Itâs like shattering glass â the picture perfect scene giving in to cracks and fractures. Sandalphonâs palms bang against the coffee table that separates them both â arms trembling from his sudden outburst. Yet in spite of, his cup remains still â the ripples never threatening to spill past the rim; Sandalphonâs never been more resolute.
   âNoâŚâ he repeats, shoulders sagging in quiet apology in spite of the rebellion of his words. âIf Iâm to atone, then I have to acknowledge these mistakes for what they are.â He remembers this â their cycle of faults a mockery of what laid underneath them all; why did it always come to this, even when Lucifer no longer drew breath? Sandalphon has to stop this here. âYou cannot shield me forever, Lucifer.â The rise of his eyes, and a sorrowful smile. âSo please⌠enough.â
sandalphon was right, and that revelation was indeed painful. he couldnât shield him forever, and to proclaim to do so now was laughable. but lucifer didnât laugh. even as the coffee table shook, he sat there, the look of guilt still strewn across his face, looking unbefitting. sandalphon was right, and it was something lucifer had to come to terms with. the fact that it was sandalphon telling him this now was a testimony to his growth, but, the thought of sandalphon growing hurt. it hurt, yet lucifer would keep it buried, and instead smile, because this is what heâd wanted most.
lucifer was able to keep eye contact for a few moments before he declined his head. he looked to the table, hanging his head in resignation. it was a silent acceptance, and when heâd raise his head again, heâd still smile. quietly, lucifer said, âall right.â
there was still so much to be said. an apology was easier than any of his other thoughts, all of which were entirely selfish. the space between them never felt so far, but lucifer was still smiling. âi apologise, sandalphon.â his tea was still warm. lucifer held the cup in between both palms, the warmth not quite hitting as it used to. âyouâre growing. thatâs whatâs most important.â sandalphon didnât deserve his resignation. the temptation to swallow the lump caught in his throat. âbut still, allow me to take what blame is mine.â he inclined his head for sandalphon to sit again. âafter all ... i have made my own mistakes, too.â