There's a chill in the air that's uncommon in Hell; Lucifer can't help but think it's the leftover Heavenly power, making a home in the foundations of the hotel like a weed. It's almost comforting, how it reminds him of simpler times—before Lilith, before Hell, before Charlie—but all it does is remind him of what he lost, instead of what he gained.
(Sometimes, deep down, he wonders what would've happened if he never found Lilith.)
But he brushes the memories away, and tries to enjoy the breeze.
It isn't long before he has company in the form of the Radio Demon.
He stands not quite behind him, but not quite next to him either, watching the red skyline of Pentagram City. He doesn't say anything at first, doesn't need to, just exists in the quiet.
Then he says, "You're still here," but it doesn't have the challenge it would've had months ago, or even a week ago, before the Exorcists came.
"Yeah," Lucifer says, not quite looking at him. "Yeah. I…" He pauses, not really sure what to say, or why he's even humoring the Sinner. "...I didn't want to leave Charlie alone again. Couldn't."
"She wouldn't have been alone," the demon says, like it's obvious. "She has the hotel, and all her little friends."
Lucifer looks at him for the first time (glares, honestly), and really looks.
Alastor seems…haggard, for lack of a better word.
He looks almost frail, with the way he carries himself—worn at the edges, suit not quite as immaculate as before, smile lesser than before—and it occurs to Lucifer that Alastor hasn't been around the hotel much. Ever since they rebuilt, he's kept more to himself than before, always off in his studio (he can't help but note how there haven't been any broadcasts since his fight with Adam, despite how much time the Radio Demon spends in there), and he realizes…
"You know what I mean," he says instead of what he actually wants to. "I wasn't going to leave her—not again—after a battle like that. Even with…all of you, I just—wouldn't feel right about it."
Alastor accepts this with a dissonant, crackling hum. Lucifer gets the distinct impression Alastor knows what he's thinking. He says nothing.
"I'm sure she's grateful for it. In fact, I'd say she's rather glad you stayed this time, wouldn't you?"
He's surprised at the lack of barb, but decides not to look a gift horse in the mouth.
"I'm sure she's glad you stuck around, too," he finds himself saying, as much as he hates to admit it. "She was pretty upset when she couldn't find you after the battle, you know." If Alastor's surprised by the admission, he doesn't show it, instead just humming again. It's more melodic than before, like there's less interference. Lucifer takes it to mean he's pleased.
He leans further against the balcony rail, remembering when Charlie first asked him to the hotel, how he acted. After a moment, he says, "...thank you." Alastor shoots him a probing look from the corner of his eye, as if searching for…something. "For being there for her when I wasn't," he elaborates.
Alastor looks at him for a long moment. Finally, he tips his head. "Maybe this time you can be there for her, too, hm?"
Lucifer takes it as the peace offering it is, and grins. "Maybe I will."
The two lapse back into silence after that.
It's a fragile silence; Lucifer knows there's too much to be said for it to last, but for now, he lets it go, and simply enjoys the company.