As daylight gradually seeped into the morning, we discovered Alastor tightly curled up within his blankets. The heavy duvet rose and fell rhythmically as he slowly began to awaken and take in the world around him. Memories of the previous evening flitted through his mind, bringing a heightened awareness of his current condition. Furthermore, the fatigue that enveloped him did little to alleviate his troubles. He had hoped that a night of rest would resolve his issues, alongside the small amount of caffeine he had consumed before accidentally spilling the beverage all over his bathroom floor; however, this had only served to intensify his discomfort. Utilizing his shadows, he scanned the room. He could discern that he was alone, a realization he reached solely through his sense of smell; there was a faint lingering aroma indicating Niffty's recent presence, yet it did not instill any sense of threat.
Before he could proceed with any further intake, a gentle knocking was heard at the door. As he opened his eyes, he made an effort to sit up by using his right arm for leverage and steadying himself with his left. Once he successfully achieved an upright position, Alastor's familiar hurried over, pulling up the bucket that had been placed beside the bed. Alastor accepted the bucket with a gesture of thanks communicated through sign language, then directed his attention towards the door.
"Please, come in," Alastor replied weakly, flicking his wrist to unlock the door and revealing Charlie and Vaggie standing on the other side.
"Hey, Al. I wanted to see how you were doing after last night. Niffty mentioned that she glanced in and noticed you were asleep," Charlie remarked as she settled onto Alastor's bed, while Vaggie positioned herself closely beside her, making sure that he would not try anything unforeseen.
"Unfortunately, I was unable to complete the paperwork last night. I will have it finished by sometime this afternoon. The calculations were not aligning properly, and I spent an excessive amount of time double-checking the numbers," Alastor explained, dragging a hand across his face, taking a moment to compose himself.
"What do you mean they aren't adding up, you insufferable prick? I attached all the receipts to the documents and entered them to their respective columns," Vaggie countered, as Charlie sensed the escalating tension in the room.
"Let's not escalate this into an argument! Everyone should take a moment to breathe…" Charlie interjected, only to be met with incredulous looks from Alastor and Vaggie, who regarded her as if she were slightly unhinged.
"In any case, I also came by to ask if you would like some breakfast. Dad is making pancakes," Charlie said, raising an eyebrow in inquiry.
"Regrettably, I must decline, as you are aware of my aversion to sweet foods, including your father's pancakes," Alastor replied, trying to appear remorseful in the art of manipulation.
Charlie let out a light laugh at Alastor's playful behavior, while Vaggie, visibly annoyed by his critique of her work, rolled her eyes in frustration. Charlie rose from her seat and brushing off her pants, gently tapping Vaggie on the shoulder to indicate that she was about to leave. As Vaggie stepped outside the room, Charlie turned to face Alastor from the doorway, eager to clarify something that had been on her mind.
"How is your headache?" she inquired softly, ensuring that her voice was audible enough for Alastor to hear.
"I wouldn't want you to concern yourself with my wellbeing, my dear Charlotte; there are others in the hotel who are eagerly anticipating your grand scheme of rehabilitation," Alastor replied, his tone friendly, while Charlie's expression shifted to one of surprise.
"Don't worry about the paperwork, Al. Just try to rest... I hope you feel better soon," Charlie said with a warm smile as she closed his door behind her. This action prompted the Radio Demon to inwardly chastise himself, realizing that she was becoming increasingly perceptive and was beginning to develop the ability to decipher some of his own behaviors.
Alastor sat on his bed, deep in thought, reflecting on which specific action might have revealed his condition to Charlie. It was only when he noticed the bucket still clutched in his hand that he realized he had not set it down throughout the duration of the girl's visit. With a heavy sigh of defeat, stemming from his own lack of understanding, he finally placed the bucket on the nightstand and let out a groan. Although he had endured worse circumstances during his seven-year absence, the throbbing pain in his head had intensified since the girl's arrival, accompanied by the persistent nausea he had been grappling with since he first awoke and took hold of the bucket. Additionally, he was battling overwhelming fatigue, which made the prospect of getting up far from appealing. Nevertheless, he recognized that despite possibly needing to heed Charlie's advice, there remained an overwhelming amount of tasks that required his attention.
In an effort to maintain the façade, Alastor's familiar regarded him with a profound look of concern. He dismissed the apprehension with a casual wave of his hand and swung his legs over the edge of the bed. The progress he made was painstakingly slow, as each movement intensified some of his symptoms. After a considerable struggle, he finally succeeded in standing, only to find the world around him tilting unexpectedly. A sudden wave of dizziness washed over him, causing him to collapse onto the carpet. He felt his stomach churn violently, and he expelled water onto the floor, gagging as a wave of heat surged through him from head to toe causing sensory discomfort. Remaining motionless, much like a prey animal that he had become accustomed to since his death, he waited patiently for the world to regain its stability. With deliberate movements, reminiscent of the cautious manner in which the girls had first entered the room, he managed to sit upright and cast a glance at his reflection. To his dismay, he discovered that he was covered in vomit, feeling utterly disgusting. When his eyes met those of his familiar again, the expression on its face conveyed an unspoken reprimand, as if it were silently chastising him for his foolishness. With a frustrated growl, Alastor snapped his fingers, nearly losing his balance once more due to the exertion, as he set about clearing the vomit from the floor.
"Not a word of this," Alastor warned, as the familiar reacted with what appeared to be laughter before meandering off to another section of the hotel. Once the familiar was out of sight, Alastor slowly pushed himself up into a standing position, using the bed for support. Upon achieving an upright stance, he simultaneously became aware of several significant realizations. First, he acknowledged that moving away from the bedside would likely result in immediate regret the moment he took a step. Second, he observed that his vision was starting to be obscured by black dots at the periphery. Finally, he comprehended that if he took even one more step, he would undoubtedly feel nauseous again. After carefully weighing his next action, he swiftly grabbed the bucket from the nightstand and returned to sit on the edge of his bed, where he promptly expelled the contents of his stomach once more.
As they made their way down the hallway, Vaggie and Charlie were intent on returning to the lower floor for breakfast. They treaded softly, acutely aware that Alastor's sharp hearing could serve as both a boon and a hindrance. In an unexpected moment, they sensed a peculiar presence beneath their feet and looked down to find Alastor's shadow, which greeted them with a playful wave and a cheeky grin. Charlie responded with a smile towards the shadow, and together, the trio continued their journey towards the elevator. The girls noted that the shadow had decided to join them, a development that caused some unease for Vaggie. This situation also prompted concern for Charlie, as it was unusual for Alastor to be separated from his shadow. With this realization, Charlie considered the possibility that Alastor was not entirely revealing his vulnerabilities; perhaps the shadow was merely seeking entertainment due to its master being in a state of inactivity.
Upon reaching the elevator, the girls watched the shadow wave at them once more before drifting away. As the elevator doors began to close, both Charlie and Vaggie let out a collective sigh, reflecting on the unusual encounter.
"That went better than I expected. I wouldn't worry so much babe. He appeared to be fine to me", Vaggie remarked, while Charlie shook her head in disagreement.
Charlie explained that Alastor was once again concealing his vulnerability behind his mask. Although he did not articulate his emotions verbally, his tight grip on that bucket strongly indicated to her that he was not in good health, prompting a look of inquiry from Vaggie.
"I know he will be fine, but I want to ensure he feels comfortable, even if no one else trusts him. After all, the hotel is meant for second chances and opportunities for redemption. His headache, although possibly caused by a lack of caffeine, shouldn't lead to vomiting, which makes me feel as though he wasn't entirely honest," Charlie continued as the elevator signaled that the doors were about to open.
"That's true, I suppose, even if he is being a completo estúpido idiota", Vaggie muttered just as the doors opened, and both girls proceeded to the lobby.
As the girls stepped into the lobby, they were greeted by an atmosphere of profound silence, which led them to deduce that the rest of the group had likely moved on to the dining hall. With Vaggie leading the way, the girls navigated toward the entrance. Upon their arrival, they confirmed their assumption; the dining hall was bustling with everyone present. Angel was playfully flirting with Husk, who was comfortably clad in a fluffy pink robe and savoring his coffee. Husk's facial expression, however, conveyed a strong desire to evade Angel's flirtatious advances. Nearby, Cherri sat with a tired demeanor, rubbing her face; her usually wild and untamed hair appeared even more chaotic than normal as she took a sip from one of Sir Pentious's old mugs. It was worth noting that Lucifer and Niffty were conspicuously absent from the gathering. As the girls entered the dining hall, all eyes turned toward them, and the assembled crowd offered polite waves as they continued to find their seats.
Once everyone had taken their seats and exchanged cheerful greetings of "Good Morning," Lucifer made his entrance from the kitchen, proudly displaying his apron emblazoned with the phrase "My Meat will 100% Go in Your Mouth," complemented by a matching chef hat. This amusing sight prompted Charlie to blush intensely, her to cover her face in embarrassment. As he approached the table, Lucifer placed a serving tray filled with delightfully fluffy pancakes right in the center. The room filled with expressions of gratitude as everyone began to pass the tray around, each person selecting one or two pancakes to place on their plates. Suddenly, Niffty appeared between Charlie and Vaggie, bringing along a tray brimming with toppings. This tray showcased a vibrant assortment of fruits, including fresh strawberries and blueberries, alongside a variety of flavored syrups such as peanut butter, chocolate, and raspberry, as well as an assortment of other toppings like marshmallows and chocolate chips. Everyone expressed their heartfelt thanks to both Lucifer and Niffty for their diligent efforts before the two chefs settled down to prepare their own servings.
"Hey, Short King. I have a piece of meat for your mouth," Angel remarked unexpectedly, his eyes glinting with a flirtatious spark, while Lucifer stared at him in bewilderment, as though he had sprouted a third head.
"Um, what are you on about?" Lucifer inquired, his expression puzzled as Charlie's cheeks flushed a deeper shade of red with each passing moment.
"Somethin tells me yah don't pay attention to what you're wearin," Angel said with a grin so wide it almost seemed like he might burst into laughter.
Cherri, who is not particularly a morning person, observed the interaction between Angel and Lucifer with keen interest while she examined the words printed on the King's apron almost laughing herself.
"Sir, your apron," Vaggie stated, busy reassuring Charlie, who was struggling to maintain her composure in light of the awkward situation.
Still feeling perplexed, Lucifer looked down at his apron. With a simple snap of his fingers, the garment vanished as if it had never been there at all. However, anyone who happened to observe Lucifer's face would have seen a faint golden blush tinting his cheeks. Angel and Cherri burst into laughter, while Charlie appeared completely mortified. Husk let out a grunt as he continued to consume his breakfast, washing it down with his coffee mixed with alcohol, when his attention was drawn to Alastor's shadow gliding across the floor.
"I must concur with Vagatha, Your Majesty. That apron was rather unflattering on you," Alastor stated as he rose from the ground.
"Well, who asked for your opinion, Bambi? I had to prepare breakfast this morning because you chose to sleep in," Lucifer replied in a condescending tone.
"I sincerely apologize; that was not my intention," Alastor remarked nonchalantly as he walked over to the counter to brew himself a cup of coffee. Discovering that the coffee pot was empty, Alastor went through the automatic motions of preparing a fresh batch.
The Radio Demon, during his work, came to the unsettling realization that he found himself in a situation devoid of any sense of pride. To begin with, he was grappling with a worsening ailment and was dressed in a manner that was significantly more casual than his customary style, which inadvertently caught the attention of the other residents of the hotel. He had made the decision to leave his coat in his room following an unfortunate incident that had resulted in him soiling himself. Although he had utilized his magical abilities to remove the stain, the lingering unpleasant odor remained in his overwhelmed senses, leading him to abandon the coat altogether. Instead, he wore a red button-up shirt that was gradually becoming damp with sweat, paired with a loosely tied black bow tie to alleviate any pressure on his neck. His relaxed black trousers, supported by black body harness suspenders, allowed his tail to be prominently displayed—characterized by red and black spots with a white heart-shaped underside. This unconventional outfit quickly captured the attention of Angel Dust, while the other hotel staff observed with mild surprise at the Radio Demon's informal attire.
As he prepared his coffee, Alastor leaned over the counter, arms crossed and eyes shut, attempting to regain control over his overwhelming dizziness. To the casual observers, he appeared to be deep in thought, while those around him continued to enjoy their pancakes. However, Alastor was too consumed by the intensifying migraine to notice the approach of Angel Dust. The spider stealthily approached him, retrieving the tie piece for his robe from his pocket. With meticulous care, Angel located his target and, using the loose robe tie, skillfully fashioned an adorable pink bow on Alastor's tail without the Radio Demon becoming aware of his antics. Lucifer suppressed a laugh by covering his mouth, while Husk shot a sympathetic glance at Angel, fully cognizant that once Alastor discovered he had been the victim of a prank, there would be serious consequences. Cherri Bomb, impressed by the execution of the prank, celebrated with a fist bump as Angel Dust returned to the table. Charlie and Vaggie, who had already suspected that Alastor was unwell based on their earlier conversation, received undeniable confirmation of his condition when they observed that he failed to notice Angel's movements, despite his typically acute sense of hearing.
Completely oblivious to the prank that was unfolding, Alastor attempted to disregard the cacophony of sounds surrounding him—the chewing of food and the incessant clatter of knives and forks against plates made it increasingly challenging for him to filter out the noise, and he was suddenly overwhelmed by a wave of nausea. Taking a slow, subtle breath, he exhaled softly before finally opening his eyes. He grasped his cup with one hand while simultaneously reaching for the fresh pot of coffee with the other to pour himself a serving. Once he had placed the pot back down, Alastor lifted his cup to his lips and took a cautious sip. The bitter flavor lingered on his palate, yet it was not as disagreeable as he had initially feared. Regaining his composure, he turned his attention to the other residents and began to make his way carefully towards the table to not give himself away further about his vulnerability.
"Yo, you good smiles?" Angel inquired, leaning on his arm with his elbow resting on the table, still maintaining an air of mischief as if he had not just successfully executed a prank.
"I'm fine my good fellow; it has just been a long evening," Alastor responded, taking another cautious sip of his coffee while feeling a slight discomfort in his throat before settling into a seat at the table with the other residents.
"If yah say so. By the way, you missed out on a great time yesterday. You shoulda joined us! Some of the plays were to "die" laughing for", Angel remarked, a sly smirk appearing on his face.
"I bet it was very enlightening", Alastor replied, placing his mug down on the table.
Angel looked at Alastor with a sense of disbelief, coming to the realization that he had overlooked a perfect chance for a playful exchange of puns, yet the Radio Demon had intentionally opted out, as if he had deliberately chosen to extinguish the opportunity. Cherri Bomb remained apathetic, as she was still unfamiliar with Alastor and his typical demeanor since her arrival at the hotel. Lucifer, now casting a cautious eye toward Alastor, felt an increasing sense of unease that something was amiss, particularly after witnessing Alastor's strange behavior the night before during his conversation with Charlie. Although Lucifer often portrayed himself as a detached ruler, his time spent at the hotel and with its inhabitants had led him to closely observe Alastor, largely due to the fact that the Radio Demon was generally not someone to be trusted. Husk, prioritizing his own well-being, had learned long ago to steer clear of situations that might land him in trouble with his superior. He had come to the conclusion that the most effective strategy was to simply overlook any emerging problems until Alastor decided to confront them, and the only person who seemed to enjoy nearly complete immunity from Alastor's fury was Niffty. In relation to this, the small maid regarded her master with worry, particularly as he began to decline food. She understood that he was not particularly fond of sweet meals or desserts, yet Alastor usually prepared a separate meal for himself, choosing to eat alone in his quarters or camouflaging his usual diet within a different dish. The disturbing reality that he was not consuming anything at all alarmed her. Meanwhile, Charlie and Vaggie exchanged concerned glances, deliberating on what actions they should take or how they might convince the demon to return to his bed, as they observed that the longer Alastor lingered in their presence, the more pale and slightly green he appeared.
Alastor, seemingly oblivious to the concerned glances directed at him by those around him, continued to sip his coffee until he had completely drained the cup. As he stood up, he immediately regretted his decision, realizing that he should have concealed himself more effectively; his tail flicked in annoyance, intensifying an odd sensation that heightened his already sensitive state. Looking down, Alastor observed a significant amount of pink protruding from his backside, prompting him to twist his neck for a better view. Suddenly, a loud screech of radio feedback erupted, causing everyone in the room to cover their ears. Alastor turned to glare at the crowd, his mind racing as he tried to ascertain who among them dared to provoke him in such a manner.
Nonetheless, his reaction to the prank turned out to be a significant error that would have consequences for him. As he glared at the residents, the intensity of his migraine reached its peak, causing his ears to fold back against his skull. The world around him began to tilt, reminiscent of how it had felt earlier that morning before the girls had visited. His body transitioned from warmth to an unsettling cold, with shivers coursing through his limbs as his vision began to darken. In a desperate attempt to regain his balance, he extended his arms and quickly caught himself on the table, leaning his head down in the process. Without conscious thought, he gradually lowered himself to the floor, taking deep breaths in an effort to suppress the nausea that threatened to surface and cause him embarrassment. Unfortunately, it was a futile struggle, as Alastor's shadow loomed over him once more, this time holding a bucket beneath his face while he began to expel the coffee he had tried to drink. The atmosphere in the room became one of frozen shock, with each individual breaking free from their respective states of disbelief. Niffty was the first to react, hurrying to fetch a wet cloth and rushing to her master's side, where she pressed it gently against his neck.
Husk was next to regain his composure after the initial shock, swiftly making his way to fetch a cup of water for Alastor, with the intention of providing him with something to rinse his mouth. The acute hearing of the cat demon was particularly sensitive to the distressing sounds of his boss retching, which only served to heighten his anxiety. He had never before witnessed Alastor in such a vulnerable state. Cherri and Angel soon emerged from their stupor, collaborating to move the table aside in order to create a clear space for those attending to Alastor's mysterious ailment. Meanwhile, Lucifer quickly summoned several ice packs, distributing them to Nifty along with a digital thermometer, before rushing to the Radio Demon's side to take his temperature. After placing the thermometer on Alastor's forehead and subsequently retrieving it, Lucifer examined the display and noted that Alastor's temperature was mildly elevated at 99.8 degrees, indicating that it did not signify a serious fever. Charlie approached and positioned herself in front of Alastor, while Vaggie remained back, directing Angel and Cherri to gather blankets and pillows in preparation for relocating Alastor to the lobby sofas once the table had been successfully moved.
Alastor was no longer able to maintain coherence. The combination of overwhelming lights, sounds, the acrid taste of bile in his mouth, and the chilling sensation against his skin was nearly unbearable. The relentless pounding in his forehead made him feel as though he might whimper, as he continued to heave and empty the contents of his stomach. This episode lasted for two agonizing minutes, until Alastor's shadowy figure retreated, taking with it the waste-filled bucket and vanishing into the darkness. Once the shadow had departed, Alastor attempted to lift his gaze, but everything around him was a blur, making it difficult to distinguish his surroundings. He could faintly perceive Charlie's lips moving and suspected she was inquiring about his well-being. However, no sound penetrated the overwhelming ringing in his ears. Just before he lost consciousness, his eyes fluttered shut, and he collapsed into someone's arms.
As soon as Lucifer recognized the unmistakable signs indicating that Alastor was about to faint, he quickly intervened, skillfully positioning the Radio Demon onto his left side to avert any risk of vomiting. In the meantime, Vaggie, Cherri, and Angel frantically organized the lobby, with Angel making his way back into the dining room where he effortlessly lifted Alastor to carry him to the lobby, followed closely by the others. Upon reaching the lobby, Angel gently placed Alastor down on the sofa and covered him with a blanket to provide warmth, before retreating to join Cherri and Husk who were positioned behind the sofa. Husk moved closer, aware that Alastor rarely displayed vulnerability and would likely react strongly upon awakening. Niffty, with a sense of urgency, climbed onto the arm of the couch and placed a damp rag over Alastor's forehead and eyes to help soothe him. As this was happening, Lucifer and Charlie entered the room from the back. Charlie wore an expression of fear mixed with concern, while Lucifer displayed curiosity about what could possibly incapacitate the Radio Demon beyond his own influence.
While Angel and Husk sought to comprehend the circumstances that led to Alastor's current state. Niffty looked up at her master with eyes brimming with tears, and Vaggie offered her support. Cherri appeared visibly shaken, as the unfolding situation brought back memories of Sir Pentious's unfortunate demise. Standing before the group after coming from the back, Charlie let out a deep sigh and began to elucidate the situation.
"You are telling me that all of this is due to a headache? I am calling bullshit, sweet cheeks," remarked Angel.
"I have never seen the boss in such a state. I have patched him up after he got into fights with Vox, certainly, but never like this," commented Husk as Lucifer came up from the back and knelt beside Alastor, raising a hand to channel his angelic powers through it.
"Is he going to be okay, Dad?" Charlie inquired, tightly gripping Vaggie's arm, while Niffty observed the golden glow with curiosity.
"The good news is that he does not have a fever; otherwise, the situation could be far worse. However, unless he is suffering from a stomach flu or has a particularly sensitive stomach due to cannibalism, he should return to his usual, abrasive self in a few days," responded Lucifer, his tone tinged with both disappointment and relief that his daughter would not be shedding tears over yet another death.
With no indications of waking up in the near future, the others decided to stay close to Alastor, engaging in various activities to occupy themselves until he regained consciousness. Angel, Husk, and Cherri were casually hovering near the bar, while Niffty occupied herself by sitting on the arm of a sofa, diligently exchanging wet towels for damp ones. Meanwhile, Lucifer, Vaggie, and Charlie were engaged in quiet conversation on the loveseat and the single chair next to Alastor, occasionally casting glances at the sleeping demon. After what felt like an eternity, lasting two hours, Alastor finally began to show signs of waking up. Lucifer promptly rose and moved to the side of the sofa.
"I believe he is waking up," Vaggie commented as she joined Lucifer in front of the sofa, while he gently removed the damp cloth from his eyes.
Alastor's ears continued to twitch faintly as his eyes slowly opened, squinting against the bright light filling the room. As he turned his head, the first figures he focused on were Lucifer and Vaggie. Gradually, he allowed his gaze to scan the room, taking in the presence of the other hotel residents. When his eyes landed on Charlotte, he realized that he could no longer maintain the façade he had been attempting to uphold. With a sense of resigned defeat, he braced himself for the barrage of questions he anticipated from the others.
"How are you feeling Alastor?" Charlie inquired, her voice tinged with genuine concern.
"I am uncertain about what transpired. I recall feeling something on my tail, and then everything faded away," Alastor replied. Although he would have relished the opportunity to tease the residents, he simply did not possess the energy for it at that moment.
"You fainted asshole", Lucifer commented quietly, trying to piece together the situation based on Charlie's explanation and his own observations of the sinner.
"What everyone is trying to convey, Smiles, is that one moment you were sippin coffee, and the next, you were on the floor, retching as if it were the last thing you would ever do, before suddenly passin out on us," Angel interjected, his usual sarcasm softened by an underlying concern.
Alastor's eyes momentarily locked with Angel's before shifting to the other individuals present in the room. After closing his eyes again, he drew in a few deep breaths in preparation to sit up. The moment his movement was detected, everyone instinctively attempted to restrain him. However, Alastor disregarded their efforts and elevated himself to a seated position on the sofa, taking note of the blankets and pillows that enveloped him.
"I must express my gratitude, albeit reluctantly, as it appears I owe you all a thank you," Alastor stated, briefly meeting Lucifer's gaze before directing his attention to Angel Dust. "However, Angel," he continued, placing his hands together, which snapped Angel out of his daze.
"What?" Angel replied, his skepticism evident.
"Would you be so kind as to remove the bow you have tied to my tail?" Alastor inquired, adopting a tone that Charlie had aptly described as one of 'aggressive kindness.'
Angel stared at Alastor in utter disbelief, his expression one of sheer shock, before he erupted into laughter that dispelled the anxious atmosphere surrounding the Radio Demon. As he composed himself, wiping tears from his eyes, his demeanor hardened, and he firmly replied, "No."
Ultimately, it was Lucifer who extended an act of mercy towards Alastor for the first time, as he removed the bow from the demon's tail and returned the tie to Angel. Alastor appeared momentarily taken aback when he felt the King's hand on his tail, yet he managed to regain his composure shortly thereafter.
"What exactly happened, Bambi?" Lucifer inquired, redirecting the focus back to the matter at hand, his tone laced with concern.
"As you have aptly pointed out, your highness, I fainted," Alastor replied matter-of-factly, with a hint of playful teasing in his voice.
"My inquiry is why you fainted. You do not have a fever, and the only diagnosis we can consider is stomach flu, which is contagious. If Charlie were to fall ill…" Lucifer began, his voice escalating as Alastor regarded him with a sadistic grin.
"Regardless of what is happening with Alastor, one thing he ought to be doing is resting," Charlie interjected, successfully persuading everyone to leave and engage in other activities for the afternoon, despite a minor tussle with Lucifer, Vaggie, and surprisingly Niffty to vacate the lobby.
After the room was emptied, Charlie managed to persuade Niffty to tidy up Alastor's room, explaining how much he would appreciate the effort. With only Charlie and Alastor left in the room, she settled back onto the sofa. Kneeling down, Charlie retrieved another cloth, dampened it, folded it with care, and gently placed it on Alastor's forehead, lifting a corner to capture his attention. She softly encouraged him to rest for the moment, and then positioned the cloth over his eyes once again. Alastor acknowledged her with a slight nod of his head as Charlie's footsteps faded into the distance.
Alastor remained perfectly still, despite the cloth covering his eyes. Internally, he felt a profound sense of disgust for allowing himself to exhibit such vulnerability regarding the mask he had steadfastly maintained for more than a century. Deep within, he recognized the necessity of rest, unable to conceal the overwhelming migraine that plagued him. With a subtle lift of his arm, he summoned his shadow familiar. Nodding behind the cloth, he was subsequently drawn into the shadows and gently deposited back onto his bed, where his exhaustion finally took over, allowing him to succumb to sleep.