Yes, yes, it was a grand triumph to see the Hotel rebuilt from the ground up - Alastor had to hide until he was healed enough to maintain a facade, but now that he's officially moved in? He's taking the time to scrutinize all of the decor choices.
Now, it's acceptable that there is so much imagery involving snakes and apples. It is the Morningstar project, after all... those symbols represent Charlie as much as anyone else associated with the family. Not naming names. The occasional elephant or lion are also fine... he'd noticed some circus theming in the old building as well, especially in any paintings from the Morningstars directly.
But the ducks? No, the ducks are unacceptable.
It might let light in and make the windows bare, but the very first thing he's doing is going from the top floor downward to rip down every single set of curtains with the offending yellow animal plastered on them. He'd have to conjure up new ones, or just commission them directly, but getting rid of the unsightly things in gouts of green flame came first.
He polished his claws against his coat, grinning from ear to ear. Was it self-indulgent to manifest puppets to compliment the work? Maybe. Did he care? Fuck no.
Some days the King just strolled through the building, admiring the handiwork, his embellishments. But by golly, he was so PROUD of Charlie for fighting as hard as she did for starters. Any doubts he may have had for the project, dwindled though they were after his prior visit, had evaporated entirely with no chance of returning. They could do this.
Heaven shunned his ideas. His dreams. But Charlie had chances beyond chances. Sera would eventually see thi-
"...Eh?"
What? What was this? There were supposed to be ducks here. Where are the ducks? The curtains were gone!!
"Whoa, whoa, whoa... Niffty! Niffty, dear...?" He paused, looked around. It had to be that girl, right?
No answer. Probably hunting another bug. Tsk.
Oh well. He manifested his cane, gave it a twirl, and tapped the first window. With a squeak, these drab, moody curtains would lighten up again, and practically dance with the jolly little yellow fellows again.
By the sixth room he'd fixed, Lucifer's eyebrow quirked. Huh.
Room, after room, after room... Alastor's made a full loop, it's time to go to the next floor--
Oh, no, that won't do. Alastor's grin tightens - in a room he'd just fixed, those hideous curtains were back. With a snap, it's time to burn those up and replace them with simple black.
Now let's walk down the hall, waiting for the King to emerge from one of the rooms...
The moment the door opens, Alastor will pop up through shadows behind Lucifer.
"Ah, yes, the quack himself. I should have known."
It's interesting how their dynamic shifts after that - the occasional bout of fake jousting, Alastor does finally watch Sweeney Todd and adds it, as well as Little Shop of Horrors, to the rare 'modern musicals worth viewing' list. And even when a little streak of sadism spikes, Alastor's pleased that he's getting the king to bite back instead of sulking uselessly. The man's far more respectable these days, much more worth pausing whatever little work project he was entrenched in to have a spat with.
But another such spat, one day, catches Alastor on a day where underneath that typical mask of a smile, something is brewing. The Radio Demon simply tightens his smile, staring down at the cane that was playfully thrust at him, and lowered it with a couple fingers on the metal apple. "Not today," he replied flatly.
Oh he just knew it was up his alley! How could he not enjoy a tale of revenge and nibbling upon the uncaring society around them, or even a macabre little doo-wop set involving a flesh-eating space monster?
And how could Lucifer sulk when they seemed to have a fun game? How long had it been since he'd been able to exchange verbal blows without needing to explain himself or apologize, clash with whatever was within reach to truly have a conversation, an exchange of wits with every hearty clack of some odd pair of sword-like object sounding in the air? He promised not to get stuck, either. No, they had a wealth of other places to take their contests, and even assured Charlie that things were fiiiine, a mutual lesson just needed to be taught is all!
What that 'lesson' is, neither would say. But jabs were exchanged with grins, and the poor Hotel had gone through so many interior design changes, what the dishes should look like, how the gardens should present themselves, that most of the others had long since given up on how to address any of it.
Today was no less different, quiet pleasantries exchanged earlier in the day before- with Lucifer having an itch that needed scratching- he was en garde and assumed his stance as he had.
But today was... different, after all. The cane was lowered, and he made no move to press the issue. Instead-
"...Had enough, have you? A reprieve, then, to allow the licking of wounds, so sayeth this most merciful King." A twirl, and he vanished the cane.
A beat.
"Perhaps a little drink would help with the healing process."
"Might I remind you that the last such encounter ended with you shin-deep in the garden fertilizer?" Alastor teased, though it didn't have the levity that had been present for the past few weeks of goofiness. No, he definitely seemed on edge, made only worse by how clear it was that Lucifer caught on almost immediately that he was in a foul mood.
What good was a smile if it couldn't do its job in maintaining the facade? No no, that wouldn't do.
"I suppose a few fingers of rye would go down nicely right now," Alastor hummed, relaxing himself even as tension clawed at his chest. "I haven't seen your drink of choice yet, either."
The last few weeks have been the most fun he'd had in... god, ages! Sparring, speakeasy nights with frivolous dancing and drink (though less so of late, trying to keep himself a little more level)... it reminded him a bit of those days where he donned his robes and danced upon the soft clouds and plumes of light that formed Heaven.
But with it came old wounds...
The angels and seraphim always quieted when he approached. They spoke in hushed tones, and for as long as he could remember, they never turned to look his way when he called. When he wasn't sent on fool's errands or simple clean-up duty while others of his rank joined Sera and Emily in their plans for Earth- a room he was one able to enter, until his plans and suggestions had angered the elders- he was treated as if he were a ghost.
He walked the streets of Heaven, hands clutched before him, eyes casting about. The silence was always deafening, coupled with whispers he strained to hear. All he wanted was to hear the plan, be a part of the others' dreams and introduce his own again. He had so MANY! But they meant nothing if they couldn't be shared.
He opened his mouth to call again, and not a head turned to face him. As far as they were concerned, the Morning Star did not exist. He was no fool- he knew this was a way to finally, FINALLY silence him and stop angering the elders, go against the Plan. Yet as he felt his chest tighten again, felt himself wheezing into another mild panic attack...
It seemed to be working.
But then he met someone who also had ideas that deviated from the Plan.
She was fierce, independent, and so, so beautiful... he had to fly down and introduce himself. And for the first time in so, so long, someone wanted to look at him. Someone wanted to listen to him. Smile at him! Hold his hand!! Simply linger in his presence. And all he wished to do was smile at her, hold her hands, listen to her wondrous songs and float in that gleaming radiance forever. The Morning Star had found his missing piece... and she was human!
She was a sign! A sign that, perhaps, humans were worthy of free will after all. They could make such wonderful choices and not be dictated by the angels and the Creator. What wonderful and interesting things could they do or make while they sat back and watched?
The elders were angry again- God. They were always angry with him, but he no longer cared. He had Lilith, his other half, and together they would be happy. Nobody else mattered. Besides, they could just make Adam another bride, right? Maybe this one will 'work'.
But when this bride seemed obedient, quiet and meek, abiding by Adam's every whim, Lilith and the Morning Star Lucifer grew impatient. This wasn't right. They were supposed to be equals. This wasn't right.
So when he and Lilith offered young Eve the fruit of knowledge, bid her take a bite and gain her own agency and dream as her own person rather than a waiting accessory for Adam, the Earth seemed to tremble.
That was when the fateful day came. Finally, after so, so long of walking among the bustling city of Heaven yet feeling gut-wrenchingly alone, Lucifer received a summons.
Finally, the elders would hear him. Finally, he could contribute again. Finally, he could help with this strange new thing that was happening.
"Morning Star... what have you done?" Sera's voice was always so warm, so rich, so full. But her voice was tired today. She knew her freedom was gone, her freedom from ever addressing the troublesome Lucifer. She had a duty to fulfill, even if it meant speaking with him again.
"We do not ask for much, Lucifer. We follow the Plan and do not stray from it, and do not question it. Why must you be so difficult?"
Lucifer sighed, tired himself. Was that why he was summoned? To hear this lecture again?
He turned to leave. He needed to go back to Lilith. His love was waiting for him.
"The world we strive so hard to cultivate is now broken thanks to you. Do you have anything to say for yourself?"
Lucifer's fists clenched. "...I think it was broken from the start."
"I beg your pardon?"
"You heard me, Sera. You know that I never liked the Plan. It's too controlling! So many amazing creations, and... and the humans, they... don't they deserve to make their own decisions, rather than being told what to do by someone they aren't even allowed to see until they've reached the end of their existence?"
"You tread on dangerous ground, Morning Star. You are not here to have your poisonous thoughts and treason against the Creator heard! All we ask is... why. Why do you not only refuse to listen, but drag a human into your corruption?"
"Corruption!?" His chest tightened again. "Nobody corrupted anyone! We love each other!"
"You disturbed the Plan with your theft of the First Woman. And now, you've irreversibly damned Eve and the planet we created. It seems there is no end to your insolence. Take a look at what you've done."
Lucifer remembered the portal that opened. He remembered the dark flames, so much screaming, and the radiating corruption, the pain that threatened to leap out and snatch his heart. Evil wished only to feed, and found a potential bountiful feast in the flesh of heavenborn.
All... all he did was give Eve a choice. A CHOICE!
"It pains me to resort to this, Morning Star, but you have left us all with no other choice." Lucifer felt his blood run cold.
Suddenly the angels amid the council seats stood in unison. They raised their hands, manifested so many spears...
"You brought this on us all!"
"Scum!"
"Trash!"
He heard the words and had little time to look away from Sera. He felt a lance of light pierce his shoulder, pass through his back, narrowly miss a wing. Another pierced his belly. The third knocked his hat off his head.
The shouts and jeers continued, each with a spear, perhaps a bit of refuse, some stray food. He felt his blood run beneath his robes, felt something sticky run down one side of his face. He opened his mouth to shout and was hit with something foul-smelling, coughed and gagged.
Sera simply turned her head, but remained unmoving, did not object to the treatment. Emily's hands were over her mouth, silently weeping at the sight.
"We don't want you here!"
"Death sentence! Death sentence!"
"Go die with your human pet!"
That had him grit his teeth and search beyond the spotlight to find the speaker. Insult him, humiliate him, but none should insult Lilith. He manifested his own spear and fought desperately to throw something back, but more trash and spears were coming. So many of the gleaming weapons embedded in the ground around him, pinned his robes to the floor.
"Lucifer. Lilith. Your sentence has been decided." ...Lilith!?
He turned his head, and to his horror he saw the love of his life standing next to him. Her hands were folded, but her eyes were dark and furious.
"No... no, leave her out of this...!"
"Lilith defied her role in the Plan by abandoning Adam. Lilith was an accomplice in the corruption of Eve and the end of the Garden. For this, you are both hereby... banished from Heaven. Immediately. You will now spend your days in the realm of evil you have created. You will be it's prisoners, and you will be its keepers."
"Sera...! S-sera! You can't do this to her! Punish me! Banish me! Not her! Please! Have mercy!!" He saw movement among the crowds and moved, stood in front of Lilith. But his pitiable stature could not stop trash from striking Lilith as well.
But she stood and took it, fury continuing to burn in her eyes.
"Lily... my love, I'm so sorry! I'm so sorry!" His eyes ached. Burned. He reached for her, and for just a moment, he saw the woman draw away from his touch.
His belly turned to ice. Then, the ground disappeared from beneath their feet. Desperately reaching out to grab Lilith, he felt himself fall...
...And hit the floor of the Hotel's lobby, but still felt like he was falling. He had been moaning and writing in his place of rest upon the couch, but now his breaths and sobs were ragged in his throat.
He could still feel the glop of some refuse, some waste hitting his face. He could still feel the burn of those spears through his body. He could hear the jeers, the wishes for him to simply die and take Lily with him.
...Lily...? Where was Lily...?
Breaths fast and tearing at his tightening chest and throat, Lucifer crawled along the floor, something in his sobs forming her name.
Where had she gone? Where is she!? It's all his fault...!
Well, well... nightmares aren't something that Alastor expected Lucifer to quite be plagued with. Not to this degree - another commonality, though if Alastor was careful, Lucifer wouldn't know that.
The movie night had ended hours ago, and everyone else had long since gone to bed. Alastor included - though the Radio Demon had not at all attempted sleep. He loathed sleep. And tonight things were better for it, since he overheard the sounds of whimpering and crying before the nightmare escalated.
By the time he had returned to the parlor, Lucifer had rolled over gracelessly onto the floor, still dazed and scrambling for... Lilith. By the sound of things. A sort of pathetic pratfall that ought to bring a riotous laughter to him - maybe if it'd been someone else, Alastor might have laughed. But no, no... it just made his chest feel tight, in a sort of feeling he hadn't experienced in a while.
Still, he knew he wasn't exactly a reassuring face, with his cannibal teeth and unsettling eyes. Instead, he stayed back behind the sofa, and summoned in front of Lucifer a single little white rubber duck.
Night time partying aside, it's quite busy at the Hotel - they've even had to move their party out of the Hotel some nights lest they get bitched at by a very tired Angel Dust (much to Alastor's great amusement). Jazz was his favorite, of course. But the first polka night he glommed onto with glee, especially when he got to inflict the dreaded furby organ on everyone in the Hotel.
But today? No, today was a nice break for himself and Lucifer! He'd made sure of it - don't make plans on the first Saturday of next month, my friend, we're can't leave a lovely lady in wait now that she's cleared her schedule for us, finally. So with the day set aside, Alastor steered the King out of the Hotel to come along for a visit to Cannibal Town.
The Radio Demon didn't feel a need to play bodyguard as they traveled through Pentagram City... however, upon entering Cannibal Town? Yes, it would be a very foolish or deranged sort that would actually take it upon themselves to nibble at the king himself. But to avoid any possible awkwardness or ruin the first impressions of his favorite town in Hell, Alastor looped his elbow with Lucifer's as they entered, signalling to the residents that Lucifer was a guest, thank you very much.
"Now! Rosie has assured me that her garden is quite ready for you. She's very, very proud of her cultivar of roses down here, and how she's kept them growing safely even with the threat of acid rain and the barren soil. Getting to have lunch in the garden really is quite a delightful privilege, and I do so love her glow when she boasts about her darlings."
There was a joy in the abject terror inflicted upon the Hotel. Polka night was fantastic, jazz night was a complete joy, and the Hotel would never fully survive the fact that two absolute dad-joke-level-assholes were bonding.
An invitation to lunch in Cannibal Town had him thrilled, and he even saw fit to dress appropriately for the occasion, whites exchanged for something darker, more neutral yet formal. He'd even magicked his hat and crown to match.
Linking arms was just sensible! Charlie did fine during her visit here from what he'd been told, but let's opt for a little extra safety... especially after the cannibals got their fill and filled their larders with exorcist meat and might want to set their sights a little higher...
"I'm looking forward to it, for sure! I'm only somewhat of a green thumb, but I've got to hand it to the folk who can baby a good garden, especially down here!"
Elegant and subtle clover blooms? Vibrant red hibiscus? Why, surely Lucifer knows the language of flowers.
It's much easier for that man to get the right flowers for such a thing, lucky chap. And while Alastor could perhaps snip a rose from Rosie's garden for a favor, oh, he wanted to be a little less predictable!
Of course, it's no fun if he just jumps into straightforward storybook saccharine courtship. Not after such a gorgeous little gesture initiating things from Lucifer. Sometimes it's simply another night inviting Lucifer to dance, bouncing between polka and jazz as they both experiment to find their perfect blend of the two. Other nights it's those late night dinners to sober up a bit before going to bed, gentle little conversations in the night.
Today, Alastor has whipped up a batch of beignets, some with a chocolate filling and some as the recipe intended. And this time, he's bringing them to Lucifer's door, knocking and grinning with excited anticipation. Whether Lucifer was interested in getting nibbled on or not, this would be fun.
Regardless, not once did he refuse. He enjoyed dancing with him, sharing creativity in drinks and cocktails until they needed to practically be rolled to bed, and private dinners that led to conversation that led to Pride's 'sun' rising to sneak up on them.
Lately, Lucifer had set up a smaller workshop in the Hotel. There was always something soothing about the sound of the click of little gears, the satisfaction of closing a case over freshly-cleaned inner workings and giving a key that test wind. Hell, he even offered to repair everyone's watches or give them a cleaning! He just wanted to busy his hands!
His brow tightened around the loupe with the knock.
"Yyyyep! I'm in! Door's unlocked; just working on a little something."
He'd picked a spot in Pride that he knew hadn't been tread in some time, if only because he saw to that.
The order had come in- goodness, he wasn't a terrible cook, but dates demanded the very best and nothing less- and his hands trembled against his phone when he got the confirmation that everything would be delivered on the day of. He just needed to wait for it, and the weather would be amicable for it. Perfect.
Everything was perfect. Everyone was happy, and everyone was safe.
He took a breath and looked over himself in the mirror on the big day. The lights around the mirror gleamed, giving a soft golden glow and illuminating the pale features of the king. He'd gone through his hair, made sure it was all in place.
Ruffled it. Did it over again.
Now it was perfect. Or at least workable. Alastor wouldn't mind. Hell, Lucifer didn't mind a little chiding of his appearance at all. Not everyone had a good day.
...at all, Lucifer?
He took a deep breath, forced it out. Things would be fine. He always had fun with Al! But maybe having a little dinner and wine date in a remote part of Pride was too much...?
Lucifer smoothed down his coat again. He was so excited that he couldn't sleep. Hadn't felt that in a while. But three hours was enough sleep. He felt fit as a fiddle! Besides, if he got super tired then they could just be lazy out there a while. It wasn't like anything in Hell could harm them. Not with him around. Old reliable!
Do you feel any form of regret at all, Lucifer?
How could you be smiling like that, after unleashing this curse upon Creation?
"Creation is fine, give it a rest," he muttered to no one. Sera was so far away now. He wished he couldn't hear some voices so clearly in his thoughts. Got kinda annoying.
Then he widened his eyes as he looked at his reflection. It hid the bags under his eyes, made deeper by the light, but his focus was on his six wings. He'd slept on them wrong, so this feather here wasn't sitting right. Stupid.
With a tut-tut, he pulled it in and took the shaft of the feather between his fingers. It didn't take much force for it to come loose. To lose some feathers and regrow new ones was a process he'd known for tens of thousands of years. Sometimes he had a molt during stress.
God. What if he started molting tonight?? 'Can't see ya tonight, Bambi! Wings are bald. It's a damn shame.'
He smoothed down his feathers again, soothed himself. He just needed to take a few breaths, hype himself back up. He'd been on a roll! He had to keep things rolling.
"Bambi, heeey...! How's it going? It's good to see you. You wanna eat first, or did you feel like... an appetizer?" He flashed a grin at his reflection, and gave a one-handed finger gun.
...
"No, that's- that's stupid. The guy doesn't do horny, what's wrong with you?"
"That was an important meeting with the Overlords, Luci. What is wrong with you?? We practiced this! It's like you don't get how hard I worked to arrange everything!" Lucifer's chest clenched. Painted lips in his mind's eye quivered with a mingling of upset, anger...
With... with regret. With shame. He never liked seeing shame on Lily's perfect face.
His fingers tightened against a bundle of down feathers at the wrist of his wing, fidgeted. Tiny bites of pain flit through the wing as tiny white puffs fell, but as his fingers smoothed away beneath, he felt that small rush of relief.
Lucifer took a breath and sighed. He needed to get ready. What time was it? Would he be late to his own arrangement? Did he forget the time again?
"You know where I am, Dad, I've told you before... I told you when you called me five months ago? Or did you not listen?"
Forgetful. He's forgetful. He just- he's busy, he has a lot on his mind, busy busy King--
Lucifer took a big, shuddering breath, and let it go. He needed to calm down. He needed to relax, he's full of nerves. His body moved before he could stop it, and he lowered onto his hands and knees. He crawled under his big, lavish four-poster bed and made himself get acquainted with the tight, admittedly cozy space.
Breathing now. In. Out. In. Out. He ran his hands over his wings again, closed his eyes and let himself have a much-needed break. His fingers rolled over feather shafts, twisted, and he formed a small pattern: Little pins of pain, spark of relief. Little pin, relief.
A date! Alastor would never ever admit it, but... well. He was a bit on edge this past week, and while he didn't indulge any details to his dear friend Rosie she certainly hopped right onto his request for a proper new coat. He's kept it secret until now, an open coat to show the new striped vest and a black collar shirt that Rosie assured him would be tantalizing.
This time, roses would do - Rosie wouldn't let Alastor go back without them, and he's been keeping them carefully stored in a black box, now balanced in the crook of his elbow as he adjusted his bowtie before knocking on the door. What giddy flattery he felt, they were going to share a proper date... even if it was with The Enemy and his dear mother might've had a proper heart attack. Not that she'd have approved of his wretched soul if she knew, honestly... but still, a shame he'd not given her a moment to see her son admittedly twitterpated--
Lately, Charlie has been... worried. Her dad's moods have been all over the place, Lucifer and Alastor haven't been doing the mock duels as much, and... if Vaggie's assessment was right... her dad and her business partner were... uh. Dating?
Not that she objected to her dad getting back on the market! It... yeah, it was a little weird, but her parents split already, so... maybe he should figure something out. But... with Alastor?
So Lucifer might catch the two, on a day where Charlie has cornered Alastor in a conversation in a lonesome hallway.
"--I know you're here to just... indulge in sadism mostly, but. Don't do it with my dad, Alastor, he's..."
"Darling, darling," Alastor interjected, patting her head lightly, "I have a delightful time watching Sinners try and fail. I'm not getting distracted from being your hotelier."
"It's just-- he's been through so much, and I don't want you to... to harass him. Or take advantage," Charlie's voice dropped low, worriedly.
Alastor's smile broadened, but it was hard to read exactly what that meant. After a moment, he just shook his head. "Charlie, relationship drama is overplayed and tedious. Even if I find sadism here and there, tormenting someone romantically holds no interest for me."
He was enjoying a stroll to keep him out of his office. It's when he heard some murmuring that he paused, and curiosity overtook him before he could help it.
In truth, he wouldn't really have bothered. People could have their discussions. But this was Charlie, it turns out, and... Alastor? He moved closer, eased against a wall around a corner, and got a load of what it was they were discussing.
Lucifer's stomach knotted. So Charlie... knew. And had her concerns.
Admittedly, there was a momentary spark of frustration- he was an adult who could make his own choices!- but... wouldn't he feel the same way, in her shoes? Charlie had introduced him to Vaggie and that was that, effectively squashing any doubts or questioning that he would have.
Ah, life! All of the world's a stage, and endless entertainment...! Save, of course, for the intermissions that are a little dull.
But dull isn't quite so bad these days, the way dull so often used to be. Little sparring sessions, catty board games where both parties were undoubtedly cheating, and of course, sneaking away for a little bit of a nibble now and then.
Hah. He never thought he'd be necking it, much less with the King of Hell! But... it was nice, to be wanted. A rarer treat than that, of course, was feeling he could trust that level of vulnerability with someone. The awkward faces everyone made at them was just a delightful side effect.
Where was he? Oh! Right!
The gaggle was going out and about to do some more bonding together. Lucifer and Alastor were invited, but Alastor rebuffed, saying it'd be best for a couple of familiar faces to man the front desk in the meantime - go have fun, you rapscallions.
Of course, once the doors are closed and Alastor's ears stopped twitching at the sound of footsteps away from the entrance, he turned to Lucifer with a particularly devilish grin.
"Now. I think we ought to set up a little surprise for them to come back to."
For many, when faced with an exasperating person acting their cattiest or pettiest, they'd act with derision. Lucifer was an oddball, responding to such quips with ones of his own, all while adding to a little tally in his mind to 'cash in' later.
Surely he wasn't the ONLY one who took his sassy-ass partner out for a little necking after being taunted all day, right?
New day, new bonding exercise! Lucifer was about to accept the invitation, but quirked a brow when Alastor turned it down. It made sense, all told, but the King wasn't entirely a fool. He just acts like one.
When the gang filed out- and he had to give his extra goodbyes to Charlie, take care, have fun, be safe, mwah mwah, gotta embarrass the daughter- he turned and leaned on his cane in the ensuing silence.
And the machinations.
"You had me at surprise. What have you got, my good man?"
Sure enough, a week came towards mid-November where Alastor disappeared. The only one who seemed remotely aware of what might be going on was Husk, who flatly told the princess "Don't worry, he'll come around again eventually."
Lucky thing there's no Purge to prepare for - it's much easier to go in hiding for a bit.
When Lucifer came around the bayou Alastor had made for himself, he'd find it was a lot deeper and easier to get lost in than one would expect - especially with a disorienting fog making direction hard if one lacked magical guidance in direction. Deep, deep in the trees, Alastor had hidden himself away as planned - a long bathrobe would suffice, to save his favorite suits from getting ruined. His antlers are out and branching ferociously, he's been clawing at the stone and tearing the trees, and he's already started to stretch out in an elongated, emaciated shape - his body craved even as his self control kept him here in these grounds where no one would overhear him no matter how loudly he howled or growled.
Well, y'know, maybe he was just in a bad mood. That calls for cheering up!
Lucifer made sure to pack a few things into a handy pocket dimension before he invited himself right on in. In and out. It'd be a friendly little visit, maybe with some nibbling.
He didn't think he'd find himself in fog, the dampness in the air making his clothes stick to him, and the trees seemed to thicken and choke out much of the light what fireflies didn't fight to provide.
Part of him wondered if this was a game. Another wagered it was a security measure for intruders. But he was no intruder, was he...?
"Al...?" He called cautiously. No need to be a stranger. A howl he'd heard not long after made a chill run up his spine.
Okay, that-... ha hah, nice prank, you dick. If being spooky made you feel better, then so be it.
After weeks of rolling around in that bayou, Lucifer was happily taking advantage of hot running water and all the soaps and scrubs he had at his disposal.
The rings were... a curiosity, to say the least. The Hotel was full of some rather nosy sorts, though it wasn't like either Alastor or Lucifer saw need to hide the new accessories that matched on their left hands. The news was quick to spread. Husk was nothing short of perplexed with Alastor. Vaggie wagered that maybe they'll check each other, considering they'd stopped being completely toxic assholes to each other. Niffty just enjoyed the vibe and had fresh fanfic material. Charlie was beside herself, but needed to sit down and take things in sometimes.
Angel was simply smug. He'd won the bet with Cherri Bomb.
In the time that passed since, despite rolling his shoulders, stretching his legs, he wagered that maybe he'd worked his body a little too much without warming up for that rut. He was still so damn sore, and carried hot water bottles when he wasn't tossing them in his pocket dimension for safe-keeping. It provided some level of relief. If Alastor still felt anything, he sure wasn't showing it. Then again, he could crackle and twist himself into whatever god-damned shape he wanted, so there's never any telling which cracks were intentional to creep out the others, or was a legitimate crackle. Who could even ask?
The sofa in the recreation area was Lucifer's perch on more occasions, too. Some days, he just needed to rest his eyes for a minute, and proceeded to be dead to the world for a couple of hours at a time. Lucifer would regret some of those days with a fresh pile of dead bugs placed in his lap, a lovely Niffty gift when Charlie couldn't catch her, or wake up nestled in blankets like a little caterpillar in a cocoon. Naturally, he preferred the caterpillar days.
But sometimes, he just... didn't have an appetite. Plates were picked at, many half-finished, before he would excuse himself to head upstairs. It was so, around a corner, he could brace a hand against the wall and bring the other to his mouth to breathe through a strong wave of nausea. Swallowing down a bit of gathering saliva, he fought to focus and conjure just a few ginger candies to suck on. He'd been going through these like they were going out of style.
He had work to do. He didn't need anyone concerned about him. This would pass. God, but he never really got sick... he felt about twelve kinds of wrong.
The rings had been SO MUCH, and after a lot of happy sobbing and hugs for Lucifer, Charlie was settling into the idea and excitedly whispering to her dad, checking in on him, happy to help him be comfortable on the couch.
Alastor's not surprised that Charlie didn't pick up on anything else - she was still reeling from her father eloping with Alastor, of all people! That was fine by him - silently he tried something different every morning to appeal to Lucifer's slowly worsening appetite. The less he seemed interested in food, though, the more clear it was to Alastor that something had properly taken root.
Naturally, he followed quietly this time, riding on Lucifer's shadow until the man stopped to wrestle with his nausea. And of course, once Lucifer seemed to be swallowing it down, Alastor chuckled as he re-manifested, his spidery fingers drumming up Lucifer's arms.
"Good morning, darling. The fruits not sitting well this time, hmm?"
Let the people chatter! That's the attitude Alastor's decided to adopt, even as he kept overhearing Vox's broadcasts - obnoxious attempts to smear himself or Lucifer, sowing doubt and fear amongst Sinners and Overlords especially.
Wherever Lucifer needed a moment to collect himself, to distract from experiencing symptoms, anything of the sort? Alastor was ready to run interference and command attention. Even if this meeting is for Lucifer himself, Alastor wanted to make a fucking point that he and Lucifer were connected properly.
Once his own coat and tie were in proper order, prim and proper and striking his ideal mix of classy and intimidating, Alastor turned on his heel to do the same for Lucifer even if he was already pretty much ready. "Just a few moments to showtime, my deer."
It's been a few months... Lucifer's filling out a little, but it's nothing major - just as easy to blame Alastor's lavish cooking as anything else.
He keeps telling people he doesn't watch television, and yet they all think it's out of being old-fashioned. But let them do what they wanted, let them get their brains literally scrambled and get told how to think metaphorically as well.
Things were starting to become manageable on top of everything else. His moments of illness were becoming more infrequent, but his biggest problem were the mood swings. When you could shift out into horns, hellfire and snarling like a beast because your fuse had burned out ages ago, it made conversations a little... tougher. Then there was the weeping. Lucifer had horrified himself when, in the wake of enduring an argument between two Goetia families, he had a very ugly breakdown and told them all to leave.
Not his finest moment. Not even the ice cream after helped.
He claimed he'd been working on his 'Dad Bod'. Really, it wasn't much of a lie... but from the day he noticed his pants were having trouble closing in the front, to the days he noticed he needed to adjust his outfit a bit to mask the bump a bit, he supposed the jig had to be up soon.
Until then, the game continued.
He was ready! Mostly.
"I know, it's- it's just-" He was continually fussing with his coat and how it fell.
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sugaronthecream) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
divinetree2024-04-01 08:17 am
Renovations
Now, it's acceptable that there is so much imagery involving snakes and apples. It is the Morningstar project, after all... those symbols represent Charlie as much as anyone else associated with the family. Not naming names. The occasional elephant or lion are also fine... he'd noticed some circus theming in the old building as well, especially in any paintings from the Morningstars directly.
But the ducks? No, the ducks are unacceptable.
It might let light in and make the windows bare, but the very first thing he's doing is going from the top floor downward to rip down every single set of curtains with the offending yellow animal plastered on them. He'd have to conjure up new ones, or just commission them directly, but getting rid of the unsightly things in gouts of green flame came first.
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"Flawless!"
"Gorgeous!"
He polished his claws against his coat, grinning from ear to ear. Was it self-indulgent to manifest puppets to compliment the work? Maybe. Did he care? Fuck no.
Some days the King just strolled through the building, admiring the handiwork, his embellishments. But by golly, he was so PROUD of Charlie for fighting as hard as she did for starters. Any doubts he may have had for the project, dwindled though they were after his prior visit, had evaporated entirely with no chance of returning. They could do this.
Heaven shunned his ideas. His dreams. But Charlie had chances beyond chances. Sera would eventually see thi-
"...Eh?"
What? What was this? There were supposed to be ducks here. Where are the ducks? The curtains were gone!!
"Whoa, whoa, whoa... Niffty! Niffty, dear...?" He paused, looked around. It had to be that girl, right?
No answer. Probably hunting another bug. Tsk.
Oh well. He manifested his cane, gave it a twirl, and tapped the first window. With a squeak, these drab, moody curtains would lighten up again, and practically dance with the jolly little yellow fellows again.
By the sixth room he'd fixed, Lucifer's eyebrow quirked. Huh.
He had a lot of work to do...
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Oh, no, that won't do. Alastor's grin tightens - in a room he'd just fixed, those hideous curtains were back. With a snap, it's time to burn those up and replace them with simple black.
Now let's walk down the hall, waiting for the King to emerge from one of the rooms...
The moment the door opens, Alastor will pop up through shadows behind Lucifer.
"Ah, yes, the quack himself. I should have known."
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Sourpuss
But another such spat, one day, catches Alastor on a day where underneath that typical mask of a smile, something is brewing. The Radio Demon simply tightens his smile, staring down at the cane that was playfully thrust at him, and lowered it with a couple fingers on the metal apple. "Not today," he replied flatly.
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And how could Lucifer sulk when they seemed to have a fun game? How long had it been since he'd been able to exchange verbal blows without needing to explain himself or apologize, clash with whatever was within reach to truly have a conversation, an exchange of wits with every hearty clack of some odd pair of sword-like object sounding in the air? He promised not to get stuck, either. No, they had a wealth of other places to take their contests, and even assured Charlie that things were fiiiine, a mutual lesson just needed to be taught is all!
What that 'lesson' is, neither would say. But jabs were exchanged with grins, and the poor Hotel had gone through so many interior design changes, what the dishes should look like, how the gardens should present themselves, that most of the others had long since given up on how to address any of it.
Today was no less different, quiet pleasantries exchanged earlier in the day before- with Lucifer having an itch that needed scratching- he was en garde and assumed his stance as he had.
But today was... different, after all. The cane was lowered, and he made no move to press the issue. Instead-
"...Had enough, have you? A reprieve, then, to allow the licking of wounds, so sayeth this most merciful King." A twirl, and he vanished the cane.
A beat.
"Perhaps a little drink would help with the healing process."
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What good was a smile if it couldn't do its job in maintaining the facade? No no, that wouldn't do.
"I suppose a few fingers of rye would go down nicely right now," Alastor hummed, relaxing himself even as tension clawed at his chest. "I haven't seen your drink of choice yet, either."
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Fallen
But with it came old wounds...
The angels and seraphim always quieted when he approached. They spoke in hushed tones, and for as long as he could remember, they never turned to look his way when he called. When he wasn't sent on fool's errands or simple clean-up duty while others of his rank joined Sera and Emily in their plans for Earth- a room he was one able to enter, until his plans and suggestions had angered the elders- he was treated as if he were a ghost.
He walked the streets of Heaven, hands clutched before him, eyes casting about. The silence was always deafening, coupled with whispers he strained to hear. All he wanted was to hear the plan, be a part of the others' dreams and introduce his own again. He had so MANY! But they meant nothing if they couldn't be shared.
He opened his mouth to call again, and not a head turned to face him. As far as they were concerned, the Morning Star did not exist. He was no fool- he knew this was a way to finally, FINALLY silence him and stop angering the elders, go against the Plan. Yet as he felt his chest tighten again, felt himself wheezing into another mild panic attack...
But then he met someone who also had ideas that deviated from the Plan.
She was fierce, independent, and so, so beautiful... he had to fly down and introduce himself. And for the first time in so, so long, someone wanted to look at him. Someone wanted to listen to him. Smile at him! Hold his hand!! Simply linger in his presence. And all he wished to do was smile at her, hold her hands, listen to her wondrous songs and float in that gleaming radiance forever. The Morning Star had found his missing piece... and she was human!
She was a sign! A sign that, perhaps, humans were worthy of free will after all. They could make such wonderful choices and not be dictated by the angels and the Creator. What wonderful and interesting things could they do or make while they sat back and watched?
The elders were angry again- God. They were always angry with him, but he no longer cared. He had Lilith, his other half, and together they would be happy. Nobody else mattered. Besides, they could just make Adam another bride, right? Maybe this one will 'work'.
But when this bride seemed obedient, quiet and meek, abiding by Adam's every whim, Lilith and the Morning Star Lucifer grew impatient. This wasn't right. They were supposed to be equals. This wasn't right.
So when he and Lilith offered young Eve the fruit of knowledge, bid her take a bite and gain her own agency and dream as her own person rather than a waiting accessory for Adam, the Earth seemed to tremble.
That was when the fateful day came. Finally, after so, so long of walking among the bustling city of Heaven yet feeling gut-wrenchingly alone, Lucifer received a summons.
Finally, the elders would hear him. Finally, he could contribute again. Finally, he could help with this strange new thing that was happening.
"Morning Star... what have you done?" Sera's voice was always so warm, so rich, so full. But her voice was tired today. She knew her freedom was gone, her freedom from ever addressing the troublesome Lucifer. She had a duty to fulfill, even if it meant speaking with him again.
"We do not ask for much, Lucifer. We follow the Plan and do not stray from it, and do not question it. Why must you be so difficult?"
Lucifer sighed, tired himself. Was that why he was summoned? To hear this lecture again?
He turned to leave. He needed to go back to Lilith. His love was waiting for him.
"The world we strive so hard to cultivate is now broken thanks to you. Do you have anything to say for yourself?"
Lucifer's fists clenched. "...I think it was broken from the start."
"I beg your pardon?"
"You heard me, Sera. You know that I never liked the Plan. It's too controlling! So many amazing creations, and... and the humans, they... don't they deserve to make their own decisions, rather than being told what to do by someone they aren't even allowed to see until they've reached the end of their existence?"
"You tread on dangerous ground, Morning Star. You are not here to have your poisonous thoughts and treason against the Creator heard! All we ask is... why. Why do you not only refuse to listen, but drag a human into your corruption?"
"Corruption!?" His chest tightened again. "Nobody corrupted anyone! We love each other!"
"You disturbed the Plan with your theft of the First Woman. And now, you've irreversibly damned Eve and the planet we created. It seems there is no end to your insolence. Take a look at what you've done."
Lucifer remembered the portal that opened. He remembered the dark flames, so much screaming, and the radiating corruption, the pain that threatened to leap out and snatch his heart. Evil wished only to feed, and found a potential bountiful feast in the flesh of heavenborn.
All... all he did was give Eve a choice. A CHOICE!
"It pains me to resort to this, Morning Star, but you have left us all with no other choice." Lucifer felt his blood run cold.
Suddenly the angels amid the council seats stood in unison. They raised their hands, manifested so many spears...
"You brought this on us all!"
"Scum!"
"Trash!"
He heard the words and had little time to look away from Sera. He felt a lance of light pierce his shoulder, pass through his back, narrowly miss a wing. Another pierced his belly. The third knocked his hat off his head.
The shouts and jeers continued, each with a spear, perhaps a bit of refuse, some stray food. He felt his blood run beneath his robes, felt something sticky run down one side of his face. He opened his mouth to shout and was hit with something foul-smelling, coughed and gagged.
Sera simply turned her head, but remained unmoving, did not object to the treatment. Emily's hands were over her mouth, silently weeping at the sight.
"We don't want you here!"
"Death sentence! Death sentence!"
"Go die with your human pet!"
That had him grit his teeth and search beyond the spotlight to find the speaker. Insult him, humiliate him, but none should insult Lilith. He manifested his own spear and fought desperately to throw something back, but more trash and spears were coming. So many of the gleaming weapons embedded in the ground around him, pinned his robes to the floor.
"Lucifer. Lilith. Your sentence has been decided." ...Lilith!?
He turned his head, and to his horror he saw the love of his life standing next to him. Her hands were folded, but her eyes were dark and furious.
"No... no, leave her out of this...!"
"Lilith defied her role in the Plan by abandoning Adam. Lilith was an accomplice in the corruption of Eve and the end of the Garden. For this, you are both hereby... banished from Heaven. Immediately. You will now spend your days in the realm of evil you have created. You will be it's prisoners, and you will be its keepers."
"Sera...! S-sera! You can't do this to her! Punish me! Banish me! Not her! Please! Have mercy!!" He saw movement among the crowds and moved, stood in front of Lilith. But his pitiable stature could not stop trash from striking Lilith as well.
But she stood and took it, fury continuing to burn in her eyes.
"Lily... my love, I'm so sorry! I'm so sorry!" His eyes ached. Burned. He reached for her, and for just a moment, he saw the woman draw away from his touch.
His belly turned to ice. Then, the ground disappeared from beneath their feet. Desperately reaching out to grab Lilith, he felt himself fall...
...And hit the floor of the Hotel's lobby, but still felt like he was falling. He had been moaning and writing in his place of rest upon the couch, but now his breaths and sobs were ragged in his throat.
He could still feel the glop of some refuse, some waste hitting his face. He could still feel the burn of those spears through his body. He could hear the jeers, the wishes for him to simply die and take Lily with him.
...Lily...? Where was Lily...?
Breaths fast and tearing at his tightening chest and throat, Lucifer crawled along the floor, something in his sobs forming her name.
Where had she gone? Where is she!? It's all his fault...!
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The movie night had ended hours ago, and everyone else had long since gone to bed. Alastor included - though the Radio Demon had not at all attempted sleep. He loathed sleep. And tonight things were better for it, since he overheard the sounds of whimpering and crying before the nightmare escalated.
By the time he had returned to the parlor, Lucifer had rolled over gracelessly onto the floor, still dazed and scrambling for... Lilith. By the sound of things. A sort of pathetic pratfall that ought to bring a riotous laughter to him - maybe if it'd been someone else, Alastor might have laughed. But no, no... it just made his chest feel tight, in a sort of feeling he hadn't experienced in a while.
Still, he knew he wasn't exactly a reassuring face, with his cannibal teeth and unsettling eyes. Instead, he stayed back behind the sofa, and summoned in front of Lucifer a single little white rubber duck.
It let out a single, cartoony squeak.
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Welcome to Cannibal Town!
But today? No, today was a nice break for himself and Lucifer! He'd made sure of it - don't make plans on the first Saturday of next month, my friend, we're can't leave a lovely lady in wait now that she's cleared her schedule for us, finally. So with the day set aside, Alastor steered the King out of the Hotel to come along for a visit to Cannibal Town.
The Radio Demon didn't feel a need to play bodyguard as they traveled through Pentagram City... however, upon entering Cannibal Town? Yes, it would be a very foolish or deranged sort that would actually take it upon themselves to nibble at the king himself. But to avoid any possible awkwardness or ruin the first impressions of his favorite town in Hell, Alastor looped his elbow with Lucifer's as they entered, signalling to the residents that Lucifer was a guest, thank you very much.
"Now! Rosie has assured me that her garden is quite ready for you. She's very, very proud of her cultivar of roses down here, and how she's kept them growing safely even with the threat of acid rain and the barren soil. Getting to have lunch in the garden really is quite a delightful privilege, and I do so love her glow when she boasts about her darlings."
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An invitation to lunch in Cannibal Town had him thrilled, and he even saw fit to dress appropriately for the occasion, whites exchanged for something darker, more neutral yet formal. He'd even magicked his hat and crown to match.
Linking arms was just sensible! Charlie did fine during her visit here from what he'd been told, but let's opt for a little extra safety... especially after the cannibals got their fill and filled their larders with exorcist meat and might want to set their sights a little higher...
"I'm looking forward to it, for sure! I'm only somewhat of a green thumb, but I've got to hand it to the folk who can baby a good garden, especially down here!"
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The game... is AFOOT.
It's much easier for that man to get the right flowers for such a thing, lucky chap. And while Alastor could perhaps snip a rose from Rosie's garden for a favor, oh, he wanted to be a little less predictable!
Of course, it's no fun if he just jumps into straightforward storybook saccharine courtship. Not after such a gorgeous little gesture initiating things from Lucifer. Sometimes it's simply another night inviting Lucifer to dance, bouncing between polka and jazz as they both experiment to find their perfect blend of the two. Other nights it's those late night dinners to sober up a bit before going to bed, gentle little conversations in the night.
Today, Alastor has whipped up a batch of beignets, some with a chocolate filling and some as the recipe intended. And this time, he's bringing them to Lucifer's door, knocking and grinning with excited anticipation. Whether Lucifer was interested in getting nibbled on or not, this would be fun.
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Regardless, not once did he refuse. He enjoyed dancing with him, sharing creativity in drinks and cocktails until they needed to practically be rolled to bed, and private dinners that led to conversation that led to Pride's 'sun' rising to sneak up on them.
Lately, Lucifer had set up a smaller workshop in the Hotel. There was always something soothing about the sound of the click of little gears, the satisfaction of closing a case over freshly-cleaned inner workings and giving a key that test wind. Hell, he even offered to repair everyone's watches or give them a cleaning! He just wanted to busy his hands!
His brow tightened around the loupe with the knock.
"Yyyyep! I'm in! Door's unlocked; just working on a little something."
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Pins
The order had come in- goodness, he wasn't a terrible cook, but dates demanded the very best and nothing less- and his hands trembled against his phone when he got the confirmation that everything would be delivered on the day of. He just needed to wait for it, and the weather would be amicable for it. Perfect.
Everything was perfect. Everyone was happy, and everyone was safe.
He took a breath and looked over himself in the mirror on the big day. The lights around the mirror gleamed, giving a soft golden glow and illuminating the pale features of the king. He'd gone through his hair, made sure it was all in place.
Ruffled it. Did it over again.
Now it was perfect. Or at least workable. Alastor wouldn't mind. Hell, Lucifer didn't mind a little chiding of his appearance at all. Not everyone had a good day.
...at all, Lucifer?
He took a deep breath, forced it out. Things would be fine. He always had fun with Al! But maybe having a little dinner and wine date in a remote part of Pride was too much...?
Lucifer smoothed down his coat again. He was so excited that he couldn't sleep. Hadn't felt that in a while. But three hours was enough sleep. He felt fit as a fiddle! Besides, if he got super tired then they could just be lazy out there a while. It wasn't like anything in Hell could harm them. Not with him around. Old reliable!
Do you feel any form of regret at all, Lucifer?
How could you be smiling like that, after unleashing this curse upon Creation?
"Creation is fine, give it a rest," he muttered to no one. Sera was so far away now. He wished he couldn't hear some voices so clearly in his thoughts. Got kinda annoying.
Then he widened his eyes as he looked at his reflection. It hid the bags under his eyes, made deeper by the light, but his focus was on his six wings. He'd slept on them wrong, so this feather here wasn't sitting right. Stupid.
With a tut-tut, he pulled it in and took the shaft of the feather between his fingers. It didn't take much force for it to come loose. To lose some feathers and regrow new ones was a process he'd known for tens of thousands of years. Sometimes he had a molt during stress.
God. What if he started molting tonight?? 'Can't see ya tonight, Bambi! Wings are bald. It's a damn shame.'
He smoothed down his feathers again, soothed himself. He just needed to take a few breaths, hype himself back up. He'd been on a roll! He had to keep things rolling.
"Bambi, heeey...! How's it going? It's good to see you. You wanna eat first, or did you feel like... an appetizer?" He flashed a grin at his reflection, and gave a one-handed finger gun.
...
"No, that's- that's stupid. The guy doesn't do horny, what's wrong with you?"
"That was an important meeting with the Overlords, Luci. What is wrong with you?? We practiced this! It's like you don't get how hard I worked to arrange everything!" Lucifer's chest clenched. Painted lips in his mind's eye quivered with a mingling of upset, anger...
With... with regret. With shame. He never liked seeing shame on Lily's perfect face.
His fingers tightened against a bundle of down feathers at the wrist of his wing, fidgeted. Tiny bites of pain flit through the wing as tiny white puffs fell, but as his fingers smoothed away beneath, he felt that small rush of relief.
Lucifer took a breath and sighed. He needed to get ready. What time was it? Would he be late to his own arrangement? Did he forget the time again?
"You know where I am, Dad, I've told you before... I told you when you called me five months ago? Or did you not listen?"
Forgetful. He's forgetful. He just- he's busy, he has a lot on his mind, busy busy King--
Lucifer took a big, shuddering breath, and let it go. He needed to calm down. He needed to relax, he's full of nerves. His body moved before he could stop it, and he lowered onto his hands and knees. He crawled under his big, lavish four-poster bed and made himself get acquainted with the tight, admittedly cozy space.
Breathing now. In. Out. In. Out. He ran his hands over his wings again, closed his eyes and let himself have a much-needed break. His fingers rolled over feather shafts, twisted, and he formed a small pattern: Little pins of pain, spark of relief. Little pin, relief.
Little pin, relief.
He would make it. He had a date.
Little pin, relief.
Get it together, you douchebag.
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This time, roses would do - Rosie wouldn't let Alastor go back without them, and he's been keeping them carefully stored in a black box, now balanced in the crook of his elbow as he adjusted his bowtie before knocking on the door. What giddy flattery he felt, they were going to share a proper date... even if it was with The Enemy and his dear mother might've had a proper heart attack. Not that she'd have approved of his wretched soul if she knew, honestly... but still, a shame he'd not given her a moment to see her son admittedly twitterpated--
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Hmm. A beat and Lucifer hadn't responded. Alastor knocked again before going to open the doorknob - perhaps the man was absorbed in something.
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A Daughter's Love
Not that she objected to her dad getting back on the market! It... yeah, it was a little weird, but her parents split already, so... maybe he should figure something out. But... with Alastor?
So Lucifer might catch the two, on a day where Charlie has cornered Alastor in a conversation in a lonesome hallway.
"--I know you're here to just... indulge in sadism mostly, but. Don't do it with my dad, Alastor, he's..."
"Darling, darling," Alastor interjected, patting her head lightly, "I have a delightful time watching Sinners try and fail. I'm not getting distracted from being your hotelier."
"It's just-- he's been through so much, and I don't want you to... to harass him. Or take advantage," Charlie's voice dropped low, worriedly.
Alastor's smile broadened, but it was hard to read exactly what that meant. After a moment, he just shook his head. "Charlie, relationship drama is overplayed and tedious. Even if I find sadism here and there, tormenting someone romantically holds no interest for me."
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In truth, he wouldn't really have bothered. People could have their discussions. But this was Charlie, it turns out, and... Alastor? He moved closer, eased against a wall around a corner, and got a load of what it was they were discussing.
Lucifer's stomach knotted. So Charlie... knew. And had her concerns.
Admittedly, there was a momentary spark of frustration- he was an adult who could make his own choices!- but... wouldn't he feel the same way, in her shoes? Charlie had introduced him to Vaggie and that was that, effectively squashing any doubts or questioning that he would have.
He clutched his shirt.
Charlie...
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Are you thinking what I'm thinking?
But dull isn't quite so bad these days, the way dull so often used to be. Little sparring sessions, catty board games where both parties were undoubtedly cheating, and of course, sneaking away for a little bit of a nibble now and then.
Hah. He never thought he'd be necking it, much less with the King of Hell! But... it was nice, to be wanted. A rarer treat than that, of course, was feeling he could trust that level of vulnerability with someone. The awkward faces everyone made at them was just a delightful side effect.
Where was he? Oh! Right!
The gaggle was going out and about to do some more bonding together. Lucifer and Alastor were invited, but Alastor rebuffed, saying it'd be best for a couple of familiar faces to man the front desk in the meantime - go have fun, you rapscallions.
Of course, once the doors are closed and Alastor's ears stopped twitching at the sound of footsteps away from the entrance, he turned to Lucifer with a particularly devilish grin.
"Now. I think we ought to set up a little surprise for them to come back to."
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Surely he wasn't the ONLY one who took his sassy-ass partner out for a little necking after being taunted all day, right?
New day, new bonding exercise! Lucifer was about to accept the invitation, but quirked a brow when Alastor turned it down. It made sense, all told, but the King wasn't entirely a fool. He just acts like one.
When the gang filed out- and he had to give his extra goodbyes to Charlie, take care, have fun, be safe, mwah mwah, gotta embarrass the daughter- he turned and leaned on his cane in the ensuing silence.
And the machinations.
"You had me at surprise. What have you got, my good man?"
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Rut-Roh
Lucky thing there's no Purge to prepare for - it's much easier to go in hiding for a bit.
When Lucifer came around the bayou Alastor had made for himself, he'd find it was a lot deeper and easier to get lost in than one would expect - especially with a disorienting fog making direction hard if one lacked magical guidance in direction. Deep, deep in the trees, Alastor had hidden himself away as planned - a long bathrobe would suffice, to save his favorite suits from getting ruined. His antlers are out and branching ferociously, he's been clawing at the stone and tearing the trees, and he's already started to stretch out in an elongated, emaciated shape - his body craved even as his self control kept him here in these grounds where no one would overhear him no matter how loudly he howled or growled.
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Lucifer made sure to pack a few things into a handy pocket dimension before he invited himself right on in. In and out. It'd be a friendly little visit, maybe with some nibbling.
He didn't think he'd find himself in fog, the dampness in the air making his clothes stick to him, and the trees seemed to thicken and choke out much of the light what fireflies didn't fight to provide.
Part of him wondered if this was a game. Another wagered it was a security measure for intruders. But he was no intruder, was he...?
"Al...?" He called cautiously. No need to be a stranger. A howl he'd heard not long after made a chill run up his spine.
Okay, that-... ha hah, nice prank, you dick. If being spooky made you feel better, then so be it.
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In A Way
The rings were... a curiosity, to say the least. The Hotel was full of some rather nosy sorts, though it wasn't like either Alastor or Lucifer saw need to hide the new accessories that matched on their left hands. The news was quick to spread. Husk was nothing short of perplexed with Alastor. Vaggie wagered that maybe they'll check each other, considering they'd stopped being completely toxic assholes to each other. Niffty just enjoyed the vibe and had fresh fanfic material. Charlie was beside herself, but needed to sit down and take things in sometimes.
Angel was simply smug. He'd won the bet with Cherri Bomb.
In the time that passed since, despite rolling his shoulders, stretching his legs, he wagered that maybe he'd worked his body a little too much without warming up for that rut. He was still so damn sore, and carried hot water bottles when he wasn't tossing them in his pocket dimension for safe-keeping. It provided some level of relief. If Alastor still felt anything, he sure wasn't showing it. Then again, he could crackle and twist himself into whatever god-damned shape he wanted, so there's never any telling which cracks were intentional to creep out the others, or was a legitimate crackle. Who could even ask?
The sofa in the recreation area was Lucifer's perch on more occasions, too. Some days, he just needed to rest his eyes for a minute, and proceeded to be dead to the world for a couple of hours at a time. Lucifer would regret some of those days with a fresh pile of dead bugs placed in his lap, a lovely Niffty gift when Charlie couldn't catch her, or wake up nestled in blankets like a little caterpillar in a cocoon. Naturally, he preferred the caterpillar days.
But sometimes, he just... didn't have an appetite. Plates were picked at, many half-finished, before he would excuse himself to head upstairs. It was so, around a corner, he could brace a hand against the wall and bring the other to his mouth to breathe through a strong wave of nausea. Swallowing down a bit of gathering saliva, he fought to focus and conjure just a few ginger candies to suck on. He'd been going through these like they were going out of style.
He had work to do. He didn't need anyone concerned about him. This would pass. God, but he never really got sick... he felt about twelve kinds of wrong.
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Alastor's not surprised that Charlie didn't pick up on anything else - she was still reeling from her father eloping with Alastor, of all people! That was fine by him - silently he tried something different every morning to appeal to Lucifer's slowly worsening appetite. The less he seemed interested in food, though, the more clear it was to Alastor that something had properly taken root.
Naturally, he followed quietly this time, riding on Lucifer's shadow until the man stopped to wrestle with his nausea. And of course, once Lucifer seemed to be swallowing it down, Alastor chuckled as he re-manifested, his spidery fingers drumming up Lucifer's arms.
"Good morning, darling. The fruits not sitting well this time, hmm?"
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Business as usual
Wherever Lucifer needed a moment to collect himself, to distract from experiencing symptoms, anything of the sort? Alastor was ready to run interference and command attention. Even if this meeting is for Lucifer himself, Alastor wanted to make a fucking point that he and Lucifer were connected properly.
Once his own coat and tie were in proper order, prim and proper and striking his ideal mix of classy and intimidating, Alastor turned on his heel to do the same for Lucifer even if he was already pretty much ready. "Just a few moments to showtime, my deer."
It's been a few months... Lucifer's filling out a little, but it's nothing major - just as easy to blame Alastor's lavish cooking as anything else.
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Things were starting to become manageable on top of everything else. His moments of illness were becoming more infrequent, but his biggest problem were the mood swings. When you could shift out into horns, hellfire and snarling like a beast because your fuse had burned out ages ago, it made conversations a little... tougher. Then there was the weeping. Lucifer had horrified himself when, in the wake of enduring an argument between two Goetia families, he had a very ugly breakdown and told them all to leave.
Not his finest moment. Not even the ice cream after helped.
He claimed he'd been working on his 'Dad Bod'. Really, it wasn't much of a lie... but from the day he noticed his pants were having trouble closing in the front, to the days he noticed he needed to adjust his outfit a bit to mask the bump a bit, he supposed the jig had to be up soon.
Until then, the game continued.
He was ready! Mostly.
"I know, it's- it's just-" He was continually fussing with his coat and how it fell.
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