"Mm." He'd been... preoccupied at the time, but he did notice she was nowhere to be seen among the others. Knowing she wouldn't be back was a relief, though.
"...I'm sorry she did that to you. I hope she eventually comes around." He wouldn't ask how often she'd come to him to clean up her messes, as curious as he was about it, but he didn't miss how chummy they'd seemed. Whether the whole thing was for show or not didn't really matter in the long run.
Just then, his old grandfather clock began to chime the hour. But Lucifer turned, lifted a finger, and shooshed it.
The clock quieted. Despite the thing not moving, there was an air of apology surrounding it for the interruption.
While there was a little part of him that was storing that gesture as a nugget for later intimidation - after all, the feeling of apology from a clock could so easily feed into a scare tactic if Alastor needed to unsettle someone - Alastor found himself more focused on raising an eyebrow at Lucifer over the condolences.
Lucifer regarded himself regularly as the 'most hated in all of Creation', but that had always seemed just as ridiculous to Alastor as Charlie claiming she was more cruel than an Overlord for giving people false hope. Just-- absurd. These two really had no idea what it was like to be truly loathed and feared, did they? Certainly they knew bitterness and disappointment from others. But hated? No, if Lucifer had disappeared in the middle of battle, he would've been sought out.
Alastor's simply unsure how to respond, for quite a silent stretch.
Should he reveal himself to humanity, there would definitely be proof positive of folk that would be repulsed, spitting on his name. Why wouldn't they? He was the original Deceiver, he was the one who catalyzed Evil. He took Lilith, tempted Eve. What more needed to be said?
Yet despite all of this, here he was, sipping away at a glass of applejack.
"I've been here... long enough... to have had people in my life who saw my power rather than my being, my self, and sought to keep in my good graces in exchange for their own ends. While I can't claim to know what history you two have had, it... rings familiar bells for me."
He folded his hands inward upon each other. He was fidgeting with the band of gold.
"...And then there are those who don't intend to be cruel, but are cruel nevertheless. But the hurt is no less real."
There's a strong part of Alastor that wants to be mean - to state quite bluntly that his relationship with Mimzy is unrelated to the abandonment Lucifer faces from his paramour. But even with pettiness and defensiveness burning at him, Alastor knows that's not what Lucifer is actually saying to him.
"Can't trust the powerful, for they always seek to usurp and double-cross you. Can't trust the meek, because they will try their wiles to use you to their advantage. That's simply how things are," he said darkly, the radio overtone fading with the last few words before popping and scratching and returning back into place.
Does he trust her. What an interesting question. Alastor sunk further into his seat, crossing one leg over the other and resting his chin on his hand. Did he trust Charlie...
"That depends on what you're asking me to trust of her."
"Why, in accordance to your aforementioned metrics, wholly separate from the project, of course. Do you feel that she'd usurp and double-cross you, will she use her wiles?"
Then, with a half-hearted wave of a hand. "...And it need not be said, but you won't be face-first on the curb for 'answering incorrectly'. I'm genuinely curious."
"So long as Charlie wants me around, you won't be rid of me so easily," Alastor scoffed. But that was telling in and of itself - so long as he's wanted.
"I don't think Charlie would take advantage, no. A rare case indeed, wholly unique in a sea of those that have every one of their limbs tangled in the ladder they're trying to climb to the top of. She doesn't even realize she sits comfortably on top. But she isn't meek, either."
The power dynamics spoke for themselves, in a weird way. A circumstantial storm that made someone as utterly genuine as the Princess turned out to be.
"But I am under no illusions that she would prioritize me over anyone else. I don't need her to - she needs the guidance of someone she doesn't have to care for."
That was... an interesting answer, and far more than he expected. Did Charlie know she sat at the top? Of course she did. But she didn't like the aspect of letting it carry her through achieving her aspirations, her dreams.
And if anyone deserved to have their dreams come true, it was Charlotte. He would never have what happened to him happen to her. ...Or he would die trying.
But the funniest damned thing happened, and he could hear himself now: My daughter wants to see me! Take THAT, depression!
But he could also, just the same and just as clearly, hear another voice. To his dismay, his shame, it always sounded like Lilith: She's obligated to care about you, Lucifer.
No. She invited him over. That. That mattered. Matters.
He smiled through it. "She's got a big heart, for sure. Sees the good in everybody, and always finds a reason to care about someone other than herself. None of us deserve her."
He leaned a cheek upon a hand. "...Makes us poor, unwanted schlubs wonder how we got so lucky despite where we are, huh?"
"I wouldn't count on luck, even if I were heaven-born like you are, Lucifer," Alastor mused with a wry grin and tone. "Yes, the opportunity did show itself in a serendipitous moment for me, when I happened to see the commercial. But it was not luck that brought me here after that moment - I seized the opportunity and arrived posthaste, knowing full well that someone else could take that opportunity away from me."
His smirk broadened, pointedly.
After all, didn't he interject in Lucifer's boastful song just to remind the man of that fact? After all, Lucifer had come in assuming he was just 'lucky' to be Charlie's father, just 'lucky' to swoop in and claim her trust and affections. No, no. He had to work for it, and once reminded, Lucifer did.
Sadly, there are times a birth parent is a dud. They say the family you choose is better.
"Never take an advantage for granted or you'll waste that opportunity entirely."
Lucky? After all that sent him down here? Hardly. If anything, he only "squandered" his fortune by having ideas.
But his eyebrows shot up. The lightbulb moment hit.
"...You think you'd get kicked out of this entire project because I'm here..."
He'd forgotten about his drink entirely.
"...Because you think you'd no longer be 'wanted'."
Really, he should be cocky and make a note on comparisons of power, how effortlessly the Hotel was rebuilt and just how the tides turned in the battle once he showed up. Instead... He stared in wonder.
Boy. Now he was really glad they didn't choose Husk's bar.
Astute! Alastor withheld a squirm at being perceived - he'd opened up, after all, it would be even more pathetic to offer information and then panic about it.
"A part indeed. But Charlie doesn't need a new hotelier. I wager you would struggle and collapse under the responsibilities and the doldrum," Alastor verbally jabbed, setting his drink aside. "A man like yourself needs a challenge - without one, you'll squander listlessly in relentless self doubt, your own worst enemy - and you'll drown out Charlie like you had until you opened your ears, finally."
As for himself... he'd gotten a favor in his back pocket from Charlie. If he had to use it to be kept around, that would be a shame, but it would still serve itself if things ended up that way. ...He'd have to make sure to find another tidbit, another ace up his sleeve, just in case.
There it was. As harsh as it was, he was telling the truth. Without everything that had happened, how much would he struggle and panic himself into being useful to Charlie and in turn gain back some level of self-worth? The Hotel would probably have faltered further if Lucifer didn't just open his damned eyes and ears and LISTENED to her for once.
He merely chuckled. "Mm... no, Charlie doesn't need a new hotelier. She already has a damned good one. He's rough around the edges, bears exotic tastes, but he sought and seized an opportunity when he found it, and was the first hand offered to help the Princess back on to her feet."
He leaned on his elbows.
"As I've said with utmost gusto, I support her dreams, no matter what lay around the bend. Just as well, as the ruler of this realm, it would be of interest to me to see this project succeed, see if it all works, and encourage other Sinners to do the same. I've heard more than my fair share of the denizens of Hell refer to me as the Useless King, so... I'm quite finished being useless."
He smirked. "...Now that I think about it, you might be right- perhaps this means I do work under you to a degree, Mr. Hotelier. I hope this doesn't put a damper on our contest."
"Don't you worry your plucky-ducky head one bit! I have never once respected nor considered your self-ascribed royal title. I don't serve Kings."
Alastor emphasized the words 'plucky-ducky' by leaning forward and ruffling that blond head - just as condescendingly as he'd done for Husk. This conversation was just as nerve-wracking as that one had been, honestly.
That ruffle catches him off-guard and leaves him... disheveled and a bit pink in the face.
What just happened. What was this feeling in his gut?
"Good. ...Good."
The fallen angel gave a low chuckle, shook his head as he recovered, and smoothed his hair back again. But the sweep passed over his eyes, gold swapped for red. As he picked up his glass, the liquor sprung to life in flame.
"Because you had me concerned. Nobody sets a fire in me quite like you do... why, I just might consider you a friend." That playful tone was back, but it was utmost smoke before he tipped back his drink and drained his glass.
"Friends! My oh my, mister Serpent, that's moving awful fast, don't you think?" Alastor teased, affecting a belle accent and resting his hand against his forehead as though he were fainting. "And after inviting me into your office for private drinks? Why, I'm not that kind of demon, sir~"
He set his empty glass aside. "Oh~? And yet you're here anyway. But let's not point fingers... terribly impolite."
The King rose and circled the desk, hopped to perch a seat upon the opposing edge. One leg crossed the other, and his spiny tail moved in the serpentine fashion of a cat most intrigued by what he was seeing.
"Immortality has its perks, however. Why, any old pace can be set. What's fast? What's slow? ...But maybe I see an opportunity, like you've said, and I saw fit to seize it."
He reached out, a force of habit, but hesitated. He wasn't sure what he intended to do just then. He let his hand fall back to the edge of the desk.
"...Can this Serpent top you off, pal...? Your glass is running a little low, and I won't have anyone left wanting."
See, this is the devil that people think of and fear - this is much closer to what should be hated, and aspired to. A creature of fearful temptation, not a sad little fallen angel.
So amusing - was this the sort of carnal temptation that others succumbed to? It felt like an inside joke he wasn't privy to. But that made it all the funnier to play along.
He leaned on the arm of the chair, picking the glass up and offering it to the outstretched hand, letting his fingers linger. "If you'd be so generous, oh fork-tongued one."
The glass was supported by a palm, but fingers touched as he saw to topping things off in the other. So accustomed to much older vintages, he enjoyed the scents coming from the rye, spicier in its youth compared to the average bourbon.
"There we are. The scandal continues...! Oh, what might the neighbors think, if they knew you were all alone with the devil in his quarters, much less having a drink?"
"Properly scandalous! Why, they'll be tittering about this in the tabloids for weeks!" Alastor chuckled. His mood was a bit lighter, and jokes flowed more easily. Though Mimzy and possibly losing his position in the hotel hadn't been at the forefront of what was bothering him, it was still nice to dig up that strange kindness on those fronts from the king.
What a soft man, just like his daughter.
"They'll be wondering if it's yet another doomed friendship, will the fallout get the Radio Demon killed this time?? Will the King of Hell have to fight the Television Demon as the Radio Demon's true nemesis?? Stay tuned for our next thrilling installment!"
"I surely hope you continue a radio broadcast now that things have settled down. If anything, it would vex that Vox. You seem to have had it quite heated for a while. I couldn't even begin to tell you the number of times he's tried to push a cable package on me, thinking I have any such interest in having my brain rot with all the reality television, porn and memetic commercials I could ever wish to choke on."
His tail whipped behind him with a sharp crack. He moved to refill his own glass.
"You know what? I enjoy this. It has been a good few hundred years since I've had a time quite like the last several weeks. I wouldn't mind stirring scandal more often."
"Finally, someone who understands the absolute dearth of media on that wretched picturetube," Alastor practically purred, taking a sip of his newly refilled whiskey before running his finger in circles over the rim of the glass. "If we must have royalty around, why, I say that this is much more the sort of thing I want to hear from a king. Good sense, good taste, and a taste for the fire of afterlife."
"Heavens, no, I have a LOT more drinking to do before I'm anywhere near inebriated! Why, we haven't even gotten the swing music going or the space to start dancing, the night's far too young for me to pass out," Alastor guffawed, poking Lucifer right in the center of that red circle on his cheek.
"I'm far too sober to have a friend pawing at me."
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
sugaronthecream) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
divinetree2024-04-01 08:17 am
no subject
"...I'm sorry she did that to you. I hope she eventually comes around." He wouldn't ask how often she'd come to him to clean up her messes, as curious as he was about it, but he didn't miss how chummy they'd seemed. Whether the whole thing was for show or not didn't really matter in the long run.
Just then, his old grandfather clock began to chime the hour. But Lucifer turned, lifted a finger, and shooshed it.
The clock quieted. Despite the thing not moving, there was an air of apology surrounding it for the interruption.
no subject
Lucifer regarded himself regularly as the 'most hated in all of Creation', but that had always seemed just as ridiculous to Alastor as Charlie claiming she was more cruel than an Overlord for giving people false hope. Just-- absurd. These two really had no idea what it was like to be truly loathed and feared, did they? Certainly they knew bitterness and disappointment from others. But hated? No, if Lucifer had disappeared in the middle of battle, he would've been sought out.
Alastor's simply unsure how to respond, for quite a silent stretch.
"I don't know why you're sorry."
no subject
Yet despite all of this, here he was, sipping away at a glass of applejack.
"I've been here... long enough... to have had people in my life who saw my power rather than my being, my self, and sought to keep in my good graces in exchange for their own ends. While I can't claim to know what history you two have had, it... rings familiar bells for me."
He folded his hands inward upon each other. He was fidgeting with the band of gold.
"...And then there are those who don't intend to be cruel, but are cruel nevertheless. But the hurt is no less real."
no subject
"Can't trust the powerful, for they always seek to usurp and double-cross you. Can't trust the meek, because they will try their wiles to use you to their advantage. That's simply how things are," he said darkly, the radio overtone fading with the last few words before popping and scratching and returning back into place.
no subject
He looked up. This was the opportunity; he'd always wanted to know.
"Do you trust Charlie, Alastor?"
no subject
"That depends on what you're asking me to trust of her."
no subject
Then, with a half-hearted wave of a hand. "...And it need not be said, but you won't be face-first on the curb for 'answering incorrectly'. I'm genuinely curious."
no subject
"I don't think Charlie would take advantage, no. A rare case indeed, wholly unique in a sea of those that have every one of their limbs tangled in the ladder they're trying to climb to the top of. She doesn't even realize she sits comfortably on top. But she isn't meek, either."
The power dynamics spoke for themselves, in a weird way. A circumstantial storm that made someone as utterly genuine as the Princess turned out to be.
"But I am under no illusions that she would prioritize me over anyone else. I don't need her to - she needs the guidance of someone she doesn't have to care for."
no subject
And if anyone deserved to have their dreams come true, it was Charlotte. He would never have what happened to him happen to her. ...Or he would die trying.
But the funniest damned thing happened, and he could hear himself now: My daughter wants to see me! Take THAT, depression!
But he could also, just the same and just as clearly, hear another voice. To his dismay, his shame, it always sounded like Lilith: She's obligated to care about you, Lucifer.
No. She invited him over. That. That mattered. Matters.
He smiled through it. "She's got a big heart, for sure. Sees the good in everybody, and always finds a reason to care about someone other than herself. None of us deserve her."
He leaned a cheek upon a hand. "...Makes us poor, unwanted schlubs wonder how we got so lucky despite where we are, huh?"
no subject
His smirk broadened, pointedly.
After all, didn't he interject in Lucifer's boastful song just to remind the man of that fact? After all, Lucifer had come in assuming he was just 'lucky' to be Charlie's father, just 'lucky' to swoop in and claim her trust and affections. No, no. He had to work for it, and once reminded, Lucifer did.
Sadly, there are times a birth parent is a dud.
They say the family you choose is better.
"Never take an advantage for granted or you'll waste that opportunity entirely."
no subject
But his eyebrows shot up. The lightbulb moment hit.
"...You think you'd get kicked out of this entire project because I'm here..."
He'd forgotten about his drink entirely.
"...Because you think you'd no longer be 'wanted'."
Really, he should be cocky and make a note on comparisons of power, how effortlessly the Hotel was rebuilt and just how the tides turned in the battle once he showed up. Instead... He stared in wonder.
Boy. Now he was really glad they didn't choose Husk's bar.
"That's... part of what this is, isn't it?"
no subject
"A part indeed. But Charlie doesn't need a new hotelier. I wager you would struggle and collapse under the responsibilities and the doldrum," Alastor verbally jabbed, setting his drink aside. "A man like yourself needs a challenge - without one, you'll squander listlessly in relentless self doubt, your own worst enemy - and you'll drown out Charlie like you had until you opened your ears, finally."
As for himself... he'd gotten a favor in his back pocket from Charlie. If he had to use it to be kept around, that would be a shame, but it would still serve itself if things ended up that way. ...He'd have to make sure to find another tidbit, another ace up his sleeve, just in case.
no subject
He merely chuckled. "Mm... no, Charlie doesn't need a new hotelier. She already has a damned good one. He's rough around the edges, bears exotic tastes, but he sought and seized an opportunity when he found it, and was the first hand offered to help the Princess back on to her feet."
He leaned on his elbows.
"As I've said with utmost gusto, I support her dreams, no matter what lay around the bend. Just as well, as the ruler of this realm, it would be of interest to me to see this project succeed, see if it all works, and encourage other Sinners to do the same. I've heard more than my fair share of the denizens of Hell refer to me as the Useless King, so... I'm quite finished being useless."
He smirked. "...Now that I think about it, you might be right- perhaps this means I do work under you to a degree, Mr. Hotelier. I hope this doesn't put a damper on our contest."
no subject
Alastor emphasized the words 'plucky-ducky' by leaning forward and ruffling that blond head - just as condescendingly as he'd done for Husk. This conversation was just as nerve-wracking as that one had been, honestly.
"Our contest burns ever onward."
no subject
What just happened. What was this feeling in his gut?
"Good. ...Good."
The fallen angel gave a low chuckle, shook his head as he recovered, and smoothed his hair back again. But the sweep passed over his eyes, gold swapped for red. As he picked up his glass, the liquor sprung to life in flame.
"Because you had me concerned. Nobody sets a fire in me quite like you do... why, I just might consider you a friend." That playful tone was back, but it was utmost smoke before he tipped back his drink and drained his glass.
no subject
no subject
The King rose and circled the desk, hopped to perch a seat upon the opposing edge. One leg crossed the other, and his spiny tail moved in the serpentine fashion of a cat most intrigued by what he was seeing.
"Immortality has its perks, however. Why, any old pace can be set. What's fast? What's slow? ...But maybe I see an opportunity, like you've said, and I saw fit to seize it."
He reached out, a force of habit, but hesitated. He wasn't sure what he intended to do just then. He let his hand fall back to the edge of the desk.
"...Can this Serpent top you off, pal...? Your glass is running a little low, and I won't have anyone left wanting."
no subject
So amusing - was this the sort of carnal temptation that others succumbed to? It felt like an inside joke he wasn't privy to. But that made it all the funnier to play along.
He leaned on the arm of the chair, picking the glass up and offering it to the outstretched hand, letting his fingers linger. "If you'd be so generous, oh fork-tongued one."
no subject
"There we are. The scandal continues...! Oh, what might the neighbors think, if they knew you were all alone with the devil in his quarters, much less having a drink?"
no subject
What a soft man, just like his daughter.
"They'll be wondering if it's yet another doomed friendship, will the fallout get the Radio Demon killed this time?? Will the King of Hell have to fight the Television Demon as the Radio Demon's true nemesis?? Stay tuned for our next thrilling installment!"
no subject
His tail whipped behind him with a sharp crack. He moved to refill his own glass.
"You know what? I enjoy this. It has been a good few hundred years since I've had a time quite like the last several weeks. I wouldn't mind stirring scandal more often."
no subject
no subject
"Or is the liquor already getting to you? Perhaps I picked too strong of a selection from my collection. Will I wind up carrying you back...?"
no subject
"I'm far too sober to have a friend pawing at me."
no subject
"Then I suppose we should up the ante. I could use a dance partner!"
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)