the moans he was holding in finally falling free, as He was coming into his hand, a hand he imagined not being his own.
***
After a few moments to catch his breath and clean himself up, he left his room and headed to the lobby, where Lucifer was waiting for him.
Alastor's gaze lingered on Lucifer, taking in the alluring sight of the devil in his casual attire.
The way the blue dress shirt contrasted against the pale skin of the king of hell was truly captivating.
When Charlie saw her dad and Alastor approaching she gave the deerdemon an unsure thumbs up.
The turnout for the activity was surprisingly small, with only six other sinners joining them.
Charlie, taking charge, began the activity.
Charlie's instructions were clear: everyone First had to choose a partner for the activity, then find a spot on one of the mats, and open the box containing items she and Alastor had prepared earlier.
"We will have two exercises to complete over the next hour," Charlie explained, "each one designed to intensify your sense of touch and make you more aware of the different sensations that different surfaces can create."
They started and Lucifer had his eyes closed, anticipating the texture that would be chosen.
His partner selected a soft, furry cloth.
"It feels fuzzy," the devil remarked. "A bit rough around the edges, but soft like your ears."
The comment caught Alastor off guard, causing him to flush with embarrassment.
When did he become so flustered by a simple observation?
What power was this man holding over him?
Both demons found themselves enjoying the simple task more than they had expected.
The chosen fabrics, whether soft, textured, or hard, created a unique experience.
The exercises flew by, and soon they found themselves moving on to the second task.
"For the second exercise, we'll be moving outside into the gardens," Charlie announced. "Please follow me."
The group followed Charlie outside into the hotel's gardens, which boasted a unique fusion of local and earthly flora.
The sight was truly stunning, especially given the ever-present red tint that enveloped everything.
Charlie then instructed everyone to remove their shoes.
Alastor hesitated, feeling awkward in his loose clothes and the prospect of exposing his hooves made him uneasy.
He barley exposed himself like that , only a few people had ever seen him without his boots since his form had changed from human to demonic.
However, as Lucifer removed his shoes by just kicking them off, revealing his own set of hooves, Alastor couldn't help but smile.
The sight was oddly endearing, and seeing Lucifer’s bright smile as he looked at Alastor.gave him a sense of reassurance.
Feeling encouraged, Alastor removed his shoes and revealed his hooves alongside Lucifer's, the two demons standing comfortably in their natural state.
As the sinners followed Charlie's instructions, walking on different paths of grass, concrete, wood, and even water, a certain sense of lightheartedness filled the air.
One participant found themselves stuck in the mud, eliciting laughter from the group.
For Lucifer and Alastor the moment presented a perfect opportunity to sneak away and explore the gardens together.
The two of them moved across the soft grass, the sensation of it beneath their hooves bringing a quiet sense of comfort.
"Do you sometimes miss how it felt like, being alive?" Lucifer quietly asked all of a sudden.
As Lucifer posed his question, Alastor paused before replying.
"Do I miss being alive?" he pondered. "Not really. But I do miss the night sky. The constant red hue here in hell is rather irritating. I used to find solace in the silence of the night, the ability to hear the tiniest of sounds without the constant noise of people and activity."
"Looking at the stars," Lucifer chuckled, "how poetic."
Alastor crossed his arms, not appreciating the implication of romance in his simple observation.
"It's not because of any romantic interest," he retorted.
Lucifer couldn’t help but chuckle again, finding the whole sight of Alastor in baggy pants and sans shoes quite amusing.
"I apologize," he said, trying to control his laughter, "but seeing you like this is just so out of character for you. It’s quite comical."
Alastor huffed.
They continued strolling through the area and the deerdemon found himself savoring the sensation of the grass beneath his hooves, the cool and supple blades offering an uncharacteristic comfort.
Lucifer was babbling the whole time , and now his voice took on a proud tone.
"You know," he mused, "there's something I have to admit. Charlie's ideas, her efforts, they're quite impressive. I suppose I'm quite proud of my daughter."
Alastor nodded in agreement.
They reached a section of the park adorned with a variety of flowers, sprawling across the lush meadow.
Suddenly Lucifer hatched an idea, a mischevious grin appearing on his face.
"Mind if we sit down for a moment?" he suggested.
Alastor paused, raising an eyebrow in confusion.
"In the grass, you mean?"
Lucifer affirmed with a smile, "Yes, right here.
And I want you to close your eyes."
Alastor, still a bit baffled, closed his eyes, a hint of suspicion in his expression.
Lucifer began to pick colorful flowers from the surrounding area, carefully placing them between Alastor's ears.
"And may I ask," Alastor inquired, a touch of exasperation in his voice, " what exactly you are thinking you are doing?"
"I am gifting you flowers. One for each thing I like about you ... Or shall I say what I begin to love about you.,"
Alastor's heart skipped a beat as Lucifer spoke of gifting him flowers, each representing something he loved about the deerdemon.
Overwhelmed by the unexpected affection, he managed to ask, "And what is it you like about me...?"
Lucifer smirked mischievously, replying, "Oh, I won't reveal all of that at once. You're already quite arrogant enough as it is."
Alastor scoffed in mock irritation, secretly amused by Lucifer's teasing.
" But I tell you two things."
Lucifer's sudden touch was soft and warm as he gently cupped Alastor's cheek, holding the deerdemon's gaze.
"Your ears, they're absolutely delightful," Lucifer murmured, his voice tinged with affection. "I can't deny how much I enjoyed touching them today.
And as for the second thing ... Charlie, your willingness to care for her, to be someone she looks up to and trusts, it's something quite endearing. I admit, I feel a hint of envy at times, but I recognize the importance of your friendship with her."
As Alastor felt Lucifer's touch and was confronted with his kind words, his antlers grew involuntarily, their weight heavily settling on his head.
Lucifer's gaze softened, appreciating the display of emotion.
"And I'm quite sure," Lucifer added, his tone warm, "that there will be many more things I'll learn to love about you."
In that moment, it felt like a connection had formed between the two, beyond anything they had experienced before.
They sat together in comfortable silence, their hands gently holding onto each other, fingers intertwined.
Lucifer couldn't help but notice the way the flowers in Alastor's ears complemented his regal features.
"I think my feelings for you are blooming like those flowers," the smaller man admitted silently.
"Who would have thought hell could offer moments like this, " Alastor wondered, feeling at peace like never before.
Their connection deepened as they sat amidst the blossoming flowers, the once dormant feelings now bursting into full bloom.