It’s like shattering glass – the picture perfect scene giving in to cracks and fractures. Sandalphon’s palms bang against the coffee table that separates them both – arms trembling from his sudden outburst. Yet in spite of, his cup remains still – the ripples never threatening to spill past the rim; Sandalphon’s never been more resolute.
   “No…” he repeats, shoulders sagging in quiet apology in spite of the rebellion of his words. “If I’m to atone, then I have to acknowledge these mistakes for what they are.” He remembers this – 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. “You cannot shield me forever, Lucifer.” The rise of his eyes, and a sorrowful smile. “So please… enough.”
sandalphon was right, and that revelation was indeed painful. he couldn’t shield him forever, and to proclaim to do so now was laughable. but lucifer didn’t 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 he’d 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 he’d raise his head again, he’d still smile. quietly, lucifer said, “all right.”
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. “i apologise, sandalphon.” his tea was still warm. lucifer held the cup in between both palms, the warmth not quite hitting as it used to. “you’re growing. that’s what’s most important.” sandalphon didn’t deserve his resignation. the temptation to swallow the lump caught in his throat. “but still, allow me to take what blame is mine.” he inclined his head for sandalphon to sit again. “after all ... i have made my own mistakes, too.”
